3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
Fear not! Despite recent events, our Marrakech to Merzouga tour continues unaffected. Your adventure remains undisturbed, promising an extraordinary experience beyond any earthly disruptions
Dive into the extraordinary! Our Marrakech to Merzouga desert trip is an exploration of hidden wonders. Traverse oases, scale sand dunes, and wander ancient Kasbahs. Embark on camel trekking and luxuriate in an overnight Sahara desert camp. Witness an unfiltered starlit sky, a celestial masterpiece. Let every moment become a new chapter in your adventure, where the allure of discovery knows no bounds.
Activities
Highlights of our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert
The tour includes exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasbah Ait ben Haddou, a drive through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, and a visit to Ouarzazate, Morocco's Hollywood with its largest studios. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset camel trek to our Merzouga desert camp, an early morning camel trek, a night in the scenic Dades Valley, exploration of Todra Gorges, and a memorable night in the Merzouga desert camp featuring a bonfire and musical entertainment.
Itinerary
DAY 1: MARRAKECH: ATLAS MOUNTAINS, KASBAH AIT BEN HADDOU, BOUMALNE DADES VALLEY 6 HOURS DRIVE
Embark on an exhilarating adventure across the eastern half of Morocco in a sleek, air-conditioned minibus. Your journey kicks off as our guide picks you up at 7:15 a.m. from your Marrakech hotel, leading you to the departure point. Traverse the Atlas Mountain range, descending into the captivating Kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou.
The Kasbah, a city within walls housing six Kasbahs, is a captivating relic of gladiators, desert nomads, and ancient trading markets. After an awe-inspiring guided tour, indulge in lunch at the Kasbah. The next stop is Ouarzazate, a city graced by the presence of blockbuster movie sets, including classics like The Mummy and Lawrence of Arabia. Marvel at the city often referred to as "The Gateway to the Desert" before taking a café break and continuing to the Dades Valley.
Relax at a private guesthouse in Dades with en-suite bathrooms, culminating in a delightful Moroccan evening dinner.
Accommodation Details: First-night hotel
DAY 2: BOUMALNE DADES VALLEY, TINGHIR, TODRA GORGE, MERZOUGA 4 HOURS DRIVE
Start your second day with a hearty breakfast at the guesthouse, setting the stage for exploration. Venture to the jaw-dropping Todra Gorge, its stunning scenery beckoning the question of why it's not listed as a wonder of the world. After lunch, continue the journey to the enchanting Merzouga.
The Overnight Stay in a Desert Camp
Merzouga, nestled in the heart of the desert, unfolds a magical experience. Mount your camels and traverse the dunes of Erg Chebbi, culminating at a Berber desert camp for a night of repose. Enjoy an evening meal and breakfast amidst the desert's tranquility before commencing the final day's journey back to Marrakech.
Accommodation Details: Comfortable camp, Luxury camp
DAY 3: MERZOUGA – OUARZAZATE- ATLAS MOUNTAINS- MARRAKECH 9 HOURS DRIVE
Let our camels transport you back to Merzouga, initiating another leg of the journey through the Draa Valley, where Rissani showcases Moroccan architecture's photographic splendors. Traverse Nqob and Tamnougalt before encountering the familiar city of Ouarzazate once more. Lunch at any café precedes the drive back through the Atlas Mountains, concluding the adventure in Marrakech by 8:00 p.m.
This detailed itinerary promises an unforgettable exploration of Morocco's diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Each day unfolds a new chapter, ensuring an immersive and captivating experience.
More info
Frequently Asked Questions – Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour:
- How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?
- Marrakech to Merzouga is 564 km. You'll spend the first night in Dades Valley and reach Merzouga on the second day. Day 3 involves driving back to Marrakech.
- Does the first-night hotel in Dades Valley provide private rooms?
- The tour includes a shared triple or quadruple room. For a private room, consider an upgrade (EUR 10 per person). Private rooms are air-conditioned, shared rooms are without AC.
- Is there a private bathroom in the Dades Valley hotel on the first night?
- Shared triple or quadruple rooms are included; specific bathroom arrangements may vary.
- Can we bring our luggage on this tour?
- Yes, you can bring your luggage with you; it can stay safe in the minivan.
- What do we need to pack for the Merzouga desert camp?
- Pack a small backpack with essentials for camping and personal belongings. Don't forget sunglasses, a scarf, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and warm sleeping clothes in winter. For the camel ride, jeans or long trousers are recommended.
- How cold is it during the night in the desert?
- In winter, it can get quite cold at night (temperatures around 0°C). Warm blankets are provided, but bring warm sleeping clothes.
- Can we upgrade our accommodation (hotel and tents)?
- Upgrade when booking or up to 24 hours before departure. Upgrades are not possible once on the tour.
- What time will we be back in Marrakech on the last day?
- Estimated arrival back to Marrakech is around 8.00 p.m., depending on traffic and weather.
- Is the tent in the Merzouga camp private?
- No, unless you upgrade for EUR 10 per person for a private tent. Otherwise, you get a quadruple tent to share with the same gender.
- How long is the camel ride in Merzouga dunes?
- The camel trek lasts about 1 hour, depending on the season and daylight.
- Can we skip a camel ride in Merzouga?
- It's possible to walk along the camel caravan or pay an extra EUR 30 for a return transfer with a 4x4.
- Are there any showers in the desert camp?
- No, there are no showers available in the desert camp, but you can shower the next morning back at the Merzouga hotel.
- Are towels available?
- Bring your own towel.
- Do you have a fixed price or does it depend on the number of people?
- The price is fixed per person and does not depend on the number of participants.
- Is there a required minimum number to run the tour?
- Guaranteed daily departure for any number of travelers.
- Can we hire a quad bike in the Merzouga desert?
- Yes, quad biking is an optional add-on activity available at checkout.
- Is there an opportunity to try sandboarding?
- Sandboards are available at the desert camp, but availability is not guaranteed. Check with the local guide before the camel trek.
- Is it possible to continue to Fes instead of returning to Marrakech?
- There is a special desert tour to Fes; check the shared 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour.