The classic way to reach the Sahara from Marrakech: three days, two nights, and one of them in a camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
It is a lot of road. Merzouga is about 550 km from Marrakech, so the first two days are spent crossing the High Atlas and following the valleys east, and the last day is the long drive home. The reward is the stretch in between: the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, the Dades and Todra gorges, and sunset from the dunes.
- Duration
- 3 days, 2 nights
- Route
- Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Dades valley – Todra – Merzouga – Marrakech
- Starts
- Marrakech
- Ends
- Marrakech
- Style
- Private tour
- Level
- Easy (long drives)
- Price
- From US$366 per adult
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas on the Tizi n'Tichka pass
- Aït Ben Haddou, the earthen ksar listed by UNESCO
- The Dades valley and the Todra gorge
- A camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
- A night in a desert camp and sunrise over the dunes
Day by day
Day 1 · Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Aït Ben Haddou – Dades valley
Leave Marrakech in the morning and climb into the High Atlas on the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m on the sign). Stop at Aït Ben Haddou, the fortified village of earth buildings on the old route south, then continue past Ouarzazate and through the Valley of Roses to the Dades valley.
Day 2 · Dades – Todra gorge – Merzouga
Morning at the Todra gorge, where the road runs between high rock walls. Continue east to Merzouga and ride a camel into the dunes of Erg Chebbi in time for sunset. Dinner and the night in a desert camp.
Day 3 · Sunrise – Merzouga – Marrakech
Wake early for sunrise over the dunes, then breakfast and the long drive back across the High Atlas to Marrakech, arriving in the evening.
What’s included
Included
- Private transport and driver from Marrakech and back
- Two nights: a hotel in the Dades valley and a desert camp in Erg Chebbi
- Camel ride into the dunes
- Breakfasts and dinners
Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tips
- Travel insurance
Good to know
- The last day is long: about 10 hours of driving before stops. If you have a fourth day, a 4- or 5-day route breaks it up.
- Nights in the desert are cold from November to March. Bring a warm layer.
- Free cancellation is offered on the Tripadvisor booking of this tour.
Ask about dates and price
Every tour is private and priced for your group size and dates. Send us your dates and how many you are, and we reply with a price and a plan.