Private 4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Dunes (Erg Chebbi)
Overview: Marrakech to Merzouga 4 days tour
You’ll have the opportunity to experience what Morocco is really about with this fantastic 4 days desert tour from Marrakech. You will be exposed to the vast diversity of the Moroccan landscapes, including the beautiful and now becoming increasingly popular snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, and continuing through into the orange desert and on to the spectacular Erg Chebbi Dunes, all within just 4 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
Unlike other shorter tours that feel very rushed and busy, this planned tour is well paced and includes enough time for you to spend relaxing in the various places you will visit. This carefully planned itinerary will save you from the frustration of long daily drives while ensuring you do not miss out on important sites and experiences between the day of arrival in Marrakech and the final destination of your holiday in the Merzouga-Merzouga Dunes (Erg Chebbi).
You will also view the breathtaking sunset while riding a camel, sleep under the shimmering stars of the Sahara Desert, and wander through the ancient kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, which has served as the backdrop for dozens of Hollywood films. Each stop along the Marrakech desert tour 4 days has been thoughtfully planned for you to celebrate your experiences in Morocco, creating lasting memories far beyond any typical travel experience.
- Duration: 4 days/3 night
- Start: Marrakech
- End: Marrakech
- Accommodations: Various Options (See Below)
- Tour Style: Private
- Price: Check it below
Highlights of the 4 Days Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
- Cross the beautiful and rugged High Atlas Mountains through the stunning Tizi N’Tichka Pass, which reaches an elevation of 2,260 meters and offers some of the best views on the journey.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, which is the famous film set for Gladiator, The Mummy, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia
- Take a breathtaking camel ride through the golden lucrette dunes of Merzouga, where you can see the sunset dramatically change the dunes from amber to red.
- Stay overnight in a luxury camp in Merzouga Desert featuring private en-suite bathrooms and hot showers.
- Experience the amazing Dades and Todra Gorges in Morocco. You will be amazed at how 320m high limestone cliffs tower over you, forming a natural stone cathedral.
- Visit the Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate (known as the Hollywood of Africa) where some of the most epic movies were created.
- Drive the scenic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through ancient fortified villages and the lush Draa Valley with its palm groves.
- Witness a spectacular sunrise over Erg Chebbi sand dunes at the Sahara’s quietest and most picturesque time of day.
Why private Marrakech Merzouga desert tour 4 days?
What are the Advantages of Taking a Tour with Us?
Genuine Local Knowledge: Our guides are from the area, meaning they have an intimate understanding of Berber culture, traditions, customs, sacred sites, and treasures that are not typically found in tourist guidebooks. Your guide is not just showing you around Morocco, but proudly sharing the history and beauty of their home.
Exceptional Lodging: All of our Luxury (Deluxe) Desert Camps provide each guest with a private tent and bath, a comfortable bed, and full facilities. Your tent features a standard/non-shared bathroom, ensuring comfort even in an isolated area.
Fully Customizable Tours: Our 4 day Sahara tour from Marrakech is fully adaptable to your personal interests, timelines, travel style, and preferences. If you’d like to go quad biking through the dunes or stay longer at Ait Ben Haddou, we can make those adjustments so that you get the most out of your trip.
Benefits of Our Private Tours:
- Customized tour planning that is flexible enough to allow for your travel style
- Customized ground transport (vehicle, driver/guide) with private vehicle/guide.
- Choose accommodation types based on your own preferences.
- Customize the length of time in locations depending on what interests you.
- Add additional activities to your tour, such as quad biking, or add time in the desert.
- Ideal for special events like anniversaries or family vacations.
- You choose the date and time of your departure.
- Best suited for families, couples wanting romance, groups of friends, or those looking for personalised experiences.
4 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
Distance: Approximately 315-353 km
Driving Time: 6-7 hours (excluding stops)
Overnight: Dades Valley (Riad or Hotel)
Your Marrakech to Merzouga 4 days tour starts with a pickup from your Marrakech hotel in the early morning hours. After the city is fully awake, you’ll head south and depart the busy medina area for the striking landscapes that make up interior Morocco.
