Marrakech: 3-Day Desert Trip to Merzouga with Luxury Camp

This 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga offers a chance to see some of Morocco’s most captivating landscapes, from the High Atlas Mountains to the sprawling Sahara dunes. While we haven’t been on this exact trip ourselves, reviews suggest it delivers a well-balanced blend of adventure, comfort, and cultural discovery.

What really makes this experience shine is the opportunity to visit iconic sites like Ksar Aït Benhaddou and Tinghir Oasis, with knowledgeable guides making the history come alive. The camel treks at sunrise and sunset give you a chance to connect with the desert landscape in a truly authentic way, often highlighted as a highlight by travelers. Plus, spending a night in a luxury desert camp provides a memorable and comfortable way to experience the Sahara. However, be aware that the journey is long and the second hotel stay has received some mixed reviews regarding comfort.

This trip is ideal for those craving a mix of natural beauty, culture, and unique adventure — especially if you’re looking for a guided experience with reliable logistics. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see Morocco’s highlights without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

Key Points

• Authentic desert experience with camel treks at sunrise and sunset
• Visiting iconic sites like Aït Benhaddou and Todra Gorges
• Comfortable accommodations, including a luxury desert camp
• Well-organized logistics with transportation, meals, and entry tickets included
• Knowledgeable guides enhancing sightseeing with local insights
• Long but scenic journey with stops at interesting points along the way

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Moroccan Landscape

This tour is built around the awe-inspiring scenery that Morocco offers, from the towering peaks of the High Atlas Mountains to the sweeping dunes of the Erg Chebbi desert. We loved the way the itinerary balances scenic drives with stops at historic and natural sites—each one adding a layer of understanding to Moroccan culture and geography.

The trip kicks off with a pickup in Marrakech, giving you a smooth start. Once on the road, you’ll climb the Tizi n Tichka pass, which travelers describe as a stunning viewpoint, perfect for snapping photos. This mountain route is a highlight and sets the tone for the journey ahead. A pause here offers an excellent chance to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Atlas range.

Visiting Historic and Natural Highlights

Next, the tour takes you to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar famous for its kasbahs and as a filming location for movies like Game of Thrones. Visitors mention that the two-hour walk through the ancient fortified village is a captivating step back in time, with some reviews noting that the entry ticket is included.

In Ouarzazate, the optional visit to Kasbah Taourirt adds another layer of history, if you’re keen to explore more of Morocco’s film industry and architecture. Afterward, the journey continues to Boumalne Dades, where you’ll spend the night in a local hotel. The scenery along this route is described as vivid, with lush oases giving way to dramatic mountain vistas.

The second day combines cultural exploration with natural beauty. The highlight is surely the Tinghir Oasis and Todra Gorges. Travelers loved the guided tour through these areas, noting the towering cliffs and the serenity of the oasis as unforgettable. A quick 15-minute stop at the gorges allows you to appreciate the scale and raw beauty, often described as awe-inspiring.

Desert Adventure: Camel Trek and Camp

Arriving in Merzouga, the highlight is the camel ride through the dunes at sunset. Many reviews detail how the experience feels more authentic with guides helping you navigate the dunes — some even mention sandboarding as an exciting optional activity. The camels are well-behaved, and the trek usually lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to soak in the desert landscape without feeling rushed.

Spending the night at a luxury desert camp is a major selling point; reviewers describe it as surprisingly comfortable considering the remote setting. The camp often features traditional Berber music, a firepit, and an opportunity to stargaze away from city lights. However, some mention that the camp accommodations can vary in quality—one reviewer pointed out that their tent lacked air conditioning and had a small mouse inside, so if comfort is a priority, consider requesting an upgraded tent.

The Return Journey and Final Highlights

The next morning, you’ll wake early for a sunrise camel ride—a breathtaking way to start the day, with many travelers saying it was the most memorable part of the trip. After breakfast, a stop in Kelâat M’Gouna for lunch offers a taste of local Moroccan cuisine and a chance to relax before heading back to Marrakech.

