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3-Day Tour: Marrakech to Merzouga by Way of Dadès Valley plus Erg Chebbi Camel Trek
Badge of ExcellenceMarrakech, Morocco
From $108.50
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
Marrakech Tours
Attractions
Recommendations
- 3 days (approx.)
- Hotel pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Escape the busy streets of Marrakech’s Medina for the stark beauty of the desert during this 3-day excursion to Mezrouga and Erg Chebbi. Cross through the Atlas Mountains via the stunning Tizi-n-Tichka pass, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aït Benhaddou kashbah and visit the desert oasis at Skoura. Then discover the Todra Gorge and the sacred city of Rissani before spending the night amidst the stark beauty of the Sahara Desert. This 3-day, 2-night excursion also includes a driver (who also serves as guide), 2 nights of accommodation (one at a desert camp), camel trek, meals as per the itinerary, round-trip air-conditioned transport from your hotel.
- Traverse the High Atlas Mountains via the magnificent Tizi-n-Tichka pass
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou kasbah with a guide
- Take a camel trek from Merzouga to Erg Chebbi and enjoy dinner under the stars at a Berber desert camp
- Tour includes some meals and round-trip travel from Marrakech
What's Included
- Overnight accommodation in Tinghir city
- Camel trekking
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (hotels inside marrakech only)
- Breakfast (2)
- Dinner (2)
- Lunch
- Local guides
Departure & Return
Departure Point
Possible departure locations
View departure locations
Departure Time
7:00 AM
Please Note
Departure Point: Your hotel or riad in central Marrakech. If you are staying inside the Medina, your pickup will be at the closest point accessible to vehicles. Directions: Hotel pickup is available from hotels and riads located in central Marrakech. Please be sure to advise your hotel details at the time of reconfirmation to arrange your pickup time. If your riad is inside the Medina, you will be asked to make your way to the nearest place accessible to vehicles, which may involve a short walk. Dates: Monday,Tuesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday Return point: Returns to original departure point or Djemaa El Fna
What To Expect
Trade the bustling city of Marrakech for the solitude of the desert during this 3-day, 2-night excursion to Mezrouga and Erg Chebbi, Over the course of your journey you’ll get an up-close-personal experience in the desert, including a chance to visit a desert oasis, explore a UNESCO World Heritage site and spend the night under the stars at a camp in the Sahara Desert.
Start the first day with a pickup from your Marrakech accommodation, continuing into the Atlas Mountains as you pass Berber villages and cross the Tizi-n-Tichka pass. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aït Benhaddou kashbah, a historic meeting place and trading site, and check out the desert oasis at Skoura before spending the night in Bourmaine du Dadès.
On day two travel the “Road of 1,000 Kashbahs” to the Todra Gorge, stopping at the holy city of Rissani in the afternoon. Then climb aboard a camel for an unforgettable ride in the late afternoon sun toward Erg Chebbi and your evening camping accommodations in the desert. Spend the evening enjoying dinner and serenades of traditional music from local nomads under the stars. On day three you’ll ride your camel back to Mezrouga, heading back through the High Atlas Mountains to your Marrakech accommodations to finish the trip.
Start the first day with a pickup from your Marrakech accommodation, continuing into the Atlas Mountains as you pass Berber villages and cross the Tizi-n-Tichka pass. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aït Benhaddou kashbah, a historic meeting place and trading site, and check out the desert oasis at Skoura before spending the night in Bourmaine du Dadès.
On day two travel the “Road of 1,000 Kashbahs” to the Todra Gorge, stopping at the holy city of Rissani in the afternoon. Then climb aboard a camel for an unforgettable ride in the late afternoon sun toward Erg Chebbi and your evening camping accommodations in the desert. Spend the evening enjoying dinner and serenades of traditional music from local nomads under the stars. On day three you’ll ride your camel back to Mezrouga, heading back through the High Atlas Mountains to your Marrakech accommodations to finish the trip.
Day 1
Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Tinghir
1 Stop
1
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
Following a morning pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech, head deep into the High Atlas Mountains in your air-conditioned minivan to begin your tour. Travel along the Tizi-n-Tichka pass and past rural Berber villages, where local shepherds herd their flocks the way they have for thousands of years.
First, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou kasbah, where locals and travelers alike have met to socialize and trade down the centuries. Soak up the atmosphere at your leisure, then head onward with your guide to Ouarzazate for lunch in a local cafe (own expense).
In the afternoon, head onward with your guide to the oasis at Skoura. Pause to admire the lush, green palm trees rising like a mirage in the dry desert, then continue on along the Dadès River through deep gorges, where the ruins of ancient kasbahs lie among traditional Berber villages.
Arrive in tinghir in the evening, where your dinner and accommodation await.
Overnight: Hôtel bougafer tinghir
5 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: bougafer hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Tinghir – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
1 Stop
1
Merzouga Desert
After breakfast at your hotel, hop back aboard your minivan and travel out along the famous ‘Road of 1000 Kasbahs’ to nearby Tinghir. Stroll through the oasis to the mighty Todra Gorge, where a deep crevasse in the orange limestone provides spectacular views, then sit down to lunch at your leisure (own expense) in one of the local cafes.