As soon as you start driving, you will climb into the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi N’Tichka Pass. The journey winds up to 2,260 meters above sea level through extremely winding roads with many hairpin turns, many of which offer breathtaking views of the mountains. Traditional Berber villages that are built into the sides of mountains dot the landscape, with their dry-stone homes and terraced crop fields seemingly blending in harmony with the rocky mountain terrain. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and experience the stunning beauty of the mountains while seeing how rural Moroccan people have lived for hundreds of years.
Your first stop after arriving from the mountains is Ait Ben Haddou, arguably Morocco’s most photographed site, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site shows the highest level of earthen architecture in southern Morocco and consists of an earth (rammed earth), straw and wood (called a ksar) built as a fortified village. With its beautiful towers and crenellated walls, it has attracted numerous filmmakers, who have used it for productions such as Gladiator, The Mummy and Game of Thrones, among others and is the set for many other Hollywood productions. The guided tour showcases the engineering marvel of passive heating/cooling methods that allow these structures to stay cool or warm, depending on the season. There is a great vista of the valley where the ancient caravanserais stopped along the trans-Saharan trade routes from the top of the kasbah.
Continuing to Ouarzazate (the “Gateway to the Desert”), you will have the option of visiting the Taourirt Kasbah, which features a collection of rooms and painted ceilings in a maze-like formation. An optional tour of Atlas Film Studios provides insight into transforming the extraordinary landscapes of Morocco into other worlds (i.e., outer space), past civilisations (i.e., Egypt, Rome, etc.) and fantasy kingdoms for international films using a variety of sets, props, costumes, etc.
Traveling through the Skoura Oasis, you will see an impossible green sight from so many palm trees, and continue into the Valley of Roses near Kelaat M’Gouna, which smells great during this time of year (April-May) for harvesting roses. By nightfall, you reach the Dades Valley with its deep gorges and interesting formations that catch your eye.
The Dades Valley is where you will stay overnight in a traditional Riad and/or comfortable hotel with a beautiful view of the unique geological formations at Dades Valley. Dinner will include authentic Moroccan food (e.g., lamb tagine with prunes and almonds; or traditional couscous with fresh vegetables) and a relaxing atmosphere, as you will be away from the noise of the cities and the light pollution, providing you your first taste of the quiet and peacefulness of the interior regions of Morocco.
Day 2: Dades Gorges → Todra Gorges → Merzouga (Night in Desert Camp)
Distance: Approximately 255-310 km
Driving Time: 4-5 hours (excluding stops)
Camel Trek: 1 hour at sunset
Overnight: Merzouga (a Luxury Desert Camp)
Today, after departure, you will enjoy breakfast in the beautiful Dades Valley, with its unusual rock formations, which were nicknamed “Monkey Fingers”. After breakfast, you will explore the Dades Gorges with their stunning scenery and views.
Next, you will continue to the Todra Gorges, which is one of the country’s true marvels. The Todra River’s path has formed a very narrow canyon through the great limestone cliffs, which are as high as 320 metres above the bed of the river; in some places, the gorge is only 10 metres wide, a corridor that has become the place of choice for rock climbers all over the world, as they challenge themselves on the vertical surfaces. Walking or standing along the cool stream at the foot of the canyon, following it all the way to its source, allows you to be refreshed and gain perspective from the heat of the desert below; the acoustics of the gorge are incredible, as they can amplify your voice much like a loudspeaker or can sound like something out of a science fiction film.
When you leave the gorge, you will travel through the Tinghir Oasis and see the many palm trees and bushy poplar trees growing there. You will continue through increasingly dry, barren areas and stop in traditional villages such as Tinjdad and Erfoud (which has fossil workshops that produce black, marble-like fossils of long-dead sea life) that will illustrate how the communities adapt to life in a desert environment.
