2025 Marrakech to Merzouga 3-Day Safari: An Honest Review

So, you’re actually thinking about doing that three-day trip from the busy streets of Marrakech out to the huge, quiet sands of the Merzouga desert. I get it, you know, the idea sounds absolutely amazing. Honestly, leaving behind the non-stop energy of the city for the promise of golden dunes and a sky full of stars is, like, a pretty big pull for anyone visiting Morocco. This trip is, in some respects, much more than just a simple tour. It is that kind of adventure that sort of stays with you. We’re talking about a pretty major shift in scenery, you know, from the city’s lively souks to the grand, tall Atlas Mountains and then finally, obviously, to the unbelievable silence of the Sahara. Still, it’s a good idea to know what you’re really signing up for. This review, well, it is here to give you a genuine picture of what to expect for your 2025 expedition, more or less from start to finish.

Day One: The High Atlas and Aït Benhaddou’s Living History

Okay, the first day is, basically, a whole lot of driving, but it’s honestly some of the most stunning driving you’ll ever do. You pretty much leave Marrakech early, and almost right away, the van or car starts climbing into the High Atlas Mountains. That famous road, the Tizi n’Tichka pass, is literally a collection of switchbacks that gives you these completely incredible views. You’ll definitely want your camera ready, like, for the whole time. The air gets a bit cooler and cleaner, which is a really nice change from the city’s warmth. You’ll make, you know, a few stops at overlooks to just take it all in. Frankly, the best part of the day, for most people, is getting to Aït Benhaddou. It’s this sort of ancient fortified village, or ksar, that’s made entirely of reddish mud-brick. You’ll probably recognize it, as a matter of fact, because it’s been in tons of movies and TV shows, for instance, Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Actually walking through its old, narrow lanes is like stepping back in time, seriously. You can just picture the caravans that used to stop here. Our guide was this very friendly local fellow who, you know, pointed out all the cool little details and shared stories about the families who still live there. At the end of the day, climbing to the top for the view over the surrounding area is completely worth the small effort. Afterwards, you’ll typically drive on a little bit further, often to a spot near Ouarzazate or in the Dadès Valley, for your first night’s stay. The hotels or riads are usually quite nice and cozy, offering a really good dinner, often a classic tagine. It’s a fairly long day, to be honest, but the things you see make it feel shorter than it is.

Day Two: Valleys, Gorges, and the Road to the Dunes

Right, so on day two, you wake up feeling pretty refreshed and ready for what’s next. The morning drive is often through the Valley of the Roses and then on to the Todra Gorge, which is, honestly, just spectacular. It’s this massive canyon with these sheer, towering rock walls that, you know, make you feel really, really small in a good way. You’ll usually get some time to walk along the little river that runs through the bottom of the gorge. It’s a very popular spot for local families to come and hang out, so you get a little peek into everyday life here. The light and shadows playing on the canyon walls are, like, a photographer’s dream. After that, you’ll probably stop for some lunch at a restaurant on the way before the final stretch of driving begins. In the afternoon, you start to notice the scenery changing again, becoming, sort of, flatter and a lot more arid.

The best moments are often the ones you don’t plan for, like watching a family of goats cross the road or sharing a mint tea with a shopkeeper in a tiny village. You just have to be open to it, you know?

And then, just like that, you see them in the distance. The Erg Chebbi dunes. The first time you spot those waves of orange sand on the horizon is, frankly, a pretty magical moment. It feels almost like you’ve reached the edge of the world. Your driver will usually take you right to the edge of the sand sea, where, in a way, the next part of your adventure starts. You can see the camels just waiting there, and the feeling of anticipation is, at the end of the day, almost as good as the experience itself. It’s the moment you’ve really been waiting for, more or less.

The Main Event: A Night Under Saharan Stars in Erg Chebbi

This part is, basically, what the whole trip is about. You will, like, leave your big suitcase behind and hop on a camel for a ride into the dunes. At first, it’s a bit of a wobbly feeling, but you get used to it pretty fast. The guides, often young Berber men, lead the camels in a line deeper and deeper into the sand. The only sound is the soft padding of the camels’ feet. As the sun starts to set, you know, the colors of the dunes change from a bright orange to shades of pink, purple, and red. It’s so quiet and peaceful out there; it is just a completely different world. It’s highly recommended to just put your phone away and absorb it all. You’ll eventually arrive at your desert camp, which is sort of tucked away between some large dunes. The camps can be surprisingly comfortable, with proper beds in big tents and shared bathroom facilities.

After settling in, you’re treated to a delicious, hot dinner, which, obviously, is usually a big pot of chicken or vegetable tagine. Later, everyone gathers around a crackling campfire. The guides will often pull out their drums and play traditional Berber music, and honestly, the atmosphere is just incredible. They might tell some stories, share some jokes, and just enjoy the company. But the most amazing part is, you know, after the fire dies down. You step away from the camp, look up, and the number of stars you can see is just staggering. With no city lights for miles, the Milky Way is clearly visible. It is just you, the sand, and this huge, star-filled sky. Seriously, that feeling of peace and wonder is something you’ll pretty much never forget.

Day Three: Sunrise and the Long Ride Home

You’ll get an early wake-up call on day three, well before the sun is up, but you know, it’s for a very good reason. You can either climb a nearby dune or ride your camel back out a little way to watch the sunrise. It’s a bit chilly, so you definitely need a jacket. Watching the first rays of light hit the tops of the dunes and slowly spill down into the valleys is absolutely beautiful. The colors are just as stunning as the sunset, but in a totally different way. It’s a very quiet and thoughtful moment. After the sun is up, you’ll head back to the camp’s base for breakfast. Then, it’s time to say goodbye to the desert and start the long drive back to Marrakech. To be honest, this day involves a lot of time in the vehicle, so it’s a good idea to have a book or some music ready.

The route back is typically slightly different in parts, which is nice because you get to see some new scenery. You’ll stop for lunch somewhere in the Atlas Mountains again, breaking up the long trip. You just have to sort of accept that this day is mainly about getting back to where you started. You’ll finally pull back into Marrakech in the early evening, feeling pretty tired but also completely full of new memories. In a way, returning to the lively noise of Djemaa el-Fna after the immense quiet of the desert is a bit of a culture shock, but it also makes you appreciate both experiences a lot more. You’re definitely not the same person who left two days before.

A Few Practical Tips For Your Trip

Alright, so to make sure you have the best time possible, here are a few practical things to keep in mind. Thinking about these details ahead of time, frankly, can make a big difference in how much you enjoy your safari. The guides are usually pretty good at taking care of things, but, you know, being prepared is always smart.

• Clothing: Basically, bring light, comfortable clothes for the day but also pack a warm jacket, a sweater, and maybe a hat for the nights. Seriously, it gets surprisingly cold in the desert once the sun goes down.
• Sun Protection: The sun out there is really strong. Obviously, you’ll want to have sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat or a scarf to protect your face and neck.
• Cash: At the end of the day, you will want some small amounts of cash (Moroccan Dirhams). This is useful for buying drinks, snacks, small souvenirs, and for tipping your drivers and desert guides, which is a common practice.
• Power Bank: Honestly, charging spots can be few and far between, especially at the desert camp. A fully charged power bank is pretty much a lifesaver for keeping your phone and camera going.
• Water: Your tour should provide water, but it’s a good idea to buy an extra large bottle just in case. It’s really important to stay hydrated.

Read our full review: [2025 Marrakech Merzouga Safari Full Review and Details]

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