Marrakech to Merzouga: My 3-Day Desert Tour Review (2025)

So, you’re thinking about that three-day trip from Marrakech into the Sahara. To be honest, it’s one of those standout experiences people talk about for years. Basically, it’s a lot more than just a camel ride. It is actually a full-on expedition through a huge part of Morocco that you just wouldn’t see otherwise. I mean, we went on this adventure, and it was kind of amazing. Honestly, I want to give you a real, person-to-person rundown of what it’s actually like, you know, beyond the pretty pictures. Anyway, this is pretty much my take on the whole thing, with some advice sprinkled in that I really wish I’d had before I went.

The whole idea, really, is to get you from the lively, crowded streets of Marrakech all the way to the giant, quiet sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Right, so it sounds simple, but the distance is quite something. The tour is structured to, you know, break up the drive and show you some incredible things along the way. At the end of the day, you see landscapes that honestly look like they’re from another planet. Obviously, you’ll cross the huge Atlas Mountains and then see ancient cities made of mud. It’s a trip that, frankly, stays with you for a very long time.

Day 1: Kicking Off from Marrakech and Over the High Atlas

Alright, so day one begins very early. Your guide typically picks you up from your riad or a nearby spot, and then, you just leave the city behind. Actually, you can literally feel the vibe change as you go from the flat plains into the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. The road, which is called the Tizi n’Tichka pass, is sort of this winding ribbon of asphalt that just climbs and climbs. The views, I mean, are completely incredible. Seriously, you’re looking down on these little Berber villages that are kind of clinging to the mountainsides. It’s pretty wild.

Frankly, the drive is a huge part of the day, so you just have to sit back and enjoy it. There are, you know, plenty of stops for photos and for a quick cup of mint tea. The biggest stop, however, is for Aït Benhaddou. You’ve definitely seen this place before, even if you don’t know the name. Anyway, it’s this ancient fortified village, or ksar, made from mud and straw. In fact, it’s where they filmed parts of Gladiator and Game of Thrones and a bunch of other stuff. Honestly, just walking around it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Later that day, you pretty much end up in or around the Dadès Valley, a place known for its kind of funky rock formations and stunning gorges. By that point, you’re definitely ready for a good meal and some rest.

What Aït Benhaddou Is Really Like

So, let’s talk a bit more about Aït Benhaddou, because it’s a seriously special spot. Okay, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and basically, you can see why the second you get there. The entire town is just built into a hillside overlooking a shallow riverbed. The buildings, which are all this earthy red color, sort of glow in the afternoon sun. I mean, it is just one of the most photogenic places I’ve ever seen. You get to walk across a bridge and then just wander through its narrow, maze-like alleyways. It’s really cool.

You can actually climb all the way to the top of the ksar. Up there, there’s an old fortified granary, and the view is, well, just awesome. You get a 360-degree look at the surrounding stony desert and the mountains in the distance. To be honest, it does get quite hot, so definitely wear a hat and bring some water. Also, you’ll want some good shoes, as the paths are sort of uneven and rocky. You’ll likely have a local guide show you around, which is great because they, you know, share stories about the families who used to live there. It’s a genuinely captivating place that’s kind of hard to leave.

Day 2: Canyons and Gorges on the Way to the Sahara

So, on the second morning, you leave the Dadès Valley and continue your drive eastward. As a matter of fact, the landscape begins to change pretty dramatically. It gets a lot drier and flatter, but then you arrive at the Todra Gorge. This place is, like, absolutely epic. I mean, you have this river that has carved a huge canyon with these towering rock walls that are, frankly, hundreds of feet high. Your driver will almost certainly stop and let you walk through the bottom of the canyon. You feel so, so tiny standing next to those huge cliffs. You can sometimes see people rock climbing way, way up high. It’s just a really impressive show of nature’s power.

Anyway, after Todra Gorge, you’re pretty much on the home stretch to the desert. The drive takes you through a few more towns, like Tinjdad and Erfoud. Erfoud is actually known for its fossils, which is kind of interesting. And then, in the distance, you finally see it. Like, a line of golden-orange sand on the horizon. That’s Erg Chebbi. That first glimpse of the dunes is a really special moment. By the time you get to Merzouga, which is basically the little town at the edge of the desert, you’re just full of anticipation for what comes next. Alright, and what comes next is the camels.

The Main Event: Camel Trekking and a Night in the Dunes

Okay, this part is pretty much what the entire trip is all about. At the edge of the dunes, you’ll meet your camel and your Berber guide. Getting on a camel, you know, is a funny experience. They kind of lurch up, back legs first, and you just have to hold on. But once you’re moving, it’s this gentle, rhythmic sway as you head out into the sea of sand. To be honest, there’s almost no sound except for the soft padding of the camel’s feet. As the sun starts to set, the color of the dunes changes from golden yellow to a deep orange and then almost purple. Seriously, it’s just completely mesmerizing.

The camel trek typically takes about an hour or so, and it leads you to a Berber desert camp. These camps are, like, surprisingly comfortable. You get your own private tent with a real bed and blankets. The center of the camp usually has a big fire pit where everyone gathers after dinner. At the end of the day, you’ll have a traditional tagine for dinner, and then the Berber guides will play their drums and sing. It is honestly so much fun. Later, just walk away from the campfire a little, lie back, and look up. The number of stars you can see with no city lights is just, you know, beyond belief. You can clearly see the Milky Way, and it’s one of those moments that really puts things into perspective.

Day 3: A Desert Sunrise and the Long Drive Back

Right, so on your final day, someone will wake you up while it’s still dark. It’s very early, but you definitely, definitely want to get up for this. You’ll climb one of the nearby dunes and just wait. Watching the sun come up over the endless dunes of the Sahara is, frankly, an unforgettable sight. The light slowly spreads across the sand, and the world just kind of comes alive with color. It’s completely quiet and peaceful. A really great way to start the day. After that, you’ll have some breakfast back at the camp and then, you know, it’s time to say goodbye to the desert.

You’ll ride the camels back to Merzouga to meet your driver. I have to be honest, the drive back to Marrakech is very long. Essentially, it’s a full day in the car. You basically just retrace your steps back over the Atlas Mountains. The scenery is, of course, still amazing, but you will feel pretty tired. Still, you’re so full of the experiences from the last couple of days that it doesn’t seem to matter as much. It’s a day for, you know, looking through your photos and just reflecting on the incredible things you’ve seen and done. You’ll finally get back to Marrakech in the evening, completely exhausted but also incredibly happy.

Practical Tips and Honest Advice

Okay, so here are just a few quick things that are good to know before you go. These are just some practical tips that will, frankly, make your trip a little smoother.

• Packing Smart: Seriously, pack light for the overnight desert stay. A small backpack is all you really need. In fact, make sure it includes sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a scarf or buff to protect from sand. You will absolutely want a warmer layer, like a fleece or jacket, as the desert gets pretty chilly at night.
• Bring Some Cash: While the tour is usually all-inclusive, you will probably want some small cash for things like drinks, snacks, and, you know, tipping your guides. At the end of the day, it’s just easier than trying to find a place that takes cards.
• Manage Expectations: I mean, just know that this is an adventure, not a luxury resort stay. The travel days are long. But, obviously, that’s part of the deal. You get to see so much of the country, and the payoff—that night in the Sahara—is completely worth it.
• Choosing a Tour: Honestly, there are a ton of companies offering this trip. The shared, group tours are more budget-friendly and a great way to meet other travelers. A private tour, on the other hand, gives you more flexibility. Just, like, read reviews and pick a well-regarded operator.

“You really go on this trip to see the dunes, but you end up falling in love with the entire landscape along the way. Honestly, the mountains and the gorges are just as memorable as the Sahara itself.”

Read our full review: [3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Full Review and Details]
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