The return journey is long but scenic, with stops at various points of interest. Some reviews mention the importance of staying hydrated and bringing entertainment like music or books, given the lengthy hours on the road. The group size typically ranges from 8 to 17 people, making it a manageable and friendly experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transportation, Accommodation, and Value

Transportation is provided via roundtrip minibus—most travelers find it comfortable enough, even on the long stretches. The hotel in Boumalne Dades is a one-night stay, with some reviews noting it’s functional but not luxurious. The desert camp, however, generally receives praise for its cleanliness and authentic atmosphere.

The inclusion of meals, entry tickets, and guided tours means you’re paying for a hassle-free experience, which many reviewers feel offers solid value, especially considering the highlights covered. Sandboarding is available as an optional extra, and some travelers recommend bringing extra cash if you want to try it.

Authentic Experiences and Guides

Guides like Mustapha, Azzedine, and Mohammed get frequent mentions for their friendliness, expertise, and multilingual skills. Reviewers describe guides as attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to share local stories. Many mention that guides helped make the experience safe and enjoyable, answering questions and sharing cultural insights.

Travelers also appreciate how the guides facilitate authentic moments—like the desert camp fire, traditional music, and the opportunity to play instruments. These elements create a more immersive experience, making the trip not just sightseeing but a cultural exchange.

Practical Tips for the Trip

• Bring a passport or ID for entry into sites.
• Pack a sun hat and sunscreen — Morocco’s sun can be intense, especially in the desert.
• You can purchase lunch during stops; bringing snacks is a good idea.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 70 due to the long travel times and terrain.
• Consider requesting an upgraded tent if you prefer more comfort during the overnight stay.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal if you’re after a balanced mix of natural scenery, cultural sights, and desert adventure. It offers a good value for those who want guided logistics, authentic experiences, and a touch of luxury at the camp. Travelers who enjoyed the trip describe it as a profound and memorable journey that captures Morocco’s diverse landscape.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking luxury hotel stays or those prone to motion sickness, given the long drives and sometimes bumpy roads. Also, because of the physical activity involved, it’s better suited for those in reasonably good health.

The Sum Up

This 3-day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga provides a well-rounded Moroccan adventure, combining iconic sights, culture, and desert magic. The guided approach ensures you see the highlights without the stress of planning, and the camel treks and camp stay promise authentic moments that many travelers cherish.

For those who want a good mix of scenic beauty, cultural insights, and adventure — all at a reasonable price — this tour offers a remarkable experience. The guides’ warmth and knowledge, along with the stunning landscapes, make it a trip worth considering for your Moroccan itinerary.

If you’re after a trip that balances comfort and authenticity, and you’re okay with the long travel hours, this is a solid choice. Just remember to pack your patience and a sense of adventure—you’ll leave with stories and memories to last a lifetime.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip minibus transportation is included, with pickup and drop-off from Marrakech.

What are the accommodations like?
You’ll stay in a hotel in Boumalne Dades and a luxury camp in Merzouga. Some reviews mention the hotel as functional but not luxurious, while the desert camp is generally praised for its cleanliness and atmosphere.

Are meals included?
Most breakfasts and dinners are included, with stops for lunch where you can purchase your own. A few reviews note the importance of extra cash for optional activities like sandboarding or additional meals.

How long are the camel rides?
Camel treks are typically about an hour each, with a sunrise ride and a sunset ride. Many reviewers loved these moments for their authentic feel.

Is sandboarding available?
Yes, as an optional activity, usually costing around 10 euros. Some reviews recommend trying it for a fun desert activity.

What sites will we visit?
Notable stops include Tizi n Tichka pass, Aït Benhaddou, Kasbah Taourirt, Tinghir Oasis, and Todra Gorges.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 70 due to travel duration and terrain.

How physically demanding is the trip?
It involves some walking at sites and camel rides, but it’s generally manageable for most healthy travelers.

What should I bring?
Passport or ID, sun protection, comfortable clothing, and extra cash for optional purchases.

Would I recommend this trip?
Based on reviews, yes—many describe it as unforgettable, well-organized, and great value. Just go prepared for the long journey and embrace the adventure!

You can check availability for your dates here: