Unique 3-Day Sahara Desert tour
If you’re visiting Marrakech and searching for a memorable adventure, we’ve put up this perfect 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert with a wide variety of breathtaking sights and activities.
Drive through the High Atlas Mountains’ breathtaking scenery. Visit the 17th-century Kasr of Ait Ben Haddou. Pay a visit to the dramatic Todgha Gorge. Ride the camels and experience an unforgettable night in the Sahara Desert. Please read the entire itinerary below for more details!
Table of Contents
The highlights of our 3-day Desert tour from Marrakech:
- Driving over the magnificent Atlas Mountains.
- Passing through the charming Telouet Village.
- Exploring the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Visiting the Atlas Film studio
- Discovering the Dades Valley
- Wandering the Todra Gorges
- Sunset & Sunrise camel ride
- Overnight Desert Glamping
- Sandboarding
- Quad driving off-road
- Driving through the Daraa Valley
- Passing the famous Tizi N’Tichka
Itinerary: 3 Day tour Marrakech to Merzouga
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley
At the beginning of your 3 Day Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Desert tour, our driver will pick you up right from your accommodation. After a few hours’ drive, you will be amazed by the high Atlas Mountains’ panoramic views. Drive through the famous Tizi N’Tichka road, and stop to see the Berber Villages.
The 3 Days Desert tour will take us to the well-known Kasbah (Ait-Ben-Haddou). The Kasbah is located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Across the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech (Ait-Ben-Haddou) was one of the most used trading sites. Not to mention that Ait Ben Haddou has been the background for countless films.
Afterwards, you traverse the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and the picturesque Valley of the Roses, Monkey Fingers, and enjoy the sunset from the top of Tisdrine road. Finally, arrive at Dades Gorges, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
Accommodation & Category
| Deluxe stay option | Riad Sahara Stars Dades (H-B) |
| Basic stay option | Kasbah Didis (H-B). |
Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert
On the second day of our 3 Day Tour Marrakech to Merzouga desert, we leave the Riad in Boumalne Dades after a delicious breakfast and hit the road again. Do not worry; there isn’t much time left to reach the Sahara Desert.
Our first stop of the day will be at Todgha Gorges. The Todra Gorges are steep wadis formed over centuries by the passage of the River Todra. You will have enough time to walk and enjoy the surrounding Gorges.
Finally, we will reach Merzouga, the icon of the tour. The camel guide will take you on a camel ride over the spectacular Erg-Chebbi dunes. Without a doubt, Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes will take your breath away. Let’s not forget the memorable sunset; the sunset you are going to watch must be one of the best in your entire life.
After sunset, you’ll continue your camel trek to the Nomad campsite. Spending a night in the middle of thousands of dunes will be a moment not to forget. By the end of the day, you can enjoy a drumming party and gaze at the sky.
Accommodation & Category
| Deluxe stay option | CarvanSerai Luxury Desert Camp (H-B) |
| Basic stay option | Desert life Camp (H-B) |
Day 3: Merzouga Desert & Return to Marrakech
We strongly advise getting up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise. Optionally, You may also try sandboarding and the quad bike excersion. After breakfast, you will ride the camels or the 4Wd vehicle back to Merzouga Town.
Pay a quick visit to the Rissani Market, and continue the road through Alnif, Tazzarine, Nqob, and Agdz. Lunch break will be in Ouarzazate before we continue on to Marrakech.
The 3 Day Tour Marrakech to Merzougadesert will end when we arrive back in Marrakech. Your driver will drop you off at your Riad or, if you choose, at the airport.
Note: It is also possible to take a one-hour flight from Moulay Ali Cherif Airport to Menra Airport to avoid the long drive back from the Desert of Merzouga to Marrakech (If the flight is available that day). Moulay Ali Cherif Airport is 1.5 hours away from our desert camp, and we can arrange for another airport shuttle to transfer you to your hotel in Marrakech upon your arrival.
Private vs Shared: defining your Desert Trip Ride
| Private Premium Tour | Standard Shared Tour |
|---|---|
| High-end 4×4: private, spacious, and air-conditioned. | Shared 17-seater minibus; full capacity. |
| Your music, your pace, and your 100% privacy. | Rigid group schedule and shared cabin. |
| Full flexibility: stop for photos and coffee anytime. | Fixed schedule: strictly timed stops and breaks. |
| Authentic dining in hand-picked local gems. | Mass-produced meals in crowded tourist cafeterias. |
| A scenic, relaxing journey through the landscape. | A long-haul transit focused on arrival. |
| Lifetime experience (Worth every second) | Survival story (physical and fortitude) |
When it comes to the 3-day Sahara Desert trip from Marrakech or Fes, which covers 1,200 kilometers round-trip in just three days, the vehicle you’ll be riding in is the most important consideration. This expedition can manifest in two very different ways: as a seamless, high-comfort journey in a premium private SUV 4×4, or as a taxing endurance test in a crowded 17-seater minibus.
The question is: Is it worth it for you to invest an average of 20 Euros a day to jump from a ‘survival story’ organized by a greedy agency, and instead enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime desert adventure you deserve—tailored specifically to your wishes? Or would you rather save it for a dinner in Marrakech and ruin a non-refundable chance? You decide.“
Let’s take a deeper look together at what an average of 20 Euros can actually do for your trip!
Day 1: The Journey to the Desert
The Shared Group Experience:
Morning: Wake up early (around 6 a.m.) and miss out on breakfast, as most Marrakech hotels start serving at 7:30 a.m. Drag your luggage through dark alleys for 15 minutes to reach the group meeting point, where you wait nearly 30 minutes for everyone to arrive before finally leaving around 7:30 a.m.
Daytime: Endure a long 8 hours confined in a crowded 17-seater minibus, another 3 hours in a forced “tourist trap” shop,s and a rushed lunch at a busy restaurant you didn’t choose. End up with only 1 hour to explore. Upon reaching Boumalne Dades, the story isn’t over—you still have to wait for an unexpected hour in your seat while the driver drops off some passengers in different hotels.
The Private 4×4 Experience:
Morning: Sleep enough, wake up refreshed, and enjoy a relaxed breakfast around 8 a.m. Your private driver meets you directly at your hotel reception. Simply walk to the Land Cruiser, drop your luggage in the trunk, and immediately start your Desert adventure.
Daytime: Enjoy a flexible 6-hour ride in a comfortable 4×4 with endless valuable stops, listening to your favorite music while admiring the Atlas Mountains. Stop for 1 hour at a restaurant of your choice and enjoy a full 4 hours of exploring. At the end of the day, you will be dropped off directly at your hotel with no delays to make sure you get enough time to relax and get refreshed for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 2: The Journey to the Desert
The Shared Group Experience
Morning: Your day begins early at 6:30 AM with a quick breakfast. After waiting at the hotel entrance, the minibus arrives to collect you, making several additional stops to pick up other passengers.
Daytime: Expect a long transit of approximately 6 hours in a 17-seater minibus. The itinerary includes mandatory stops at specific tourist shops and a pre-selected lunch spot, limiting your flexibility. You will have a brief window to view the Todra Gorge before arriving at the desert just 30 minutes before sunset. Arrival: Take a small backpack for the overnight camel ride, as your main luggage will remain stored in the vehicle for the night.
The Private 4×4 Experience:
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely start at 8:00 AM with a relaxed breakfast. Your private driver will be waiting for you at the hotel entrance, ready to depart at 9:00 AM.
Daytime: Experience the desert in style with a comfortable 5-hour drive in a private 4×4. You have the freedom to stop whenever you wish to admire the vistas, listen to your own music, and enjoy a full hour exploring the Todra Gorge. Lunch is entirely your choice, and you will arrive at the Sahara a full three hours before sunset to soak in the atmosphere. Arrival: Travel light and carefree. Take a bottle of water for the camel ride; your driver will transport your main luggage directly to your private tent, where it will be waiting for you upon arrival.
Day 3: The Journey to the Desert
Shared Trip: Start with a 5:00 AM wake-up call and a quick breakfast. You will return from the camp via a one-hour camel ride in the dark (or you can opt for a 4×4 transfer to the minibus for an additional €20). Prepare for a 12-hour drive back along the same route, with a single lunch stop and limited breaks. Arrival in Marrakech is estimated at 8:00 PM with a drop-off at Jemaa El-Fna Square. From there, you will need to arrange your own transport or take a 15 muites walk with your bags to your accommodation.
Private Trip: Wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the golden dunes and try your hand at sandboarding. Enjoy a fresh breakfast at your leisure and spend extra time at the desert camp before a complimentary, exhilarating 4×4 drive back to Merzouga. Your return journey takes a new scenic route through Rissani, the Draa Valley, and Agdez. You will arrive in Marrakech feeling refreshed, with a door-to-door drop-off directly at your hotel. It is also possible to spend more time in the desert and opt for a one-hour flight back from Errachidia to Marrakech instead of driving (subject to availability).
For those looking to bypass the return drive, we offer a seamless flight transition from Errachidia (ERH) to Marrakech (RAK), giving you an extra half-day of relaxation in the desert.
The Flight: With Ryanair’s 2-3 weekly flights, you can enjoy a quick one-hour journey for an average cost of just €17.
Seamless Luggage Logistics: Travel light and avoid airline baggage fees. After our 4×4 driver drops you at the airport, your heavy luggage remains in the vehicle and is transported by road directly to your hotel.
VIP Arrival: Upon landing in Marrakech, a second private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for an additional €10. Check in your hotel and relax before the main vehicle arrives with the rest of your luggage.
note: This option is subject to flight availability on your specific travel dates. There is an average fee of €20 to cover the extra 4×4 driving distance, as Errachidia airport is not on the main route back to Marrakech.
Why to choose us for your Desert trip?
Well-equipped SUV cars:
The Land Cruiser Tx is unquestionably the best vehicle for the 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech – very comfortable on the twisting routes of the Atlas Mountains, long drives, off roads, and so on, guaranteeing you arrive at the desert feeling refreshed.
Professional and friendly Drivers:
All of our drivers are native from the Sahara Desert. Boys who grew up in the middle of the desert and know every inch of our territory. They will not be just your drivers, but guides and family during this unique desert trip. Our drivers speak multiple languages (English, Spanish, Italian, etc.) and would be delighted to present our culture and the history of our beloved Sahara Desert.
Hand picked accommodation:
Our package Desert tours offer hand-picked accommodations that combine comfort, charm, joy, coziness, and hospitality. Our team of locals at Travel Tour has meticulously reviewed all the accommodation options to ensure unique overnight stays for our guests. We have no doubts that Riad Sahara Stars and Caravan-Serai Desert camp will exceed your expectations 🙂
Well-treated Camels:
Our camels are well cared for, well-fed, hydrated, and receive regular veterinary care. Our objective is to enhance the living conditions for our camels, providing them with a more comfortable existence compared to the challenging environment of the arid desert, where resources such as water and food are scarce.
Feel free to message us for any concerns & questions:
Our receptionists at Travel Tour (Mohammed and Sara) are always available and happy to answer any queries you may have about the trip. You can always message us here via WhatsApp for any urgent matters or rapid replies.
Pricing per person:
| Family or group of 8 participants: | Options starting from 145 Euros. |
| Family or group of 7 participants: | Options starting from 160 Euros. |
| Family or group of 6 participants: | Options starting from 180 Euros. |
| Family or group of 5 participants: | Options starting from 200 Euros. |
| Family or group of 4 participants: | Options starting from 215 Euros. |
| Family or group of 3 participants: | Options starting from 234 Euros. |
| Couple or group of 2 participants: | Options starting from 275 Euros. |
Booking progress
All we need to know from you is those 3 thing to start the booking arrangements (Your names, departure date, and the hotel which we will pick you up in Marrakech). Afterward, our receptionists will review your request and provide an email confirmation with all your details.
| [Gustes names] | [Departure Date] | [Pick up location] |
Greetings, Morocco Travel Tour Team,
We are interested in your Private 3-Day Sahara Desert trip and would like to reserve it for our upcoming trip. We are a group of [Number] individuals planning to depart from Marrakech on [Date]. Could you please confirm availability and provide us with the necessary steps for booking?
Optional: [Any additional questions you may have]
Excellent adding ideas for your 3-day desert trip itinerary:
An additional day in the Sahara Desert:
If your schedule allows, we highly recommend extending your 3-Day Desert Trip to include a second day in Merzouga. Starting the day by exploring the Sahara Desert’s hidden gems in a 4×4 car and ending the day relaxing in our paradise hotel (Riad Serai – View photos) situated in the middle of the desert, surrounded by golden dunes and palm tree oases.
Special events organizations:
Erg Chebbi is a unique and enchanting setting for special events. The Desert provides a distinct combination of tranquillity, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty. Our team is famous for planning extraordinary events in the heart of the Sahara Desert, including birthdays, anniversaries, marriage proposals, stag parties, etc.
Quad bike excursions:
One of the highlights of your 3 Day Sahara Desert tour is a quad bike ride across the enormous dunes of Erg Chebbi, accompanied by breathtaking sunset or sunrise vibes. Quads can be found in a variety of locations around the world (on beaches, mountains, etc), but nothing beats driving through the dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Fabulous Riads and hotels in Marrakech:
We offer a great selection of comfort and authentic Riads in Marrakech, always with free airport shuttles if your 3 Day Sahara Desert trip is booked with us.
What to wear in the Sahara Desert (BEST OUTFIT):
In the Sahara Desert, you can wear anything you wish. However, it would be a magnificent idea to dress in a style that complements the scenery and atmosphere of the Sahara Desert, such as the modern Berber look. Our suggestion is (Off-White Djellaba with light blue scarf, and not to forget the strap-style sandal), and don’t worry about where you can find this outfit. You can always ask your driver for an additional stop at one of the bazaars on the Desert route, where you can get this modern Berber clothing at a very good price.
FAQ about 3 Day Tour Marrakech to Merzouga
Questions you may have about our Unique 3-day Sahara Desert tour!
Can we end the tour somewhere else instead of Marrakech?
Yes. It is feasible to end this unique 3-day Sahara Desert tour anywhere other than Marrakech. You can request that this tour terminate in Fes, Casablanca, Agadir, or another location you wish!
How long is the Camel ride excursion?
We have several possibilities for Camel Ride trips (1.5 hours for young people looking for authentic adventures, and 30 minutes for older people aged 60 and up) who want to test out the experience and capture photos. Some participants, such as pregnant women, and those suffering back or hip injuries, can better decide to skip the camel ride and continue to the camp by car.
How can you pay us?
We accept credit cards, cash, apps, and other forms of payment. Most of our travelers pay us a small deposit to confirm the availability and pay the rest in cash to our tour guide.
Does the rocky Desert of Agafay and Zagora offer a similar experience?
Definitely not! Neither Zagora nor Agafay are true deserts that warrant your visit, and both cannot be comparable to the magnificent Desert of Merzouga.
Common answers to your questions
Quality service
our goal to have an amazing experience
Great support
our experts all time here to support you and answer you .
Experience
our agency will give you the best of the best.
Flexible schedule
You can book you trip any time you want.
Client Testimonials in Tripadvisor
Leonard Castillo
Customer
It was a fantastic experience, and we saw a lot of beautiful sights over our three-day desert excursion. Our driver Mohammed has been very attentive and very kind to us. Our favorite sights were the Atlas Mountains, the Kasbah, Todgha Gorges, and the Desert. We rode the Camels into the Erg Chebbi and spent a memorable night in the Desert camp- A thing I would never forget. Thank you, Mohammed and Morocco Travel Tour.
Sufyan Galvan
Customer
Excellent 3-day Desert tour showing off some of the best sights in Morocco. The itinerary is well-planned, with smooth transitions between events. Mohammed was the best tour guide; knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. The standout was definitely the night in the Sahara Desert. Our tour itself was fantastic and highly recommended. If I had more time, I’d spent another night in the Desert.
Enya Kennedy
Customer
My partner and I went on a 3-day tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert (Merzouga), and all we can say is what an incredible tour and experience it was. Excellent private tour. Our guides Mohammed (guide) & Mohammed (Driver) were incredibly knowledgeable and gave us a fantastic 3-day tour. We learned about history, art, culture, and much more. Would highly recommend Morocco Travel Tour 10/10