More about: 3 Best Day Trips to Merzouga Desert from Marrakech
If you're travelling to Morocco and have at least three days available, one of the most authentic and exciting experiences you can have is a trip from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara. With dunes up to 150 metres high, camel treks, nights under the stars and Berber culture, this adventure is ideal for travellers looking for more than just a conventional trip.
1. 3-day trip to the Merzouga Desert from Marrakech
The 3-day Merzouga desert tour is undoubtedly the most comprehensive and popular. It includes all the essentials to explore the desert in depth without worrying about logistics.
Along the way, you will enjoy a scenic drive through the High Atlas and Draa Valley, stopping at kasbahs, traditional villages and oases.
What you will do on this tour
- Ride a camel at sunset to reach the campsite
- Sleep in a traditional Berber tent or in a luxury bivouac (your choice when booking)
- Listen to local music under a starry sky
- Watching the sunrise from the top of the dunes
- Tasting local cuisine and discovering desert customs
Details of interest
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
- Price from: CAD 151.
- Included: Transport from Marrakech, hotel pick up, accommodation, dinner and breakfast, 2 hours camel ride, local guide.
2. 4x4 excursion to the desert of Merzouga
For those who are looking for a more dynamic experience or want to explore less accessible corners of the desert, the Merzouga desert 4x4 tour offers an action-packed journey of cultural discovery.
What you will do on this tour
In addition to the spectacular views from the vehicle, this tour allows you to:
- Visit the village of Hassi Labied and see its gardens.
- Explore the mines of Mifis, an ancient mining site.
- Meet nomadic families living in traditional tents
- Enjoy a local lunch in the middle of the desert
- Access less touristy areas of Erg Chebbi
Details of interest
- Duration: 2 or 3 days (depending on option)
- Estimated price: From 180 € per person
- Includes: Private 4x4 vehicle, local guide, cultural stops, lunch, accommodation.
3. Express excursion to see the sunset in the desert
If you are short on time, but want to experience the magic of the Sahara, there are express tours from Marrakech that take you to Merzouga to watch the sunset from the dunes.
The experience begins with a camel ride in the late afternoon. As you make your way through the dunes, the landscape changes colour and the silence becomes part of the spectacle. Once you reach a high point, you will have time to take photos, contemplate the horizon and connect with the immensity of the Sahara.
What you will do on this excursion
- Transfer from the arrival point at Merzouga
- Camel ride of about one hour
- Free time to take pictures and enjoy the silence
- Return to the base under the first stars
Details of interest
- Duration: Half day (express tour)
- Estimated price: From 30 € per person
- Included: Camel ride at sunset, local guide, return to the starting point.
How to get to the Merzouga desert in Morocco?
Although you can organise the trip on your own, the most common way is to book an organised tour.
If you decide to do it on your own, you should bear in mind that the Merzouga desert is located close to the town of Merzouga and that getting to this area of Merzouga from Marrakech is not the easiest task. A one-way trip can take up to 12 hours depending on the method used.
Option I: Organised tour from Marrakech
This is the most practical and safest way. It includes transport, intermediate stops, accommodation and guide. My favourite alternative of all. A tour from Marrakech is able to free you from worries and the need to plan. It is the perfect alternative if you are visiting the country for the first time and the ideal choice for tourists who want a hassle-free holiday. The price to pay for this experience starts from 151
Option II: Hire your own transport
Although this alternative requires a little more planning on your part, it is an attractive option, as you can organise your own stops along the way, visit interesting historical sites and spend as much time there as you deem prudent.
Renting a small, simple car in Marrakech will cost you approximately €8 to €10 per day. Consider fuel and tolls as additional costs.
Option III Taking the bus route from Marrakech
Some local companies offer bus services from major Moroccan cities to destinations such as Merzouga. This is an interesting option for those travelling on a budget.
Where will you sleep on your trip to the Merzouga Desert?
If you decide to book your 3 day trip to the Merzouga desert it is the type of accommodation. There are options to suit all tastes:
Standard camps
- Single beds or mattresses on mats
- Shared bathrooms
- Traditional dinner and breakfast
Luxury camping (glamping)
- Double bed with cotton sheets
- Private bathroom and shower
- Wifi, lighting, chill-out area and well kept decoration
What is the best time of year to visit the Merzouga desert?
For my taste, the best time is spring because the temperatures are pleasant, the weather is stable and the desert light at this time is perfect for enjoying and taking spectacular photos. In any case, here is a summary of the pros and cons of travelling to the Merzouga desert depending on the time of year:
- Spring and autumn: ideal weather and cool nights. Perfect for outdoor activities.
- Summer: very hot during the day. Some excursions do not operate in July and August.
- Winter: mild days and cool nights. Good time for those looking for clear skies.
What to do in the Merzouga Desert
Sandboarding
If your trip to Merzouga includes a few hours of leisure, sandboarding is an option. This adventure usually includes professional boards and the necessary safety equipment.
It is not recommended for beginners. If you have previous experience on a surfboard or skateboard, sliding down the dunes is another possibility to enjoy the Sahara Desert that adrenaline junkies will appreciate.
Enjoy a sunrise in the desert
If you decide to spend the night in one of the camps in Erg Chebbi you should prepare yourself for one of the most important events of the experience: the sunrises in the dunes.
At approximately 06:00 hours we campers get up to walk through the dunes and admire how the sun rises over the sand. This is one of the most magnificent spectacles you will ever see in your life.
This spectacle can be combined with a camel ride so you don't have to walk. Many camps, such as the 3-day trip from Marrakech, include a camel ride at sunrise in their list of experiences.
Take pictures at night
Due to the low light pollution in the area , night photography in the desert is truly breathtaking and the clear night skies of Erg Chebbi allow you to count billions of stars. If you are a lover of photography and have good equipment, take advantage of your night in the desert to take night shots of one of the most perfect skies on the planet.
Frequently asked questions about the Merzouga desert tours
What does a desert excursion from Marrakech include?
- Transport by minibus or 4x4
- Camel ride
- Camp accommodation
- Meals (usually dinner and breakfast)
- Local guide
Is it suitable for children or adults?
Yes, most excursions are adapted and safe. Please inform us in advance if you need special arrangements.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes for the day, warm clothes for the evening, sunscreen, sunglasses and closed shoes.
Other desert excursions
For other excursion alternatives to the Moroccan Sahara Desert explore this information.