In the afternoon, visit the holy town of Rissani — birthplace of Morocco’s ruling royal family and the age-old capital of the Tafilalt region. Continue on to Merzouga, a small village sitting on the borders of the Sahara Desert. Meet your camel caravan and, with the sun slowly moving across the afternoon sky, set off toward Erg Chebbi and your camp in the heart of the desert.
With traditional music from local nomads to entertain you, enjoy dinner and an evening under the stars before retiring to bed.
Overnight: campsite in the Sahara Desert
6 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Auberge sahara desert camp
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Day 3
Erg Chebbi – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
1 Stop
1
High Atlas Mountains
Following an early-morning stroll before breakfast to enjoy sunrise among the sand dunes (optional), ride your camel back to Merzouga and meet your driver for the start of your return journey to Marrakech.
Stop for lunch in Ouarzazate (own expense), then head onward through the spectacular scenery of the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive back at your Marrakech accommodation in the mid-evening to conclude your tour.
9 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for child under 6 years old
- Good walking shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended
- It can be cold at night and in the winter so please bring appropriate clothing.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Operated by Ando Travel SARL
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
about cancellations
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during 3-Day Tour: Marrakech to Merzouga by Way of Dadès Valley plus Erg Chebbi Camel Trek?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
Q:What is the policy on sanitization during 3-Day Tour: Marrakech to Merzouga by Way of Dadès Valley plus Erg Chebbi Camel Trek?
A:The policies on sanitization are:
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Q:What is the social distancing policy during 3-Day Tour: Marrakech to Merzouga by Way of Dadès Valley plus Erg Chebbi Camel Trek?
A:The policies on social distancing are:
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Q:What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during 3-Day Tour: Marrakech to Merzouga by Way of Dadès Valley plus Erg Chebbi Camel Trek?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Traveler Photos
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Traveler Tips
It will be a long and bumpy ride on the way to Merzouga so be prepared.
Dont throw tissue into the toilet as it can't be flushed.
Reviews
4.5
801 reviews
Reviews by Viator travelers
Showing 1-10 of 801 reviews
Excellent trip
Charlotte_P, May 2022
We did a two nights basic tour out of Marrakech and back again. Everything ran like clockwork and the tour was very good value for money. Considering all the variables, the smooth running and timing was amazing. All down to the driver. The van was comfortable and modern and the driver, Alloli, was very helpful and looked out for us. 15 in our van in 5 groups, and you meet 2-3 other vans at the big stops to socialise if you want to.
The tours on day one and two had helpful and fun guides, Mohammad and Ali. They gave the tour in English, but seemed to be able to have small talk in any language (at least four in our group), and were fluent in French. The guides told you many interesting things about their Berber culture, often things I was wanting to ask and they would anticipate it. We saw the ancient city Ait Ben Haddou (scene of game of thrones filming and many others), and toured a Berber farm and village near Tinghir. Both were good stops to keep us entertained. The initial drive through the Atlas mountains was breathtaking too.
I was very happy to not feel like I was being taken around to buy things very often. You'll get some opportunities (fabrics, and rugs, which you may want), but there wasn't much expectation. Only advice would be about buying your sahara head scarf: there will be lots of opportunities and you can get them for example on the side of the road at a viewpoint cheaper than in the shops.
Total drive time was about 6 hours, 5 hours, 9 hours respectively. Longer including stop times. You've got to drive far to get the scenery!
You will be taken for lunch at local restaurants offering a choice of set menus for 100mad (10 dollars/euros). Choice of local, European, and vegetarian options to suit all tastes. The included meals (breakfast and dinner) were buffet and sharing plates, with veggie options on request.
The first hotel was very nicely decorated. We did the basic camping, which I think was best value. It had everything you need, and was comfortable and warm. Probably basic for some tastes (e.g. shared camp toilets) but fine for me, and I would not change my decision for the other luxury option. The young camel guides (ours was Ahmad) were fun and helpful and made us feel very welcome at the camp. Some of them were excellent musicians and I really liked the campfire music, singing, and dancing.
Camel rides for sunset and sunrise were phenomenal and the peak of the trip. Once in a lifetime experience I am very thankful for. Some of our group got up in the middle of the night to walk out and see the stars, which I'm sad I didn't do. Be prepared for the early start for sunrise (depart at 5am for us), and pack some warm clothes.
Finally, I recommend keeping small denominations (10 and 20mad) for tips. We paid directly for the first tour (3 euro, only thing not included) and took that as the bar to tip the second tour guide, camel drivers, and bus driver. But we didn't always have enough change and I would have tipped a bit more if I could have. In total I would advise 200mad per day for lunch, tips, snacks, and water. You can also purchase beer and wine at the first hotel.
For the price, and the limited time we chose, I can't imagine a better tour.
