Updated: July 19, 2024


You are looking to book a tour to Morocco’s Merzouga desert soon? These very popular multi-day trips are actually the best way to experience the Sahara Desert while supporting the local economy and gaining insight into the local way of life.

However, as there are plenty of different offers on the market, it can feel overwhelming to pick a safe guided tour that suits your expectations while fitting your budget.

On this page, find all the most important information about the multi-day tours to Merzouga, including location, access, and safety measures. Learn also which multi-day tour to Merzouga desert to book from Marrakech, after reading our comparative on prices and activities.

Get prepared to know all you need about these trendy day trips from Marrakech to Merzouga, located on the edge of the Sahara Desert in Morocco, known for its sand dunes and welcoming people. 

Compare the Best Options for a Multi-Day Tour To Merzouga Desert From Marrakech

Let's start with our exclusive collection of the most popular multi-day Tours to Merzouga Desert from Marrakech. We have handpicked the top-rated tours that in our opinion offer the best value for your money.

Find convenient quick links to each tour below, along with detailed descriptions that showcase their distinctive features, inclusions, and pricing.

Quick Booking Links to 4 Top-Rated Tours

Descriptions of the multi-day tours to Merzouga Desert in Morocco

Highlights

This 3-day Desert safari tour from Marrakech to Merzouga offers a comprehensive experience, including roundtrip transfers, accommodation, meals, and camel rides in the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Day 1 takes you from Marrakech to Boumalne Dades via the High Atlas Mountains and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou. After exploring the kasbah and enjoying lunch, you'll reach your evening destination at Kasbah Amazigh or Hotel Chems.

Day 2 includes exploring the Todgha Gorges, lunch in Tinghir, and a journey to Merzouga for a camel caravan experience, witnessing a mesmerizing sunset in the Erg Chebbi dunes. You'll enjoy an overnight stay with an authentic Moroccan dinner and desert camp entertainment.

On Day 3, opt for an optional sunrise experience before breakfast, followed by a transfer back to Marrakech with a lunch stop at a local restaurant, concluding around 8 PM.

Inclusions

  • Pickup and drop off
  • Air-conditioned transportation in a minibus or minivan
  • Driver-guide
  • 1-night accommodation at hotel
  • 1-night accommodation at desert camp
  • Luxury private tent (if option selected)
  • 2 dinners
  • 2 breakfasts
  • Sunset camel trekking in Erg Chebbi
  • Sunrise camel trekking in Erg Chebbi

Tour Details

  • Departs from: Pickup included; Meet your driver at your hotel in Marrakech.
  • Starting Time: 7:00 AM
  • Duration: approx. 3 days
  • Available languages: English, Arabic, and French

Highlights

This popular 3-Day Sahara Tour to the Erg Chebbi Dunes includes transportation, accommodation, meals, a guide's service, and exciting desert activities such as camel trekking and sandboarding.

Day 1: Depart from Marrakech and make stops to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah Ait Benhaddou and Kasbah Taourirte. After lunch, drive to Tinghir via the Valley of the Roses for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Explore the Todra canyons after breakfast in Tinghir, followed by leisure time at the cliffs and lunch at a local café. Continue to Erfoud, known for its date market, and reach Merzouga. Enjoy a camel caravan ride through the dunes, followed by dinner and Berber music under the stars.

Day 3: After an early breakfast and a camel ride back, return to Marrakech around 8 PM with lunch on the way.

Inclusions

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation by air-conditioned minibus with luggage storage
  • English-speaking Guide
  • Private room at Hotel Bougafer, or a similar 4-star hotel
  • Camel trek in Erg Chebbi
  • Overnight in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi (toilets outside and shower in lodge)
  • Dinner and breakfast (vegetarian option are available)
  • Sandboarding

Tour Details

  • Departs from: Pickup is available from all Marrakech hotels and accessible points for guest houses and riads will be provided a day in advance.
  • Starting Time: 7:20 AM
  • Duration: approx. 3 days
  • Available languages: English, French, Spanish, and Arabic

Highlights

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day desert adventure to Merzouga, complete with hotel transfers, round-trip transportation, and comfortable accommodations.

Day 1: Your journey begins with a scenic drive through Morocco's Tizi n Tichka Pass. Explore the iconic Ait Ben Haddou and the enchanting Rose Valley before settling into the valley for the night, savoring a traditional Moroccan dinner.

Day 2: Venture to Merzouga, where you'll be captivated by Todra Gorge's beauty and enjoy a camel ride into the desert for a mesmerizing sunset. Spend the night camping amid tranquility and desert vistas.

Day 3: After your breakfast, return to Merzouga village by camel. Embark on an exhilarating drive through desert landscapes, acacia-filled plains, and the majestic Atlas Mountains, arriving in Marrakech by evening.

For those who opt for the private tour, additional perks await, including lunches and a guided tour of Ait Ben Haddou, enriching your desert adventure even further.

Inclusions

  • Pick up in Marrakech at your Hotel or Riad
  • Transportation by 4 × 4 or Minibus.
  • Fuel, tolls and all associated expenses.
  • Knowledgeable local driver accompanying you throughout the route.
  • Guided tour with a licensed guide in Ait Ben Haddou (not included in Shared Tour Booking).
  • Nightly accommodations with breakfasts, lunches (not included in Shared Tour Booking) and dinners.
  • One night in the desert camp.

Tour Details

  • Departs from: Pick up from your Hotel or Riad in Marrakech
  • Starting Time: 7:00 AM
  • Duration: approx. 3 days
  • Available languages: English, French, Spanish

Highlights

Embark on a 4-day Sahara adventure to Merzouga, perfect for those seeking an extended desert experience. This comprehensive package includes hotel transfers, round-trip transportation, and comfortable accommodations.  

Day 1: Start your journey in Marrakech and head to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou in the High Atlas Mountains. Following lunch, settle into your overnight accommodations.

Day 2: Venture to Merzouga, with stops at Gorges and a delightful lunch. As the sun sets, enjoy a memorable camel ride through the desert.

Day 3: Dive deeper into the desert with a sunrise experience, a thrilling 4x4 excursion, and a visit to local nomads. Savor traditional Berber cuisine and music.

Day 4: Bid farewell to the Sahara after breakfast and make your way back to Marrakech, passing through scenic mountain routes, arriving by nightfall.

Opt for the private tour for added luxuries like deluxe accommodations and a licensed guide in Ait Ben Haddou. The private option also includes lunch each day and offers a flexible alternative route on the return journey.

Inclusions

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off at Marrakech
  • Transportation by 4×4 or minibus
  • Local driver
  • Tour with a licensed guide in Ait Ben Haddou (if option selected)
  • 2 nights in a desert camp with breakfasts and dinners
  • Lunches (if option selected)
  • Fuel, tolls, and all associated expenses

Tour Details

  • Departs from: Pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech
  • Starting Time: 7:00 AM
  • Duration: approx. 4 days
  • Available languages: English, French, Spanish

Where is the Merzouga Desert of Morocco?

Merzouga desert is a large expanse of sand dunes in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. It is located about 35 kilometers southeast of Rissani and 55 kilometers from Erfoud. The dunes are up to 150 meters high and are a popular tourist destination.

The nearest airport is Errachidia, which is about 2 hours away by car. There are a number of hotels and desert camps in Merzouga, where tourists can stay and experience the desert. Popular activities in Merzouga desert include camel riding, dune bashing, and stargazing.

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Is Merzouga desert worth visiting?

Yes, Merzouga is definitely worth visiting! It is a small village located in southeastern Morocco that offers a unique and unforgettable experience of the Sahara desert.

One of the main attractions in Merzouga is the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, which are some of the highest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world. The dunes offer a picturesque backdrop for many activities, including camel trekking, sandboarding, and quad biking.

Merzouga is also known for its unique cultural experiences, including visiting traditional Berber villages and enjoying their hospitality, music, and cuisine. You can also explore the ancient city of Rissani, which was once a major trading center in the Sahara, and experience the local market and souks.

One of the highlights of visiting Merzouga is spending a night in a traditional Berber tent, where you can enjoy a Moroccan dinner, listen to music, and experience the magic of the desert at night, including the incredible starry sky.

Overall, Merzouga is definitely worth visiting if you are interested in experiencing the beauty and culture of Morocco's Sahara desert.

Is Merzouga Desert Safe to visit?

Yes, Merzouga is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. The local people are welcoming and friendly, and crime rates in the area are relatively low. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety.

It is recommended to avoid walking alone at night, particularly in unlit areas. It is also advisable to keep your valuables secure and to be cautious of pickpocketing and scams, particularly in crowded areas or tourist sites.

If you plan to explore the desert, it is important to go with a reputable tour operator or guide and to ensure that you have adequate supplies, including water and sunscreen.

Overall, as long as you take the necessary precautions, Merzouga is a safe and enjoyable destination for travelers.

What will you see in the Merzouga Desert of Morocco?

  • Erg Chebbi Dunes: The most popular attraction in Merzouga is the Erg Chebbi dunes, which are some of the highest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world. You can take a camel trek or a 4x4 tour to explore the dunes and watch the sunset or sunrise over the Sahara.
  • Nomadic Berber villages: You can visit the local Berber villages to learn about their traditional way of life and culture. You can see how they live in their tents, experience their hospitality, and try some delicious Moroccan cuisine.
  • Khamlia village: This village is famous for its Gnawa music, which is a unique style of traditional music that has African and Arabic roots. You can visit a Gnawa house and listen to the music while enjoying a cup of Moroccan mint tea.
  • Rissani: This ancient city was once a major trading center in the Sahara and has many historic sites to explore, including the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif and the ruins of Sijilmassa.
  • Hassilabied: This small village is located at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes and is known for its beautiful kasbahs (fortresses) and gardens. You can visit the local market and shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

What are the activities available in Merzouga Desert?

  • Camel Trekking: This is one of the most popular activities in the desert. You can ride a camel and explore the sand dunes, while experiencing the traditional way of transportation in the Sahara.
  • 4x4 Tours: If you prefer a faster way to explore the desert, you can take a 4x4 tour. The tour will take you to various spots in the desert, including the Erg Chebbi dunes, and allow you to experience the thrill of off-roading.
  • Sandboarding: This activity involves sliding down the sand dunes on a board. It's a fun and exciting way to experience the desert and enjoy the stunning views.
  • Quad Biking: You can rent a quad bike and explore the desert on your own. This activity is perfect for adrenaline junkies who want to experience the thrill of driving on sand dunes.
  • Star-gazing: Merzouga is one of the best places in the world for star-gazing, due to its clear skies and lack of light pollution. You can enjoy a night-time desert camp and experience the magic of the Milky Way.
  • Camping: Spending a night in a traditional Berber tent is a great way to experience the desert. You can enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, listen to music, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the desert at night.

When is the best time to do the Merzouga Multiday Trip from Marrakech?

The best time to do the Merzouga multiday trip from Marrakech is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.

During the summer months (June to August), temperatures in Merzouga can soar above 40°C, which can make it uncomfortable to enjoy outdoor activities during the day. However, if you plan to do a desert camp overnight, the temperature drops significantly at night, providing a pleasant and cool desert experience.

In the winter months (December to February), temperatures can drop significantly, particularly at night, and there is a chance of rainfall. However, the winter months can also provide a unique and beautiful desert experience, with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance and a more peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere.

Overall, the best time to do the Merzouga multiday trip from Marrakech is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant for outdoor activities.

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