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Morocco Private Desert Tours Marrakech

2 day sahara desert trip from marrakech, 3-day desert tour from marrakech to merzouga, 3 day desert tour marrakech to fes, 4 day desert tour from marrakech to fes.

• 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga

Shared Desert Tours from Marrakech

• Marrakech Desert Tour 2 Days
• Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days
• 3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
• 4 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Trip

Desert Tours From Marrakech & Fes

Since 1999, MARRAKESH DESERT TOURS has been arranging small and private group Morocco desert tours from Marrakech and Fes as well as other trips and activities, Our Morocco Desert Tours will offer you the opportunity to take in the beauty of Morocco landscape and explore the richness of its history, with the warmth of its sun and friendly people. With our professional tours, we provide you with high-quality services during our authentic journey and guide you through landmarks and the depth of the desert, making your tour a memorable experience. The prices of our Morocco Desert Tour might be a little different but our company distinguishes from the competition by its clear and clean tour itineraries, as there are no hidden costs and we have never taken our clients to certain stores to cover the cost. We offer real Morocco desert tours that cover the main tourist attractions and include camel trekking through Moroccan Sahara Desert with its fabulous dunes and panoramic views. With our listed Morocco Desert Tours from Marrakech , you will be inspired to visit this fascinating country. We provide you with multiple options including: 2 Day Sahara Desert Trip from Marrakech to Zagora , 3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga , 3 Day Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes and 4 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert , with the possibility for customizing your tour in the best way to meet your budget and available time. We also take your preferences into consideration as you can choose locations, stops, starting & ending points, and so forth.

What Is The Difference Between Small Group, Private and Luxury Tours?

We provide a wide selection of guided Moroccan tours that help you to embrace different possibilities, opinions, religions, customs, and interests. To satisfy our customers’ needs, we arrange three types of Tours; the small group tours, private tours, and luxury tours. The first one keeps minimal costs and introduces you to other different cultures, how? by sharing tours with small groups of travelers from all over the world. In The second one, private tour, you travel at your pace and that by selecting lodges and camps where to stay throughout the tour as in the luxury tour, the only difference is in the quality of accommodation, the hotels’ stars rating. In other words, we offer you in the luxury tours a unique selection of charming hotels and luxury Camps in Morocco with unique performances.

Depending on your budget and desires, you can choose any tour you want so let’s do it together!

Marrakech New Year’s Eve Desert Tour 2025

4 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert

Available morocco & marrakech small group tours, luxury desert tours from marrakech.

2 Day Luxury Desert Trip from Marrakech

3 Day Luxury Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

3 Day Luxury Desert Trip from Marrakech to Fes

Morocco Luxury New Year’s Eve Desert Tour 2025

5 Day Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech

3 Day Fes to Marrakech Luxury Desert Tour

Marrakesh desert tour blog.

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Morocco Desert

Traveling is a hard process when lacking knowledge. As a traveller, getting introduced to the different cultures of different countries might be acquired the hard way if you don't go there prepared, and as a result, you may face troubles that might lessen the joy of your trip. Morocco is a destination of a lot of tourists and travellers that like to go through the Sahara Desert experience. But before going there, here are some advice to help you have your experience fully. To start with, when you fly in to Morocco, don't expect to get through customs quickly, as you will be given a tourist ...

With Shared Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes, you will spend a great time and explore various cultures while touring in Morocco. In addition, you will see marvelous scenery, historical site, wonderful landscapes, and famous tombstones. During the journey, you will visit two of the most beautiful cities in Morocco, so you will have a feeling of pleasure and joy. There are many things to do in order to enjoy your time such as sandboarding adventures and camel riding through the desert. We would like to thank all our partners, drivers, and guides who run this journey and help you to see Morocco ...

Owing to its wide range of wonderful scenes, Morocco is a great country to visit. The kingdom is also distinguished by its culture diversity and ancient monuments, ranging from the impressive Kasbahs to the imperial palaces. Morocco Desert Tours Company provides wonderful trips to offer you the opportunity to explore Morocco in all its glory, with great concern to your available time and preferences. The centerpiece of Morocco is Jemaa el-Fna square that is packed with storytellers, musicians, snaking-charmers, henna-painters, and orange juice vendors. Being in the heart of the city, you can s ...

It could be difficult to take your family away on holiday, especially if you have children that need consistent attention, so a family member activity holiday is highly recommended for you. Whether selecting desert trips or white water rafting, you will guarantee that everyone is entertained and your family will get the chance to share brand new experiences. With its wonderful landscapes and the warm hospitality of its locals, Morocco is the perfect place to spend your holiday for a memorable time with your family and having exciting adventures. The wide variety of Morocco Sahara desert tour ...

Morocco is a major tourist attraction known for its rich history and spectacular landscapes. Owing to its proximity to Spain, tourists from Europe would rather visit Morocco in all its glory to appreciate its beauty and marvel at historical sites during Morocco Desert Tours. Morocco is a secure and organized country, from the capital city to remote villages. We provide a wide range of Marrakesh desert tours that enable you to explore the imperial cities and take in the dramatic views of the High Atlas Mountains along with the surrounding area. If you want to relax in a tranquil city by the se ...

If you are planning to visit Morocco and enjoy a Marrakesh desert tour, you may ask about things that you will need on your tour. Through this article, we will tell you about the most important items to bring with you. Morocco is a safe country, but you should be very careful because your things may be stolen from you. You should remember to bring your swimsuit to enjoy your luxury desert trips Morocco. Many hotels and Riads in Morocco have fantastic pools to offer you the opportunity to swim and amuse yourself. Morocco is an amazing and safe country, so don't forget to take your camera durin ...

With its beautiful places and warm weather, Morocco is a wonderful country to visit. Marrakech desert tours always start from Marrakech, Fes, or Tangier, but now these tours are organized from the city of you in. If you want to experience one of the Marrakech desert tours, just contact us. We will organize a well-detailed plan for an amazing holiday and a memorable journey in Morocco. Options to choose from, and upgrades propositions: Morocco Sahara desert tours provide you with a wide range of options as you can visit Zagora desert, the nearest Sahara desert from Marrakech. Zagora, which is ...

Morocco is a gorgeous country that has many wonderful places, so we advise you to spend at least 4 days in Morocco to explore all these sites. Merzouga or Erg Chebbi is a great Moroccan Sahara desert, but it is very far from Marrakech. Therefore, we organize 3 days desert tour from Marrakesh to Merzouga to enjoy its captivating dunes and take in the panoramic views along the way. We also offer you the opportunity to take a day tour in Marrakech. During this trip, you will pass through the High Atlas Mountains, wander along palm groves, and visit many historical sites depending on your availab ...

The Sahara Desert is the main attraction that encourages visitors to come to Morocco. Morocco Sahara desert tours are very interesting tours. Either private or shared, these tours enable you to spend a fantastic time in Morocco. Moreover, you will visit many historical sites and enjoy spectacular landscapes. In private tours, you will get in a private 4×4 vehicle with a professional driver, and you will be guided throughout your journey. In shared Marrakech desert tours, you will be with a group of people. Marrakech desert tours begin by taking you from your hotel at 7 a.m. After that, we w ...

4 days Private desert tours from Marrakech to Fes are ideal tours for people who prefer to spend their time with their families or friends. With Morocco desert tours, you will spend unforgettable time as you will get the chance to visit Moroccan Sahara, admire wonderful views, and explore the two imperial cities. Morocco is a gorgeous country in North Africa. There are many great places in Morocco such as the beautiful Moroccan Sahara. You can contact us if you want to visit Morocco and take in its beauty. There are many available means of transport in Morocco, so you can go anywhere easily. ...

With Marrakech Desert Tours Company, you will be very relaxed, satisfied and happy in our wonderful country, Morocco. You can get some rest, and enjoy our desert tours from Marrakech. These tours are fantastic tours in the center of Morocco. While you are on your journey with us, our qualified team will provide you with things that you will need. There will be intelligent English-speaking tour guides who will accompany you during your Marrakech desert tours. Throughout this journey, you will explore new cultures and old traditions. Moreover, you will visit many ancient Berber villages where ...

Marrakech Desert Tours give you an opportunity to explore beautiful cities. Moreover, you can camp in the middle of the desert, either in a shared or private tour, under the sparkling sky. All of us have dreams, so just close your eyes and dream of anything you wish. Some people dream to be rich and strong, while others dream to be famous, and others imagine themselves on an isolated island surrounded by palm trees and sand. Whatever your dreams are, you need to spare no effort to achieve your dreams. If you dream to visit all the beautiful areas of the world, then travel a lot to reach your ...

When it comes to the main tourist attractions in the world, Morocco should be definitely one of them. The kingdom of Morocco is ranked as the second highest region in North Africa in tourism (after Egypt) due to its magnificent Sahara desert. Visiting Morocco will give you the same feeling of joy and happiness as if you visit a European country, owing to its proximity to major European countries. For adventurous people seeking new experience or those want to relax and enjoy panoramic views, Morocco is the perfect destination where to go on 3-Day Desert Safari, spend the night at a Berber camp, ...

While being on the desert camp in Morocco, you will sleep in the middle of Sahara. The Morocco desert camp is a tour included in Morocco Sahara desert tours. This tour begins from Fes or Marrakech, and then we will move and pass by some nomads and gorgeous places, where you can stop to take a break and have your lunch. The desert camp in Morocco is located in the Sahara, and we can reach our camp either by camels or by 4×4 vehicles. Our journey towards the camp takes about 45 minutes, and we will be guided through the dunes by the Berber host. After reaching the camp, we will find other Berbe ...

Marrakech to Erg Chigaga desert tour is a very fantastic tour which enables you to see and enjoy impressive places and landscapes such as the Moroccan desert. During the journey, you will taste the most delicious local foods and explore interesting places. With our 4 days to Erg Chigaga desert tour from Marrakech, you will get the chance to spend a great time and feel relaxed. Moreover, you will experience new adventures such as camel trekking and having tasteful food under sparkling stars. While being on this tour, you will visit new cities and take photos of beautiful mountains and fabulous ...

There are many reasons to choose our 2-Day Shared Desert Trip from Marrakech to Zagora. The 2 days Zagora shared desert tour from Marrakech is a very fantastic, comfortable, adventurous and attractive trip. Moreover, this journey is affordable to saves your money and time. Furthermore, you will enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the desert. With 20 years of experience, we are qualified to organize these tours. The 2-Day Sahara Desert Trip from Marrakech to Zagora enables you to marvel at the splendor of Morocco in Just 2 days. In addition, it has exciting activities and great adventures such a ...

There are many interesting sites you can visit in Marrakech. Through this article, we are going to mention these places to enjoy your journey and have a fantastic time in Morocco. Morocco Desert Tour offer journeys every day to Ouzoud waterfalls. This journey is perfect, as you can enjoy everything in Ouzoud waterfalls in one day, and come back to Marrakech at night. You can visit Essaouira which is considered a very attractive city in Morocco. Moreover, you should visit the city of Hollywood films, Ouarzazate. You will be amused in Fez, which is a fantastic city in Morocco. In addition, you ...

Owing to its vast Sahara desert, the south of Morocco is the ideal place for Marrakesh desert tours that enable you to experience camel trekking through the captivating dunes at sunset. There is a wide range of Morocco Desert Tours from Marrakech to suit all your needs, desires, and budget. It is important to find a licensed operator providing you with high-quality services and a professional guide throughout your tour. A camel ride tour in Marrakech Nomads are well-known for their unique way of living and lovely crafts. They are characterized by great kindness and warm hospitality. To learn ...

recommended Morocco desert tours & Excursions

Our Morocco luxury desert tours offer you the opportunity to explore Morocco in all its glory and culture. Moroccan architecture is considered as one of the most dramatic and historian arts in the world. We provide a wide range of tours including a 2 Day Luxury Desert Tour Marrakech to Erg Lihoudi dunes, 3 Day Luxury Desert Tour from Marrakech To Merzouga and 3 Day Luxury Desert Trip from Marrakech To Fes. During our luxury Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech, you will enjoy panoramic views of palm groves of the desert, visit ancient sites, and meet Berbers to learn more about their traditional lifestyle. Along the way, yo ...

Marrakech Private Desert Tours

You want to travel with your family, friends or Colleagues and you would like to have the total freedom in itinerary and travel time with them? These Private Marrakech desert tours are organized for you. You can opt for either camps or lodges to stay on throughout the length of the tour and organize day to day activities. We ensure you are having the best time possible and overseeing everyone’s welfare for the duration of the trip. Our Private Sahara tours from Marrakech can offer you a mind-blowing adventure throughout the Morocco’s landscapes with lush green valleys, ancient oases, fabulous mountains, extraordinary gorges, amazing Ka ...

Marrakech Shared Desert Tours

We arrange shared Marrakech desert tours for tourists who want to discover the stunning Moroccan desert with minimum fees, maximum of security and full entertainment. We allow you to have a unique and amazing experience in Morocco’s Sahara Desert by riding camels over the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga or the dunes of Chegaga in Zagora, watch the Saharan sunset, meditate for hours, listen to the silence, dine under millions of stars, enjoy drums party around the campfire and sleep in a traditional nomad tent. Our shared Marrakech desert tours runs by a team of professional drivers an ...

Desert Tours from Marrakech

When it comes to Sahara desert, you find our staff so excited to arrange Marrakech desert tours, why? Because it is an amazing place to visit that receives a lot of admiration, all our guests fell in love with it and there is who joined us twice each time with different traveling companions. The experience will enable you to discover the desert of Morocco with its picturesque landscapes such as Draa valley, fes, the Todra Gorge, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chigaga in the south of Zagora. It is possible to start your Deser ...

