From Marrakech: Merzouga 4-Day Desert Tour & Trekking

The "From Marrakech: Merzouga 4-Day Desert Tour & Trekking" offers a remarkable journey through Morocco’s captivating landscapes. Travelers can expect an unforgettable experience, from traversing the stunning Tizi n’Tichka pass to exploring the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou. But the true highlight may lie in the thrilling camel rides through the Erg Chebbi dunes and the serene trekking in the breathtaking Dades and Todra Gorges. With comfortable accommodations, guided transport, and included meals, this tour promises an enriching blend of adventure and culture. What awaits those who embark on this journey might just surprise even the most seasoned explorers.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best Treks And Hiking Tours In Ouarzazate.

Good To Know

• 4-day budget tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, including transport, accommodation, and activities like trekking, camel riding, and visiting UNESCO site Ait Benhaddou.
• Tour covers diverse landscapes, from the Tizi n’Tichka pass and Dades Gorge to the Sahara Desert’s Erg Chebbi dunes, with an overnight stay in a desert camp.
• Highlights include sunrise at Erg Chebbi dunes, exploring historical sites, and immersing in local culture through trekking and camel riding.
• Accommodations and most meals are included, with options to accommodate dietary preferences, but additional fees apply for optional activities.
• Tour may not be suitable for certain travelers, such as pregnant women or those with mobility issues, and luggage restrictions apply.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 4-day Marrakech budget tour to the Sahara Desert is priced from CZK 10,868 per person.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option to book your spot without an upfront payment.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, a driver-guide, and accommodation in hotels and a desert camp.

Meals, camel trekking, and sunrise/sunset experiences are also covered.

However, the tour may not be suitable for certain groups, and additional fees apply for optional activities and services.

Itinerary Highlights

The 4-day Marrakech Budget Tour to the Sahara Desert offers an exciting itinerary that showcases the diverse landscapes and cultural highlights of the region.

On the first day, travelers will drive through the stunning Tizi nTichka pass, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, and explore the Dades Gorge.

The second day features treks along canyons and a camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes, culminating in an overnight stay at a desert camp.

Travelers will witness the sunrise at Erg Chebbi, drive through Rissani and Draa Valley, and overnight in Ouarzazate on the third day.

The final day includes a visit to Ouarzazate and a scenic journey through the High Atlas mountains back to Marrakech.

Inclusions and Accommodation

The tour package includes comprehensive transportation, knowledgeable guidance, and comfortable accommodations throughout the 4-day journey.

Pickup and drop-off services are provided, along with an air-conditioned minibus and experienced driver-guide. Guests will stay 1 night each in Dades Valley, the Sahara Desert camp, and Ouarzazate.

All meals – 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts – are included. The highlight is the sunset and sunrise camel treks in the Erg Chebbi dunes.

While suitable for most, certain travelers may face challenges, such as long drives or limited accessibility. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be accommodated with prior notice.

Excess luggage can be stored, and an alternative route is available during winter road closures.

Important Information

Certain travelers may face challenges on this tour, as it isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, or people over 70 years.

Long drives may also not be suitable for children. However, accommodations can be made for vegetarian and vegan diets with prior notice.

Excess luggage can be stored on the minibus, but travelers should bring a backpack for the desert camp, which is 200 meters from the hotel and has shared bathroom facilities.

Alternative routes are available during winter road blockages for an additional fee.

Pickup isn’t available from locations over 4 miles (7 km) from Jemaa El Fna Square.

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Optional Activities and Costs

Travelers can opt for a local guide at Kasbah Ait Ben Hddou for an additional €3 per person.

The tour price doesn’t include lunch and drinks, so these can incur additional costs.

Aside from the main activities, the tour allows free time for optional experiences like guided tours, shopping, and sightseeing at various stops along the way.

These optional activities come with their own fees, which can be paid directly to the providers.

Guests should budget accordingly to make the most of their Marrakech to Merzouga desert adventure.

Exploring Tizi Ntichka and Ait Benhaddou

On the first day of the Merzouga Desert tour, travelers embark on a scenic journey through the Tizi n’Tichka pass, a winding mountain route that leads them to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou.

This ancient fortified city, once a vital stop on the trans-Saharan trade route, captivates with its:

• Striking red-clay architecture
• Labyrinth of narrow alleys
• Crumbling kasbahs and towers
• Panoramic views of the surrounding valleys
• Sense of timeless history

After exploring this living museum, the tour continues to the dramatic Dades Gorge, where travelers overnight in a traditional hotel, eagerly anticipating the adventures that await in the Sahara Desert.

Trekking in Dades and Todra Gorges

After exploring the ancient fortified city of Ait Benhaddou, the tour moves on to the dramatic Dades Gorge. Travelers will have the opportunity to trek along the canyons and marvel at the stunning red-rock formations. The next stop is the Todra Gorge, where visitors can hike through the narrow, 1000-foot-deep canyon. The tour also includes a camel ride at the Erg Chebbi dunes, allowing guests to experience the serene beauty of the Sahara Desert.

Gorge	Highlights	Activities
Dades	Dramatic red-rock formations	Trekking along canyons
Todra	1000-foot-deep narrow canyon	Hiking through the canyon
Erg Chebbi	Serene Sahara Desert	Camel ride

The tour provides an immersive experience in Morocco’s stunning natural landscapes and allows travelers to connect with the local culture.

Sunrise at Erg Chebbi Dunes

As the first rays of dawn peek over the horizon, the Erg Chebbi dunes come alive with a breathtaking display of color.

The towering sand formations cast long shadows, while the sun’s warm light paints the landscape in hues of gold, orange, and crimson.

Visitors can witness this natural spectacle from the comfort of their desert camp, or opt for an early morning trek to the top of the dunes.

The panoramic views are simply mesmerizing, offering a serene moment of tranquility before the day’s activities commence.

The Erg Chebbi sunrise is a truly magical experience, one that epitomizes the wonder and beauty of the Sahara Desert.

• Vibrant colors paint the dunes
• Long shadows cast by towering formations
• Panoramic views from the camp or dune tops
• Serene moment of tranquility
• Epitome of Saharan splendor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit individual preferences. Travelers can choose alternative routes, activities, and accommodations according to their needs, with additional fees for certain options.

What Is the Level of Difficulty for the Camel Trekking and Hiking Activities?

The camel trekking and hiking aren’t too difficult, but they do require a moderate level of fitness. Most travelers find the activities manageable, though they may be challenging for less active individuals or those with mobility issues.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

According to the tour details, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, or people over 70 years. Long drives may also not be suitable for children.

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?

The tour typically has small group sizes, usually between 2-6 participants. The itinerary isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under 1, or people over 70, as mentioned in the important information section.

Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place During the Tour?

The tour operator follows all local COVID-19 safety protocols. Travelers must wear masks and sanitize their hands frequently. Group sizes are limited to ensure social distancing during activities and transportation.

The Sum Up

This 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga offers an immersive Moroccan adventure. Travelers can explore iconic landscapes, trek through dramatic gorges, ride camels across Erg Chebbi dunes, and witness breathtaking sunrises over the Sahara. With comfortable accommodations, guided transport, and included meals, it’s an enriching way to experience Morocco’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: