3 day Sahara desert tour from Marrakech
Quick answer: the 3 day desert tour from Marrakech is the most popular way to see the big Sahara dunes. You cross the High Atlas over Tizi n’Tichka, visit Ait Ben Haddou, sleep in the Dades Valley, walk the Todra Gorges and spend a night in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga) before returning to Marrakech.
Merzouga is about 560 km from Marrakech, so 3 days is the minimum to enjoy the desert without spending the whole trip in the car. This Marrakech to Merzouga 3 day tour splits the journey into comfortable stages with stops at the most beautiful places in southern Morocco.
It’s a private desert tour from Marrakech: we pick you up at your riad or hotel, you travel only with your group in an air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver, and we adapt stops and accommodation to you. If you want a complete, hassle-free Sahara tour from Marrakech, this is the one.
Highlights of the 3 day desert tour
3 day desert tour from Marrakech: itinerary
Day 1Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Valley of Roses – Dades
Pick-up around 7:00 at your Marrakech riad. We cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, stopping at viewpoints and Berber villages, visit the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah (UNESCO), pass Ouarzazate and follow the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley.
Day 2Dades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast we follow the kasbah road to the Todra Gorges, with rock walls up to 300 metres high, then drive via Tinejdad and Erfoud to Merzouga. At sunset we ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes to the camp: dinner, Berber music and a sky full of stars.
Day 3Merzouga – Alnif – Agdz – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Early start for sunrise over the Sahara and camel ride back to Merzouga. We return to Marrakech via Alnif, Agdz and the palm groves of the Draa Valley, cross the High Atlas again and arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
What’s included in the 3 day tour price
✔ Included in the price
- Pick-up and drop-off at your riad or hotel in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned transport
- English & Spanish speaking driver
- Fuel
- 1 night in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley
- 1 night in a Merzouga desert camp
- 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Camel ride (one camel per person)
✖ Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance fees (Ait Ben Haddou)
- Local guides (optional)
- Tips (optional)
- Travel insurance
Photos of the 3 day desert tour from Marrakech
Route map: Marrakech – Merzouga – Marrakech
Travel with a local agency specialising in the Sahara
FAQ about the 3 day desert tour
How much does the 3 day desert tour from Marrakech cost?
The price depends on group size, season and camp type (standard or luxury). As a private tour, the more travellers, the lower the price per person. Message us for a free quote.
How many hours do we drive each day?
About 6-8 hours a day with stops. Day 3, back to Marrakech, is the longest.
Merzouga or Zagora?
Merzouga has the big Erg Chebbi dunes and needs at least 3 days. With only 2 days, see the 2 day Zagora desert tour.
Can I end the tour in Fes?
Yes. The 4 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes avoids driving back the same way.
Is there a luxury camp option?
Yes. We can book a Merzouga luxury desert camp with a private bathroom in each tent.
When is the best time to go?
March to May and September to November. See our guide on the best time to visit Morocco.