Sahara Desert – Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
Sahara Desert – Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
Tour Overview
(3 Days / 2 Nights from Marrakech)
This is a high-value, fast-paced adventure that showcases the immense diversity of Morocco’s landscapes, from the green mountains to the vast, golden sand sea.
Focus: Crossing the Atlas, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites (Aït Benhaddou), exploring stunning canyons (Todra/Dades Gorges), and the climactic camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Experience: The tour is heavy on driving on days 1 and 3, but the scenery and frequent stops (kasbahs, gorges, photo opportunities) make the journey part of the adventure. The core reward is the sunset, stargazing, and overnight stay in the desert.
Accommodation: A blend of comfortable guesthouse/hotel stays in the valleys (Day 1) and an unforgettable overnight experience in a luxury or standard Berber tent camp in the dunes (Day 2).
Duration. 3 Days / 2 Nights (Standard trip from Marrakech or Fes)
Grade. Easy/Sightseeing. Involves long scenic drives with stops for easy walking/exploration
Highlight. Camel Trek into the vast Erg Chebbi dunes and Overnight Stay in a Berber desert camp.
Route Focus. Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and visiting the UNESCO Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou and the Todra Gorges.
Accommodation. 1 Night in a comfortable valley hotel/guesthouse + 1 Night in a Desert Tent Camp (standard or luxury).
Day 1 Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Dades Valley
Depart Marrakech, crossing the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m).
Visit the UNESCO site of Aït Benhaddou (ancient fortified village used in famous films).
Drive through Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa) and the Valley of Roses to reach the Dades or Todra Gorges area.
Day 2 Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Merzouga Dunes
Explore the towering Todra Gorges (300m high canyon walls) on foot.
Continue the scenic drive through Berber villages and oases, arriving at Merzouga (the gateway to the dunes).
In the late afternoon, embark on a Camel Trek into the vast Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset.
Day 3 Merzouga → Draa Valley → Marrakech
Wake early to witness the magnificent desert sunrise over the dunes. Camel trek back to Merzouga for breakfast.
Begin the long, scenic return drive to Marrakech, traveling through the Draa Valley (famous for its palm groves) and crossing the High Atlas again via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Transportation.
Private, modern, air-conditioned vehicle (4×4 or minivan) with an experienced English-speaking driver/guide. Fuel and all necessary costs are covered.
Accommodation.
1 Night in a mid-range hotel/guesthouse (often a traditional Kasbah) in the Dades/Todra Valley. 1 Night in a standard or luxury private tent at a desert camp in Erg Chebbi.
Activities.
Sunset and Sunrise Camel Trek (approx. 1.5 hours each way). Berber Music/Drumming and campfire experience at the desert camp. Guided visit to Aït Benhaddou.
Meals.
All dinners (2x) and All breakfasts (2x) as per the itinerary. Vegetarian options are typically available upon request.
Sahara Desert (Merzouga & Erg Chebbi) Trip: Your Questions Answered
Why does the trip take 3 days when the desert looks closer?
The desert is over 560 km from Marrakech, requiring crossing the entire High Atlas range. The 3-day itinerary balances the long drive by including vital stops at key sights (Aït Benhaddou, Dades/Todra Gorges), breaking the driving into manageable, scenic portions.
Is the driving comfortable
Yes. All transfers are conducted in a private, modern, air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan driven by an experienced, licensed, English-speaking guide. We prioritize comfort with frequent stops for rest and photography.
What happens to our main luggage during the camel trek?
Your main luggage is secured in the vehicle and driven to the desert camp. You only need to pack a small daypack with essentials (water, camera, warm layers, toiletries) for the camel trek and your night in the tent.
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