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Best price guaranteed, marrakech desert tours & morocco sahara desert tours.

As a licensed and fully-bonded tour company based in Marrakesh, Marrakech Desert Tours has years of experience in arranging day trips from Marrakesh, including our renowned Morocco desert tours and desert tours from Marrakesh to Fez

We offer a wide variety of Marrakesh Desert Tours that range from a 2 Day Desert Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga right through to a 5 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga .You may also like 4 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes or our 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga /Chigaga, We do care about providing you with various options to suit all your desires and needs. From our long experience, we know exactly what our clients want.

And check this out! We offer our adventurous travelers a combination of Marrakech and Fes cities in one trip, either a Fez to Marrakech or Marrakech to Fes desert trip . This Morocco desert trip will include breathtaking camel trekking, attractive landscapes, and an incredible experience in a Sahara Desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes.

For a memorable adventure, join our licensed desert tour now to enjoy one of our cost-effective Morocco Desert Tours of a lifetime. We are confident that you will be absolutely satisfied with our Marrakech Desert Tours as we guide you through a multi-sensational desert tour.

Marrakech Desert Tours are extremely affordable and we are determined to offering you the best value for money. With Marrakech Desert Tours , you’ll get the experience of your life to visit magnificent cities and explore Moroccan culture through a relaxing excursion or a fun activity, during the spectacular sunset, you will mount an adorable camel and go trekking through majestic dunes to reach a desert Berber camp for a wonderful time around a campfire under the starry sky.

Real Testimonials

What Our Customers Say About Our Services Overall rating: 5 --> 5 | --> based on 1793 reviews

Marrakech Desert Tours

The Best Desert tours & Excursions from Marrakech

morocco desert tours

Are you looking for a Moroccan travel agency that offers desert tours from Marrakech that are designed especially for you and your interests in mind? Look no further. Marrakesh Tours can create specific itineraries to accommodate those interests. We offer a combination of the most popular Marrakech desert tours and day trips from Marrakech such as: 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora, 3-day Sahara desert trip from Marrakech to Erg Chebbi Merzouga, 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour , 4 day Morocco Sahara desert tour to Fes via Erg Chigaga, 4 day desert trip from Marrakech to Zagora and Merzouga, 3 day desert tours from Fes to Marrakech , day trips to Essaouira , Atlas mountains , Ouarzazate , Ouzoud waterfalls and more. Choose from our Moroccan desert tours and enjoy a different adventure that you will remember all your life.

Recommended Desert Tours from Marrakech

2 day Marrakech to Zagora tour

3 Day Desert Tour to Merzouga

3 day Marrakech to Fes tour

4 Day Marrakech To Fes Tour

4 day Merzouga & Zagora tour

Luxury desert tours

Ouarzazate & Ait Benhaddou

Atlas Mountains

Ouzoud Waterfalls

Ourika Valley

Marrakech sightseeing

Marrakech tours & excursions.

Our tours generally start off in Marrakech . If you are interested in nature, you can take day trips from Marrakech to The Ouzoud Cascades , or an excursion to the Ourika Valley . Amazing cities such as Essaouira with its relaxed atmosphere are only two hours away. Ouarzazate is another popular destination, known for its Kasbahs and history. We also have our imperial city tours of Rabat, Fes, Meknes and of course Marrakech. We have experienced drivers and a range of vehicles to suit your excursion type and need. Our drivers speak a multitude of languages and can assist with all your inquiries. Our vehicles include, but are not limited to, luxury minibuses, 4 x 4 SUVs etc. Whatever be your budget, we can accommodate. Come and enjoy what Marrakech and Morocco have to offer!

Why Book Your Morocco desert tour With Us

Professional Services

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Join us for a memorable marrakech desert tours, the best desert tours from marrakech, below are the most popular morocco desert tours from marrakech, activities in marrakech.

Camel Riding

Quad Biking

Chez Ali Fantasia Dinner

Testimonials, “private desert tour from marrakech to merzouga”.

It’s my first time in Morocco and this company assisted me in many ways. I booked 3 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour and really enjoyed the tour and the services, I got to experience many activities. I’d definitely come back and bring friends here so we can avail of the longer trip with many itinerary. Thanks for your help!

“Incredible 3 Days / 2 Night Desert Safari from Marrakech”

Can’t forget the camel trek we did here! We got the 3 day Marrakech desert safari to Fes via desert so we had lots of time feeling like desert nomads! You have to experience watching the sunset at the sahara desert. It’s really life-changing! We also had the chance to see monkeys at the cedar forest. That was also a great experience!

“3 Days shared Marrakech desert tours to Fez”

As a female traveler, people warn me about going to the Sahara Desert area. They told me to stay within Marrakech. Luckily, I found Marrakech tours. I booked a shared Marrakech desert tour and had a great time! They treated me well. This was a lucky choice. Book with them. They’re very good.

“Wonderful 2 night, 3 day tours from Marrakech to the sahara desert!”

Thanks to this trip to Morocco, I learned so much about the history and how people in this part of the world lived and survived. We went to a berber village in our Marrakech sahara tour and they were very friendly to the tourists. My favorite part is stargazing at night in the desert. So happy to see a meteor pass by there when I was at the Sahara ! What a great good luck sign. Thanks Marrakech Tours for the interesting desert tour from Marrakech !

M . Caroline

“Had an amazing 3 Day Marrakech Sahara Desert Tour”

For my 40th birthday, I thought of treating myself to an exotic trip alone. I’ve always spent my birthdays going to beach areas so why not go to the desert this time? So I booked with Marrakech Tours a 3 Day trips from Marrakech to the sahara desert and I even talked to their customer service agent on the phone prior to arriving. Their assistance was very detailed so I appreciate that. It’s my first time in Morocco and the Sahara experience gave me another memorable birthday. It’s affordable, too!

“An unforgettable day trip to the Sahara (3 day tours to Erg Chigaga)”

Good job handling our Morocco desert tours expedition! We found Marrakech Tours online and they were very professional all the way. It’s true what they put there in the website. They speak great English so I talked to them easily. They really have 24/7 call support. I tested it. We arrived earlier than our expected arrival time so we called them up immediately. And yes, someone answered us swiftly! They helped us to our hotel and booking. Our Morocco Sahara experiences went smoothly. This agency is great. Get them!

J . Richard

“Wonderfull Morocco desert tour from Marrakech”

Game of thrones fans, check out this Morocco desert tour from Marrakech! They’ll take you to the movie set where season 3 was filmed. Yes, it’s in ouarzazate here in Morocco! Make sure you book the Sahara tour passing by the place called Ait Benhaddou. They marked it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but I enjoyed more the info about movies filmed there. They said they filmed Prince of Persia there. Also The Mummy with the desert scenes . Old movies, too, like Gladiator, was filmed there. I love visiting places like that! Thanks to Marrakech Tours for bringing me there. Awesome!

“Excellent desert Tour from Marrakech!!! ”

I was hesitant to book a desert tour at first but the staff here at Marrakech Tours made it great! We liked our tour guides. They helped us with our hotel and also our shuttle ride. They told us lots of amazing stories. They let us eat food native to the area. We got to see the ancient sites, too. The Kasbah is cool! This was a good idea. Take it! Book with them. They know how to choose activities for you. You can ask for the quad bike riding and also the camel riding. They’re very safe!

“The best excursion company in Marrakech”

We took excursion from Marrakech to Morocco desert . It starts with Marrakech and we went to the atlas mountains. We pass by Ait Ben Haddou and souvenirs there are many to buy. Saw the Kasbah which is ancient type of village there. Passing by the valley is also good to experience. We saw many date palms with growing dates! We also reach the sand dunes of Marzouga . It’s very hot but very nice! Everywhere we go, we understand everything they tell us. Drivers and tour guides even spoke our language! No problem talking. Easy to go. Thank you for booking us!

T . William

“ desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga ”

Everything was perfect! The guide, Jawad, was very professional, and knows the country, its customs, its people, and the best sites to visit, perfectly. Perfect to immerse you in the culture of Morocco. We took the private morocco desert tour from Marrakech, and he conformed to our wishes at all times with complete flexibility, offering us several options. Very honest, friendly, and a perfect driver

H . Alexander

“Marrakech to Mouzouga Desert tours!”

It has all been very good. Hassan, the guide and driver was very responsible and good driver. He was very quiet and safe. He willingly accepted suggestions of sites at which to make stops. The experience of sleeping in the tent was phenomenal, and the bonfire and music of the guides was wonderful. thanks for this desert tour from marrakech experience. Truly wonderful!

“4-Day Luxury desert Tour from Marrakech”

The desert tour was invaluable. The 4 days from Marrakech to Fes were incredible, and we laughed a lot with Abdul, our guide, which was super nice . All the hotels in which we stayed were very good, and the experience of sleeping in the sahara was great. I personally believe that the journey to Marrakesh is not worth much if you miss this experience

The Unknown Enthusiast

How to Do a Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech + Best Tours

Looking for what it’s doing going on a Sahara tour, plus the best Sahara desert tours from Marrakech? Read on for the details!

Of all the places we went to in Morocco, I was most excited to visit the Sahara – it was absolutely a top bucket list item for me!

The way that the sand dunes start rising out of the desert as you approach Merzouga, knowing that in front of you is the Sahara Desert , and you’re going to be riding a camel through it , is absolutely priceless.

I’m so happy to say that the visit lived up to or even exceeded our high expectations and this was one of my favorite travel experiences to date. I loved this experience so much, and it is absolutely worth the time, energy, and effort it takes to make it out to the Sahara to experience it yourself.

I want you to have as fantastic of an experience in the Sahara Desert of Morocco as we did, so in this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about doing a Sahara desert tour, as well as some top tour options from Marrakech.

What to Expect on Your Sahara Desert Experience

Every desert tour follows a very similar itinerary. If you’re leaving from Marrakech, you’ll be picked up from your hotel or riad in an air-conditioned van to start the 8+ hour long drive out to the Sahara. You’ll be with a friendly, kind, helpful, and engaging guide , and spending time with your local guide will be a highlight of the trip.

The first day, you’ll only drive partway out, as you’ll also be making some interesting stops along the way. These stops usually include Ait Ben Haddou (a super cool fortified ton on a hill that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site ) and/or Ouarzazate , a desert city known for its film studios.

You’ll usually stop for the night near either the Todra Gorge or Dades Valley , two beautiful areas filled with stunning rock formations and small villages. The tour includes your accommodation for the night here.

On Day 2, you’ll continue out to Merzoua, the town on the edge of the Sahara sand dunes. Depending on the exact tour itinerary, you might make another stop along the way, or you may spend some time in the Todra or Dades Gorges before starting your journey in the morning.

When you arrive in the town of Merzouga on the evening of the second day, you’ll meet up with your desert camp hosts, and ride a camel into the Sahara . It will take about 1.5 hours to reach your camp on the other side of the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll watch the magnificent desert sunset from the sand dunes, either in the middle of the dunes, or right at camp .

When you arrive in camp, you’ll find your tent where you’ll spend the night – these are not your typical pop up camping tents – they are well-designed, sturdy, and roomy tents, with running water, a bathroom, and electricity.

Then, enjoy a delectable hot dinner at camp – this dinner will be as delicious as anything you’ve eaten in Morocco!

After dinner, the Berber men will make a fire and play traditional music around the flames, and then you will definitely want to go watch the stars in the middle of the dunes!

Day 3 (and 4)

On Day 3, you’ll enjoy a fantastic breakfast in the dunes. You may have time to go sandboarding or ATVing in the dunes, depending on the tour.

If you’re doing a 3-day tour, you’ll leave by early to mid-morning to head back to Merzouga, get in the vans, and head back to Marrakech or continue to Fes . If you’re doing a 4-day tour, you’ll get an extra day to enjoy the desert.

My Top Tip For Choosing a Sahara Desert Tour

My biggest tip for visiting Morocco is to spend a full day in the Sahara. While you absolutely can have a great experience doing just the overnight, I think if you’re going to spend all that time getting out to the desert, you should stay and play a while. This is what we did, and I’d recommend it to anyone.

Both of the 4 day tours that I recommend in the list below (#4 and #5 on the list) give you a full day to explore and play in the desert.

The 5 Best Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech

There are a lot of Sahara desert tour options, and many of them have similar elements. For this post, I’m highlighting the best Sahara desert tours in 5 different categories. All of these tours have wonderful and friendly tour guides and a fantastic itinerary.

#1: Best 3 Day Sahara Tour To and From Marrakech

⭐Rating: 4.8 of 5 stars | Read all reviews here

This 3-day Sahara tour is an exceptional adventure at a great value.

Discover the amazing natural beauty of the Moroccan countryside on this hassle-free journey, where you’ll visit Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and the Todra Gorge while en route to the Sahara.

Once in the Sahara, you’ll get to do a camel ride at sunset and sunrise, sandboard, and have the option to ride ATVs through the desert .

This 3-day tour is ideal for anyone who wants an affordable yet extraordinary desert experience while making the most of their time exploring many parts of Morocco. The value of what you get on this tour is unmatched!

The entire trip was absolutely breathtaking… The night in the Sahara was beyond our imaginations, we were looked after so well and again the people taking care of us were going above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect for us.  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Michael, tour review

Explore the full itinerary and learn more about this 3-Day Sahara Desert tour here

#2: Best 3-Day Sahara Tour From Marrakech to Fes

⭐Rating: 4.92 of 5 stars | Read all reviews here

If you like to continue to other destinations in northern Morocco after your time in the desert, this Marrakech to Fes 3-day Sahara tour is your way to go!

This small group tour combines transport from Marrakech to Fes and an unforgettable trip to the Merzouga desert .

Get a chance to visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou , a scenic drive through Ouarzazate , and a memorable experience in both the beautiful Dades Valley and Todra Gorge .

Besides the iconic camel riding, you’ll also get to go sandboarding in the dunes .

On the drive to Fes, you’ll stop at Ifrane to see the famed cedar forest to see the wild barbary apes, as well as stop in Ifrane, a popular winter resort in Morocco.

You have the option to book a comfortable camp or the luxury camp . I highly recommend splurging for the luxury camp!

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience many places in Morocco quickly – as you get Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou, the Sahara, and Fes in 3 days . It’s an amazing value for enjoying multiple experiences, and the opportunity to end in a new city instead of backtracking.

This desert tour has been amazing. Starting from the pickup until the drop off, this was well organized and punctual. The driver Zakaria was professional and fun…the best part of this experience was the visit to a Berber community where we learned about traditional Carpet making technique and of course the camel riding in the Merzouga desert (at sunset and sunrise) and the night at the Bedouin camp. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Francesca, tour review

Explore the full itinerary and learn more about this Marrakech to Fes 3-day Sahara tour here

#3: Best PRIVATE 3-Day Sahara Tour from Marrakech to Fes

This Marrakech to Fes Private 3-Day tour is an epic adventure, made even better by being a private excursion instead of a small group tour. Since this is a private tour, it will only be the guide and your group, offering flexibility, and a personalized experience.

You’ll make stops in Ait Ben Haddou and a tour in Ouarzazate, then to the Dades Valley to do a hike in the Monkey Fingers and the Todra Gorge.

You’ll enjoy an incredible night of camel riding, delicious dinner, and campfire songs before sleeping in your luxury nomad tent.

On the way up to Fes, you’ll stop by the cedar forests to witness the barbary apes, as well as make a stop in Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco.

This tour is a great option for anyone who wants to experience a lot of what Morocco and the Sahara have to offer while also having a more personalized and intimate experience.

I can summarize my morocco trip in 1 word: FANTASTIC ! We were lucky to travel with Bari from Marrakech. We discovered the best places in north and south morocco including the cool Merzouga desert. We have only positive memories. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Tour review

Explore the full itinerary and learn more about this Marrakech to Fes Private 3-Day tour here

#4: Best 4-Day Tour To and From Marrakech

⭐Rating: 5 of 5 stars

This 4-day Marrakech to Marrakech tour gives you an incredible experience out in the desert, as you start and end in Marrakech and get two nights and one full day in the Sahara .

This tour gets you to top attractions such as Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and the Dades Valley.

You’ll get to experience the stunning sights of the Todra Gorge , before riding a camel and spending the night in the Sahara. For your full day in the Sahara, you’ll enjoy activities like sandboarding and ATV rides , visits to local Berber villages, exploring an oasis , and enjoying the Sahara desert vibes.

You’ll also stop at the market in Rissani , and get a chance to visit various viewpoints and villages on the way back to Marrakech.

This tour is an amazing value and experience to really immerse yourself in and enjoy the Sahara desert.

The guide gave us a lot of information about Morocco and life in the Sahara desert. The tour itself was full of fun and great desert experience. From the camel ride to the rock climbing, sand boarding and quad biking in the dunes. We highly recommend doing this when visiting Morocco! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -Jessnisa, Tour review

Explore the full itinerary and learn more about this 4-day Marrakech to Marrakech tour here

#5: Best 4-Day Tour From Marrakech to Fes

⭐Rating: 5 of 5 stars | Read all reviews here

If you’re looking for the best Sahara desert excursion that offers you extra time to play in the desert, this 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes is a perfect choice!

You’ll cross the awe-inspiring Atlas Mountains , and visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou as well as the Atlas Film Studio in Ouarzazate .

You’ll of course trek into your luxury desert camp by camel and enjoy all the typical desert camp activities. On your extra day in the desert, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the laidback Sahara vibes, while also going on an ATV tour of the dunes, visiting a local village, and seeing some interesting sites nearby.

Plus, because this is a private tour, you’ll have a lot more control to customize your time according to your preferences.

On the way up to Fes, you’ll stop in Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, and stop in the town of Rissani.

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to spend more time in the Sahara (you get a full day here!) to really dive deeper into the culture and experiences the Sahara has to offer.

My friends and I … wanted to see all of the best parts with little effort on our part which is exactly what we got! Our tour guide Hamid was the best tour guide we could have asked for. Every time we wanted something, he made it happen. I definitely recommend riding the ATV’s through the dunes in the Sahara Desert. 10 out of 10 recommend taking this tour…Best trip ever! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – tour review

Explore the full itinerary and learn more about this 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes here

Important Things to Know Before You Book

Booking your tour in advance vs booking in marrakech.

Considering booking a tour in Marrakech? You have two options: book in advance online or find a tour operator in the city and negotiate a price.

Booking on arrival lets you haggle for a lower price. However, there’s a trade-off. Online tour companies value their reputation and customer reviews, which often translates to a better experience. In contrast, a tour booked last-minute in the city’s souks may not prioritize this, potentially affecting your experience.

This may be a particularly good choice for solo female travelers. To avoid unwanted attention from guides, it’s safer to book your Sahara desert tour online, where companies are more likely to focus on ensuring a great experience and securing positive reviews.

Small Group Tour vs Private Tour

This one is really down to personal preference, and what’s available for the itinerary you want. I could only find private tours for the 4-day tours, for example.

If you’re doing a 3-day tour, though, you have the choice between private and small group. While I used to hate hate hate any type of group tour (there was one tour we did in Cozumel where I felt like we and 500 other people were being herded and shuffled through the streets of Mexico together. I hated this and it put me off of any type of group tour for a long time), I’ve come to really, really enjoy a quality small-group tour.

While it’s certainly a bit of a toss-up as to what type of people you’ll be with, we’ve now done a ton of small group tours in many countries we’ve visited, and we’ve loved getting to know and bonding with other travelers. It’s overwhelmingly been a positive experience.

Getting to hang out with other travelers from around the world now often ends up being a highlight of our trips!

What to Pack for the Sahara Desert

Headscarf:  These really are helpful to protect your head from the sun, wind, and sand (plus they just make you look so legit.) You can buy one in any marketplace in Morocco for around 50 dirhams ($5) – plus it makes a great souvenir from Morocco to bring home with you.

The guides will help you tie the scarf in their traditional style.

Loose fitting pants/shorts : You’ll definitely want pants of some kind for riding camels, and loose fitting is the way to go to beat the heat. I wore a pair of pants I bought in Marrakech – you can find this style all over the city.

Dress, kaftan or djallaba : Kaftan and djallabas are traditional Moroccan clothing (long “dress”-like outfits that both men and women wear) and are a great thing to pick up if you want to look SUPER legit in the desert.

Matthew is wearing a kaftan in our camel pictures and he looks absolutely bomb. (Wear shorts underneath and then hike up the kaftan a little bit – it wasn’t hard for him to sit on the camel wearing that outfit).

Jacket : The Sahara can get chilly at night, even if it’s 90 F during the day. I’d definitely bring a light jacket if you’re visiting during the spring or summer. If you’re visiting during the winter, nights get quite cold (lows in the 30’s and 40’s) so I’d bring a heavier coat and possibly other winter gear (hat, gloves).

Sunscreen : No explanation necessary here, but definitely don’t forget this. Matthew always uses  this sunscreen stick , and I wear this facial  sunscreen for sensitive skin  everyday.

Something for motion sickness : No matter what mode of transportation you choose to arrive in the desert, you’re going to have to ride on the winding roads of Morocco. These roads made me suuuuuuuuper nauseous (I actually  threw up out the window  as we were going through switchbacks in the Atlas Mountains).

All that to say, I’d definitely recommend something for motion sickness.

While  dramamine  is a tried and true option, I recently tried out the  Relief Band for motion sickness  and it has worked impressively well!

An E-Sim Card: I like having fast, high speed data when we’re traveling out of the country, and I recently started using e-sim cards – they’re convenient, cheap, and really reliable. I’ve bought my e-sims from SimOptions.com for my past several trips and it’s been a great service!

Sahara Desert Tours FAQs

Can you do a day trip to the sahara desert from marrakech.

It takes approximately 8-9 hours to get to Merzouga from Marrakech or Fes, requiring quite a bit of time and effort to get out to the desert. So, it is definitely not possible to do a daytrip to the Sahara desert from Marrakech, you’ll for sure need the 3 days to do a desert tour justice.

The extra time is totally worth it though!

(However, if you really, truly only have time for a daytrip, check out these 10 best day trips from Marrakech )

What is the Best Month to Visit the Sahara?

Unsurprisingly, the Sahara Desert gets hot, very hot, during the summer months. Between May-September, highs are in the mid-90’s to over 100 degrees F (35-40 C), and lows are between 70-80 F (20-25 C).

Highs during winter can range generally average in the 60’s-70’s (15-20 C), with lows in the low 40’s (4 C). Definitely bring some warm coats, warm pajamas, a beanie, and some gloves if you’re visiting in winter – there’s no heating in the tents.

Undoubtedly, the best time to visit the Sahara desert is during the spring and fall, when the temperatures are milder and the heat isn’t as intense. However, you can have a good time in the Sahara desert at any time of year, you just need to be prepared for the weather that you’ll be experiencing.

Is It Worth Going to the Sahara Desert?

One million percent, yes! It is absolutely worth the time and effort in your Morocco itinerary to go out to the Sahara. This surreal and epic bucket list adventure will be one you never forget!

Top Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech – The Wrap Up

All of these tours offer incredible experiences with lovely guides, so it’s really just a matter of choosing which one works for your itinerary. Put one of these Sahara desert tours from Marrakech on your itinerary today!

Read More Morocco Articles:

• Where to Stay in Marrakech: 5 Best Areas + Recommended Riads
• 26+ Delicious Foods to Eat in Morocco
• Read every Morocco post I’ve written here

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Stephanie is the author of The Unknown Enthusiast. She's visited 21 countries and 37 of the 50 US states (but her first love will always be France). When she's not traveling, she enjoys reading, taking naps, playing games, eating popcorn, and spending time with her husband (Matthew) and 4 daughters. Stephanie lives in Alabama, USA.

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• Sahara Desert tours from Marrakesh
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From the medinas of Marrakech to the sands of the Sahara - introducing our newest short break 

Giant gorges, ancient architecture and a taste of local hospitality await you on a three-day mini-adventure from the buzzing streets of Marrakesh to the serene stillness of the Sahara Desert . Be transported to what can feel like another world as you wind your way through the towering Todra Valley and roam the earthen architecture at Ait Benhaddou (of Hollywood fame). You'll then have the best seat in the house for a magical Saharan sunset - on the back of a camel - before finishing your day in the desert sleeping under the stars. Believe us, this is one trip you’ll be glad you went on.

3-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakesh

Sahara mini adventure, 3 days from 213.

Travel from Marrakech to your Sahara Desert camp on a 3-day guided tour passing through...

Highlights of the Sahara Mini Adventure

A day out at Ait Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and with one look at this ancient city, you can see why. Approximately dating back to the 17 th century, this mudbrick ksar is an example of pre-Saharan natural construction that once served as a Sahara trading post. It’s since been revived by Hollywood, so you might just recognise it from some pretty big films – does The Mummy , Lawrence of Arabia or Gladiator ring any bells? Before leaving, you’ll be treated to a delicious meal courtesy of the women of the Tawesna Association at a nearby teahouse.

Meander in Marrakech

For a starting and finishing point, you can’t really ask for a better place than Marrakech. With its enticing food stalls, vibrant goods, bountiful gardens, engaging entertainers and unique architecture gracing every corner, there’s a souk’s worth of activities to keep you occupied. The beauty of Marrakech is that it’s a choose-your-own-adventure city. Unwind in serene riads or local spas, take your tastebuds on a culinary journey , or jumpstart your Morocco tour with exciting adventures quad biking in the desert or cycling the city streets of Marrakech .

Sand, sun and stars in the Sahara

Take a gander on camelback through the spectacular sands of the Sahara Desert and experience the colour-changing landscape by sunrise and sunset. You’ll be taken to the Erg Chebbi  sand dunes, the largest dunes in Morocco. Watch as they move with the wind and change hue depending on the time of day. After experiencing the hubbub of Marrakech, fall asleep to peace and quiet under the grandeur of a full desert starry night. If you’re going to visit the largest hot desert in the world, we think you might as well stay the night.

Towering Todra Gorge and local flavours

Among the man-made wonders of Morocco sits the impressive Todra Valley . Home to Todra Gorge and Todra River, the area is a burst of bright green farmlands cutting through the rocky, dusty terrain. You’ll get a chance to experience the region’s produce after a morning sojourn through the 400 meters high sandstone canyons as you sit down for a picnic provided by the members of the local Amazigh Women’s Association. Savour local specialities, from the country-favourite mint tea to speciality bread with olive oil; it’s the perfect Moroccan meal .

Reviews of tours featuring the Sahara Desert

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join a trip in the sahara desert.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

Where is the Sahara Desert?

The Sahara Desert is located in North Africa. It spans a mighty 9,200,000 square kilometres across 10 countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Mali and Libya. It's the world's largest hot desert, and the third-largest desert after Antarctica and the Arctic.

What's the weather like in the Sahara Desert?

