Marrakech to Erg Chebbi

Desert Tour

3 Days

Overview

Embark on an immersive 3-day journey from Marrakech to the breathtaking dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert. This compact yet enriching tour takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, traditional Berber villages, and historic kasbahs. Enjoy scenic hikes, sunset camel rides, and an unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp under a starlit sky before looping back to Marrakech.

Highlights

• Drive through the Atlas Mountains and picturesque Berber villages
• Visit the historic Kasbah Telouet and UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
• Savor authentic Moroccan cuisine and stay in locally owned guesthouses
• Walk through the dramatic Dades Valley and hike the Todra Gorges
• Ride camels at sunset across Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes
• Try sandboarding and enjoy Berber drumming around a desert campfire
• Dine under the stars and sleep in a luxury tent in the Sahara

What's Included

• Private transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 or van
• Experienced English-speaking nomad driver-guide
• Hotel pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off at your hotel in Fes
• Two nights’ accommodation (one night in luxury desert camp)
• Daily breakfast and dinner (vegetarian and vegan options available)
• Camel trek in Erg Chebbi with optional sandboarding
• Berber music and campfire drumming
• Guided walks and free time at scenic stops
• Tea and coffee at the desert camp

Not Included

• Lunches
• Local guides
• Entrance fees
• Tips

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Gorges

Depart from your Marrakech hotel in the morning. Drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260 m) with views of valleys and traditional villages. Visit Kasbah Telouet, former seat of the powerful Glaoui family, and continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, famous as a film set for many Hollywood movies. After lunch, travel through the Skoura Oasis to explore Kasbah Amridhil, then continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and the Valley of the Roses. Arrive in Dades Gorges in the evening and spend the night in a local riad.

Day 2: Dades Gorges to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

After breakfast, take a walk through the Dades Valley before heading toward Todra Gorges for a short hike. After lunch, continue to Erfoud, known for its fossils and fig products. Travel through the lush Ziz and Tafilalte Valleys, arriving in Merzouga in the late afternoon. From here, begin your camel trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy sunset from the top of the dunes, try sandboarding, and arrive at your luxury desert camp for dinner and Berber music under the stars.

Day 3: Merzouga to Marrakech

Rise early to catch the spectacular desert sunrise if desired. After a camel ride back and breakfast at the base camp, begin the journey back to Marrakech. Pass through Rissani, Alnif, and Tazzarine, and travel along the palm-filled Draa Valley. Stop to visit Kasbah Tamnougalt and the famous Atlas Studios near Ouarzazate, home to many film productions. Continue across the High Atlas Mountains and return to Marrakech by early evening.

* This 3-Day Marrakech to Erg Chebbi Desert Tour can be customized to create a personalized experience.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • This tour is private and customizable, meaning you'll travel with your own group and have a dedicated driver-guide throughout the journey.

  • We recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, a hat or scarf for sun protection, sunglasses, layers for cooler desert nights.

  • Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs can be accommodated just let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

  • You’ll stay in comfortable, locally-owned riads or boutique hotels with traditional Moroccan charm, and spend one unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp with en-suite tents, hot showers, and a star-filled sky overhead.

  • The camel ride is optional. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can arrange a 4x4 transfer to the desert camp with no extra cost—just let us know your preference ahead of time.