Budget 3 Days Trip To Merzouga Desert From Marrakech

From the fertile plains of the Haouz region, which are located close to Marrakech, to the High Atlas Mountains, and then on to a variety of valleys and oases. At last, the spectacular dunes of Erg Chebbi emerge from the shadow of the surrounding mountain plateaus. The highlights of the three-day desert travel from Marrakech to Merzouga are the sunset camel ride and the nocturnal sleep beneath the stars at your Bedouin Sahara desert tent.

ITINERARY FOR Budget 3 Days Trip To Merzouga Desert From Marrakech

Day 1  Marrakech - Atlas Mountains - Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou - Dades Valley
Your three-day desert holiday from Marrakech to Merzouga will begin in the early morning with a journey east of Marrakech via small suburban villages to the High Atlas Mountains. There will be multiple opportunities to take photos, enjoy the scenery, stretch your legs, and have a cup of coffee.

Drive uphill on tortuous roads to the famous Tizi Ntichka pass before arriving at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, today's first big tourist destination. Ait Ben Haddou, a Berber walled village, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a filming set for classic Hollywood epics such as Kingdom of Heaven, Lawrence of Arabia, and Gladiator. Cross the river that divides the Kasbah from the main road and take your time exploring the village. You can hire a local guide on-site if you choose.

Drive to Dades Valley after lunch, passing through Ouarzazate, Skoura Oasis, and Klaa Mgouna, the capital of the Valley of the Roses and known for its rose water artisanal distillation facilities. When you get to Boumalne Dades, take a small road that follows the Dades River and passes by numerous fortified Kasbahs on the way to Dades Canyons. You will arrive at your accommodation late in the afternoon. Dinner and a night's stay at your Dades hotel are included.

Day 2 Dades Valley - Tinghir Oasis - Merzouga - Sahara Desert
Today's trip will begin with a drive along the route of 1001 Kasbahs to Tighir, where we will deviate to a minor road traveling down the river to Todgha, where you will halt for a walk in the oasis under the shade of palm trees before continuing to Todgha Gorges.

We left early in the afternoon for Rissani, known for its dates market and as the starting point for medieval commerce caravans across the Sahara desert to Tomboctou, following some free time to soak in the immensity of the cliffs and lunch at a local café (At leisure). After a little stop, we will continue to Merzouga, passing through some rugged desert terrain.

When you arrive at Palais Des Dunes Lodge, you may cool down in their lovely pool before beginning your nighttime desert adventure to the camp.

Meet our camel caravan and ride your camels over the stunning color-changing dunes against the sunset backdrop. We go to our Sahara desert tent before it becomes dark.

After admiring the dunes and surrounding beauty, settle in for a Moroccan supper served under the stars by the campfire. Late at night, your local nomad hosts will entertain you with their drums.

Day 3 Merzouga - Ouarzazate - Tizi N'Tichka Pass - Marrakech
Arrive at the camp operator's lodge for breakfast, a shower, and, if time allows, a quick plunge in the lodge pool after an early morning camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Return to Ouarzazate after meeting your driver and car. In the afternoon, following some free time for lunch, we carry on to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains. Your low-cost three-day desert excursion will end in Marrakech at 19h00.