Must-do to enjoy in Morocco
Julen_C, Feb 2022
This tour could not be better, honestly. The guide and his explanations were faultless, as well as the food, and all the places that we visited were the crown jewel of our trip to Morocco. Without that tour, we would not have left the country with the same feeling and perception. It is simply a must-do.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Good budget friendly option
Kristen_G, Nov 2021
I think this was a good budget friendly option to see the Sahara (if I wasn't on a tight budget, I probably would have done a luxury or private experience). Our driver Hussine was top notch - friendly, communicative and a great driver. All of the other guides were also great. As other reviewers mention the food was meh and the drive back is long -- 11 hours -- but bathroom breaks and lunch stop is well planned out. I enjoyed all of the stops along the way and learning some of the Berber history.
As a solo female traveler, I felt safe and didn't get any creepy vibes from the tour guides.
Sadly, it rained the day we got to the desert (first time it rained like this in 2 years) - so not able to see stars, full moon, sunset or sunrise - but your chances of sunny weather are pretty high!
1 traveler found this review helpful
Great value for money trip to the Sahara
Ronan_K, Sep 2021
Excellent trip and great value for money. Our driver Hajj was a lovely man who drove well and looked after us. The two guides at the stops were also very nice, particularly Ali who showed us around the Tondra gorge. The Sahara camp was basic but the hosts were great and really enjoyed the desert. Would recommend!
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Dear Customer, it's a great pleasure to here that your trip was amazing and you've enjoy it as you wish. you welcome anytime for any further request or help you may need.
Regards, HICHAM and team
Shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
linda_p, Mar 2020
A trip to the desert is probably a once in a lifetime experience and the 3 day trip is enough time to get a glimpse into what life is like for the locals. Everything was well organised and the pick-up was on time. We had a great driver, Hussien, who made the trip even more enjoyable with his local knowledge and history. He is a very experienced and competent driver and this was evident on the road over the Atlas Mountains which is still in the making. I quite enjoyed all of our breaks and the guides were all very friendly too. The hotel for the first night wasn’t too bad, even a lovely swimming pool. The desert camp is good, food not bad, best bit was the entertainment - drums and campfire and of course you will be asked to join in the singing and dancing. It’s a long drive back to Merzouga but a chance to catch up on sleep. An excellent trip, good travelling companions from various contries and of course our friendly driver and guide Hussien.
2 travelers found this review helpful
Great Experience
JuanPaolo, Mar 2020
Hussein our driver was accomodating and hospitable. The roads were rough but the driver was good.
Our favorite was the camping experience. That was our first time and we enjoyed it.
2 travelers found this review helpful
Great trip to the desert
Katie_A, Mar 2020
We had a wonderful time on our tour. Our driver was wonderful and our local guides were knowledgeable! We would highly recommend this company!
1 traveler found this review helpful
Camels are fun but a lot of driving
Catharina_R, Feb 2020
Trip was as described. A LOT of hours on the road, but frequent stops for refreshments and bathroom breaks and a couple of photo ops helped. Bus is fairly comfortable except for the back seat which is truly HORRIBLE with a bumpy ride and a really limited view through the low windows. Excursions (3) are OK except for the one to a Berber village which is mostly a long sales stop at a carpet merchant. Driver Mohammed was friendly, cheerful and capable, but is NOT a guide, so very little information from him along the way. The local guides at the excursion sites are adequate but you don't learn much from them about Morocco.
The big deal here is the camel trek. You ride for about a hour to the campsite, stopping for just long enough to watch the sun set, and getting to the camp after dusk. A rather meagre dinner and some drumming around a campfire before bed (quite comfortable). Up before dawn, then another hour on the camels with a very short sunrise stop (not even getting off the camels) going back to the van for the 12 hour return drive to Marrakech. Some of the "romance" of the camel trek was diminished by all the ATV tracks along the route and the occasional 4x4 blowing by. No feeling of being in the middle of nowhere as we'd expected. It all felt a bit rushed and commercial but you DO get a real camel ride and a starry night in the desert. Fairly cheap trip: you get what you pay for. Once is definitely enough. Note: there was a lot of road construction that made the drive extra long, slow and painful.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Traveling through Morocco
barreirocv, Jan 2020
Overall the experience is very rewarding. If you have only a few days to experience Morocco, I highly recommend this tour. Although the car rides are long, one gets to view the outskirts of Marrakech city, enjoy the berber villages and see the everyday-life of nomad tribes. Our car ride was better than expected and Abdou is a great driver and friendly host. He stops whenever a person needs and is very attentive to everyone. A few suggestions would be to be able to choose different restaurants when having lunch and that Ando Travel SARL might consider to further train their drivers to not only be good drivers but also be some sort of tourist guide.
1 traveler found this review helpful
Amazing tour
Lukas_D, Dec 2019
I booked the 3 days tour to the dessert and I’m so glad I booked it with Ando travel! The driver Simu is just a nice and helpful person with a huge knowledge of his country!
2 travelers found this review helpful
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Product code: 7674MERZOUGA
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