The dunes of Erg Chebbi, located in Morocco, emerge slowly over the horizon as the afternoon continues to build. The dunes are not only the tallest in Morocco but also among the longest in the world at 150 metres tall and 28 km long.
As you prepare for your camel journey from Merzouga to Erg Chebbi, the excitement of climbing onto the camel quickly dissipates when you witness how gently and rhythmically they sway back and forth. The modern world fades away as you set out on your adventure on the dunes. Silence is only interrupted by the soft padding of camels walking on the sand and the occasional grunt made by the camels as you walk along. Your guides will take you along the routes that allow you to see the most beautiful views while riding through the dunes, including taking sunset photos from some of the highest dunes, where you will see all of the colours of the sunset reflect off the sand, creating an artist’s palette filled with gold, copper, rose and red colours.
As the day draws to a close and your desert camp is coming into view, you are greeted by a serving of traditional mint tea. Unlike the way that most people think of “camping,” this facility offers excellent sleeping arrangements in private tents that feature comfortable beds; the luxury tents will also contain en-suite bath facilities that provide hot showers for guests.
After settling into your new surroundings, dinner is served under the stars with the appearance of the Berber musicians arriving at that time with traditional drums and other instruments. The sound of the Berber musicians playing their rhythm will greet you while you lie on the sand underneath the stars, looking at the sky with the impossibly beautiful Milky Way stretching across the sky. It is easy to see why so many travellers have visited this part of the world for centuries.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert → Rissani → Draa Valley → Ouarzazate
Distance: Approximately 367-370 km,
Driving Time: 5 hours (excluding stops)
Camel Trek:1 hour at sunrise (optional)
Overnight: Ouarzazate (Riad or Kasbah)
For those who wake up very early, the Sahara has one of nature’s most astonishing gifts: sunrises behind the dunes. The early morning light completely alters the landscape from minute to minute, unveiling textures and shadows not found at other times of the day. Each minute brings forth a colourful change as the dunes go from dark purple to pink to bright yellow. Photographers dream of this time period called golden hour since it reveals the desert’s most private beauty.
After eating breakfast in the camp, you will return by camel or 4×4 to your guide and continue your travels for today. Instead of travelling instantly back toward Marrakech, this 4 day Sahara tour from Marrakech will take a different route and reveal more about the Moroccan landscape diversity and cultural heritage than ever before.
Rissani is located at the historic capital of the Alaouite Sultans, and is one of the most authentic markets (souk) in all of Morocco. If your tour happens to coincide with market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), you will see the souk at its busiest time with locals buying and selling all types of goods (i.e., livestock, spices, textiles, fresh produce). You will witness how Moroccans conduct their business and daily life in a market environment that is very simple compared to today’s touristy souks. Rissani is significant to history as well, being the place where the current Moroccan Royal Dynasty originated.
After leaving Rissani, we will drive through the Jbel Saghro mountain range and go through small villages such as N’kob, known for having 45 kasbahs, and Tazzarine (another small village). The terrain today will be very different from yesterday’s sandy Saharan dunes—today’s trip includes rocky volcanic formations, sparse vegetation, and an overall remote atmosphere, something which has not been experienced by very many tourists.
By going deeper into the afternoon time period, we will now be entering what is called the Draa Valley, which is the longest river valley in Morocco (the Draa River runs through the valley). From the different panoramic viewpoints, you will see thousands of date palms stretching over 150 km long and representing the green “ribbon” through the otherwise barren desert terrain.
In addition, there will be many ancient kasbahs and fortified villages located throughout the valley, many of which are still occupied today by families who continue to grow crops using old agricultural methods, which date back hundreds of years. Historically, the Draa Valley has long been regarded as a part of a major caravan route between the Sahara Desert and the northern trade centers of Morocco that were supplied by the Draa Valley’s oases for many centuries.
As we continue on to Ouarzazate, we will be traveling through the Anti-Atlas Mountains, which showcase yet another aspect of the geological diversity of Morocco. Along the way, we will see a constantly changing landscape (from palm trees and empty plateaus to distant mountain peaks). After spending the evening in Ouarzazate, you will have time to relax for the night and have dinner, which is a step toward preparing for your return to Marrakech tomorrow.
Day 4: Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech
Distance: Approximately 194-196 km
Driving Time: 4 hours (excluding stops)
Arrival: Marrakech late afternoon/evening
Your last day includes an optional exploration of the Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate if it is allowed by the time frame and your interest in yourself. The Kasbah Taurirt is one of the most spectacular examples of 19th-century architecture in Morocco, once home to one of the most powerful families of the period, the Glaoui family. The stunning architecture, intricately designed tile work, painted ceilings created from cedar trees, and maze-like rooms are just a few examples of how wealthy Moroccans lived during the protectorate period.
After leaving Ouarzazate, you will be able to revisit Ait Ben Haddou for a leisurely visit rather than as rushed as it was on Day 1. The earlier in the day you visit Ait Ben Haddou, the more time you will have to explore the narrow alleyways and to climb to various vantage points to take your pictures from different angles. The light during the early morning hours is much softer than during the afternoon hours. The morning light is not only much cooler, but there are far fewer tourists visiting Ait Ben Haddou.
If you have an interest in historical architecture, there is an opportunity to stop and view the exterior of the Telouet Kasbah. The Telouet Kasbah was once the grand palace of the Glaoui family, but fell into disrepair following the fall of the family from political power. Although the interior of the Telouet Kasbah is currently closed due to damage caused by an earthquake, the exterior and surrounding mountain landscape are still magnificent. The mountains of the Telouet Kasbah, which were once a strategic advantage, have now added an aura of mystery to the decay of the kasbah itself.
Your 4 days Marrakech Merzouga desert tour, last leg takes you back across the High Atlas Mountains on Tizi N’Tichka Pass. Seeing the High Atlas Mountains from a different perspective – Sunrise or Sunset, for example – opens new views and reveals new features. As you climb down from the final mountains back into Marrakech, you will notice that you are now in a much greener, more populated area. Vendors on the way home will be selling local products – honey, Argan Oils, and beautifully handcrafted pots to provide you with additional chances to purchase authentic Moroccan goods.
As you drive into Marrakech in the evening, you will see the red walls and minarets dotted along the hills, indicating that you have returned to urban life. You will be dropped off at your accommodation in Marrakech, which has completed approximately 1400km circular trip through Morocco, revealing every aspect of the Moroccan landscape from Mountain ranges to Desert valleys, Ancient Architecture to Natural Wonders, and ultimately, showcasing the incredible warmth and welcoming nature of the people of Morocco, which will be remembered for a long time to come.
Inclusive and Exclusive Details
Price Includes
- Pick-up and drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation (hotel, riad, or designated location)
- Private modern A/C vehicle (4x4, van, or minibus based on group size)
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide with extensive local knowledge
- 3 nights accommodation: Dades Valley hotel/riad, Merzouga Desert Camp, Ouarzazate riad/kasbah
- 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners (Half board at all overnight locations)
- Vegetarian and vegan meal options available with advance notice
- Camel trekking experience: Sunset and sunrise rides through Erg Chebbi dunes
- Alternative 4x4 transfer to/from camp if you prefer not to ride camels
- Sandboarding in the dunes (equipment provided free of charge)
- All fuel, tolls, parking fees, and taxes
Price Excludes
- Lunch meals throughout the four-day tour (allows flexibility for personal preferences and budgets)
- Drinks and beverages including bottled water, soft drinks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages
- Entrance fees to monuments where applicable
- Optional local guides at certain monuments
- Tips and gratuities for driver/guide, hotel staff, camp personnel (optional but culturally appreciated)
- Personal expenses including souvenirs, additional activities, or shopping
Map of the tour
Accommodation Options and Flexibility
| Luxury Accommodations | Hotel Xaluca Dades | Sahara Majestic Luxury Camp | Berber Palace |
| Mid-range accommodations | Dar Rihana Dades | Les Roches Luxury Desert Camp | Riad Chay & Boutique |
Standard Accommodations) | Auberge Des Jardins du Dades | Bivouac Le petit Prince | Dar Amoudou |
Standard Level (3-Star Western Equivalent)
- Hotel and campsite accommodations that are clean and comfortable, in a traditionally decorated
- Moroccan manner with private amenities
- Example Accommodations: Hotel Babylon Dades, Les Roches Luxury Camps
- The best way to ensure your standards of quality are met while offering exceptional pricing.
