More about: 3 Best Day Trips to Merzouga Desert from Marrakech
If you are traveling to Morocco and have at least three days available, one of the most authentic and exciting experiences you can have is an excursion from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara. With dunes up to 150 meters high, camel rides, nights under the stars and Berber culture, this adventure is ideal for travelers looking for something more than a conventional trip.
1. 3-day trip to the Merzouga Desert from Marrakech
The 3-day Merzouga desert tour is undoubtedly the most complete and popular. It includes all the essentials to explore the desert in depth without worrying about logistics.
Along the way, you will enjoy a scenic route through the High Atlas and Draa Valley, stopping at kasbahs, traditional villages and oases.
What you will do on this tour
- Ride a camel at sunset to reach the camp.
- Sleep in a traditional Berber tent or in a luxury bivouac (you choose when booking)
- Listen to local music under a starry sky
- Watch the sunrise from the top of the dunes
- Taste the local gastronomy and discover the desert customs.
Details of interest
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
- Price from: $107
- Includes: Transportation from Marrakech, hotel pick up, accommodation, dinners and breakfasts, 2 hours camel ride, local guide.
2. Excursion in 4x4 to the desert of Merzouga
For those who are looking for a more dynamic experience or want to explore less accessible corners, the 4x4 excursion to the desert of Merzouga offers a tour full of action and cultural discovery.
What you will do on this excursion
In addition to the spectacular views from the vehicle, this excursion allows you to:
- Visit the village of Hassi Labied and discover its gardens.
- Explore the mines of Mifis, an ancient mining site.
- Meet nomadic families living in traditional tents
- Enjoy a local lunch in the middle of the desert.
- Access to less touristy areas of Erg Chebbi
Details of interest
- Duration: 2 or 3 days (depending on option)
- Estimated price: From 180 € per person
- Includes: Private 4x4 vehicle, local guide, cultural stops, lunch, lodging.
3. Express excursion to see the sunset in the desert
If you do not have several days, but you want to experience the magic of the Sahara, there are express excursions from Marrakech that take you to Merzouga to watch the sunset from the dunes.
The experience begins with a camel ride in the late afternoon. As you make your way through the dunes, the landscape changes color and the silence becomes part of the spectacle. Once you reach a high point, you will have time to take pictures, contemplate the horizon and connect with the immensity of the Sahara.
What you will do on this excursion
- Transfer from the arrival point in Merzouga.
- Camel ride of about one hour
- Free time to take pictures and enjoy the silence
- Return to the base under the first stars
Details of interest
- Duration: Half day (express excursion)
- Estimated price: From 30 € per person
- Included: Camel ride at sunset, local guide, return to the starting point.
How to get to the desert of Merzouga in Morocco?
Although you can organize the trip on your own, the most common way is to book an organized tour.
If you decide to do it on your own, you should keep in mind that the Merzouga desert is located near the village of Merzouga and getting to this area of Merzouga from Marrakech is not the easiest task. A one way trip can take up to 12 hours depending on the method used.
Option I: Organized excursion from Marrakech
This is the most practical and safest way. It includes transportation, intermediate stops, accommodation and guide. My favorite alternative of all. An excursion from Marrakech is able to free you from worries and the need to plan. It is the perfect alternative if you are visiting the country for the first time and the ideal option for those tourists who wish to have a hassle-free vacation. The price to pay for this experience is from 107
Option II: Rent your own transportation
Although this alternative requires a little more planning on your part, it is a very attractive option, as you can organize your own stops along the way, visit interesting historical sites and stay as long as you deem prudent.
Renting a small, simple car in Marrakech will cost you approximately 8 to 10 € per day. Consider as an additional expense the payment of fuel and tolls.
Option III Taking the bus route from Marrakech
Some local companies offer bus services from the main Moroccan cities to destinations such as Merzouga. This is an interesting option for those traveling on a tight budget.
Where will you sleep on your Merzouga desert tour?
If you decide to book your 3 day Merzouga desert tour it is the type of accommodation. There are options for all tastes:
Standard camps
- Single beds or mattresses on mats
- Shared bathrooms
- Traditional dinner and breakfast
Luxury camping (glamping)
- Double bed with cotton sheets
- Private bathroom and shower
- Wifi, lighting, chill-out area and well cared for decoration
What is the best time of the year to visit the Merzouga desert?
For my taste, the best time is spring because the temperatures are pleasant, the weather is stable and the desert light at this time is perfect to enjoy and take spectacular photos. Anyway, I leave a summary below for you to value the pros and cons of traveling to the desert of Merzouga according to the time of year:
- Spring and autumn: ideal weather and cool nights. Perfect for outdoor activities.
- Summer: very hot during the day. Some excursions do not operate in July and August.
- Winter: mild days and cool nights. Good time for those looking for clear skies.
What to do in Merzouga desert
Sandboarding
If your trip to Merzouga includes a few hours of leisure, sandboarding is an option. This adventure generally includes professional boards and the necessary safety equipment.
I do not recommend it for beginners. If you have previous experience on a surfboard or skateboard, sliding down the dunes is another possibility to enjoy the Sahara desert that adrenaline lovers will appreciate.
Enjoy a sunrise in the desert
If you decide to spend the night in one of the camps in Erg Chebbi you should prepare for one of the most important events of the experience: the sunrises in the dunes.
At approximately 06:00 hours we campers stand up to walk through the dunes and admire how the sun rises over the sand. This is one of the most magnificent spectacles you will ever see in your life.
This spectacle can be combined with a camel ride which will save you from having to walk. Many camps, such as the 3-day tour from Marrakech include a camel ride at sunrise among their list of experiences.
Take pictures at night
Due to the low light pollution in the area , night photography in the desert is really impressive and the clear sky at night in Erg Chebbi allows you to count billions of stars. If you are a lover of photography and have good photographic equipment, take advantage of your night in the desert to take night shots of one of the most perfect skies on the planet.
Frequently asked questions about excursions to Merzouga desert
What does a desert excursion from Marrakech include?
- Transport by minibus or 4x4
- Camel ride
- Lodging in camp
- Meals (usually dinner and breakfast)
- Local guide
Is it suitable for children or adults?
Yes, most excursions are adapted and safe. Please inform us in advance if you need special attention.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes for the day, warm clothes for the night, sunscreen, sunglasses and closed shoes.
Other desert excursions
For other excursion alternatives to the Moroccan Sahara desert explore this information.