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Shared 3 days Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Price :
Duration :
Take a Shared 3 days Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and explore the real Morocco. Enjoy breathtaking scenery ranging from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains to the color-changing sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Visit kasbahs and Berber settlements fortified with mud bricks. Explore the lush green oases and limestone canyons. The moment you sit on the back of your camel and watch the sunset on your way to your Berber tent, you will realize that this Sahara desert trip is really worth it.
Experience
Highlights :
Traverse the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi N’tichka pass
Spend time in the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and explore the Berber village
Take a promenade along the stream in Todra oasis to the majestic gorges
Sit in the back of your camel and enjoy the views of Erg Chebbi with its dramatic sunset
Enjoy a Berber dinner under the stars and spend the night at your Merzouga desert camp
Full description
Day 1 : Marrakech – Atlas mountains – Kasbah Aait Ben Haddou – Dades valley
Your 3 days Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga will start early in the morning with a drive east from Marrakech through small suburban towns to the High Atlas Mountains. A few stops will be made to take photos, enjoy the scenery, stretch your legs and drink a cup of coffee.
Ride winding roads to the famous Tizi Ntichka Pass before reaching Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, the first major stop today for sightseeing. The fortified Berber village of Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known for the great Hollywood epics, to name just a few films that used the village for filming: Kingdom of Heaven, Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Cross the river separating the Kasbah from the main road and explore the village at your leisure. If you want to hire a local guide, they are available on site.
After free lunch in one of the local cafes, continue to the Dades Valley, passing Ouarzazate, the oasis of Skoura, Klaa Mgouna, the capital of the Valley of Roses, and famous for its artisanal distillation factories of rose water.
Upon arrival in Boumalne Dades, follow the Dades River on a small road passing through various fortified Kasbahs located on the side of the road leading to the Dades Canyons. You will arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at your Dades hotel.
Day 2 : Boumalne Dades valley–Tinghir – Todgha gorge – Merzouga.
After breakfast at your hotel in the Dades Valley, our journey today will begin with a drive along the 1001 Kasbahs road to the Tighir oasis, where we will detour to a secondary road along the river to Todgha, where it will stop. for a Walk through the oasis under the shade of palm trees and continue to Todgha Gorges.
After some free time to enjoy the immensity of the huge cliffs, and have lunch in a local cafe (at free time), we continue early in the afternoon to Rissani, famous for its date market, and being a starting point of the old trade. caravans crossing the Sahara desert to Tomboctou. After a quick stop, we will continue to Merzouga driving through a rocky desert landscape.
After that, you will continue to the captivating dunes of Erg Chebbi, these dunes are also called Merzouga Dunes. Arrive to the dunes and get ready for a camel ride about one an hour and a half in order to get to your Camp tents during the trek you will take a break in the middle of the dunes to watch the sunset, try the sand-boarding if that’s An activity you’re interested in, take photos and enjoy the scenery … after the sun goes down you will continue to the camp where you will be welcomed with a glass of mint tea, dinner, campfire, music party, and Overnight stay at Desert Camping.
Day 3 : Merzouga – Ouarzazate – Atlas mountains- Marrakech.
Today after enjoying the amazing sunrise among the sand dunes and having shower & breakfast at the camp.
Our driver will pick you up from there. Then we’ll travel back to Marrakech driving through the arid pre-deserted area where we´ll see acacia typical trees of this landscape. On the way to the Draa valley, we´ll make some stops to admire the beautiful views of the Valley river. It’s the longest one in Morocco. Our 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga continues towards Ouarzazate crossing the Anti Atlas. We’ll have some free time for lunch in the city and in the afternoon we continue our journey to Marrakech arrival in the late afternoon/evening about 19h00.
End of 3 days Sahara Desert tour.
Includes
- Transport air-conditioned van or minibus deluxe and fuel (no more than 17 passengers)
- Pick-up from and drop-off at your riad or hotel in Marrakech
- Experienced local English, French, Spanish or Italian-speaking Berber, and nomad driver/guide
- First night in Dades Valley hotel including dinner and breakfast (vegetarian and vegan options are available)
- Overnight at Luxury or Standard desert camp with dinner & breakfast. toilet and shower, lamps, traditional Moroccan handmade furnishings, and plenty of space (vegetarian and vegan options are available)
- Enjoy a delightful camel ride for approximately an hour and a half, accompanied by a friendly guide!
