3 Day Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech

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Overview

Discover the wonders of Morocco on a private 3 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert. Experience the contrast between the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture.

Wander through the verdant Tinghir oasis and admire the spectacular Todgha canyons carved by the river. Our 3 day Marrakech Desert tour offers you a chance to ride a camel across the desert at sunset and spend a night under the starry sky at your Sahara Desert Camp nestled among Erg Chebbi dunes.

Tip: We will be covering a lot of ground, so make sure you’re well-rested and ready for an adventure!

Highlights

3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Highlights:

3 Day Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech - Atlas Mountains - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Dades Valley

Stop 1: Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

We will start our journey at around 07h30 in the morning from your riad or hotel. Our first stop is Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. A visit to this attractive ancient Berber village is part of our program.

To get there, we will drive through Tizi N’tichka Pass and the High Atlas Mountains. This scenic route offers stunning views of the valleys, the villages, and the snow-capped peaks. We will make some stops along the way to take pictures and enjoy the scenery.

If you wish, we can explore a nearby local cooperative where Berber women produce argan oil using traditional methods to learn about the manufacturing process.

Once we arrive at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, we will explore the village and learn about its rich history and architecture. You will have plenty of time to take photos and soak in the beauty of this unique place.

Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified village that has been inhabited for centuries. It is a perfect example of southern Moroccan architecture and is made up of six kasbahs and nearly fifty ksars (individual kasbahs). The village is built on a hill and is surrounded by walls.

Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou is noted for filming due to its unusual towers and clay architecture. Its fame has made it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Morocco.

You will have the opportunity to explore the narrow streets and alleys of the village and learn about the traditional way of life in Morocco. You can also visit the various kasbahs and ksars.

Stop 2: Skoura Oasis

Our 3-day journey from Marrakech to Merzouga continues to Skoura Oasis but we will first stop for lunch at Ouarzazate, and this time we will take you to one of the top local restaurants..

In the afternoon, we will drive to the oasis of Skoura, known for its traditional rammed-earth architecture, which is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Berber people who have lived in the area for centuries.

You will have the opportunity to explore the kasbahs and ksars of Skoura Oasis, including the Kasbah of Amridil, which is considered among the most impressive kasbahs of its kind in Morocco and was formerly featured on the Moroccan 50 dirham note.

We will also take a stroll through the palm groves and enjoy the natural beauty of the oasis.

Stop 3: Dades Valley

Our travel continues through the Valley of the Rose and the village of Kalaa Mgouna in Morocco. This region is well-known for its distilleries that extract essential oils from the Damascus rose. Behind your car window, you will have the opportunity to observe impressive fortified Berber settlements known as Ksours.

Finally, we will reach our hotel located in Dades Valley also known as the Dadès Gorges, a stunning region of red rock formations and green valleys. The valley is dotted with oases and mudbrick palaces that give the region its fairy-tale nickname – Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.

The many-colored walls of the gorges range anywhere from 200 to 500 meters (650 to 1600 feet).

Here, you will have some time to relax and freshen up. We will enjoy a delicious dinner together and spend the night in a traditional hotel.

Day 2: Dades Valley - Tinghir - Merzouga - Sahara Desert

Stop 1: Tinghir and Todgha Gorge

We will start our day with a hearty breakfast at our hotel in Dades Valley. After breakfast, we will drive through the 1001 Kasbahs Road to Tinghir.

This wonderful oasis is home to the Todgha River Banks, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk. The river has since dried up, leaving only the imagination to picture the powerful natural forces that once carved this region.

Along the way, we will visit Berber villages and Ksours, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You will get the opportunity to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people who live here, and maybe even get a chance to taste some of their delicious dates and almonds.

When we reach the amazing huge cliffs of the Todgha canyons (more than 300 meters tall on either side), you will realize your morning adventure was worth it.

We will enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants in the gorge, and savor the authentic flavors of the region.

Stop 2: Merzouga and Erg Chebbi

After lunch, we will continue our journey to Merzouga, a small town at the edge of the Sahara desert. Here, we will meet our camel caravan where the road ends.

We will ride our camels over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, the largest and most impressive sand sea in Morocco. We will watch the sunset over the horizon, and feel the magic of the desert.

We will arrive at our camp, where a warm and delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars awaits us.

Prepare yourself for an immersive cultural experience as you have the opportunity to tap into your rhythmic talents and engage in drumming sessions with the nomadic community.

Gather around the crackling campfire and let your hosts mesmerize you with the captivating sound of their Tamtam drums. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the breathtaking spectacle of shooting stars and a vivid tapestry of constellations, unobstructed by the nearby dunes.

Spend the night in the Sahara desert, embracing the tranquil and mystical ambiance.

Day 3: Merzouga – Ouarzazate – Atlas Mountains - Marrakech

Sunrise Camel Ride in Erg Chebbi

On the last day of our private 3-day desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga, we will wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss.

After breakfast at your luxury camp, we will ride our camels back to Merzouga where the driver will be waiting.

Stop 1: Nkob Village and the Anti-Atlas Mountains

We will drive a different route back, passing through the volcanic landscapes of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, where you will get to see the contrast between the arid plains and the green oases.

We will stop at the village of Nkob, which is famous for its 45 kasbahs (fortified houses) and its palm groves.

Stop 2: Ouarzazate (The Hollywood of Morocco)

Our next stop will be Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Morocco. The city is a noted film-making location, with Morocco’s biggest studios including Atlas Studio, inviting many international companies to work here.

Many prominent shows and movies have been filmed in this city with Prison Break and Game of Thrones being the most notable examples.

If you are interested, you can ask the driver to stop at one of the studios and take a guided tour. You can also visit the Film Museum and get to see some of the props and costumes used in the productions.

We will have some free time to explore the city and enjoy a leisurely lunch and explore the souks (markets) and the kasbah of Taourirt, which is one of the most impressive in Morocco.

Stop 3: Marrakech

Early in the afternoon, we will continue our drive to Marrakech crossing the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi Ntichka Pass, the highest road pass in Morocco

Your private 3-day desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga will end with your drop-off at your hotel or riad midafternoon.