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Overview:
Duration
2 Days - 1 Night
Departure
08:00 am
Starting Location
Marrakech
Ending Location
Marrakech
Depart from Marrakech in an air-conditioned 4×4 driven by an experienced English-speaking driver. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Drive over the 2,212-metre-high Tizi N’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at panoramic viewpoints such as Taddart and Telouet to take some unforgettable photos.
Explore the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed mud-brick fortress that has been featured in films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Continue to the Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate and the lush rose groves of the Draa Valley.
Arrive in the late afternoon at the Amazigh village of Merzouga, located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Your luggage will be transported by 4×4 to the camp. At 5 pm, you will embark on a one- to one-and-a-half-hour camel trek over rolling dunes up to 150 meters high.
Return to a private desert tent to enjoy a Berber tagine, sweet dates, and mint tea around a campfire accompanied by the sound of traditional drums – a truly unforgettable desert experience.
Day two begins with a silent sunrise over Erg Chebbi, followed by breakfast and a departure through the palm-lined oases of the Ziz Valley. Cross the Azrou cedar forest to spot wild Barbary macaques and enjoy a photo stop in the alpine town of Ifrane. Arrive in Fes in the evening for a hotel or airport transfer.
Why go
Why take a 2 Days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?
Fast-track your Saharan dream in just three days as you travel from Marrakech over the snow-capped Tizi n’Tichka Pass into the heart of the Moroccan desert, a route that winds through ancient kasbahs like the living fortress of Aït Ben Haddou and lush palm oases before arriving at the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy the privacy and comfort of a customized itinerary in an air-conditioned 4×4 with your English-speaking guide, meet Berber hosts in remote villages, and immerse yourself in true desert adventure-saddling camels at sunrise or sunset, camping under the endless sky, and sharing Berber music and cuisine around the campfire.
Tour Highlights
- High Atlas Drive - Wind through the Tizi n'Tichka Pass for breathtaking mountain views and glimpses of Berber villages.
- Aït Benhaddou Kasbah – Visit the UNESCO-listed mud-brick fortress famed as a Hollywood film set
- Dadès Valley - Marvel at the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" carved between rugged peaks and palm groves.
- Todra Gorge - Stand beneath 300m limestone cliffs in one of Morocco's most dramatic gorges.
- Erg Chebbi Camel Trek – Ride across golden Sahara dunes for the quintessential desert experience
- Starry Berber Camp – Sleep under an impossibly clear, star-filled sky in a traditional desert bivouac
Itinerary – 2 Days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Erg Chebbi
Depart your riad in Marrakech at 08:00 am in a private, air-conditioned 4×4 with an experienced English-speaking driver.
Ascend the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,205 m), stopping at panoramic viewpoints for postcard-perfect mountain views.
Descend to the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a red clay fortress famous from Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Continue through Ouarzazate’s Atlas Studios and the fragrant Valley of Roses (Skoura Oasis), where damask roses scent the air each spring.
Next, explore the Todra Gorge, a 300-meter limestone canyon – enjoy a 30-minute hike along the riverbed beneath towering walls. Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Mount your camel for a 1-1.5 hour trek to a high dune crest and watch the Sahara sunset set on the sands.
Return to your desert camp on the edge of the dunes for fresh mint tea, a hearty Berber tagine, and live drumming around the fire under the stars – an authentic taste of Saharan magic.
Day 2: Erg Chebbi → Rissani → Alnif → Nkob → Marrakech
Rise before dawn to witness the Sahara’s awakening – golden dunes glowing in the first light, a moment of serene beauty.
After breakfast at the desert camp, depart for Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region. Explore its vibrant souk, where traditional Moroccan life unfolds amid stalls selling spices, textiles, and local crafts.
Continue to Alnif and Nkob, picturesque villages nestled among palm groves and dramatic landscapes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Berber cuisine while overlooking date orchards and the surrounding oases.
In the afternoon, take a scenic drive back to Marrakech through the varied terrain of the Draa Valley and the High Atlas Mountains. Arrival in the early evening, concluding your unforgettable journey through Morocco’s heartland.
Included in the Tour
- Private transportation with comfortable air-conditioned vehicles and hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Traditional Moroccan breakfast and dinner
- Camel trekking, optional quad biking, and cultural encounters
- 4x4 transfer option available for those who prefer not to ride camels
- Friendly English-speaking local driver and guide
- Overnight stay in a desert camp nestled among the dunes
- Luggage handling during the trip
Not Included
- Any personal purchases or extra activities not part of the tour
- Lunches and beverages are at your own cost
Tour Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Merzouga from Marrakech ?
Merzouga is about 560 km (about 9-10 hours by car), but the scenic stops along the way – including Ait Ben Haddou, the Todra Gorges, and the Atlas Mountains – make the trip unforgettable.
What’s included in the 2-day desert tour ?
The tour includes private transportation, a camel ride, desert camp accommodation, breakfast, dinner, and an English-speaking driver/guide. A 4×4 transfer to the camp is also available if you don’t want to ride camels.
Are meals included during the trip ?
Breakfast and dinner included. Lunch and drinks are not included and can be purchased at stops along the way.
What should I pack for the desert tour ?
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and closed shoes for camel rides. A jacket is also useful for the cooler desert nights.
Can children join the desert tour ?
Yes! Children are welcome. Children under the age of 16 must share a camel with an adult for safety reasons. The trip is family-friendly and provides a memorable experience for all ages.
Where do we sleep in the desert ?
You’ll stay in a cozy, traditional Berber camp in the heart of the dunes, with comfortable bedding and basic amenities – perfect for a magical night under the stars.
Is this tour private or shared ?
Our 2-day tour is private, meaning it’s just you and your group – traveling in your preferred vehicle with personal attention from your driver/guide.
When is the best time to visit Marrakech to Merzouga?
Our 2-day tour is private, meaning it’s just you and your group – traveling in your preferred vehicle with personal attention from your driver/guide.
Tour map
Good to Know
- Please let us know of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can arrange meals accordingly.
- We select trusted local restaurants for fresh, quality food. Special requests? Just ask your guide.
- Long drives are involved. If you're motion-sensitive, this tour may not be ideal for you.
- Have more time? Consider our 3, 4 or 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga tours for a better Sahara experience.
- This tour can end in Fez or start in Fez and end in Marrakech- your choice.
- Drive times do not include stops for photos, meals, or sightseeing.
- Tour price depends on group size and accommodation level.
- Entrance fees and local guides (if required) are not included.
- Pick-up times may vary depending on season and availability.
Booking
Ready for an unforgettable trip ? Book now and pay later with ease! If you don’t hear from us soon, please feel free to contact us on WhatsApp at +212 674 667 431 we’re always here to help make your dream trip a reality.
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Important Note: Customize Your Tour
Please note that 2 Days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is merely a suggestion; if it does not align with your preferences, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to customize a special itinerary for you across Morocco. The cost is dependent on the number of travelers and the type of accommodation selected. The cost per person is reduced as the number of travelers increases.
Feel free to contact us anytime