Medium/Superior Level (4-Star Western Equivalent)
- Enhanced amenities and superior locations with
- larger rooms and better quality beds
- Example Accommodations: Grand Canyon Lodge Dades, Les Roches Luxury Camp
- A good balance between comfort and your investment.
Luxury/Deluxe Level (5-Star Western Equivalent)
- The highest quality properties with the best services
- Gourmet Dining and spa facilities were available
- Example Accommodations: Eden Boutique Hotel, Caravanserai Luxury Desert Camp
- The highest level of comfort during your travels.
THE Price OF 4 days desert tour from marrakech
Private Tour Price: €350 – €760 per person (Prices vary based on the group size selected and the type of camp selected).
Price Example: €560 per person minimum for a Mid-range accommodation if there are two or more participants in the tour.
For detailed and customized pricing based on your specific needs, please contact us using the form below. Our team will get back to you promptly with a tailored quote to suit your preferences.
Book Your 4-Day Marrakech Desert Adventure Today
The 4 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga will provide the ideal mix between the in-depth opportunity to explore Morocco, as well as a comfortable pace. It will be different than the rushed two-day options or the expensive investment of a week-long tour since this four-day experience will provide the minimum of the essential experiences related to Morocco’s desert while giving you maximum comfort without making you feel rushed.
Every step of the way from Marrakech’s ancient Medina until four days later when you return home, there will be wonders revealed, mountains, kasbahs, gorges, dunes, and incredible hospitality that make Morocco so memorable. The extended day of this trip allows you to also visit the Draa Valley, spend extra time in the desert, rt and ultimately come home feeling relaxed instead of exhausted.
We offer you two options on how you would like to travel: either a group tour (affordable), where you will have other people to share the journey with, or a private tour to meet all your desires and needs. In either option, you will enjoy a travel experience that is beyond just “tourism” and discover Morocco one amazing view at a time.
Essential Knowledge: Cultural & Logistical Preparation & Packing
Essential Prep. & Packing
Clothes: With Morocco’s varied landscapes, the weather also varies greatly. It can be very hot (30-40 °C) during the day in the desert, but it is usually much cooler in the desert during the night, especially in winter when it could dip to around freezing. You should pack for a variety of temperatures by including:
Shirts with long sleeves. These will keep your skin protected from the sun while also being culturally appropriate.
Trousers/jeans. Wear long pants or jeans on camel rides to prevent the chafing that may result from wearing shorts.
A fleece or thicker/warmer jacket for cooler desert nights.
Sturdy, closed-toe footwear. Wear something comfortable and suitable for walking.
Camel Trekking Pack: A pack to bring on your camel trek may contain the following items: Water, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a torchlight/headlamp to see your way around your tent at night. There will not be any towels at the desert camp, so bring your own.
Your Luggage: While you’re at the desert camp, your main suitcase will remain locked in your transport vehicle (which may be a minibus or 4×4). Therefore, you should prepare a smaller overnight bag with all the necessary items for your stay at the desert camp.
Financial Aspects and Traditions
Cash Only: Moroccans will require cash for all transactions in rural areas, small towns, or outposts in the Sahara where they do not have the ability to use a credit/debit card. While there are ATMs in major cities such as Marrakech and Ouarzazate, they quickly become few and far between when travelling further out into the countryside. It is wise to keep small change available when you want to give someone a tip or make a small purchase.
Respect for Moroccan Culture: As Morocco is predominantly a Muslim country, many people in rural areas still practice more traditional aspects of the religion. Visitors should dress modestly (covering their knees and shoulders) and also ask permission before taking pictures of people, in addition to respecting prayer times. Showing even these small gestures of respect will go a long way and be appreciated by the locals.
Internet Connectivity: In urban areas and hotels/riads, Wi-Fi should be easily found; however, as you get further and further away from major cities (especially in and around the Sahara), it is common to have very limited or no internet connectivity.
Making Custom Changes To Your Tour
A Marrakech desert trip 4 days, can be tailored to your specific interests, physical ability, and speed requirements. If you are not physically able to take a camel ride due to mobility issues, we will arrange for a comfortable 4X4 vehicle transfer to and from your desert camp without charging you any extra fees; you will still get a chance to enjoy a magical stay in a desert camp without having to do the camel trekking part.
Extra activities
We can add additional activities, such as Quad biking in the dunes, sandboarding down steep dunes, Buggy tour, or just spending more time at any particular site or place that fascinates you. When you book your itinerary, let us know what your requirements are, and we will create an itinerary tailored specifically for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are camel rides in the desert painful or hard?
No, camel riding is a slow–paced and is manageable for almost all fitness levels. The ride is usually about 1 hour each way. The way camels walk and sway creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic, motion. If you have a back injury, mobility problems, or simply don‘t want to ride a camel, we can provide a transfer by 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost to you to the camp.
Are there bathrooms in the desert camps?
Yes! The luxury camps used on this tour include private tents with their own restrooms and showers with running water and hot water. You will not have to sacrifice your comfort or privacy while in the remote desert of the Sahara.
Are there showers in the desert camp in Merzouga?
Yes! The luxury camps used on this tour include private tents with their own restrooms and showers with running water and hot water. You will not have to sacrifice your comfort or privacy while in the remote desert of the Sahara.
Can vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions take part in the tour?
How far is the Merzouga desert from Marrakech?
The distance between Marrakech and Merzouga is about 550 (340) to 560 (350) kilometers. The trip to Merzouga is not a simple road trip on a single, unbroken road; there are mountain ranges, Hessian hillsides, and valley systems in between. In fact, while most people think of a straightforward trip from Marrakech to the wonderful Moroccan Sahara Desert at Merzouga, our Marrakech desert trip 4 days divides this journey up into two days and provides for two overnight accommodations (s) on each trip in Merzouga, thereby allowing travelers to experience the sites along the entire journey, rather than just driving through them.
What is the best time of year to go on this tour?
Is this tour appropriate for kids or older adults?
This tour has many options for family visits. The most common element cited as magical was the camel ride or Desert Camping experience. Parents will find the 4 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga an ideal choice for their families because the slower pace of the tour reduces stress associated with extended driving time. Children older than 6 usually enjoy participating in all aspects of the tour, while children 4-5 need adequate access to in-car entertainment for extended periods of driving time.
There is a “skip the camel ride” option. This alternative is recommended for families with very young children or families worried about riding camels safely. The private tour option also allows families maximum flexibility to accommodate their personal requirements (e.g., scheduling of break times, meal time adjustments, and scheduling of activities according to children’s energy levels).
Can we hire quad bikes in Merzouga?
Is sandboarding included in the tour?
Yes! Sandboards are usually available at the desert camp for guests to use at their leisure free of charge. Sandboarding down the steep dunes provides an exhilarating experience and fantastic photo opportunities. Your camp hosts or guide can show you the best dunes for sandboarding and provide basic instruction if you’ve never tried it before. It’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels, though caution is advised on the steepest slopes