3 Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour

Traversing the vast, otherworldly landscapes of Morocco’s Sahara Desert is a captivating experience. The 3 Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour offers travelers the chance to enjoy this mesmerizing environment, from the iconic Ait Ben Haddou to the towering Erg Chebbi dunes. Whether it’s witnessing a breathtaking sunrise or spending a night in a traditional Berber camp, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression. For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, the allure of the Sahara beckons.

Good To Know

• Explore the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, including a camel ride and an overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp.
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou and the Kasbah Taourirte in Ouarzazate, showcasing southern Moroccan architecture and cultural heritage.
• Journey through the dramatic Dades Valley and Todra Gorges, admiring the towering ochre-colored cliffs and unique geological formations.
• Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Great Dune, capturing the mesmerizing play of light and shadows on the desert sand.
• The tour includes hotel/riad pickup, air-conditioned transportation, one night in a hotel/riad, and one night in a desert camp, with breakfast and dinner provided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Ait Ben Haddou

Often considered one of Morocco’s most iconic sites, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ait Ben Haddou is a captivating fortified city that travellers can explore on the first day of the Merzouga and Sahara Desert tour.

This ancient kasbah, perched on a hilltop, features a maze of mud-brick buildings, narrow alleyways, and towering ramparts. As a prime example of southern Moroccan architecture, Ait Ben Haddou has served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films.

Visitors can wander through the atmospheric streets, visit local artisan workshops, and climb to the top of the kasbah for panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Kasbah Taourirte in Ouarzazate

After exploring the ancient splendor of Ait Ben Haddou, the tour continues to the city of Ouarzazate, where travelers can discover the impressive Kasbah Taourirte. This 19th-century citadel served as a military garrison and administrative center. Visitors can wander through its winding lanes and admire the intricate architecture, which blends Berber, Arab, and Sub-Saharan influences.

Feature	Description
History	Dates back to the 19th century, serving as a military garrison and administrative center
Architecture	Blends Berber, Arab, and Sub-Saharan influences, with intricate details
Significance	Once an important strategic and commercial hub in the region

The Kasbah Taourirte offers a glimpse into Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring architectural traditions of the Sahara Desert.

Dades Valley to Todra Gorges

Leaving the impressive Kasbah Taourirte behind, the tour winds its way deeper into the rugged landscapes of the Dades Valley.

The journey takes travelers through a dramatic gorge carved by the Dades River, with towering ochre-colored cliffs on either side.

Along the way, they’ll witness:

• Lush oases and vibrant green palm groves
• Traditional Berber villages clinging to the hillsides
• Winding roads offering breathtaking vistas
• Dramatic rock formations and unique geological formations
• Hints of the vast Sahara Desert on the horizon

The tour then continues to the iconic Todra Gorges, where the canyon walls rise up to 1,000 feet, creating a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Camel Ride at Erg Chebbi

The tour then whisks travelers to the towering Erg Chebbi dunes, the stunning sand sea that marks the gateway to the Sahara Desert.

Guests embark on a camel ride across the undulating dunes, an iconic Moroccan experience. The gentle sway of the camel and the breathtaking views create a serene and unforgettable moment.

As the sun dips below the horizon, travelers witness a magnificent desert sunset, painting the sky in vibrant hues.

This camel trek is a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the timeless beauty and tranquility of the Sahara.

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Overnight in Berber Desert Camp

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vivid hues, guests bid farewell to the camel ride and head to their overnight stay – a traditional Berber desert camp.

The camp offers an authentic taste of Saharan life, with cozy tents, a campfire, and traditional Berber music and cuisine.

Guests can:

• Savor a delectable Berber-style dinner under the starry night sky
• Relax around the campfire, sipping mint tea and swapping stories with fellow travelers
• Immerse themselves in the rhythmic beats of traditional Berber music and dance
• Gaze in awe at the vast, untamed desert landscape that surrounds the camp
• Wake up to a stunning sunrise over the rolling dunes of the Erg Chebbi.

Sunrise at the Great Dune

Guests rise early to witness the day’s first light illuminating the Great Dune of Sahara. As the sun gradually crests the horizon, its golden rays cascade across the undulating sand, casting mesmerizing shadows and revealing the dune’s dramatic contours. The silence is palpable, save for the occasional bird call, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the serene solitude. Capturing the ethereal moment, they snap photos, their eyes drawn to the ever-changing hues that paint the landscape.

Time	Observation
6:00 AM	First light appears on the horizon
6:15 AM	Dune shadows begin to recede
6:30 AM	Sun fully visible, casting a warm glow
6:45 AM	Colors shift from deep oranges to vibrant yellows
7:00 AM	Daybreak complete, time to depart the dunes

Return Journey to Marrakech or Fez

After witnessing the breathtaking sunrise at the Great Dune, guests depart the Merzouga desert and begin their return journey to either Marrakech or Fez.

Along the way, they may have the option to stop for lunch at a local restaurant, take in the stunning mountain vistas, or browse traditional Berber handicrafts.

The drive offers ample opportunities to appreciate the diverse landscapes of Morocco, from the rugged Atlas Mountains to the rolling hills and lush palm oases.

The return trip typically takes around 4-5 hours, depending on the final destination and any additional stops along the way.

• Scenic mountain vistas
• Traditional Berber handicrafts
• Lush palm oases
• Stops for lunch at local restaurants
• Diverse Moroccan landscapes

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Preparation

The tour includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

It covers hotel or riad pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a professional driver.

Travelers will enjoy 1 night in a hotel or riad and 1 night in a desert camp, with breakfast and dinner included.

The tour also provides a camel ride and Berber music experience.

However, lunch, drinks, and tips are excluded.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and the use of alcohol and drugs isn’t allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Payment Options for the Tour?

The tour offers flexible booking with the option to reserve now and pay later. Customers also have free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences. Travelers can choose to add or skip optional stops, adjust the duration, or request specific language guides to personalize their desert experience.

How Do I Get to the Starting Point of the Tour?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off service, so travelers can get to the starting point in Marrakech without needing to arrange their own transportation. The driver will handle the logistics, allowing guests to focus on the desert adventure.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour operator offers flexible booking options. Travelers can extend the tour duration beyond the standard 3 days, though additional fees may apply. Arrangements can be made directly with the tour provider based on individual preferences.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The provider offers flexible booking options, allowing customers to reserve the tour and pay later. Group size is limited to 17 participants.

The Sum Up

The 3 Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour offers an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s stunning landscapes. Travelers will experience iconic sites, breathtaking valleys, a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes, and an overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp. With opportunities for culture and spectacular sunrises, this tour is a must for desert enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: