Tour Details
From €250 per person
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Departure: Marrakech
Return: Marrakech
Tour Type: Private & Customizable
Distance: Approx. 1,220 km Round Trip
Marrakech to Merzouga
Drive Time: 9 hours
Atlas Mountains crossing
Camel Trek: 1 hour
Erg Chebbi dunes
Desert Camp: 1 night
Traditional Berber tent
Why Choose This 2-Day Desert Tour?
Experience Morocco's Sahara Desert on this unique 2-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. Choose a camel ride over the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, and sleep under the stars in a traditional Berber tented camp. Learn about the history peppered with beautiful scenery along the way to visit sites such as the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site; the filming location of the cinematic town of Ouarzazate; and the stunning Todra Gorges.
This adventure offers the perfect blend of cultural discovery, natural beauty, and desert tranquility—ideal for travelers seeking a genuine Sahara experience in just two days. Watch unforgettable desert sunrises and sunsets, immerse yourself in Berber traditions and hospitality, and create lasting memories as you journey through Morocco's most iconic desert landscapes.
2-Day Itinerary: Marrakech → Merzouga → Marrakech
01
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Merzouga & Camel Trek
Your trip from Marrakech to Merzouga will start with a very early morning pickup from your hotel or riad. You will leave Marrakech and travel through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping to admire the scenery along the way. After a scenic lunch stop on the way, you will continue to Merzouga.
In the afternoon, camels will be waiting, and you will ride on through the Erg Chebbi Dunes. You will stop at the top of a tall dune to see the beautiful sunset. Then you will continue on camels to the desert camp, where your private tent will be set up.
After arriving, you can refresh and enjoy a wonderful dinner. After dinner, you can gather around the campfire for drumming and Berber songs.
- Drive: Marrakech to Merzouga - approx. 550 km (around 9 hours)
02
Day 2: Merzouga – Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Tizi N'Tichka – Marrakech
Today, we suggest rising early for a beautiful sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we will leave the camping site in a 4×4 vehicle to travel towards the town of Merzouga.
From Merzouga, we will start the journey back to the busy city of Marrakech, with a couple of stops, including lunch. One of the well-known stops will be the viewpoint of the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
The authentic and well-preserved village is a favorite with film directors, as it has been the backdrop for many famous movies and TV series, including Kingdom of Heaven, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones.
We will arrive in Marrakech late afternoon, where, for your 2-day Marrakech desert tour, you will be dropped off at your riad, marking the end of your 2-day Marrakech desert tour.
- Drive: Merzouga to Marrakesh – approx. 570 km (around 9 hours)
Tour Highlights
- ● Travel through the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas mountains.
- ● Discover Ait Ben Haddou, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for appearing in many blockbuster films.
- ● Experience Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa," known for its kasbahs and film studios.
- ● Explore the picturesque Valley of Roses and the stunning Dades Valley.
- ● Visit the impressive Todra Gorges, where cliffs rise 300 m high.
- ● Take a sunset camel trek across the beautiful golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
- ● Spend the night camping in the desert in a typical (or luxury) camp, with traditional Berber music and a meal under the stars.
- ● Wake early to witness a magical sunrise over the Sahara Desert.
- ● Experience Berber hospitality and local desert culture.
What's Included and Excluded on This Tour
- Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation Yes
- Private modern transportation with A/C Yes
- English-speaking driver with prior experience Yes
- Camel trek in the Sahara desert Yes
- Overnight stay in a private Berber tent Yes
- Sandboarding experience Yes
- Dinner and breakfast at desert camp Yes
- Beverages No
- Lunches No
- Entrance to monuments (Optional) No
- Leaving a tip (Optional) No
Desert Camp Accommodation: Standard vs Luxury
We carefully handpick each accommodation on your Morocco tour to ensure the perfect blend of comfort, authenticity, and local charm. Lodging options may vary depending on availability, but we always partner with trusted, well-reviewed providers that meet our high standards.
If you wish to enhance your desert experience, upgraded options are available on request.
