3-Day Journey to Erg Chebbi Dunes and Ait Benhaddou: A Moroccan Desert Adventure
- English-speaking driver
- Camel ride on the dunes
Experience the magic of the Moroccan desert on this 3-day tour to Erg Chebbi and Ait Benhaddou. Journey across majestic Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs, and ride camels into the breathtaking Erg Chebbi dunes.
3-Day Erg Chebbi & Ait Benhaddou Tour
Embark on a 3-day adventure traversing the diverse landscapes of Morocco, from the towering Atlas Mountains to the expansive Erg Chebbi dunes. This tour offers an immersive experience into Morocco’s natural wonders and historical sites. Visit the renowned Ait Benhaddou kasbah, marvel at the gorges of Dades and Todra, and witness the serene beauty of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy camel rides, a night under the stars, and authentic local cuisine, making this journey a blend of cultural exploration and natural escapade.
Highlights
- Scenic Atlas Mountain Drive: Traverse the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, enjoying panoramic views.
- Historic Ait Benhaddou: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its kasbahs.
- Dades and Todra Gorges: Witness the stunning natural beauty of these two impressive gorges.
- Erg Chebbi Dunes: Experience the vastness and beauty of the Sahara Desert on a camel trek.
- Desert Camp under the Stars: Spend a memorable night in a traditional camp, enjoying local cuisine, music, and starlit skies.
- Cultural Immersion: Interact with local communities and learn about Berber traditions.
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech to Dades Gorges via Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate
- Depart from Marrakech and journey over the Atlas mountains.
- Visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and continue to Ouarzazate for lunch and sightseeing.
- Drive along the Dades Valley to reach the guesthouse for the night in Dades Gorges.
- Driving time: Approximately 7 hours.
Day 2
Dades Gorges to Merzouga via Todra Gorges
- Continue through Dades Valley, visiting Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge.
- Arrive in Merzouga and embark on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Enjoy an evening of dinner, music, and star-gazing at the desert camp.
- Driving time: Around 6 hours.
Day 3
Merzouga to Marrakech
- Early morning camel ride at sunrise to explore the dunes.
- Return to Merzouga for breakfast and a chance to shower.
- Begin the journey back to Marrakech, with stops for photos and lunch.
- Arrival in Marrakech between 17:00 and 18:00.
- Driving time: Approximately 10 hours
Pricing
Per person — the more you bring, the less everyone pays.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2-3 people | €340 |
| 4-7 people | €275 |
| 8-12 people | €235 |
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. This tour returns from Merzouga to Marrakech in one push on the final day, roughly ten hours with stops for photos and lunch, arriving between 5 and 6pm.
The 4-day tour 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. Take this one if time is tight; take the 4-day if you would rather not spend a whole day in the car.
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?
Day one is about seven hours from Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas and stopping at Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate before the Dades gorges. Day two is around six hours through the Dades and Todra gorges to Merzouga. Day three is the long one, roughly ten hours back to Marrakech.
If that last day sounds like too much, the 4-day version splits it.
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 before dawn for sunrise from the dunes, ride back to Merzouga, and have breakfast and a shower before the drive back.
Do I have to ride a camel?
No. The camel trek into the dunes is included and is how 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.
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
