Camel caravan crossing golden Sahara dunes near Merzouga at sunset
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3-day private journey

Marrakech to the Sahara Dunes

From the red city to the golden dunes — cross the Atlas Mountains, spend a night at a desert camp and return via Aït Benhaddou.

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3 days / 2 nights Starts in: Marrakech Ends in: Marrakech Private group
Tour overview

Three Days, Two Worlds

This three-day private tour takes you from the bustle of Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains and into the vast silence of the Sahara. You will spend a night in a traditional desert camp at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes, ride camels at sunset and return through Aït Benhaddou, one of Morocco's most photographed kasbah villages.

Day by day

Day by Day

All timings are flexible. We adapt the schedule to your pace and interests.

01

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley

Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Marrakech and you head south over the Tichka Pass (2,260 m) through dramatic mountain scenery.

  • Depart Marrakech, cross the High Atlas via Tichka Pass
  • Stop at Aït Benhaddou kasbah (UNESCO World Heritage)
  • Continue through Ouarzazate, "Gateway to the Sahara"
  • Drive through the Roses Valley and Skoura palm grove
  • Overnight in the Dades Valley or Dades Gorge
02

Day 2 — Dades Valley to Merzouga (Sahara)

A full day of remarkable desert landscapes before you reach the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes.

  • Morning drive via Tinghir, with an optional stop at the Todra Gorge
  • Stop at Erfoud, gateway to the fossil region
  • Arrive at Merzouga — first sight of the dunes
  • Sunset camel trek into the dunes
  • Overnight at a traditional desert camp (private tent, dinner included)
03

Day 3 — Sahara to Marrakech

Rise before dawn to watch the sun climb over the dunes, then begin the journey back to Marrakech.

  • Sunrise over Erg Chebbi — a private moment in the dunes
  • Return to Merzouga village for breakfast
  • Drive back via a different southern route
  • Optional stop at the Todra Gorge
  • Arrive in Marrakech early evening

What's Included

  • Private pick-up and drop-off at your Marrakech hotel
  • English-speaking private guide and driver
  • Comfortable private 4x4 vehicle
  • Accommodation as specified (1 night guesthouse, 1 night desert camp)
  • Sunset camel trek into the dunes
  • Dinner at the desert camp
  • Private sunrise experience in the Sahara
  • All stops at Aït Benhaddou, Dades Valley, Todra (optional)

Not Included

  • Lunches (budget available along the route)
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips (entirely at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees to monuments (Aït Benhaddou, etc.)

Transport

Private 4x4 / SUV

Accommodation

1 night guesthouse + 1 night desert camp (private tent)

Meals

Dinner at camp included; breakfasts and lunches own account

Good to know

Route, pace, and stops can be adapted to your dates and interests. Final route, accommodation, meals, and included services are confirmed in your personalised quotation.

Good to know

About This Tour

A 2-day version is possible but involves very long driving days. We generally recommend 3 days as the minimum for a comfortable experience that lets you enjoy the landscape. We can also extend to 4 or 5 days for a more relaxed pace.
The camp consists of traditional Moroccan-style tents with real beds, blankets and a private toilet/shower facility nearby. Dinner is served communally at the camp. The level of comfort is good but it is a genuine desert camp, not a hotel — that is part of the experience.
Yes — the camel trek is short (45–60 minutes) and suitable for most ages and fitness levels. We can always opt for a 4x4 into the dunes instead if preferred.
Comfortable walking shoes, a warm layer for cool desert nights, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and a camera. We recommend leaving large suitcases at your Marrakech hotel and travelling with a small bag.
Absolutely. We operate this tour in both directions (Marrakech → Fès and Fès → Marrakech) and can start from Casablanca, Rabat or any other city. The price and duration adjust accordingly — ask us for a personalised quote.
Cancellation conditions are communicated clearly before you pay any deposit, as part of your personalised quotation. If your plans change, contact us directly on WhatsApp and we will let you know your options.
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Desert camp at dusk in the Sahara
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