As a desert region, the Sahara can experience extreme weather. Winter (December to February) can be very cold, with overnight temperatures dropping to 5°C or lower. You'll need a sleeping bag, thermals, a scarf, gloves and a warm jacket for travel in winter. Oh, and be prepared for cold showers at your desert camp!

Summer (June to September) can be very hot with intense temperatures that can reach the high 40°Cs. This might be too uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. It’s super important to use sun protection and stay hydrated. That said, the desert can still get pretty chilly at night when the sun goes down, so you'll need a fleece to rug up.

Spring (March to May) sees the arrival of strong winds and there is an increased risk of sandstorms in April – but don't worry, your leader will always check the forecast beforehand to see if it's safe to stay in the desert.

When is the best time to visit the Sahara Desert?

The best time to visit the Sahara Desert is during the spring months between March to May, as well as the autumn months of October and November. During these times, the desert temperatures are hot but manageable and the nights don’t get quite as cold. Although one thing to note is that between January to May there is usually a higher number of sandstorms recorded, especially in April.

What clothing should I wear in the Sahara Desert?

What to pack will differ slightly depending on the time of year and the activities you'll be doing. But below are the basics you'll need:

• Light scarf or face mask can be handy for preventing you from inhaling desert dust
• Sun hat – wide-brimmed, ideally, to protect your face and head from the sun's rays and strong winds
• Sunscreen – when you're in the desert, it goes without saying!
• Small daypack for day trips and excursions
• Light, loose-fitting pants
• Joggers or jeans for camel rides
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Fleece – for all seasons
• Warm layers (for winter trips) – you'll need thermals, gloves, a woolly hat and a fleece to rug up as the temperatures can drop to below freezing at night
• Small head torch – handy for going to the bathroom at night
• Thongs (flip flops) for camp
• Hiking shoes or runners

What animals live in the Sahara Desert?

The Sahara Desert is one of the fiercest environments for animal life. The mammals that live in the Sahara range from Saharan cheetahs, dromedary camels and desert foxes to gazelles, ostrich, hyrax and African wild dogs. Reptile life includes the desert crocodile, sand viper and the desert monitor. Other common species include the deathstalker scorpion and the Saharan silver ant as well as over 90 species of birds.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for a Sahara Desert tour?

You sure do. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

Learn more about travel insurance.

Are Intrepid's Sahara Desert trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible , regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries. 

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

Read more about Morocco

The 5 Best Marrakech Desert Tours – [2024 Reviews]

Have you ever wanted to explore the Sahara Desert or ride a dromedary (camel) across sand dunes? Marrakech, Morocco is a great base from which to enjoy a spectacular desert tour.

Not only can you enjoy the tranquil wilderness of the desert, but you can visit a fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site and the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains.

In my opinion, the 5 Marrakech desert tours reviewed below are the best you will find. Also see our Marrakech Travel Guide .

If you go on the right desert tour from Marrakech, you can enjoy the warm hospitality of the Berber nomads, sleep in a tent out in the desert, and explore fascinating cultural sites that have attracted the attention of high-profile photographers and movie companies from all over the world.

Best Marrakech Desert Tours

Quick answer: the 5 best-rated marrakech desert tours.

• Shared 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga
• Marrakech: 3-Day Desert Adventure
• 2-Day Desert Safari To Zagora From Marrakech
• Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Sahara Desert Tour
• Marrakech: Half-Day Desert Quad & Dromedary Tour

Marrakech Desert Tours Reviews

#1. shared 3-day sahara desert tour from marrakech to merzouga.

• Departure Point : Pick up from your hotel in Marrakech
• Departure Time: 7:30 AM
• Duration : 3 days
• Includes : Expert guide, air-conditioned minibus, 1-night hotel stay in Tinghir, 2 “camel” rides, 1-night camping in the desert, visits to Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, Quzazate, the Todgna Gorges, the Rissani date market, and the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi

You even get to ride a “camel” across the sand. Most of your transport during this tour will be in a minibus that takes a maximum of 17 passengers, which ensures you’ll be a member of a tight-knit group of intrepid explorers by the end of your 3-day adventure.

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Your adventure into the Marrakech desert begins with an early morning pick-up from Marrakech and a drive up into the High Atlas Mountains. After negotiating the Tizi N’tichka Pass, you’ll soon come to the unique fortified village of Ksar Ait Ben Haddou.

I could spend days exploring the earthen clay, cubic houses of Ksar Ait Ben Haddou. The ancient settlement contains a half-dozen large kasbahs, which are fortress-like homes that once belonged to merchants made wealthy by trade across the Sahara Desert.

Walking through the streets is like being inside a Bible story—you can imagine Joseph stepping out from one of the ornately carved gateways wearing his coat of many colors.

Because this village is so beautiful and historical, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. You might also recognize it from the many movies filmed here, such as Jesus of Nazareth , The Last Temptation of Christ , and One Night with the King .

From Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, your minibus will transport you to Quzazate, where you can admire the tall towers and high walls of the Kasbah of Taourirt, a fortified mansion larger than most castles.

After lunch, you’ll continue through the Valley of the Roses to Tinghir, where you will be offered a tasty dinner in your hotel before retiring for the night.

Your eventful second day begins with a drive to view some awe-inspiring geological features. The Todgna Gorges is a series of river canyons with steep limestone cliffs to each side (like a miniature Grand Canyon) with the canyon walls occasionally rising as high as 1,300 feet.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit one of the famous date markets of the Sahara Desert in Rissani. This was once the starting (or ending, depending on your viewpoint) point for caravans to cross the Sahara to Timbuctoo.

As the day draws to a close, you’re going to enjoy the highlight of your tour. Your minibus will transport you to the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

There, you’ll climb on a “camel” for an amazing ride through the shifting sands as the sun sets on the western horizon.

That night, you will sleep in a tent at a desert campsite. The local nomad hosts will feed you a delicious dinner and entertain you with traditional Berber music accompanied by drums.

Your final day begins with a camel ride from the campsite to the main road, where your minibus awaits. Enjoy a leisurely drive back to Marrakech, stopping in Quarzazte around lunchtime, and navigating the High Atlas Mountains in time to get you back to your hotel around 7 pm.

All in all, this is a fantastic opportunity to see the real Morocco. This is one of the best Marrakech tours you can take. It’s my favorite Marrakech desert excursion, and I believe that the best Morocco Sahara Desert tours are from Marrakech.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, #2. marrakech: 3-day desert adventure.

• Includes : Visits to Quarzazate & Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, 2 “camel” rides across the shifting sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, dinner & breakfast, 1 night in a hotel, and 1 night at a desert campsite

Did you ever wonder what life might have really been like back then? What did those cube-shaped, mud-brick houses look like? How did those people live?

There are many Sahara Desert tours from Marrakech, but this one stands out from the crowd. It’s an opportunity to explore traditional desert villages and examine the realities of a nomadic lifestyle.

Day one begins with a 7:30 am hotel pick-up and a drive through the scenic roads of the High Atlas Mountains to the amazing fortified village of Ksar Ait Ben Haddou.

This ancient village of baked-clay houses is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is such a unique and historically important settlement.

I hope you’re taking a good-quality camera because Ksar Ait Ben Haddou is a renowned location for fashion-model shoots and often makes an appearance in high-end glossy magazines.

You’ll most certainly want good pictures of your friends and you posing in front of the impressive kasbahs and well-preserved medieval streets.

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you might even recognize some of the buildings from scenes set in Yunkai during Season 3!

In the afternoon, you will stop near the Atlas Film Studios for a photo opportunity. You may not have heard of the studio, but it is one of the world’s largest, and many top Hollywood epics have been filmed on its various outdoor sets. See if you recognize anything!

Next, you’ll head into the city center of Quarzazate. There you’ll have a fabulous view of the Kasbah of Taourirt, which looms over the surrounding buildings. It is a photogenic structure, with tall orange towers and threatening crenellations.

After you’ve had a chance to explore Quarzazate, your minibus with transport you to Boumaie du Dades. There you’ll be shown to your hotel, where you can freshen up and eat dinner before retiring for the night.

Day two commences with a leisurely sight-seeing tour of the Dades Valley and Todra Gorges. Once you arrive at Merzouga, you will be introduced to a “camel”.

Let’s hope you get on well because you’re going to be riding your dromedary friend across the Dunes of Erg Chebbi. The shifting, wind-blown sand dunes of Erg Chebbi can rise as high as 500 feet above the base level of the desert, and riding through the dunes will create memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

After your “camel” ride, you’ll be taken to a Berber desert campsite. Sleeping in a tent in the desert will be another memorable experience. If you wish, you can rise before dawn to watch the sunrise over the sand dunes.

The morning brings a second camel ride, from the campsite to where your minibus is parked. From there, you’ll enjoy a slow and scenic drive back to Marrakech, with plenty of stops and photo opportunities.

This will culminate in your crossing of the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’tichka Pass. Back in Marrakech, you’ll be dropped off safe and sound at your hotel.

#3. 2-Day Desert Safari To Zagora From Marrakech

• Departure Point : Hotel pick up in Marrakech
• Departure Time : 7:00 AM
• Duration : 2 days
• Includes : Air-conditioned minibus, Visits to Quarzazate, Agdez, the Draa Valley, & Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, 2 “camel” rides, dinner & breakfast, and 1 night at a desert campsite

Make sure you bring along a good quality camera because you’ll take photographs over these two action-packed days that will amaze your Instagram followers as they follow your progress from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert.

Your first day begins with an early morning minibus pick-up from your hotel. The minibus holds a maximum of 17 passengers, so you’re guaranteed to be part of an intimate group.

It’s an excellent opportunity to make new friends. You’ll then leave Marrakech behind to set out on your desert adventure. Your interesting and scenic route will take you across the High Atlas Mountains.

Once you’ve reached Quarzazate, there will be a break in the journey so you may peruse the shops in this Berber city and maybe try one of the local restaurants.

Quarzazate is known locally as the Door to the Desert because the whole area south of the city is the Sahara Desert.

Leaving Quarzazate behind, you’ll continue to the oasis town of Agdez, which was once a crucial stopping point for trade caravans crossing the Sahara enroot to Marrakech.

Agdez is situated on the riverbank of the Draa River, the longest river in Morocco.

Your journey will take you across the Draa Valley, where you can admire and photograph the many castle-like homes (kasbahs) and ancient walled villages (ksars) that line the old trade route. Reaching the end of the Draa Valley, you’ll arrive at Zagora.

Zagora is where you’ll experience your first unforgettable “camel” ride as you are taken into the desert as part of a caravan to spend 1 hour exploring the scenic dunes. During your camel ride, you’ll see the sunset over the sands in a blaze of color.

After you bid goodbye to your dromedary, you’ll rejoin the minibus and be driven to a campsite in the Sahara Desert.

There you can enjoy a tasty dinner under the stars while listening to the live entertainment from the tam tam drums played by your nomadic Berber hosts.

Ending a perfect day, you’ll spend the night in a private tent, listening to the tranquil sounds of the desert. But don’t worry if you’re caught short or feel dusty after that camel ride. Toilets and showers are available at the campsite.

If you want, your hosts will wake you before dawn so that you may begin your second day gazing at the eastern horizon as the sun makes its appearance at the dawn of a new day.

Breakfast will be provided, after which you’ll climb onto a camel to ride from your campsite to the main road.

If you’re anything like me, the next attraction you visit will be the true highlight of the tour. Back in the minibus, you’ll drive to the famous fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou.

This well-preserved historical site is justifiably listed as a key UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The earthen clay structures and imposing kasbahs should prove familiar. For years, this collection of unique and fascinating buildings has appeared in major Hollywood epics, like Time Bandits , The Jewel of the Nile , Kingdom of Heaven , and Son of God .

You will have the opportunity to explore the ksar and its many kasbahs at your leisure. It’s a great place to take memorable photographs and meet local people demonstrating their traditional crafts, like weaving on a handloom.

As the day ends, you’ll be transported back to Marrakech along scenic mountain routes to conclude your Marrakech desert trip. The minibus should return you to your hotel for around 6 PM. And I’m 100% that you’ll be pleased you chose this 3-day adventure as your Morocco desert tour from Marrakech.

#4. Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Sahara Desert Tour

• Departure Point : Marrakech
• Includes : Visit to Ksar Ait Ben Haddou fortified village, visit to the Draa Valley, night in a tent at a desert campsite, 2 camel rides, road trip through the High Atlas Mountains, dinner and breakfast

On the first day, your drive south will take you past the city of Quarzazate, known locally as the Gateway to the Desert because the Sahara Desert spreads out across the land to its immediate south. Soon after this, you’ll stop at the Ksar Ait Ben Haddou.

You’ll probably immediately recognize the Ksar Ait Ben Haddou. Not only is it a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, but the ancient village of earthen clay, fortified houses is also frequently used as the setting for major Hollywood movies and TV shows. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan or you’ve watched Gladiator , The Mummy , or Prince of Persia , then you’ve seen the streets of Ait Ben Haddou.

The half-dozen traditional kasbahs inside the village are especially well preserved. I hope you’ve got a good camera because the ancient architecture around Ait Ben Haddou is stunning. It’s worth taking this tour to see that one city alone.

The second stop of the day is the Draa Valley, where you’ll see a stretch of the longest river in Morocco and have the opportunity to admire its many picturesque and historic fortified villages (ksars) and fortress-like merchant houses (kasbahs).

Next, you’ll reach Zagora and swap your motor vehicle seat for a “camel’s” back for a 1-hour “camel” ride into the sunset. After your leisurely “camel-riding” experience, you’ll be served a delicious dinner at the campsite.

Finally, you’ll be shown to your tent so that you can sleep under the stars in the desert.

Very early the next day, you’ll be transported to Zagora to enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast. As the new day dawns, you’ll greet the rising sun from the back of a “camel” as you ride through the dunes.

Following this, you will be transported back to Marrakech, taking a scenic route through the High Atlas Mountains, where you can admire the snow-capped peaks and beautiful waterfalls.

#5. Marrakech: Half-Day Desert Quad & Dromedary Tour

• Departure Point: Pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech
• Departure Time : 9:30 AM, 3:00 PM
• Duration : 4 hours
• Includes : 1-hour dromedary ride, visit a Berber village, tea, 2-hour quad ride, all the necessary safety equipment for your “camel” and quad rides

After you’ve been picked up from your hotel, you’ll be driven out of the city into an alien landscape. Despite the Atlas Mountains in the background, you won’t believe this tranquil and arid terrain is so close to the hustle and bustle of the city.

There you’ll be introduced to your “friendly” dromedary. Don’t worry, your experienced guides won’t let it carry you away. And to protect you and your clothes, and help you look the part, you’ll be equipped with traditional nomadic clothes, so you look like a local.

During your leisurely dromedary ride, admire the beautiful arid scenery—the snow-capped mountains under a cerulean sky, undulating dunes, and the majestic palm trees.

Upon arrival in a desert village, you’ll experience the hospitality of the Berber people. Quench your thirst with a traditional tea break and take a good look around the authentic desert settlement.

Here’s your chance to ask all the questions you ever wanted to ask of a desert dweller.

After shedding your nomadic clothing, you’ll be provided with gloves and a helmet and introduced to a more modern “camel”—a quad bike.

Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you race past the palms and enjoy the bumpy terrain of the desert outside Marrakech.

After you’re back in your hotel room, recalling your adventures that day, you’ll be pleased you chose this tour as one of your Marrakech excursions.

Marrakech Travel Guide

Airports & entry, planning tips, restaurants & eating out, nightlife & entertainment, getting around, accommodations, attractions.

Marrakech has long been a key destination for European royalty, celebrities, and the filthy rich. Now, this outstanding imperial city has come within the reach of more humble travelers who don’t want to spend $1,000 per night on a hotel room.

If you want to experience the exotic culture and wild landscape of Africa but with the luxury of modern amenities, Marrakech is an ideal city for your vacation.

Here you can haggle with a Berber stall keeper over the price of a hand-woven rug, ride a camel into the Sahara Desert, take a tour into the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and walk through the courtyards of a palace built for a Grand Vizier, his 4 wives, and 24 concubines.

But before you book your holiday, it’s a good idea to fully research where you’re going to stay, how you’re going to get around, local restaurants, and attractions. That’s the best way to ensure you get the most out of your visit, and I wrote this guide to will help you on your way.

Every year, tourists flock to Marrakech, arriving by airplane, train, or bus. Most international visitors opt to fly. If you are based in Casablanca during your vacation, you should note that flying from Casablanca to Marrakech is over 10 times more expensive than a train or bus journey. Inside Morocco, trains and buses are incredibly cheap.

Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK) is a clean, modern airport that welcomes over 4 million passengers every year. If you’re traveling from the US, you’ll change planes in Casablanca, but there are direct flights from Paris and London.

The flight from Casablanca to Marrakech takes around 50 minutes. RAK is super convenient for tourists because it’s only 2 miles (a 15-minute taxi ride) from Marrakech city center. But if you’re staying in the Old Town, you will have a considerably longer journey.

Inside the 3 air-conditioned terminals at RAK you’ll see the usual facilities you’d expect to find in any modern international airport, including ATMs, a bureau de change, duty-free shops, retail stores, and food outlets. There’s free Wi-Fi for your convenience.

If you’re religious, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a prayer room where Muslims can retreat to perform their 5 daily prayers. For passengers with mobility problems, loaner wheelchairs are available. An airport clinic provides basic medical aid.

Getting from the airport to the city center is simple. The two recommended methods are by the hotel shuttle bus and taxis.

The shuttle bus runs every 20 to 30 minutes and stops at most of the major hotels in Marrakech. It is super cheap. Taxis take between 15 and 30 minutes to get to the city center, depending upon traffic conditions.

Avoid the taxis that hover immediately outside the terminal doors. It is better to cross the carpark to where more taxis wait. Apparently, the taxis in the prime location are affiliated with local organized crime!

Agree the price of your fare with the taxi driver before jumping inside if you want to avoid being scammed.

It is not recommended that you drive into the city center yourself. However, if you want, you can hire cars at the airport. Several car hire companies operate desks at the airport, including Hertz and Avis.

The train station is even more convenient for the city center. It’s within walking distance. Like the airport, it’s a modern building with exceptional facilities.

There you’ll find a range of stores and food outlets, including a KFC and an Ibis Hotel adjacent to the station.

In the near future, the railway will become an increasingly attractive option for visitors to Marrakech. The new 200-mph high-speed rail Tangiers-Casablanca link is to be extended to reach Marrakech.

However, for now, the train journey from Casablanca to Marrakech takes between 2½ and 3 hours, and there are 8 services every day.

If you prefer, 3 national bus companies run regular air-conditioned bus services from Casablanca to Marrakech: SATAS, CTM, and Supratours.

The road journey takes around 3¾ hours. These services terminate at the long-distance bus station, which is a 20-minute walk from the city center.

When you arrive in Marrakech, you most certainly aren’t in Kansas anymore. Here are 5 tips to help you enjoy your time in Morocco.

Tip #1: Choose the time you visit carefully

Because of the year-round sunshine and low rainfall, any time of year is a great time to visit Marrakech. However, there are probably specific things you want to see and do, which may be better at certain times of the year.

Winter is when the Atlas Mountains are covered in snow, which makes for great photo opportunities. The weather is also especially cool for Africa, making it a great time to visit if you’re not keen on the heat.

In spring, the melting snow results in amazing waterfalls at the base of the Atlas Mountains and beautiful flower displays in the many parks and gardens around the city.

Summer sees the major local festivals. However, the temperature grows hot, the streets get crowded, and there are a lot of unpleasant smells associated with heat and many people crammed into a small area.

Tip #2: Don’t underestimate how much time you’ll need to see everything in Marrakech

Perhaps you only want to ride a camel through the desert or visit the famous Atlas Mountains, but there’s lots to do and see around Marrakech.

Do your research before you go and don’t miss out on the many interesting and unique attractions. Check the section on Attractions below.

Tip #3: Book Marrakech tours in advance

Marrakech is visited by more and more tourists every year, and the number will increase as the new high-speed train service is opened.

It’s a great idea to avoid possible disappointment by booking tours in advance before you get there. That way you won’t miss out on your once-in-a-lifetime to ride a camel across the Sahara Desert.

Also, reputable tour companies offer free cancellation if you change your mind a reasonable time before the tour begins, so you won’t lose your money if you decide not to go. Check the cancellation policy with the tour operator when you book.

Tip #4: Be very cautious about hygiene

Do not drink tap water. I cannot emphasize this enough. I recommend you use bottled water to brush your teeth. Never take ice in your drinks.

Use antibacterial hand wipes or gel after handling money, handling goods in the souks, or when you are eating out. Be especially discerning about street food.

Watch for the stalls local people frequent because they are likely the safest. Peel fruit before eating it. Washing the fruit’s skin won’t always work because the water might not be clean.

Tip #5: Cover up, especially ladies

Lots of the tourist brochures show men and women lazing around swimming pools in skimpy swimwear. While that may be appropriate within the walls of your raid or hotel, it most certainly will not be accepted out on the streets.

Morocco is an Islamic nation. Yes, it’s a liberal Muslim country, but they still have stricter ideas about exposed flesh than you’re probably accustomed to. If you’re a lady and you step out of your hotel wearing a low-cut T-shirt and very short shorts, you will probably get some dirty looks.

While in Marrakech, you must sample some of the local food. Given its location on the edge of the desert and its key role in the ancient trade routes through this exotic region, you’ll find many unique and interesting dishes on the menu.

However, do note there are three kinds of eating outlet to try the local cuisine: your own hotel, the glamorous restaurants that offer a culinary experience, and the street stalls for the crazy, adventurous tourist. Both options have much to offer.

If you’re staying in a riad, there is a good chance there is a restaurant inside the same building. These small and intimate restaurants are often high quality and inexpensive.

Even if you’re in a budget hotel, you will find the attached restaurant a safe and reliable option. And if you’re lucky enough to be lording it in one of Marrakech’s grand 5-star hotels, you’ll have a French chef and the finest cooks you can find in Morocco…for a price.

In a city frequented by millionaires, celebrities, and royalty, it’s no surprise to find that there are many gourmet restaurants. If you are not frightened by a high tab, Pepe Nero can be found near Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.

For top prices, you will receive high-quality food, both European and Moroccan. But I prefer Le Fondouk near the Marrakech Museum. This atmospheric restaurant is found in the heart of the souks. You can dine on the rooftop terrace and enjoy great views across the Medina or stay out of the sun and eat indoors.

I’m going to suggest you try street food while visiting Marrakech, but please be cautious. Remember again that you’re not in Kansas and heed the warnings given in “tips” above. You’ll find some of the most authentic Moroccan food served in street stalls. However, avoid those only frequented by large crowds of tourists and head for those where you see locals eat.

Wherever you eat, there are various local dishes you should try. Perhaps the most internationally well-known is couscous.

You’ll find this semolina dish served with meat stews and vegetables garnished with a raisin preserve. A popular snack from the street stalls is b’stilla, which is a pie baked with thin layers of pastry and traditionally stuffed with almonds, eggs, and pigeon.

And for something light, a traditional soup called harira is popular with the locals, especially during Ramadan. It is made from chickpeas, lentils, and tomatoes, with added noodles. It is served in small bowls or cups on the streets.

If you’re feeling especially adventurous and crazy, snail soup is considered a delicacy in Marrakech and is sold around Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.

The locals believe it has restorative and digestive benefits. The distinctive brown snails are served still in the shell and immersed in a flavorsome broth.

Personally, I’d avoid this particular local favorite because snails are difficult to clean and prepare for food use.

For those who, like me, have a sweet tooth, try chebakia. This is a popular sesame cookie, fried and served coated with honey.

And you can wash that down with freshly squeezed orange juice. Orange trees grow everywhere around Marrakech, and they’re the most delicious and juicy oranges you’ve ever tasted.

While it is not only possible but easy to purchase alcohol in Marrakech, please do remember that Morocco is an Islamic nation.

That means that drinking alcohol is a discreet business done in relatively private locations, like inside your hotel room and in certain licensed bars and clubs.

You should never take alcohol out onto the streets. Not only would it be dangerous for you, but it would be deeply disrespectful to the local people.

Also, you will find that alcohol is unexpectedly expensive wherever it’s served. And where it is served, the waiting staff will probably request you sit in an area well away from the windows.

They are not being rude to you; they are concerned about offending passersby.

Having said that, you will find that Marrakech does have a good selection of venues for nighttime entertainment, such as casinos, nightclubs, and cocktail bars.

An area of the city renowned for its lively nightlife is Hivernage. There you will find the Royal Theatre, which stages concerts in an amphitheater.

For a truly Moroccan experience, consider visiting Le Comtoir Darna restaurant. There you can watch live belly dancing, fire-eaters, and other extraordinary acts while you enjoy traditional Moroccan or European food.

If you want something European in flavor, check out the Oh La La Show at the Lotus Club, where there are live dancers and a lineup of club DJs.

Like Le Comtoir Darna, this venue is really a restaurant but with a live show added in. The food offered not only includes Moroccan and European, but they also boast Japanese food on the menu!

But if you want to live the high life, you could head over to the famous La Mamounia Hotel near Jemaa El-Fnaa Square where you will find the sophisticated Le Bar Churchill.

Of course, you probably won’t get in without a lounge suit or cocktail dress. It is strictly smart dress only, and they do turn away would-be customers who arrive wearing sneakers and T-shirts.

At least you don’t need to be a guest at the hotel since it’s pricy for a room.

Inside the bar, you’ll love the ambient jazz music and theme, black velvet chairs, and padded leather walls. However, note that the bar is only open Wednesday through Saturday.

If you’re based in the Medina (the Old City), this isn’t a big problem because you can easily walk to many of the most popular attractions.

However, there will be times you want to go somewhere outside the immediate area, or when you’re in a hurry. The easiest thing then is to hail a taxi. There are 3 kinds of taxi in Marrakech: caleche, grand taxis, and petit taxis.

In Marrakech, a caleche is not a lady’s perfume from Hermes. It is a horse-drawn vehicle and one of the best ways to enjoy the sights around the city. If you hail one, note that there are set prices for popular tourist loops, but you will have to negotiate the price for other locations. Set a price before climbing into the cab to avoid being scammed.

Grand taxis are large old Mercedes cars capable of carrying up to 6 passengers. These keep to specific routes and charge a fixed fare.

They congregate at taxi ranks outside the main Post Office in the New Town, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, and the Central Bus Station.

Petit taxis are smaller, of course, and charge higher rates. You’ll see them all over the city, they are most often beige, and you can flag them down.

But they’ll go anywhere you want…for a price. Make sure you agree the cost of your fare before climbing in.

The local buses are cheap, and there are lots, but they get crowded. If you climb aboard, you pay the bus driver directly.

The N o 1 service links the Medina to the New Town, N o 8 goes to the train station, and N o 11 and N o 19 will transport you to the airport. The Central Bus Station is situated on the northwestern side of the Medina.

A particularly great way to get around Marrakech is by bicycle. These are easy to hire, and you can cycle through parts of the Medina that are blocked to road vehicles.

Because of its many world-famous attractions, Marrakech has a long history of tourism. Today, you will find more than 400 hotels in the city. These may be divided into three kinds: the opulent, the standard, and the traditional.

If you have money to spend and want to stay in the same hotel as Mick Jagger, Prince Charles, and Winston Churchill, you could spend a few nights in La Mamounia Hotel, a 5-star hotel in the heart of the old city.

This luxury hotel and casino was used as a setting for the movie Sex & The City 2 . Looking around the establishment, it’s easy to understand how it became so popular.

The interior feels more like a palace than a hotel. There is a selection of other eminent hotels in the same area where you can brush shoulders with celebrities, royalty, and millionaires.

However, if you’re on a tighter budget, there are many standard tourist hotels, with the usual facilities you’d expect to find in any other major city.

For example, you could stay in the Amani Hotel for less than $50 per night. From your room balcony, you could admire the snow-capped (in winter) Atlas Mountains. Your room would have an attached bathroom, satellite TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, minibar, and tea & coffee facilities.

But my personal favorite is the traditional accommodation—a riad in the Medina (the Old City). In Morocco, a riad is a large traditional home built around a central courtyard.

Many of these old courtyard houses have been converted into hotels, like large B&Bs offering between 7 and 15 rooms. But because they were originally local people’s homes, when you stay in a riad, you are steeped in the local culture and traditions of Marrakech.

The courtyards often feature a fountain or pool and may have a restaurant. A few riads boast rooftop terraces where you can admire a view across the city while drinking mint tea.

Riads vary in price from the more luxurious neighboring the key tourist attractions to more basic hostels on the edge of the city. One I think is truly beautiful and rich in culture is Riad Kaiss in the old town.

This tiny riad only offers 8 rooms, but each is an art masterpiece. Inside the carefully restored old house, you can see colorful Islamic tile decorations and abstract carvings on the antique fire surrounds and columns. Riad Kaiss is one of those within walking distance of the main museums and monuments in the heart of Marrakech.

Before they visit Marrakech, many assume it is a desert city because of its strong associations with the Sahara Desert and the Berber people. Indeed, Marrakech is a great doorway into the Sahara for those who wish to take a camel ride into the desert.

Actually, Marrakech enjoys a semi-arid climate because of its position just to the north of the Atlas Mountains. This means Marrakech experiences a whole 11” of rain each year, a Biblical flood compared to other cities in the region. Quarzazate only sees 4½” of rain annually and Zagora a minuscule 2½”. Those two cities have hot desert climates.

The average daily temperature in Marrakech ranges from 54 0 F in January up to 83 0 F in July. The sunniest month is July, with an average of 10¾ hours, and the most rain falls during November when the average rainfall is 1½”.

Despite the midsummer heat, many tourists choose to visit Marrakech in summer. This is in part due to the popular festivals held during this time, like the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival held every July.

However, if you’re anything like me, the heat and crowds of the summer will distract you from fully appreciating the beauty of this incredible city. Plus, the city stink hits its peak in July.

If you come during winter, the climate is like spring in many parts of the world. This is also when the Atlas Mountains look their best, capped with snow like a scene from a picture postcard. In fact, if you’re lucky, you can even go skiing in Marrakech in midwinter.

There’s so much to do and see in Marrakech that I can’t possibly list all the attractions here. Instead, I’ll mention a few of the highlights to give you a taste of the city.

The main attractions can be divided into cultural attractions, sites of outstanding natural beauty, and major cultural events.

Because Marrakech has served as the capital city of Morocco for much of its long and rich history, there are many interesting buildings to see and visit.

You’ll find palaces, fortresses, and fascinating museums. For me, the most impressive structure of them all is the city wall that gives Marrakech its popular nickname—the red city.

I feel humbled by the orange-red walls that stand 19 feet high and stretch for 12 miles around the city. They were built in the 12 th century.

At that time, the largest empire in the world was China. I’ve visited the walls around Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, which were built around the same time. Although Xi’an’s walls are higher, they only stretch for 8¾ miles, which means that Marrakech’s walls in some way surpassed those of the greatest superpower of their time.

When visiting the walls, head for one of the 19 gateways. In my opinion, they are the most interesting part of the structure.

I’d recommend Bab Agnaou gate as it is arguably the most beautiful. Near the palace of its day, it served as the royal entrance to the city.

The horseshoe arch is decorated with alternating sections of stone and brick, and framing the gate are three panels with beautiful inscriptions taken from the Qur’an.

Because each successive ruler has left their own mark upon the city over the passage of centuries, there are 3 palaces and many mansions dotted around the Medina.

You can’t actually enter the current Royal Palace, though you can skulk around the front door and admire the outer wall. But you can visit the much more impressive El Bahia Palace.

The Bahia Palace is an elaborate and extensive complex of buildings set in 2 acres of formal gardens. Built to house the Grand Vizier of Marrakech, his 4 wives, 24 concubines, and all their many kids, this isn’t your average-sized family home.

If you’ve seen photographs of a beautiful courtyard in Marrakech with ornate arches and colorful tile decor, it was probably inside El Bahia. The palace was designed to be the greatest of its age, encapsulating all the best elements of Moroccan and Islamic architecture.

At the heart of the Medina (the Old City) you can find Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. If you want to see the kind of traditional street entertainment you’ve seen in films set in North Africa, like snake-charming and jugglers, then this is where you need to be.

It’s also a great place to find stalls selling the street food mentioned above and freshly squeezed orange juice. The square comes alive every evening. Note that if you pause to take photographs of entertainers in the square then you will be expected to contribute money to their pot.

One of the most interesting cultural experiences you can have in Marrakech is a visit to one of the souks. These colorful markets, with tiny and varied stalls in a maze of alleyways, are the main shopping attraction in the city.

This is where you have the opportunity to haggle with a Berber tradesman to buy a “flying carpet” for the lowest price. You’ll find the souks north of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square.

Outside the city, there are several nearby sites of outstanding natural beauty. The most obvious is the Atlas Mountains since they loom over the city.

Daytrips into the foothills are very popular, and the Ouzoud waterfalls are especially beautiful. A little further off, you can visit the most famous desert in the world. If you ever dreamed of riding a camel across the sand dunes, this is your opportunity.

Every July sees the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival, Marrakech Folklore Festival, and Fantasia Horse-Stunt Event.

These combined events are composed of many separate performances spread throughout the city but focused on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the ruined Badi Palace, and the area outside the city walls near Bab Jdid Gate.

Folk singers, dancers, fire-swallowers, and snake charmers perform traditional routines within the walls of the Badi Palace, while horse riders in traditional clothes gallop around in front of the city walls, showing off their equestrian skills.

And for something you’ll probably never see in the 50 States of the Union, sometime around the end of August every year the local Berber people hold the Imilchil Marriage Feast.

This is a huge event where up to 30,000 mountain dwellers gather for a 3-day festival around the tomb of the Oldman in Imilchil, a village in the Atlas Mountains.

During the festival, young women dress up in traditional clothes and silver jewelry then dance to attract a fiancé. Traditionally, unmarried people form engagements at the festival which are then followed up in their home villages by discussions between the families and arrangements for a later wedding.

The festival is a grand celebration of Berber culture, music, dance, and love.

Professionalism

We chose the Shared 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga as our Editor's Choice for Best Marrakech Desert Tour.

Robert Baker

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Marrakech desert tour 3 days

• ACCOMMODATIONS
• BEFORE YOU GO

Experience an incredible escape from the vibrant city of Marrakech with our Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days . In under three days, you will be mesmerized by the captivating Sahara desert, where you can enjoy the enchanting desert sunset and sunrise.

Get ready for a fantastic desert experience with our private 3 days desert tour from Marrakech . You will ride camels through the stunning Erg Chebbi sand dunes and sleep under the starry desert sky in a luxury desert camp.

Dive deeper into this fantastic experience by exploring all the specifics of our 3 day Marrakech desert tours .

• Duration: 3 days/2 nights
• Start: Marrakech
• End: Marrakech
• Accommodations: Check them below
• Tour Style: Private & Small group
• Price: Check it below

Check out this short 2 min video for a taste of what you can expect from this authentic 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga , exploring the many wonders that Moroccan Sahara desert has to offer, focusing on the beautiful Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga:

Highlights of the 3 days desert tour from Marrakech:

Crossing the High Atlas mountains

Exploring the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah

Discovering the impressive Dades Gorge and the Todra Canyon

Riding camels through the Erg Chebbi dunes

Enjoying an incredible sunset and sunrise over the dunes

Spending a lovely starry night in a luxury desert camp

Traveling through Morocco’s longest river, the Draa river

Why private 3 days desert tour from Marrakech?

Embarking on our private 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga through Morocco Fabulous Travel guarantees an incredible desert trip. This customized journey comes with the comfort of a private vehicle and an experienced driver/guide. He will be your companion every step of the way, from Marrakech to Merzouga and back, sharing insights into the rich Moroccan culture.

Our private 3 days Marrakech desert tour is all about providing you with an authentic desert experience. We offer a fully flexible itinerary tailored to your unique interests, needs, and budget. Plus, you can select your accommodations, ensuring they match your preferences.

To discover more about the incredible experiences that await, please delve into the suggested itinerary for this tour below.

Why shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech?

Joining our small shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga offers a fantastic chance to connect with fellow travelers from around the world. We ensure your experience is intimate and authentic by limiting our group tours to a maximum of 10 participants.

Although transportation is shared, your comfort and privacy are a priority. You will have your own private room in a charming hotel in Dades Valley and a private tent in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga.

For a deeper understanding of what to expect on this shared group desert tour, explore the full details of our shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech .

Marrakech desert tour 3 days itinerary:

Explore the detailed itinerary for the 3 days Marrakech desert tour below to get a sense of the journey’s highlights. If you wish to customize the itinerary or are considering an extended adventure, kindly inform us by completing the contact form provided below.

Day 1: Marrakech ⇢ High Atlas mountains ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ Dades Valley

Begin your 3 days Marrakech desert tour with an 8:00 am pick-up from your riad or wherever you are in Marrakesh. We will leave the city behind and journey through the High Atlas mountains, reaching a high point called the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass, which is 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) above sea level. We will make stops to see some lovely Berber villages on our way.

We will then visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, an old fortified village known for its unique Moroccan architecture. Many famous movies were filmed here, like “Kingdom of Heaven” in 2005, “Babel” in 2006, “Prince of Persia” in 2010, “Game of Thrones” in 2012, and the recent documentary “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet” in 2020. You will have plenty of time to explore this historic Kasbah.

After a tasty lunch, we will head south along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to Dades Valley, passing through places like Ouarzazate, Skoura, and the Valley of Roses in Kalaat M’Gouna. When we reach Dades Valley in the afternoon, we will take you to some impressive rock formations known as the “monkey fingers” if there is enough time. If not, we will visit this unique place the next day. You will spend the night in a comfortable hotel of your choice.

Driving distance: Approximately 353 km

Driving time: Approximately 6 hr 30 min

Day 2: Dades Valley ⇢ Tinghir Oasis ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Merzouga desert

We kick off the second day of your 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with a tasty breakfast. Then, we will head to Tineghir, stopping at a scenic spot with views of lovely Berber villages and a palm tree-filled oasis. Nearby, there is a 300-meter-high canyon known as Toudgha Gorge. We will walk beneath this deep canyon before continuing to the Merzouga desert.

As we reach Merzouga in the afternoon, you will begin a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. During this trek, you will stop on a high dune to watch a breathtaking sunset over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Afterward, you will continue riding camels to the camp, receiving a warm welcome with a cup of tea. You will have some free time to relax. Following a delightful Moroccan dinner, you can sit around a campfire with Berber friends who will play drums and share stories under the starry night sky. You will spend the night in a luxury desert camp of your choice.

Driving distance: Approximately 275 km

Driving time: Approximately 4 hr

Day 3: Merzouga desert ⇢ Draa River ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Marrakech

Today, we highly recommend waking up early to watch a breathtaking sunrise from the nearest high dune to the camp. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you can return to Merzouga town either by camel or in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle. From there, we will head back to Marrakech, but this time, we will take a different route along the Draa River, which happens to be Morocco’s longest river, stretching 1100 kilometers.

Feel free to ask your driver to make stops whenever you desire. We will stop for lunch in Ouarzazate and drive to Marrakech via the High Atlas mountains. Finally, we will drop you off at your accommodation, marking the end of this Marrakech desert tour 3 days.

Driving distance: Approximately 560 km

Driving time: Approximately 9 hr

Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour

• Pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Marrakech
• A/C modern 4×4 SUV, a van, or a minibus
• English-speaking driver or a driver and an English-speaking tour guide (If you prefer another language, kindly inform us in advance)
• First and second-night accommodations
• Meals: 2 dinners & 2 breakfasts
• Camel trekking experience
• Sandboarding
• Entrance fees, when needed
• Tips (optional)

Map of the tour

Accommodations

When you choose our 3-day desert tour from Marrakech, your package includes accommodations for your overnight stays in the picturesque Dades Valley and the charming Merzouga desert.

We want to ensure your desert experience is top-notch, so we do not offer basic camps with shared bathing facilities. Instead, we provide luxury desert camps with private tents, private bathrooms, and showers for your comfort and the best possible desert experience.

During the booking process, you can let us know your accommodation preferences for the trip’s duration. To make your choice easier, we offer three options for you to consider:

It is important to highlight that you have the flexibility to, for example, spend your first night at Hotel Babylon Dades and the second night at Desert Luxury Camp. If you have specific accommodation preferences, please do not hesitate to let us know. Our team is committed to helping you and ensuring all the arrangements match your preferences.

Marrakech desert tour 3 days price:

Our 3-day Marrakech desert tour begins at €150 per person. However, please note that the total cost can change based on several factors, including the size of your group, your choice of accommodations, and the timing of your travel. As the size of your group increases, the cost per person decreases further.

For accurate, personalized pricing details that suit your specific group, we encourage you to reach out to us via the contact form below. Our expert team will quickly provide pricing information tailored to your needs.

Please use the below form to email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you do not hear back from us within 24 hours, please send us a WhatsApp message or call us at +212668662320 . We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Know Before You Go

As you make your reservation, please inform us of any dietary preferences or special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or vegan choices. This allows us to cater to your specific needs during the trip.

Our guides carefully select restaurants known for their fresh and quality meals to ensure your well-being during the trip. If you have a specific restaurant preference, do not hesitate to share it with your guide; they will gladly accommodate your choice. Your comfort and dining satisfaction are important to us.

This is primarily a private tour, but you can join a small group by selecting our shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech .

Please take into consideration that you also have the flexibility to drive directly to the Merzouga desert on the first day. This enables you to reserve the second day for an extensive exploration of the Merzouga desert, adhering to the detailed schedule provided in the 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga .

Please be aware that the third day of the tour includes extensive driving. If you wish to reduce the long drive, consider the 4 days Marrakech desert tour if you have the additional time.

To make the most of your desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, we highly recommend dedicating a full day in Merzouga, especially if you opt for the 4 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga or the 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga .

This 3 days Marrakech desert tour can end in Fes by choosing the Marrakech to Fes desert tour . Alternatively, you can start the tour from Fes and finish it in Marrakech through our Fes to Marrakech desert tour .

It is possible to do a desert tour in 2 days by opting for the Marrakech desert tours 2 days . However, it is not recommended because a lot of driving is involved.

Extra activities

In addition to securing your 3 day Marrakech desert tour, you can enhance your experience with extra activities and tours available before, during, or after your main desert tour. If any of these activities align with your interests, please let us know during the booking process, and we will be delighted to assist in organizing your selections.

Read more reviews on Tripadvisor .

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get to the desert from marrakech.

The road trip from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, specifically to Merzouga, is an approximately 9-hour journey. To make this travel more comfortable and enjoyable, we include an overnight stay at Dades Valley to break up the drive. On the third day, you will continue your journey from Merzouga back to Marrakech.

Can I skip the camel ride to the desert camp?

Of course! If you are not keen on riding camels, we have covered you with an alternative. You can relax in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost, and we will transport you to the camp hassle-free. Your satisfaction is our priority!

Are there bathrooms in the camp?

Absolutely, all the camps in our selection are classified as luxury camps, guaranteeing your comfort with the added convenience of private en-suite bathrooms.

What type of vehicles are used for the 3 days tour from Marrakech?

Great question! Our vehicle type depends on how many people are in your group. Different vehicles are available, like the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, Ford 8-seater van, and Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus (suitable for groups ranging from eight to seventeen passengers), in addition to other comfortable car options.

How far in advance should we book this tour?

The early bird catches the worm, it is recommended to book the trip as soon as possible.

How to pay for the tour?

Our payment procedure is simple and hassle-free. To confirm your reservation, we kindly ask for a small deposit. This deposit can be easily paid via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise when you make your booking. The outstanding balance is due in cash on the first day of your tour directly to our knowledgeable driver/guide. You have the flexibility to pay in euros, US dollars, or an equivalent sum in dirhams.

Have a question about our Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days that's not covered here?

We will get back to you within 24 hours. However, please send us a WhatsApp message or call us at +212668662320 if you do not hear back from us soon.

Who we are?

Morocco Fabulous Travel is a specialist tour operator offering the best Morocco Sahara desert tours . We have unique and full programs of Morocco tours, all at incredible prices.

Moroccofabuloustravel.com team is made of an enthusiastic group of people all sharing a deep feeling for the Sahara desert and Morocco in general. We offer our customers the best tours in Morocco , Our crew has first-hand and excellent knowledge of Morocco.

Our services are tailored to fit any budget.

Why book with MFT?

⇢ Booking through a local expert saves time, money, and stress and assures that your itinerary is co-ordinated perfectly.

⇢ We work with individuals who are highly motivated and totally in love with their country. Individuals who never tire of learning more about Morocco, who are capable of tailoring their tours to their interests. Individuals who will not rest until your tours are excellent.

⇢ Every day we find the best offers for our customers, so they can keep visiting our fabulous Morocco again and again.

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3 Day Sahara Desert Tour

• 9.40 / 10 4,889 reviews | 44,735 travellers Everything excellent met all my expectations and more 10 Luis Jonathan
• Free cancellation up to 3 days before

Immerse yourself in the most surprising part of the Moroccan desert , and contemplate the contrasts offered by its different landscapes as you discover valleys, mountains and historic towns.

Description

Day 1: marrakech - aït benhaddou - ouarzazate - the dadès valley.

At the scheduled time, we'll leave Marrakech behind to hit the road towards Ouarzazate. On the way, we'll cross the striking Atlas Mountains , crossing through the stunning Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass, 2,260 metres high .

At the midpoint of the journey, we'll arrive at the Aït Benhaddou Kasbah , a fortified city that has served as a filming location for movies such as Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven . You'll have approximately 2.5 hours here to explore this spectacular desert city and to have lunch.

The route then continues to Ouarzazate, where you'll have approximately half an hour to admire and take photos of the impressive Taourirt Kasbah .

Taking “ The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs " towards Skoura, we'll then cross the Valley of the Roses to finally arrive at the Dadès Valley , where we'll spend the night.

Day 2: Dadès Valley - Todgha Gorges - Merzouga

After breakfast, we'll set off towards the Dadès Valley, crossing on the way the incredible Todgha Gorges , where we'll stay for a bit to enjoy the impressive landscape. Next, we move on in the direction of Merzouga, passing through the Jorf palm grove (which produces the best dates) and we'll stop for lunch before arriving at Erfoud , a village famous for its fossil fragments.

Having arrived in Merzouga, we'll swap our motor vehicles for camels to immerse ourselves in the desert and search for the Bedouin camp where we'll spend the night .

Here, soundtracked by desert silence, we'll enjoy one of the most authentic dinners in all of Morocco .

Day 3: Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif -Tizi n'Tichka - Ouarzazate - Marrakesh

If there's one unmissable sight in the desert, it's sunrise . Having enjoyed this tranquil moment, then we'll have breakfast at the camp and gather our strength for our last day.

Passing through the Tafilalet palm grove and Rissani village (from where Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty comes) the tour continues through the acacia-covered plateaus and arrives at Alnif , where we take the road crossing the Anti Atlas mountain range. Through the remarkable mountainous passages of Tizi n'Tichka we'll arrive at Tinghir , (an important Amazigh village), and finally the Dades Valley .

Reaching Kalaat M'Gouna around midday, we'll stop for lunch and a well-earned rest, before we complete our return journey to Marrakesh via Ouarzazate , leaving you at your hotel at around 8:30 pm.

Accommodation

On the first night , we'll stay in Dades , and the accommodation will be the same for both standard and superior options. Among the options are Dar Essyaha, Hotel Babylon, Hotel Le Vieux Chateau, Kasbah Tifawen or similar.

On the second night , the tour will stay in the Merzouga camp . The difference between the standard and superior categories (Azawad Luxury Desert Camp or similar), is that in the standard camp the bathrooms and showers are in the communal tents, and in the superior camp each tent has a private bathroom with a shower.

The standard and superior camps are totally separate and, in addition to the distinction of the bathrooms, there are differences in the food you'll be served and the interior decoration of the haimas.

On the third day, the shower and breakfast will be at the camp in both categories.

For both categories, the rooms are doubles, triples, or family rooms if you prefer.

Hotel pickup

If you're staying in the Medina, you must go to the meeting point. If you're staying outside the Medina, we'll pick you up free of charge at your hotel or riad. If the hotel is outside of Marrakech, the pickup will have a supplement of € 10 ( US$ 10.70) to € 40 ( US$ 42.90), depending on the distance.

Private tours

If you wish to do a 4-day private day trip with your partner, family or friends, check out our 4-Day Merzouga Desert Private Tour.

More Information

The activity takes place with a driver that speaks in English, although it may occasionally be done in two languages.

Transport by 8 seater vehicle, minibus or bus

English–speaking driver

2 nights accommodation (hotel and Amazigh tent)

Breakfast and dinner

Sunrise and sunset camel rides

Pickup and drop–off hotels outside the historic centre

Towels in the accommodation

Shampoo (only in the Luxury category)

Wifi (only in the Luxury category)

Not included

Entrance fee for the Taourirt Kasbah: approx. € 7 ( US$ 7.50)

Guide at Aït Benhaddou: € 2 ( US$ 2.10) per person

Air conditioning: € 30 ( US$ 32.10) per person

Mineral water: between € 1 ( US$ 1.10) and € 2 ( US$ 2.10) per bottle of 1.5 liters

When to book?

You can book up until 12 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.
• Has a gender equality policy.
• Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Maroc Expedition Show more

Corporate name: Maroc Expedition Travel S.A.R.L

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Can children ride the camels?

A - Yes, although children under 10 must ride with their parent or guardian.

Q - In which hotels is free pick up available?

A - We will contact you to specify the exact pick up time and place.

Q - Is there WiFi available in the campsite?

A - WiFi is available in the luxury category, but you should be aware that it only works for receiving and sending messages. Therefore, we recommend that you purchase a SIM card for Internet access.

Q - Are there plugs in the haimas in the standard camp?

A - No, only in the restaurant.

Q - Is the transport air-conditioned?

Q - Is it possible to be picked up form our hotel and dropped off at a different destination?

A - Yes, as long as the hotel is outside the medina.

Q - Is there soap and shampoo?

Q - Is there hot water at the Haimas camp?

A - There is hot water but it takes a while to heat up, as it uses solar energy.

Q - Are there towels in the standard haimas

Q - How many people are in a group?

A - It depends on how many people book this tour, but the groups tend to be between 6 and 16 people.

Q - Can we do one way by camel and return by quad bike?

A - Yes, it costs 50 EUR (also payable in Dirhams) for drivers and 20 EUR for passengers to hire quad bikes.

Q - What is the average price of meals not included in the tour?

A - Meals usually cost between 7 and 12 EUR depending on the menu.

Q - Is it possible to end the tour in Ouarzazate?

A - Yes, but please indicate so when making your reservation and let your guide know on the day.

Q - Is it possible to pay by card in the places visited?

A - We recommend that you bring cash, not all of the places will accept card.

Q - Is there WiFi in the camp?

A - No. If you need an internet connection we recommend that you buy a local sim card, to have 3G in the camp.

Q - Does this excursion visit Erg Chebbi?

A - Yes, Erg Chebbi and the Merzouga desert are two names for the same desert.

Q - Does the menu include gluten free and vegetarian options?

A - Yes, please indicate this special requirement in the comment section when making the reservation on the first day of the excursion.

Q - Is there an alternative way to do the desert excursion, without riding the camel?

A - Yes, you can do the journey by car instead of by camel. Please advise the chauffer in the moening of the second day of the excursion.

Q - How long will we have in Ourzazate and the Dadès Gorges?

A - Half an hour in each of the two.

Q - Is there heating in the hotel/haima?

A - The hotel on the first night has heating. In the camp there is no heating, but there are plenty of blankets and duvets, so you won't get cold.

Q - How many hours in the car are included in this excursion?

A - On the first and second day there are approximately 8 hours of driving. On the last day approximately 10.

Q - What time do the activities begin in the morning?

A - Around 8 am.

Q - Is it possible to do a desert quad bike tour during the excursion, and how long does it last?

A - Yes, you can contract this, and other, activities in the destination. The guide will take you to the quad rental place so you can enjoy this activity. The activity lasts around an hour.

Q - How long is the camel ride?

A - The camel ride to get to the camp takes about an hour. The next day you'll make the same journey back.

Q - Can you bring luggage on the excursion?

A - Yes. The luggage will always be in the vehicle or back at the hotel. When you're travelling by camel you can only bring a backpack.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Café de France, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

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19 Best Agafay Desert Tours From Marrakech

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Looking for the best Agafay desert tours from Marrakech? I’ve got you covered!

The Agafay desert is a popular day trip destination from Marrakech, offering the chance to experience a unique desert landscape just outside the bustling city.

With so many tour options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. But don’t worry, I’ve done the research and compiled a list of the 20 best Agafay Desert tours that will give you an unforgettable experience.

During my most recent trip to Morocco, I spent a couple of days in the Agafay Desert, and it was truly a highlight of my trip.

So if you’re ready for an adventure, let’s dive into the top 20 Agafay desert tours that will make your trip to Morocco even more unforgettable!

Hi, I’m JJ!

I’m a travel blogger with a passion for unique travel destinations, discovering hidden gems, and adventurous solo travel.

I visited the Agafay Desert during my most recent trip to Morocco. I absoulety loved the vibe of the desert and the fact that it can be reached from Marrakech in just 40 minutes makes it a perfect day trip destination!

