★★★★★
Called it unforgettable and praised the guide for his knowledge, his explanations of the desert’s history and his sense of humor.
Andrea, Czech Republic · Oct 18, 2026
The setting
Dunes, kasbahs and a night in a Berber desert camp
The Sahara at sunset and sunrise
Ride a camel at sunset, spend the night in the desert and ride back at sunrise, with the Erg Chebbi dunes around you.
Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
On day 1 you visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been a filming location, and explore Ouarzazate.
The Atlas Mountains and Todra Gorges
The route crosses the Atlas Mountains on day 1 and takes you to the Todra Gorges on day 2.
A night in a Berber desert camp
You choose between a private or shared tour, with standard or luxury camping. Berber drumming and music are listed as included.
The tour, step by step
Day by day, from Marrakech to the dunes and back
This is the order of the itinerary as listed. The page notes that itineraries are for reference only and subject to change. Exact pickup time and place are sent by WhatsApp and GetYourGuide chat the evening before, between 5 and 6 PM.
- Day 1
Pickup and the Atlas Mountains
Pickup at your hotel or riad in Marrakech, then a drive toward the Atlas Mountains.
- Day 1
Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site used as a filming location, then explore Ouarzazate, also a film-making location.
- Day 1
Overnight in the Dades area
Spend the night at a hotel in Kelaat Mgouna – Boumaln Dades.
- Day 2
Todra Gorges
Experience the Todra Gorges before reaching the Sahara Desert.
- Day 2
Camel ride and sandboarding
Try sandboarding (if available) and ride a camel to watch the sunset over the dunes.
- Day 2
Night in the Berber camp
Spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp in Erg Chebbi.
- Day 3
Sunrise and return
Wake early for the sunrise and ride your camel back to the village. After breakfast, return to Marrakech for drop-off at your hotel or riad, around 8:00 PM depending on traffic.
Photos
Dunes, kasbahs and camels
Photos of the Merzouga and Sahara tour from Marrakech. Click a photo to enlarge it.
What’s included
What the listing includes
These items come from the “Includes” list on the GetYourGuide page. Details depend on the option you choose: private or shared, standard or luxury camp.
Pickup and drop-off
Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver-guide and onboard Wi-Fi.
Two nights of accommodation
One night in an air-conditioned room or suite with a private bathroom, and one night at your chosen desert camp in Erg Chebbi, depending on the option selected.
Breakfasts and dinners
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available. Tell your driver on the first morning, no advance email needed.
Camel rides or 4x4 transfer
Listed as “Camel rides or 4x4 transfer”. The itinerary describes camel rides at sunset and sunrise.
Sandboarding
Listed as included. The itinerary says it is offered “if available”.
Luggage service
Large suitcases stay in the vehicle. Pack a small backpack for the desert night, because camels cannot carry large luggage.
Berber drumming and music
Listed as included. The page gives no further details.
Atlas Studios, Ouarzazate
An inside visit is included in the Private Premium tour only. Shared Standard and Shared Luxury include an outside photo stop only.
Lunch, drinks, tips and local guide
These appear at the end of the list: lunch and drinks, tips, and a local guide at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (€2 per person). The page also says to bring cash for lunches (about €10–13 per meal), drinks and tips, so plan to pay for them yourself and confirm on the booking page.
Check the final inclusions and any extra costs on the booking page before you pay.
Guest reviews
What recent guests say
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 23,820 reviews on GetYourGuide: guide 4.9, transportation 4.8, value for money 4.9. Summaries of recent verified reviews:
★★★★★
Loved the sunset over the desert and the stars at night. Found the road long and tiring but worth it, and the food on the way okay. Recommended the luxury camp, with a private bath and hot water.
Aslı Deniz, Turkey · Oct 17, 2026
★★★★★
Called it a great trip. Found the long hours in a full minibus tiring, but said the camel ride in the dunes was worth it, and felt safe with the driver on the winding Atlas roads.
Joe, United Kingdom · Oct 17, 2026
★★★★★
Called the trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with a friendly driver, a fun group and clean bathrooms in the shared option.
Tiffany, United Kingdom · Oct 16, 2026
These are four selected 5-star reviews, not every review. The overall rating across all reviews is 4.9 out of 5.
Book a date
The Marrakech to Merzouga tour on GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide shows available dates and starting times for your group, and you book directly on its pages.
From Marrakech: 3-Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour
A 3-day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga with hotel or riad pickup, a night in a hotel and a night in a Berber desert camp, camel rides and sandboarding, run by MOROCCO TRIP. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Before you go
Practical tips for your trip
What to bring
Comfortable closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a jacket, breathable clothing, a camera, cash, and your passport or ID (a copy is accepted).
Winter nights
From November to February, desert nights can be 0–5°C. Standard tents have blankets but no heating. Luxury tents have heating.
Luggage
Large suitcases stay securely in the vehicle. Pack a small backpack for the desert night.
Cash
Bring euros or dirhams for lunches (about €10–13 per meal), drinks and tips. There are no ATMs in the desert.
Pickup and WhatsApp
The exact time and place are sent by WhatsApp and GetYourGuide chat the evening before, between 5 and 6 PM. Provide a working WhatsApp number.
Return and flights
Return to Marrakech on day 3 is around 8:00 PM, depending on traffic, and the arrival time is not guaranteed. If you have a flight, allow extra time for delays, airport transfers and check-in.
More Marrakech guides
Keep planning your trip
FAQ
Questions travelers ask before the tour
How long is the Marrakech to Merzouga tour?
It lasts 3 days, with a hotel night on day 1 and a night in a Berber desert camp on day 2. Check availability on GetYourGuide to see the starting times.
What is the route?
Day 1: Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and a night in Kelaat Mgouna – Boumaln Dades. Day 2: Todra Gorges, the Sahara, a camel ride at sunset and a night in a Berber camp in Erg Chebbi. Day 3: a sunrise camel ride, breakfast and the return to Marrakech.
What time do we get back to Marrakech?
Return on day 3 is around 8:00 PM, depending on traffic and road conditions, and the arrival time is not guaranteed. If you have a flight, allow extra time.
How does the pickup work?
Pickup at your hotel or riad is included. The exact time and place are sent by WhatsApp and GetYourGuide chat the evening before, between 5 and 6 PM, so check your messages before contacting support.
What is included?
The listing includes pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, a driver-guide, onboard Wi-Fi, two nights of accommodation, breakfasts and dinners, camel rides or a 4x4 transfer, sandboarding, luggage service and Berber drumming and music. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available: tell your driver on the first morning.
Are lunch and drinks included?
The inclusions list shows “Lunch and drinks” near the end, but the page also says to bring cash for lunches (about €10–13 per meal), drinks and tips. Confirm lunch and drinks on the booking page before you pay.
What are the desert camps like, and is it cold?
You choose between a private or shared tour, with standard or luxury camping. From November to February, desert nights can be 0–5°C: standard tents have blankets but no heating, and luxury tents have heating. One recent guest said the luxury camp had a private bath and hot water.
Which languages does the guide speak?
The live tour guide is listed in Arabic, French, English and Spanish. Choose your language when you check availability.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Always review the final conditions at checkout.
Can I book a private group?
Yes, a private group option is listed. You can choose between a private or shared tour. Check availability on GetYourGuide to see the options.
Three days from Marrakech to the Sahara dunes, with a night under the stars in a Berber camp.
Book your Merzouga tour ↗The price on GetYourGuide is dynamic and depends on your date, group and the option you choose.