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.

Marrakech to Merzouga

4 days, 3 nights

Embark on an Epic 4-Day Desert Odyssey: Marrakech to the Sahara and Beyond

Overview

Experience the enchanting allure of Morocco's desert landscapes on a thrilling 4-day expedition with Discover Sahara Tours. Beginning in the vibrant city of Marrakech, this journey will take you through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, winding through picturesque valleys to reach the dramatic Dades Gorge for your first overnight stay. From there, venture deeper into the Sahara Desert, where Berber hospitality awaits in a traditional camp amidst the dunes of Merzouga. Encounter nomadic communities, explore abandoned towns, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the region before concluding your adventure back in Marrakech.

Entrance to the Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate

Highlights & Options

Traverse the High Atlas Mountains into the Sahara Desert
Ride a camel in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
Visit the Dades and Todra gorges
Spend the night in a Berber style camp in the Sahara
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou
Visit the nomads of the Sahara Desert

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

Book Now

Contact Us for More Information

Download Excursion Flier

Itinerary

Start: Marrakech

Pick up at or near your Riad/hotel.

End: Marrakech

Drop off at or near your Riad/hotel.

Spend the Night in a Berber Style Camp in the Dunes of the Sahara

Check off spending the night in the Sahara from your bucketlist with this 4 day excursion. Get the benefit of more time in the desert without the long drive back to Marrakech by stopping in Knob, Agdz or Ouarzazate after visiting with the nomads on the 3rd day of your travel.

Marrakech -Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Gorge

Driving Time: 5 hours

Departing from Marrakech, our journey begins with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, passing quaint Berber villages and breathtaking vistas.
Visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou (this can also be done on the way back from the desert if preferred)
Stop in Ouarzazate to see the Atlas Studios and Kasbah Taourirt (entrance fees not included)
Arrive at Dades Gorge, known for its towering rock formations and spectacular scenery, where we'll settle in for our first overnight stay.
Explore the surroundings at your leisure, taking in the dramatic landscapes and enjoying the tranquility of this remote oasis.

Dades - Tinghir - Todra - Erfoud - Merzouga

Driving Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Today, we set off towards the vast Sahara Desert, crossing barren plains and rugged terrain as we make our way to Merzouga.
Upon arrival, embark on an unforgettable camel ride through the golden dunes to our Berber-style camp, where traditional hospitality awaits.
Take a stroll along the river through the impressive Todra Gorge.
Stop in the town of Erfoud, known for its world famous fossils.
Witness a breathtaking desert sunset before gathering around a campfire for a delicious dinner accompanied by traditional music under the starlit sky.

Excursion to Nomads - Mfis - Khemliya - Rissani - Nkob/Agdz/Ouarzazate

Driving Time: 3-5 hours

Activities: Nomad encounter, visit to Mfis, Ganaou music experience.
Spend the day delving deeper into the rich culture of the Sahara Desert.
Meet a nomadic family, gaining insight into their traditional way of life and hospitality.
Explore the abandoned town of Mfis and it's kohl mine, a fascinating glimpse into Morocco's past.
Experience the captivating rhythms of Ganaou music in the village of Khemlia, learning about its significance to the local community.
Depart for your final overnight stay, choosing from the charming towns of Nkob, Agdz, or Ouarzazate.

Map

Book Now

Inclusions

Not Included

Book a Private Tour Now

Standard from

€648

/person

Book Now

Luxury from

€765

/person

Book Now

Image Gallery

Atlas Mountains with Snow

Staircase in Kasbah Telouet

Road into the Atlas Mountains

Luxury Desert Camp at Night

Entry Square in Kasbah Telouet

Mineral Shop at Tizi N’Tichka

Tea in Ait Ben Haddou

Window in Telouet

Ounila Valley

Bridge to Ksar Ait Ben Haddou

Looking Out over the Ounila Valley

Inside Ait Ben Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou from the River Bed

Cafe in the Atlas Mountains

Looking out over the Atlas Mountains

Shops at Tizi N’Tichka

Berber Village in the Atlas Mountains

Donkeys in Merzouga Desert

Ait Ben Haddou

Camel Ride in Erg Chebbi

Winding Road in the Atlas Mountains

Ait Ben Haddou

View from Inside Telouet

Asif Ounila

Ounila Valley

Shops at Tizi N’Tichka

Window View in Kasbah Telouet

Entryway of Kasbah Telouet

Traditional Building in Ounila Valley

4×4 in Erg Chebbi

Erg Chebbi Dunes at Sunrise

Ounila Valley

Luxury Desert Camp at Night

Ounila Valley

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.

Book Now

Customer Reviews

Awesome journey and experience in the desert - Wonderful tour, well organized.
The driver was really kind and professional.
The trip also offers guided visit to Ait Ben Haddou and camel ride to desert tents.
Amazing experience!... read more

Luca N
January 2, 2023

Making forever friends in the desert - Simply put, an amazing experience. The stops on our way to Erg Chebbi were beautiful and awe-inspiring. The accommodations were great and all the staff we met along the way... read more

jedifunk
March 3, 2024

It was a great experience! Ismail was really nice with us.
The desert was magic and the Camel ride funny
We recommend this adventure.

F5573TZannac
February 2, 2023
Awesome - Best experience ever! From start to finish. Excellent service I would recommend this tour with Ismael.

R7322KFchristianf
February 16, 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

3 day tour from Marrakech to Fes - This was a 3 days trip from Marrakech to Fes and it was a truly fantastic experience. The beautiful night sky was like nothing I have ever experienced and the... read more

Gcaughey
January 11, 2023
Good trip - Overall a good trip, special shout out to Houssine, the tour guide. It was very cool seeing the sand dunes. Sahara desert is a bucket list destination for sure!

Safari431552
December 23, 2024

We have had a fantastic experience we will never forget our guide ishmail was the best and helped us whenever we needed him his cheerful manner made our holiday even... read more

Sabre1962
January 18, 2023

An unforgettable trip to the Zagora desert with Ismael! - Ismael was more than just a driver for our trip from Marrakech to the Zagora desert - he was a fantastic guide! He was incredibly friendly and informative throughout... read more

luisapb97
April 10, 2024