What should I pack for a Marrakech desert tour?

Pack light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Evenings can get cold, so bring a warm layer.

Are Marrakech desert tours suitable for families?

Yes, we offer family-friendly desert tours with options for all ages, including child-safe camel rides and accommodations.

How long are the Marrakech desert tours?

Our most popular tours range from 2 to 4 days. Custom durations are also available based on your needs.

Casablanca to Merzouga

3 Days, 2 Nights

Journey to the Heart of the Desert: A 3-Day Excursion from Casablanca to Merzouga

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable three-day adventure from the bustling cityscape of Casablanca to the serene dunes of Merzouga. This journey offers travelers the unique opportunity to explore the vast expanses of the Moroccan desert, from the lush Mid-Atlas mountains to the golden sands of Erg Chebbi. Experience the warmth of Berber hospitality and the mystique of the desert under the stars.

Luxury Desert Camp at Night in Erg Chebbi Merzouga

Highlights & Options

Traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains
Visit the village Erfoud, known for it's world famous fossils
Ride a camel through the Sahara dunes
Spend the night in a Berber-style camp
Explore the life of the Berbers on a guided visit
Experience traditional Ganaou music in Khemliya
Go sandboarding in the Erg Chebbi Dunes

Please notify us of any options or add-ons you would like to be included in your experience on the booking form.

*Included in Royal Booking Option

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Itinerary

Start: Casablanca

Pick up at or near your Riad/hotel.

End: Casablanca

Drop off at or near your Riad/hotel.

This 3-day desert tour from Casablanca to Merzouga offers a deep dive into the cultural and natural beauty of Morocco, showcasing the dramatic contrasts from city life to the serene landscapes of the Sahara. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a culture enthusiast, this trip promises a journey filled with enriching experiences and breathtaking sights.

Casablanca - Midelt - Erfoud - Merzouga

Distance: Approximately 670 km (416 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 9 hours

Start your desert adventure early from Casablanca, heading towards Merzouga, a small village in the Sahara Desert known for its proximity to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. The journey takes you through a changing landscape that includes the scenic Middle Atlas mountains. Stop in Middelt for lunch, enjoying the local flavors and a brief rest.

Continue through the Ziz Valley, which offers spectacular views of palm groves and ancient kasbahs, before reaching Erfoud. Known as the Gateway to the Sahara, Erfoud is an excellent place to explore fossil workshops and witness how marble and fossils are intricately carved into beautiful artifacts.

Arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon or early evening. Here you will meet your camel driver and ride a camel into the dunes for sunset before checking in to Berber-style camp in dunes where you'll enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine and music before relaxing in your private tent for the night.

Nomad Experience in Erg Chebbi

After breakfast at your camp, take a guided tour of the Erg Chebbi dunes - the highest in Morocco. Visit a Berber family in their home. This intimate experience will allow you to learn about Berber traditions, culture, and daily life. Enjoy traditional tea with your hosts. Then head off with your guide to the abandoned village of Mfis and a kohl mine. Next up travel to the village of Khemliya to experience the sounds of Africa: Ganaou music. Finally stop for lunch, perhaps a tagine or Berber pizza baked in the sand, an age-old desert technique.

In the afternoon, take an optional trip through desert landscape on a 4x4 or by camel, experiencing the vast tranquility and changing colors of the sands.

As the sun sets, return to your camp for dinner under the stars. Enjoy local music and perhaps even some storytelling, making for an unforgettable night in the Sahara.

Merzouga - Beni-Mellal - Casablanca

Distance: Approximately 670 km (416 miles)
Estimated Driving Time: About 9 hours

On your final day, depart early from Merzouga and begin the journey back to Casablanca. The return trip includes a stop in Beni-Mellal, nestled in the heart of Morocco between the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas mountains. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs in this agricultural center, perhaps visiting the Ain Asserdoun springs or enjoying lunch with views of the Atlas.

Continue your journey back to Casablanca, arriving by the evening. This concludes your excursion, filled with memories of dramatic landscapes and authentic cultural encounters that will last a lifetime.

Map

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Image Gallery

Luxury Desert Camp at Night

4×4 in Erg Chebbi

Camel Ride in Erg Chebbi

Erg Chebbi Dunes at Sunrise

Donkeys in Merzouga Desert

Luxury Desert Camp at Night

Inclusions

Not Included

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Standard from

€401

/person

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Luxury from

€471

/person

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Royal from

€819

/person

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Our Accommodations

Normal: Erg Chebbi, Erg Chebbi

These are a few of the accommodations we partner with to provide you with the best experience possible on you 3 Days, 2 Nights excursion from Casablanca to Merzouga. The final accommodations booked for your excursion with depend on a number of factors including: which package you choose (Standard, Luxury, Royal or Eco), the time of your travel, availability at the locations at the time of your booking, the number of people in your party. If the locations in this list are not available, you will receive accommodations of equal or greater experience.

Additional Resources

Navigating Morocco: A Traveler’s Guide During Ramadan

The Costs of Traveling through Morocco’s Wonders with Discover Sahara Tours

Helpful Weather Information for Popular Destinations in Morocco: A Seasonal Guide for Every Traveler

First Time Visitors Guide to Morocco

Why Travel with Discover Sahara Tours?

Our People

Looking for a truly unique and immersive tour experience? Meet our exceptional full-time local drivers and guides, who don't just show you around - they become your well-connected friend. Accompanying you on each day of the tour, they share their lifelong connections to the region, offering fascinating anecdotes about its history and culture. With their insider knowledge and friendly personalities, you'll feel like a local in no time.

Custom Experience

Experience adventure like never before with our private tours! We are passionate about creating a customized travel experience that is tailored to your preferences. Imagine immersing yourself in the daily life of a nomadic family in the desert or cruising through the Sahara on a quad bike. We'll work with you to build an itinerary that meets your every desire, making sure that your journey is nothing short of amazing.

Local Cuisine

Experience the flavors, stories, and warmth of a place through its cuisine - that's our promise to you. Whether it's a cozy family-owned restaurant or indulging in a gourmet meal in our Sahara desert camps, these expertly curated meals will tantalize your taste buds and give you a glimpse into the heart and soul of the locals. Come travel with us and discover the magic of local Moroccan food traditions.

Sustainable Travel

Indulge in sustainable travel that nurtures the communities you visit. Invest in the local livelihoods by putting your money where your heart is. Discover the magic of authentic and immersive travel experiences that take you beyond the surface level. Our unique personal touch preserves and supports the cultures and traditions of the places you explore. It's a travel experience that will satisfy your curiosity and leave a positive impact on the world.

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Customer Reviews

Awesome - Best experience ever! From start to finish. Excellent service I would recommend this tour with Ismael.

R7322KFchristianf
February 16, 2023

A great experience with a nice tour guide - The Tour was amazing so many new experiences and our tour guide Hassan was just lovely. He made our tour fantastic and comfortable. Hassan could speak english, Spanish and... read more Arabic fluently.

Gustav G
April 6, 2024

A tour you should never miss in your life? - I had a really unforgettable trip with Ismail who is full of responsibilities and smiled a lot. Although I traveled by myself, I never feel being left and alone. ... read more

Paranoia_64
December 29, 2022
Excellent - Ismail is the greatest guide guy we could’ve had! We learnt a lot of his life and he was happy to share. He came to pick up us early in... read more

irisk1993
January 11, 2023

Great trip through Morocco - We did the 3 day Tour from Marrakesh to Fes. It was a truly amazing trip with the desert being the absolute highlight. Ismail was a great guide and excellent... read more

Naomi R
January 13, 2023

The best experience in Morocco - It was a spectacular trip. The guides are really handsome and carefull with each one of us. The places they took us were beautiful. Also the guides were so kind... read more

fabiola h
February 16, 2024
Marrakesh to Fes via Sahara - Our driver, Ismail, has been lovely for the entire trip, explaining us things along the way and being super helpful.
The tour was great and although there’s a lot... read more

ariannaf511
January 12, 2023

Fantastic driver. English super good - SUPER!!! Fantastic driver, English fluent and full of tips and help. From Merzouga to Fes without any kind od problem

gabriv2023
January 9, 2023

perfect Houssine - I went with 10 friends for five days and we had a great time. Everything very well organized by Houssine, the guide. We spent a night in the desert, went... read more

Aina M
February 16, 2024