3-Days Desert Tour – Merzouga

Meeting Point
Your Hotel - Riad Or Appartment
Departure City
Marrakech
Tour Availability
All Times
Activities
Departure From Marrakech
Trip Type
Tours in Morocco

3-Days Desert Tour – Merzouga

This 3-day desert tour offers an exhilarating journey from the vibrant city of Marrakech deep into the heart of the Moroccan Sahara, culminating at the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga.

The adventure begins with a scenic drive across the majestic High Atlas Mountains, navigating the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass and pausing for breathtaking panoramic views. Day one combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, featuring a visit to the historic Aït Ben Haddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before continuing through Ouarzazate to the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley for an overnight stay in a charming auberge.

Day two plunges further into the desert’s allure, starting with an exploration of the spectacular Todra Gorges. The journey then leads to Merzouga, the gateway to Erg Chebbi. Here, the true desert experience begins with a memorable camel trek into the towering golden dunes, timed perfectly to witness a magical desert sunset. The night is spent in an authentic nomadic tent within a desert bivouac, complete with a traditional dinner and the incredible experience of sleeping under a canopy of stars.

Day three offers an early morning desert sunrise, a quintessential Sahara experience, before the return journey. The long drive back to Marrakech takes you through the beautiful Drâa Valley and Ouarzazate, bringing the unforgettable desert adventure to a close in the late afternoon.

This tour provides a rich tapestry of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from mountain passes and ancient kasbahs to dramatic gorges and the vast Sahara. The inclusion of a private minibus and professional driver ensures comfort and safety, while the quad bike experience adds an exciting touch of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 3-Days Desert Tour – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

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Q1: What is the main destination of this desert tour?

A1: The main destination is the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, one of Morocco’s most famous Sahara desert areas.

Q2: How long is the tour?

A2: It is a 3-day, 2-night tour.

Q3: What kind of transportation is provided?

A3: Transportation is in a private, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus with a professional driver. For the desert experience in Merzouga, you’ll travel by camel to the bivouac.

Q4: Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included in Marrakech?

A4: Yes, round-trip transfers from your hotel or riad in Marrakech are included.

Q5: What are the main highlights of Day 1?

A5: Day 1 includes crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou kasbah, and continuing through Ouarzazate to the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a charming auberge.

Q6: What will I experience on Day 2 in the desert?

A6: Day 2 involves driving to the Todra Gorges for a walk, continuing to Merzouga, and then embarking on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach a desert bivouac. You’ll enjoy a magical sunset, a traditional dinner, and spend the night in a nomadic tent under the stars.

Q7: What is the sleeping arrangement in the desert?

A7: You will spend the night in a nomadic tent within a desert bivouac in the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The experience emphasizes sleeping under the stars.

Q8: What happens on Day 3?

A8: Day 3 starts with an early wake-up to admire the desert sunrise over the dunes. You’ll then return to Merzouga by camel, and begin the long drive back to Marrakech, passing through the Drâa Valley and Ouarzazate, arriving in the late afternoon.

Q9: Are meals included in the tour price?

A9: Dinner on Day 1 (in Dades Valley) and Day 2 (in the desert bivouac), and breakfast on Day 2 and Day 3 are included. Lunch and additional drinks are NOT included, offering flexibility for your choices.

Q10: Are there any unique activities included?

A10: Yes, the tour includes an exciting 1-hour and 45-minute quad bike experience (one quad bike per adult), complete with a helmet and safety goggles, and refreshing mint tea.

Q11: What should I bring with me for the tour?

A11:

Comfortable walking shoes, especially for the Todra Gorges and desert.
Warm layers of clothing, as desert nights can be very cold, even after warm days.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
A camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
Cash for lunches, drinks, souvenirs, and tips.
A small backpack for your essentials during the camel trek.

Q12: Is the desert camp luxurious?

A12: The description mentions a “nomadic tent” and “traditional dinner,” suggesting an authentic and comfortable desert bivouac experience rather than a high-end luxury camp.

Q13: Is the tour suitable for children?

A13: This tour involves long drives and a camel trek, which can be challenging for very young children. However, older children and teenagers who enjoy adventure generally have a great time. The quad biking is per adult, so check for passenger policies if traveling with children.

Q14: Are tips for the driver/guide included?

A14: No, tips and gratuities for your driver and guide are not included and are at your discretion based on your satisfaction with their service.

Q15: Can I download the program in different languages?

A15: Yes, the program is available for download in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.