desert camel trek

Private Morocco Tour

2-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

2 Days / 1 NightPickup from your hotel, riad or preferred meeting point in Marrakech Drop-off at your hotel, riad or preferred location in Marrakech

Overview

The 2-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour is an intensive journey through the High Atlas Mountains, historic kasbahs, southern valleys and the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes. Travel across the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and continue through Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Skoura and the Dades Valley before reaching Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara Desert. In the late afternoon, ride a camel across the golden dunes at sunset and spend the night in a desert camp with dinner, traditional Amazigh music and views of the star-filled sky. After watching the sunrise over the dunes, return to Marrakech through the landscapes of southeastern Morocco, with scenic stops along the route. This fast-paced itinerary is designed for travelers with limited time who are comfortable with two long driving days. A three-day Merzouga tour is recommended for a more relaxed experience.

Day by Day

Tour Itinerary

Your two-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert journey begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel, riad or preferred meeting point in Marrakech. Leave the city and travel toward the High Atlas Mountains. The road climbs through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, reaching more than 2,200 metres above sea level and offering panoramic views of mountain valleys, traditional villages and dramatic landscapes. Several short stops can be made along the route for photographs before continuing to Ait Ben Haddou. This historic fortified village is known for its traditional earthen architecture and its former importance along the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Depending on the schedule, you will have time for a short walk through the ksar or a panoramic visit before continuing toward Ouarzazate. The journey passes through Ouarzazate, the Skoura oasis and the landscapes of the Dades Valley. A lunch stop will be arranged along the route, depending on the pace of the day. Continue through Tinghir and the changing scenery of southeastern Morocco before reaching Merzouga in the late afternoon. At the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, meet your camel caravan and begin the journey across the sand. Watch the dunes change colour as the sun sets over the Sahara. After arriving at the desert camp, enjoy mint tea and settle into your tent. Dinner will be served at the camp, followed by traditional Amazigh music around the fire. Spend the night beneath the desert sky in the peaceful surroundings of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Approximate distance: 560 to 580 kilometres Approximate driving time: 9 to 10 hours, excluding visits, meal stops and the camel ride

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the camp, return to Merzouga by camel or four-wheel-drive vehicle, where your driver will be waiting. Begin the long journey back to Marrakech through the landscapes of southeastern Morocco. The route passes near Rissani before continuing toward Tinghir and the Dades Valley. Short stops will be made along the way for rest, photographs and panoramic views. Lunch can be arranged in Tinghir, the Dades region or Ouarzazate, depending on the schedule. Continue toward Ouarzazate. When time allows, a panoramic stop can be made near Taourirt Kasbah or another landmark in the city. In the afternoon, cross the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The landscape gradually changes from arid valleys to mountain villages and green plains as you approach Marrakech. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening and receive drop-off at your hotel, riad or preferred location. Approximate distance: 550 to 570 kilometres Approximate driving time: 9 to 10 hours, excluding meal and rest stops

Tour Highlights

Admire panoramic views of traditional mountain villages

Visit the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou

Travel through Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert

Pass the palm groves and historic kasbahs of Skoura

Cross the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley

Travel through Tinghir and southeastern Morocco

Reach the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga

Ride a camel across the dunes at sunset

Spend the night in a Sahara desert camp

Included & Excluded

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional driver or driver-guide
  • Pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech
  • Drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
  • One night in a desert camp near Merzouga
  • Private or shared tent according to the selected package
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • Sunset camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Camel ride or four-wheel-drive return from the camp

Not Included

  • Lunches
  • Drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
  • Local guide at Ait Ben Haddou
  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic flights
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Souvenirs

Tour Gallery

desert camel trek
desert camel trek
Winding road through Dades Gorges in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco
Sandboarding on the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert in Morocco
Panoramic view of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in Marrakech, Morocco, showing bustling market stalls, crowds of people, rooftop cafés, and a golden sunset over the Medina

Frequently Asked Questions

01

Is this a private tour?

Yes. This tour can be organized privately with your own vehicle and professional driver or driver-guide. The schedule can be adjusted when possible according to your pace and preferences.

02

Where does the tour start and end?

The journey begins with pickup from your hotel, riad or preferred meeting point in Marrakech and ends with drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.

03

Is the two-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour very long?

Yes. This is an intensive itinerary with approximately nine to ten hours of driving on each day. It is suitable for travelers with limited time who are comfortable with long journeys. A three-day tour is recommended for a more relaxed experience.

04

Is the camel ride included?

Yes. A sunset camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes is included. Travelers who prefer not to ride a camel can request transportation to the camp by four-wheel-drive vehicle.

05

Where will we stay during the tour?

You will spend one night in a Sahara desert camp near Merzouga. The tent category and bathroom facilities depend on the package selected during booking.

06

Are meals included?

Dinner at the desert camp and breakfast the following morning are included. Lunches and drinks are not included and can be purchased during stops along the route.

Route and Location

Explore other private Morocco journeys with similar desert landscapes, routes and experiences.

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Follow Our Journey

Discover Marrakech through our lens — from thrilling Sahara Desert adventures in Merzouga to the vibrant souks and hidden gems of the Red City. As a licensed local tour operator, we craft private, tailor-made tours and day trips across Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen and the Atlas Mountains, blending authentic Moroccan culture with personalized, hassle-free travel experiences.

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