Marrakech to Erg Chebbi 3 Day Desert Tours – Camel Trek & Luxury Camp

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Marrakech to Erg Chebbi 3 Day Desert Tours — a fast-paced yet immersive adventure that whisks you from the heart of Marrakech to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, the most iconic Sahara desert landscape in Morocco. Follow ancient caravan routes through the High Atlas Mountains, explore UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou, marvel at the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge, and ride a camel into the dunes at sunset for an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp.

Perfect for travelers short on time but eager for a full Sahara experience, this 3-day tour includes private A/C transportation, English-speaking driver, 2 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner, and a camel trek under the stars. While the return day is long (approx. 9 hours), the breathtaking scenery and seamless logistics make it a rewarding desert escape. For those with more time, we also recommend our 4-day and 5-day versions — but if you’re pressed for time, this 3-day option delivers maximum impact in minimal days.

Description

Experience the magic of the Moroccan Sahara with the Marrakech to Erg Chebbi 3 Day Desert Tours — a well-paced, fully guided journey that packs culture, nature, and adventure into just 72 hours. Your adventure begins at 8:00 AM with a pickup from your riad or hotel in Marrakech, followed by a scenic drive over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), where panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains set the stage for the journey ahead.

On Day 1, visit the legendary Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Continue through Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco,” and the fragrant Valley of the Roses, ending your day in the dramatic Dades Gorge with a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 2 brings you to the Todra Gorge, where 300-meter limestone walls create a breathtaking canyon perfect for photos or a short hike. Then, push deeper into the desert toward Merzouga, arriving in time for a sunset camel trek across the rolling dunes of Erg Chebbi. Arrive at a luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, live music, and a night under a sky bursting with stars.

On Day 3, wake early to witness a spectacular Sahara sunrise, savor breakfast in the dunes, then begin your return journey — a long but scenic 9-hour drive back to Marrakech via Tazarine, Agdz, and the Atlas Mountains, arriving around 7:00 PM. With 24/7 support, bottled water, and hand-picked accommodations, this tour offers comfort, safety, and authentic desert magic — even on a tight schedule.

Highlights

✅ Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
✅ Spend a night in a luxury desert camp under the stars
✅ Visit Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah
✅ Explore the dramatic Todra Gorge and Dades Gorge
✅ Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
✅ Enjoy breakfast and dinner daily in hand-picked hotels and camps
✅ Travel in comfort with private A/C vehicle and English-speaking driver
✅ 24/7 support and hotel pickup/drop-off included

Includes & Excludes

Includes

• Private modern air-conditioned minibus or SUV (fuel included)
• Professional English-speaking driver for the entire trip
• 2-night accommodation:
  • Night 1: Hotel or kasbah in Dades Gorge
  • Night 2: Luxury desert camp near Merzouga
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech
• Local guide at Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Camel trek to and from the desert camp
• Bottled water is provided in the vehicle
• 24-hour customer support throughout the tour
• Option to start the tour from any major city or airport (Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, etc.)

Excludes

• Lunches (not included — budget ~10–15€ per meal)
• Drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks)
• Tips for driver and camp staff (optional, appreciated)
• Flights or airport transfers (unless specified)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, optional excursions)

Tour Plan (Itinerary)

Day 1: Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Gorge

8:00 AM – Pickup from Your Hotel/Riad
Your driver collects you in Marrakech. Begin your journey south.

9:00 AM – Cross Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)
Stop for photos of the High Atlas and traditional Amazigh villages.

11:30 AM – Visit Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
Explore the UNESCO-listed fortified village with a local guide.

1:00 PM – Lunch in Ouarzazate
Eat at a local restaurant (own expense).

2:30 PM – Drive Through Valley of Roses & Skoura Oasis
Pass fragrant rose fields and lush palm groves.

6:00 PM – Arrive in Dades Gorge
Check in to your hotel. Enjoy dinner and rest.

Day 2: Dades Gorge → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

7:30 AM – Breakfast & Departure
Leave after breakfast.

9:30 AM – Explore Todra Gorge
Walk through the narrow canyon with towering cliffs — ideal for photos and light hiking.

12:00 PM – Lunch in Tinghir or Erfoud
Choose a local restaurant (own expense).

2:00 PM – Continue to Merzouga
Drive across the Saharan plains toward the dunes.

5:00 PM – Camel Trek into Erg Chebbi
Ride camels into the dunes as the sun sets in golden-red hues.

7:00 PM – Dinner & Desert Night
Enjoy a Berber-style dinner at the luxury camp. Listen to Gnawa music under the stars.

9:00 PM – Overnight in Desert Camp
Sleep in a furnished tent with warm blankets and desert silence.

Day 3: Merzouga → Tazarine → Agdz → Marrakech

6:00 AM – Sunrise & Mint Tea
Wake to a magical Sahara sunrise and hot mint tea.

7:00 AM – Breakfast at Camp
Fresh bread, olives, jam, and fruit.

8:00 AM – Camel Ride Back
Return to the village and meet your vehicle.

9:00 AM – Begin Return Journey
Drive back via Tazarine, Agdz, and the Drâa Valley.

1:00 PM – Lunch Stop
Eat at a local auberge (own expense).

2:30 PM – Cross the Atlas Mountains
Scenic drive back over Tizi n’Tichka.

7:00 PM – Arrive in Marrakech
Drop-off at your hotel or riad. End of tour.

FAQs

Q: How long is the camel trek in Merzouga?
A: Approximately 45 minutes each way, allowing time to enjoy the dunes and sunset.

Q: Is the desert camp luxurious?
A: Yes — our luxury desert camp includes furnished tents, thick blankets, rugs, and private dining tents. Shared eco-toilets and washing areas are clean and functional.

Q: Can I charge my phone at the camp?
A: Limited solar power may be available. We recommend bringing a power bank.

Q: What should I pack?

• Warm jacket (cold desert nights)
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera, power bank
• Personal toiletries

Q: Is this tour suitable for solo travelers or couples?
A: Absolutely — it’s ideal for couples, solo adventurers, and small groups seeking a fast yet complete Sahara experience.

Q: Are meals included?
A: Breakfast and dinner are included daily. Lunches are not included, giving you the freedom to choose local restaurants.

Q: Why choose the 3-day tour over longer options?
A: It’s perfect for time-limited travelers who still want the full Sahara experience — camel ride, bivouac, and key cultural stops — without extending their trip.

Q: Can I start the tour from Fes or Ouarzazate?
A: Yes — we offer flexible start points including Fes, Casablanca, and major airports. Contact us to customize your pickup.

✅ Ready to chase the desert sun?
Book your Marrakech to Erg Chebbi 3 Day Desert Tour today and experience the dunes, culture, and starlit nights of Morocco’s Sahara — a compact adventure with maximum impact.