- Merzouga Desert:
- Standard Desert Camp: Private Berber Tent – Private tents with basic comforts, camel ride, Berber music, and dinner under the stars included
- Luxury Desert Camp: En-Suite AC & Gourmet Meals – Private en-suite tents with air conditioning, gourmet meals, and enhanced amenities in an oasis setting
Pricing & Travel Options
Choose the group size that fits your travel style. Pricing includes transport, accommodations, and listed activities.
- 2 People €480 per person
- 4 People €250 per person
- 6+ People €210 per person
- Custom Pricing Available for solo travelers, families, or larger groups
Tour Route Map
Traveler Reviews & Testimonials
Read real traveler reviews of our 2-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour, including experiences with camel trekking, desert camping, and exploring the Sahara Desert.
5 out of 5 stars
Worth the Drive from Marrakech!
"We did the 2-day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga. Our guide/driver Imir was incredible! He spoke good English and was very knowledgeable. He made sure to stop at all the places we were interested in (fossil factory, camel milking, rug shop, etc.). We rode camels into the dunes and camped for the night. The camping accommodations were much nicer than anticipated (real bed, towel, shower!) all of which were greatly appreciated after a long day of driving and camel trekking. For the price, this tour is well worth it. Pro tip: buy some bread or fruit as a treat for your camel. They love it!"
5 out of 5 stars
Camel Trek to the Sahara
"We took the 2 day Marrakech to Merzouga tour which included a camel ride and an overnight stay in the Sahara. Our tour guide was prompt on pickup and incredibly personable. He spoke English which was helpful and allowed us to ask a ton of questions. We made several stops as indicated in the tour but he also accommodated unplanned stops when we saw something of interest. He was gracious with his time and information! Riding the camel to the camp sight was a once in a lifetime experience. The camp itself was nice and the staff was excellent. Be prepared for nature (bugs) and stifling heat! We chose to ride back on ATV's which allowed us to see more of the dunes and it was a lot of fun."
5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Family Adventure
"We did the two day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. This was a fantastic trip for our family as we only had 4 days in country. This was an excellent way to see some of the country outside of Marrakech. The morning after our camel trek, we opted to do the quad riding in the sand dunes. This is a must do. Our guide, Idir, was fantastic. He answered all of our questions and was very knowledgeable about the local stops and customs and about everything. This trip turned out better than we could have expected."
5 out of 5 stars
Perfect from Start to Finish
"Our guide balanced the schedule beautifully while still creating extraordinary experiences. When we spontaneously asked about fresh camel milk, he led us to a mother camel and her calf where we were offered milk straight from the source. Throughout the journey we felt comfortable and cared for, confident we were in good hands, and his guidance during bartering ensured we received excellent value. An unforgettable experience that blended discovery, comfort, and authenticity."
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Morocco desert tours. Whether you're wondering about logistics, comfort, or what's included, we've got you covered.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, an air-conditioned 4WD or minivan, an English- or Spanish-speaking driver, dinner and breakfast, a camel per person, an overnight in a private nomad-style tent, and sandboarding.
Flights, visas, monument and museum entry tickets, lunches, drinks, tips, and personal expenses are not included.
Day 1 starts with a 7:00 am pickup in Marrakech, then crosses the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, and continues through the Draa Valley to Merzouga, followed by a one-hour camel trek to the camp for dinner and stargazing.
Day 2 includes sunrise, breakfast, a camel ride back, then travel via Erfoud, Tinejdad, Tinghir, Todra Gorges, Boumalne Dades, Rose Valley, Skoura, and Ouarzazate, returning to Marrakech around 6–7 pm.
Day 2 includes sunrise, breakfast, a camel ride back, then travel via Erfoud, Tinejdad, Tinghir, Todra Gorges, Boumalne Dades, Rose Valley, Skoura, and Ouarzazate, returning to Marrakech around 6–7 pm.
Yes. It runs with a private vehicle and driver-guide. You can choose your preferred desert camp and request adjustments that fit your interests, needs, and budget.
It may not suit travelers with motion sickness due to long drives and mountain roads. Share any dietary needs when booking. Our team can suggest restaurants with fresh, high-quality meals or book your preferred option.
