3-Day Tour to the Dunes of Merzouga – Camel Ride & Sahara Bivouac from Marrakech

Overview 

Embark on the journey of a lifetime with a 3-Day Tour to the Dunes of Merzouga, Morocco’s most iconic Sahara adventure. This immersive desert escape takes you from the red city of Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains, past ancient UNESCO-listed kasbahs, through dramatic gorges, and deep into the golden sands of Erg Chebbi — home to some of the tallest dunes in North Africa.

With over 70% of Morocco travelers including a desert tour in their itinerary, Merzouga remains the top choice for its breathtaking landscapes and authentic Berber culture. This expertly crafted 3-day journey includes a sunset camel trek, an overnight in a luxury desert bivouac, visits to Aït Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge, and the Valley of Roses, plus comfortable accommodations and meals. Whether you’re a solo explorer, couple, or family, this tour delivers adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments under a sky full of stars.

Description 

Experience the soul of Morocco on a 3-Day Tour to the Dunes of Merzouga, a scenic and enriching journey that blends natural wonders with deep cultural heritage. Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad, followed by a dramatic ascent over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), where panoramic mountain views set the tone for the journey ahead.

On Day 1, explore the legendary Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah — a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Dune. Continue through the lush Skoura Oasis and the fragrant Valley of Roses, ending the day in the dramatic Dades Gorge, where towering cliffs glow at sunset.

Day 2 takes you through the narrow canyon of Todra Gorge, ideal for hiking and photography, then to Erfoud — the “Gateway to the Sahara” — known for its fossil workshops and date farms. In Rissani, wander a traditional Berber souk before arriving in Merzouga at golden hour. Mount your camel for a 30–45 minute trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, watching the sun dip below the horizon in a blaze of red and orange. Spend the night in a traditional desert bivouac, enjoying a Berber dinner, live Gnawa music, and total silence under a canopy of stars.

On Day 3, wake to a magical Sahara sunrise, savor breakfast in the desert, then return via Ouarzazate, with lunch and a visit to the Taourirt Kasbah or Atlas Film Studios before arriving back in Marrakech by evening. With private transport, expert guides, and eco-conscious camps, this tour offers comfort, authenticity, and the ultimate Sahara dream.

Highlights

✅ Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass with panoramic Atlas Mountain views
✅ Visit Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and film star location
✅ Explore the stunning Todra Gorge and Valley of Roses
✅ Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
✅ Spend the night in a traditional desert bivouac under the stars
✅ Experience Berber hospitality with tagine dinner and live music
✅ Private tour with air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver-guide
✅ Eco-friendly bivouacs with sustainable practices

Includes & Excludes

Includes

• Private round-trip transportation in a 4×4 or air-conditioned minivan
• Professional, multilingual driver with transport and liability insurance
• 2-night accommodations:
  • Night 1: Hotel in Dades Gorge (dinner & breakfast included)
  • Night 2: Desert bivouac near Merzouga (dinner & breakfast included)
• Camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes
• All entrance fees:
  • Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
  • Taourirt Kasbah or Atlas Film Studios (Ouarzazate)
• Bottled water during the journey
• Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure

Excludes

• Lunches (not included — budget ~10–15€ per meal)
• Drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks)
• Tips for driver, guide, and camp staff (optional, appreciated)
• Personal travel insurance
• Optional visits (e.g., fossil museum in Erfoud, pottery workshop)
• Snacks, souvenirs, or personal expenses

Tour Plan (Itinerary)

Day 1: Marrakech → Ouarzazate → Skoura → Dades Gorge

6:30 AM – Pickup from Your Hotel/Riad
Your driver collects you early for a full-day journey. Light snacks recommended.

7:00 AM – Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)
Stop for photos of the High Atlas Mountains and traditional Amazigh villages.

10:30 AM – Visit Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
Explore the UNESCO-listed fortified village and its narrow alleys and rooftop terraces.

12:30 PM – Lunch in Ouarzazate
Eat at a local restaurant (own expense) — try a lamb tagine or vegetable couscous.

2:00 PM – Drive Through Skoura Oasis & Valley of Roses
Pass lush palm groves and historic kasbahs like Amridil.

5:30 PM – Arrive in Dades Gorge
Check in to your hotel. Enjoy dinner and rest after a scenic day.

Day 2: Dades Gorge → Todra Gorge → Erfoud → Merzouga

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

9:00 AM – Explore Todra Gorge
Walk through the narrow canyon with 300m limestone cliffs — perfect for photos and light hiking.

11:00 AM – Pass Through Erfoud & Rissani
Visit a fossil workshop or wander the traditional souk in Rissani.

4:00 PM – Arrive in Merzouga
Meet your camel caravan at the edge of the dunes.

5:00 PM – Sunset Camel Trek into Erg Chebbi
Ride 30–45 minutes into the dunes as the sun sets in golden-red glory.

7:00 PM – Dinner & Desert Night
Enjoy a candlelit Berber dinner with music and storytelling around the fire.

9:00 PM – Overnight in Bivouac Tent
Sleep in a warm, traditional tent with thick blankets and desert silence.

Day 3: Merzouga → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

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

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

8:00 AM – Return Camel Ride
Ride back to the village and transfer to your vehicle.

10:00 AM – Begin Return Journey
Drive back via Erfoud and Ouarzazate.

1:00 PM – Lunch & Visit in Ouarzazate
Stop for lunch and optionally visit Taourirt Kasbah or Atlas Film Studios.

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

8:00 PM – Arrive in Marrakech
Drop-off at your hotel or riad. End of tour.

FAQs

Q: How long is the camel ride in Merzouga?
A: The trek lasts 30–45 minutes each way, with time to enjoy the dunes and sunset.

Q: Is the desert bivouac comfortable?
A: Yes — tents are warm, wind-protected, and equipped with rugs and blankets. Shared eco-toilets are clean and functional.

Q: Can I charge my phone in the desert?
A: Limited solar charging may be available. Bring a power bank for reliability.

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 children?
A: Yes — families love the camel ride, stargazing, and cultural stops. Kids enjoy Rissani souk and fossil shops.

Q: Are meals included?
A: Dinner and breakfast are included on both nights. Lunches are not included, giving you flexibility to choose local restaurants.

Q: Why choose a private Merzouga tour?
A: Private tours offer flexible pacing, personalized stops, and comfort — ideal for photographers, families, or travelers with special interests.

Q: Can I upgrade to a luxury desert camp?
A: Yes — we offer premium bivouacs with private tents, en-suite bathrooms, and gourmet dining (on request).

✅ Ready to live your Sahara dream?
Book your 3-Day Tour to the Dunes of Merzouga today and experience the magic of golden dunes, Berber hospitality, and starlit nights — a true Moroccan adventure you’ll never forget.