4-Day Adventure through Merzouga: A Journey Across the Sahara's Erg Chebbi Dunes
- English-speaking driver
- Camel ride on the dunes
Discover the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes on a 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. Experience the beauty of Atlas mountain passes, Berber villages, and the vast Sahara desert.
4-Day Merzouga Desert Tour
Embark on a 4-day expedition traversing the diverse and picturesque landscapes of Morocco. This journey takes you over the stunning Tizi-n-Tichka pass, through traditional Berber villages, and into the heart of the Sahara at Erg Chebbi. Marvel at the vast dune fields, experience a camel trek to a desert camp, and visit the famed Ait Benhaddou. The tour combines scenic drives, cultural encounters, and a night under the stars in the desert, making it a comprehensive and unforgettable Moroccan adventure.
Highlights
- Tizi-n-Tichka Pass: Traverse this high mountain pass, offering stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.
- Ouarzazate Film Studios: Explore the famous film studios known as the “Hollywood of Morocco”.
- Dades and Todra Gorges: Witness the breathtaking natural beauty of these deep river canyons
- Erg Chebbi Dunes: Experience the iconic Sahara Desert with a camel trek and overnight camp.
- Ait Benhaddou: Visit this ancient fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Telouet Kasbah: Explore the historical kasbah in the Ounilla Valley.
Itinerary
This itinerary offers a comprehensive desert experience, blending cultural visits with the natural beauty of Morocco’s landscapes.
Day 1
Marrakech to Dades Valley via Tizi n Tichka Pass and Ouarzazate
- Depart from Marrakech, traverse Tizi-n-Tichka pass.
- Visit Berber villages, option to explore Ouarzazate Film Studios.
- Arrive at Dades Gorge for an overnight stay.
- Driving time: Approximately 7 hours.
Day 2
Dades Valley to Merzouga via Todra Gorge
- Breakfast at Dades, then travel to Todra Gorge.
- Continue to Merzouga for a camel trek into the desert at sunset.
- Overnight in a Berber camp under the stars.
- Driving time: About 6 hours.
Day 3
Merzouga to Ait Benhaddou
- Early morning desert sunrise, camel ride back to the kasbah.
- Drive to Ait Benhaddou, exploring the ancient city.
- Overnight stay in a hotel near Ait Benhaddou.
- Driving time: 5-6 hours.
Day 4
Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech
- Visit the Telouet Kasbah in the Ounilla Valley.
- Post-lunch, return to Marrakech via Tizi-n-Tichka Pass.
- Driving time: Around 4 hours.
Pricing
Per person — the more you bring, the less everyone pays.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2-3 people | €420 |
| 4-7 people | €345 |
| 8-12 people | €315 |
Further discounts are available for group sizes over 10 people. You can pay in €/$/£ or Moroccan Dirhams.
What's included
Included
- 4x4 / mini-bus with English-speaking driver
- 1 overnight camping on the Erg Chebbi Dunes (Breakfast & Dinner included)
- Camel ride on the dunes.
- 1 overnight in a Hotel at Dades Gorges (Breakfast & Dinner included)
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
- Lunches
- Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Included
- 4x4 / mini-bus with English-speaking driver
- 1 overnight camping on the Erg Chebbi Dunes (Breakfast & Dinner included)
- Camel ride on the dunes.
- 1 overnight in a Hotel at Dades Gorges (Breakfast & Dinner included)
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
- Lunches
- Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Frequently asked questions
Choosing a tour
Should I take the 3-day or the 4-day desert tour?
The difference is the drive home. The 3-day tour returns from Merzouga to Marrakech in one push of about ten hours on the final day. This one breaks that journey with a night near Ait Benhaddou and a visit to the Telouet kasbah, so no day is longer than about six hours behind the wheel.
Take the 3-day if time is tight and you do not mind a long last day. Take this one if you would rather see Ait Benhaddou and Telouet properly and arrive back rested.
Is the tour private?
Yes. Every desert tour we run is private to your group, in a 4x4 or minibus with an English-speaking driver, so the pace and the stops are yours. Prices are per person and fall as the group grows.
If you would rather finish in Fes than return to Marrakech, ask when you enquire — we have routed guests that way via Midelt.
On the road
How much of the tour is driving?
A fair amount, and it is part of the tour rather than a chore. Day one is about seven hours from Marrakech over the Tizi n’Tichka pass to the Dades gorges, with stops. Day two is around six hours to Merzouga. Day three is five to six hours to Ait Benhaddou, and day four about four hours back to Marrakech.
The road crosses the High Atlas, the Ouarzazate plain and the Dades and Todra gorges, so there is something to look at throughout.
What is the desert camp like?
A traditional Berber camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes, reached by camel at sunset. Dinner, music under the stars and a bed in a tent. You are up early for sunrise from the sand, ride back to the village, and get breakfast and a shower at a lodge before the drive continues.
Do I have to ride a camel?
No. The camel trek into the dunes is included and is the way most guests reach the camp, but it is a short ride and you can walk alongside or be driven in by 4x4 instead. Tell your driver on the day.
Practical
What is included, and what is not?
Included: the vehicle and English-speaking driver throughout, one night in a hotel at the Dades gorges and one night camping on the Erg Chebbi dunes, the camel ride, and breakfast and dinner at both.
Not included: lunches, entrance fees to monuments, drinks, tips and travel insurance. Bring cash in dirhams for those, since there are few cash machines once you leave Ouarzazate.
When is the best time to go?
October to April is the most comfortable. Spring and autumn give warm days and cool nights, and winter days are pleasant though desert nights are genuinely cold, so bring a warm layer. July and August are very hot in the desert by day; the tour still runs, but the camp is the place to be rather than the dunes at noon.
What should I bring?
Layers for hot days and cold desert nights, a scarf or headwrap for sun and sand, sunglasses, sun cream, comfortable shoes, and a small bag for the camel ride with what you need overnight. Your main luggage stays in the vehicle. A torch is useful at the camp.
What our guests say
We recently completed an incredible tour with our guide Rachid and driver Ibrahim, which we had booked online from Canada. Mohamed, who helped us organize the tour, was fantastic in his communication, promptly assisting us in planning our itinerary. Our journey began when Rachid arrived at our hotel, Dar Chadia, in Marrakech, and skillfully handled our luggage. As we embarked on our adventure, Rachid proved to be an invaluable source of knowledge about the regions we traveled through. Additionally, each evening he thoughtfully briefed us on the next day’s plan, ensuring we were always well-prepared for our adventure.
Danielle F · Sahara Tours guest
My friend and I arranged a 5-day tour across Morocco, and Mohammed played an instrumental role in its planning. His assistance was invaluable as he tailored a custom itinerary based on our interests. Our journey took us from Marrakech to the enchanting Sahara Desert in Merzouga, with an overnight stay. En route, we explored the stunning landscapes of the Dades and Todgha gorges. The trip then led us to Fes, including a strategic stop in Midelt to ease the long drive.
Marco C · Sahara Tours guest