- Sand-boarding if that’s An activity you’re interested in (ask the camp staff)
- Option to go to and return from the camp by 4×4
Luggage service to the camp and all accommodation - Berber drumming and music
- Free time to explore the sites such as Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley, Todgha gorges, for walks, photos, and tea/coffee breaks
- The opportunity to ask the driver to stop when and where you wish
Tea, coffee, and mineral water in the desert - No forced shopping.
- No hidden costs.
Excludes
- Lunch.
- Optional local guide Ait Ben Hadou 3 Euros (it’s easy to walk it).
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
Important information
To know before you go :
- The confirmation will be received via email in the time of booking.
- We require a deposit of the total price to secure your places, hotel, camp, and camel ride, while the balance is in cash to our driver guide.
- This tour is perfect for easy-going travelers and students.
- Your luggage is welcome on this Marrakech to Merzouga trip. It will be safely stored at the van while camping in the desert
- Please make sure you prepare a small backpack / rucksack for the camel ride and overnight in the camp
- Please bring your own bathroom condiments and towel for the camp
- Warm blankets are supplied during the winter. However, warm sleeping clothes are necessary as temperatures can reach 0°C
- Hat, sunglasses, good walking shoes and wet napping are of good use during this tour
- Please wear jeans, trousers or long shorts for the camel ride to have a comfortable trek in Erg Chebbi dunes.
- If you wish to experience sand boarding in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, there are a few sand boards in the lodge to take with you to the camp. Just ask for it and if available, you will be given one
Questions & Answers
How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?
Marrakech to Merzouga is 564 km, the first night you will sleep in Dades valley and reach Merzouga on the second day. Day 3 you will spend driving back to Marrakech.
Is the room private in the first night?
A shared triple or quadruple room is included in the tour price. For a private room, please choose an upgrade (costs just 10 Euros per person).
Is there a private bathroom in Dades Valley hotel first night?
Both shared and private rooms at the hotel have private bathrooms.
Can we bring our luggage on this tour?
Yes, you can bring your luggage with you, it can stay safe in the 4×4 or minivan.
Is the tent in Merzouga camp private?
No, it is not. If you wish to have a private tent, an extra upgrade fee of 10 Euros per person will apply at the time of booking. If not, you will have a quadruple room ( with same-sex guests ).
Can we upgrade to a luxury camp?
Yes for an extra of 60 Euros.
What is the difference between standard and luxury camp?
The Luxury White Camp offers extra comforts like a 4×4 car for dune rides, private dining, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, towels, toiletries, electricity, wifi, and a hearty 4-course dinner with a big breakfast. On the other hand, the Standard camp is simpler, with communal showers and toilets outside your tent. You’ll need to bring your towels and toiletries, and there’s a shared meal for everyone at dinner and breakfast.
These differences cater to varying preferences and budgets, allowing travelers to choose an accommodation option that aligns with their desired level of comfort and luxury while experiencing the unique beauty of Merzouga.
What do we need to pack for camel ride?
For the camel ride, we recommend wearing jeans or long trousers. Please prepare a small backpack with and your personal belongings. Do not forget sunglasses, a scarf, a hat, and your bottle of water. the other luggage would be dropped by your driver in your tent during your camel ride.
How cold is it during the night in the desert?
In winter it gets quite cold at night in the desert (temperatures can drop to around 0). You will be provided with warm blankets, but we would advise bringing warm clothes for sleeping.
Is the pick up inclueded?
Yes our driver will pick up you in your hotel/riad at no extra charge cost.
How long is the camel ride in Merzouga dunes?
The camel trek lasts for about 1 hour, depending on the season, daylight, etc.
Is there an opportunity to try sandboarding?
There will be a few sand boards available at the luxury camp operator’s lodge to use at leisure. You can ask for one to take to the camp with you. They are free.
Should we bring our towels?
Yes please, along with your shower condiments, (but if you booked luxury camp no needs).
Can we hire a quad bike in Merzouga desert?
Yes once you arrive there earlier, you can pay directly to the supplier.
Is the shared Marrakech to Merzouga 3 days tour price fixed?
The tour price is fixed no matter how many people join the tour.
Is it possible to continue to Fes instead of returning to Marrakech?
We have a special desert tour that goes to Fes, please check the 3 days of Marrakech to Fes desert tour.
How to book this trip?
Quickly via WhatsApp (Check your date now) 🙂
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