I hope you enjoy my free guides and travel tips! If so, please consider supporting my work 💕

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Agafay Desert Tours

Desert Safari: Quad, Camel, Pool, Dinner & Show at Agafay

✅ Round trip transportation

✅ Full-day tour

✅ Includes activities & dinner

Agafay Desert Quad Bike, Camel Ride, and Dinner

✅ Air-conditioned transportation

✅ Traditional Moroccan dinner

✅ Book now, pay later

1-Night Stay in Agafay Desert

✅ 1 night at a bivouac

✅ Dinner & Breakfast

✅ Camel ride

Camel Rides In The Agafay Desert

Camel rides are the most popular activity in the Agafay Desert but there is a lot of debate about whether this is ethical or not – PETA says that it isn’t. In contrast, the Born Free Foundation says camel riding is fine as long as the camel isn’t overloaded.

I typically don’t promote animal tourism on this site, however, almost every tour available in the Agafay desert includes camel riding. In my experience, you can talk to tour operators and skip the camel ride segment of the tour if you wish.

If you do choose to go for a camel trek, please ensure the animals are treated well and handled responsibly.

🐪 Here are some resources so that you can make an informed decision: 

1 , 2 , 3 .

19 Best Agafay Desert Tours

There are many different tour options to suit different budgets and time constraints. From day trips to sunset tours to overnight stays, here are the top 19 Agafay Desert tours you can choose from:

Agafay Desert Day Trip From Marrakech Tours

1. desert safari: quad, camel, pool, dinner & show at agafay.

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:   5.5 – 7 hours | ✅ Book it!

This tour is a real gem for adventurers looking to immerse themselves in the essence of the Agafay Desert all in one thrilling day.

From zipping across the dunes on an exhilarating quad bike ride to a peaceful camel trek at sunset, each activity is crafted to give you a taste of desert life in a fun and interactive way.

The added pool relaxation time is a welcome break, ideal for those hot Moroccan days, while the grand finale of dinner and a show ensures a cultural adventure.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or craving a mix of adventure and culture, this tour guarantees an unforgettable day in the stunning landscapes of Agafay.

“We enjoyed everything! The quad outing is unforgettable, the landscape is magnificent and the guide was very attentive to everyone’s safety. He took our photos and always made sure of our satisfaction.” – a GetYourGuide traveller ( Read more reviews )

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. From Marrakech: Agafay Desert Quad Bike and Camel Ride Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:   8 hours | ✅ Book it!

Begin your journey with a thrilling quad ride across the desert, taking in the stunning views of the rugged landscape. Then, switch gears and hop on a friendly camel for a traditional trek through the dunes.

After your rides, enjoy some downtime at a beautiful desert pool and indulge in a delicious home-cooked lunch prepared by a local family.

This tour is perfect for all levels of riders and promises a day filled with adventure, culture, and relaxation. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

“Fantastic experience very well organised, transport and experiences. Everyone smiling and helpful.” – Valentina  ( Read more reviews )

3. Private Luxury Lunch in Agafay Desert & Swimming Pool

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours | ✅ Book it!

Indulge in a private, luxurious lunch experience in the stunning Agafay Desert. Taste traditional Moroccan cuisine while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. 

After your meal, cool off with a relaxing swim in the pool set amidst the desert sands.

This is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and immerse yourself in the peaceful beauty of the desert. 

Perfect for those looking for relaxation time and wanting to treat themselves to a unique and unforgettable experience.

“Amazing!” – a GetYourGuide traveller ( Read more reviews )

4. Marrakech: Sunrise Desert Tour with Camel Ride and Breakfast

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | ✅ Book it!

Experience an unforgettable morning adventure with this Marrakech Sunrise Desert Tour.  Departing early in the morning, you will embark on a journey to discover the beautiful Agafay desert. As the sun rises, you will be able to witness breathtaking views.

Not only will you have the opportunity to take stunning photos and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, but you will also get a taste of traditional desert life by enjoying a delicious breakfast with local nomads.

As an added benefit, this tour is conducted in small groups, allowing for a more personal and intimate experience. 

It’s also perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a peaceful morning in nature.

“This was amazing! Most people choose the sunset ride, but if you can get up early, this might be a private ride.” – a GetYourGuide traveller ( Read more reviews )

5. Marrakech: Magical Lunch in Agafay Desert with Swimming Pool

⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | ✅ Book it!

Escape the city and treat yourself to a magical lunch in the beautiful Agafay desert. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared with fresh local ingredients while surrounded by stunning views of the desert landscape.

After your meal, you can take a dip in the refreshing swimming pool or relax on one of the comfortable outdoor beds. It’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge after a busy morning of exploring.

The best part? This tour also includes round-trip transportation from your accommodation in Marrakech, making it a stress-free and convenient experience. 

Don’t miss out on this unique dining experience in the heart of the Agafay desert!

“Top activity, the team was super responsive and attentive.” – Amina ( Read more reviews )

6. Amazing Lunch Day in Agafay Desert with Swimming Pool & Agafay Luxury Camp

⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

Step away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh on this Agafay Desert day. Relax by the swimming pool for a refreshing dip, soak in the views of the Atlas Mountains, hop on a camel ride, and indulge in a Moroccan lunch and drinks.

This tour is perfect for those looking for a peaceful and luxurious escape from the city. With round-trip transportation included, you don’t have to worry about a thing. Sit back, relax, and let yourself be treated to a magical day in the Agafay Desert.

“The camp is super nice, the food good and the staff very welcoming, good atmosphere. Thank you very much we will come back!” – Zoe ( Read more reviews )

Agafay Dinner And Sunset Tours

7. marrakech: agafay desert quad bike, camel ride, and dinner.

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | ✅ Book it!

Enjoy a thrilling quad bike ride through the rugged landscapes of the Agafay Desert, feeling the rush of adrenaline and the wind against your face. As the day begins to cool, mount a camel and experience the serene beauty of the desert at sunset.

This unforgettable journey culminates in a savoury authentic Moroccan dinner at Chouf L’Or, where the flavours of local cuisine and the warmth of Moroccan hospitality come together under a starlit sky.

This experience promises not just a tour, but a treasure trove of memories to take back home.

“Perfection from start to finish.” – Rizlaine ( Read more reviews )

8. Marrakech: Dinner in Agafay Desert with Poolside Serenity

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | ✅ Book it!

Embark on a delightful journey with a traditional dinner in the Agafay Desert on a half-day escapade from Marrakech. 

Witness the mesmerizing hues of the sunset, glide on a camel through the desert, and cool off with a dip in the pool.

Experience true tranquillity as you dine on an exquisite Moroccan feast under the stars, accompanied by live traditional music and entertainment. 

Take in the breathtaking scenery and let yourself be swept away by the magic of this unique desert experience.

9. Marrakesh: Agafay Desert Quad & Camel Tour with Dinner

Explore authentic activities in Marrakesh in just a half-day! Hop on a camel and quad bike to traverse the desert, then unwind around a fire, soaking in the sunset before a traditional dinner.

This tour is perfect for thrill-seekers and those looking to experience the beauty of Morocco’s countryside.

“The ambience is amazing throughout the whole trip. I sincerely recommend you to do this for a really unforgettable experience.” – Yassir ( Read more reviews )

10. From Marrakech: Agafay Desert Dinner w/ Camel Ride or Quad

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ 6 TOUR LENGTH:   hours | ✅ Book it!

Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Marrakech and delve into the wonders of the Agafay Desert. 

Enjoy a delightful meal amidst the unique desert landscape, followed by your choice of a relaxing camel ride or an exhilarating quad bike adventure. Pick your preference when booking and get ready for a remarkable experience!

“This was an experience of a lifetime!” – Suzie ( Read more reviews )

Agafay Overnight Desert Camp Tours

11. from marrakech: 2-day and 1-night stay in agafay desert.

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:   2 days | ✅ Book it!

Looking for a more immersive experience in the Agafay Desert? This 2-day, 1-night tour allows you to fully explore and appreciate the beauty of the desert. 

Enjoy a camel ride, traditional dinner and breakfast, and spend the night in a cozy desert camp under the stars. It’s truly an unforgettable way to experience Morocco’s Agafay Desert.

“Would definitely recommend this trip. The driver was friendly and helpful. Highlight of the stay was the Camel ride at sunset.” – a GetYourGuide traveller ( Read more reviews )

12. Marrakech: Overnight Agafay Desert Tour with Dinner and Show

Imagine wrapping yourself in the serene blanket of the Agafay Desert sky, illuminated by countless stars, on an unforgettable overnight tour from Marrakech. 

This enchanting experience includes a sumptuous 3-course meal that offers a taste of traditional Moroccan cuisine. Your evening will be further enriched by a captivating traditional Moroccan show, blending music, dance, and storytelling into a mesmerizing performance under the moonlit desert. 

Come morning, the early riser is rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise, casting golden hues over the desert, promising a magical start to a new day. 

It’s an experience designed not just to be seen, but to be felt and remembered.

“We had a wonderful stay at Agafey Dessert, the shows are spectacular, the food is delicious and a lot.” – a GetYourGuide traveller ( Read more reviews )

13. From Marrakech: One Day in the Agafay Desert with Overnight In Luxury Desert Camp

Embark on an adventure just under an hour away from the vibrant city of Marrakech and discover the serene Agafay Desert. 

This unique experience beckons you to unwind under a starlit sky, nestled in a cozy tent that adds a touch of luxury to the rugged desert setting. As evening sets in, the sky evolves into a breathtaking display of shimmering stars, offering a moment of peace and connection with nature. 

At sunrise, get ready to witness a stunning golden glow cast over the dunes, marking a tranquil start to your day. It’s more than just a night’s stay; it’s an opportunity to pause, breathe in the desert’s essence, and marvel at the beauty surrounding us.

“Very nice stay far from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, a break in the desert in the middle of nowhere.” – Soulet ( Read more reviews )

Agafay Desert Quad Biking

14. from marrakech: full-day agafay desert quad biking adventure.

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | ✅ Book it!

Depart from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and head towards the enchanting Agafay Desert for an exhilarating day-long quad-biking adventure! 

Situated near the majestic Atlas Mountains, this adventure offers a unique blend of excitement and scenic beauty. You’ll find yourself navigating through arid hills, discovering hidden oases, and crossing serene rivers – each offering a snapshot of the desert’s diverse ecosystem. 

Plus, there’s a scrumptious lunch planned for you to enjoy amidst these stunning landscapes. It’s more than just a thrill ride; it’s a day to connect with nature, make unforgettable memories, and maybe even discover a new love for the great outdoors. 

Get ready to rev up your engines and explore the Agafay Desert like never before!

“This day is magical! Breathtaking landscapes, a very pleasant meal break” – Séverine ( Read more reviews )

15. Agafay Desert: Quad Bike and Camel Ride Adventure Tour

Enjoy 2 adrenaline-pumping activities in one memorable 8-hour tour that offers the unique experience of riding across the Agafay rocky desert by camel and quad bike. 

This incredible adventure is perfectly situated between the vibrant city of Marrakech and the majestic Atlas Mountains, providing a stunning backdrop for your day. You’ll traverse the rugged terrain of the Agafay Desert, feeling the thrill of the quad bike beneath you and the serene, rhythmic sway of the camel ride. 

A delightful lunch is included in your tour, allowing you to pause and appreciate the breathtaking landscape while enjoying delicious local cuisine. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Morocco’s natural wonders and create unforgettable memories.

“Quads were fast and exciting. Highly recommend taking this tour if you want a full day in the Agafay Desert.” – Tyler ( Read more reviews )

16. Quad ride + Camel + dinner with show departure from Marrakech

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!

Experience the thrill of riding a quad bike and camel through the stunning scenery of the Agafay Desert in this 8-hour tour from Marrakech. 

You’ll start your adventure by hopping on a quad bike and navigating the rugged terrain, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you speed across the desert. Then, you’ll slow things down with a peaceful camel ride, allowing you to take in the breathtaking landscape at a relaxed pace. 

After your rides, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner with traditional entertainment, including belly dancing and live music. 

This is the perfect way to experience the beauty of Morocco’s natural wonders and immerse yourself in its cultural traditions.

“It was better than I expected. From the Camel ride to riding the quads and seeing the sunset just in time. The entertainment afterwards was great also. We had an amazing experience.” – Saad_L ( Read more reviews )

17. Agafay Desert: Quad Bike Experience with Lunch

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5  hours | ✅ Book it!

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and venture into the heart of the Agafay desert on an exhilarating quad-bike tour. 

Guided by experts familiar with the terrain, you will navigate through the stirring landscapes, experiencing the thrill of the desert firsthand. 

To cap off this unforgettable adventure, you’ll be treated to a delicious Moroccan lunch served in the traditional style of a nomadic tent. Savory dishes seasoned with rich, local spices will satisfy your hunger while you relax and reminisce about the day’s experiences amidst the serene desert backdrop. 

This tour not only promises adventure but also a taste of Moroccan hospitality and culture.

“Very good excursion and beautiful walk. The meal was delicious” – Stephanie ( Read more reviews )

Atlas Mountains And Agafay Desert Day Trip From Marrakech

18. atlas & agafay desert tour, with lunch, swimming and camel.

⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH:   1 day | ✅ Book it!

Dive deeper into the heart of Morocco with this comprehensive day trip leading you on a thrilling hike through the Atlas Mountains, to the enchanting Ourika Waterfalls. 

After working up a sweat, take a refreshing dip in the pools of the Agafay desert, a unique experience that combines adventure with the serene beauty of the landscape.

Along the way, immerse yourself in local culture by visiting Berber villages, where you’ll get a hands-on lesson in crafting the perfect cup of mint tea, a staple of Moroccan hospitality. 

The day culminates in a magical sunset camel ride across the Agafay Desert, offering a moment of tranquillity and a unique perspective of the desert’s vastness. This tour is a blend of excitement, cultural exploration, and relaxation, designed to create unforgettable memories in the heart of Morocco.

“Amazing day, cannot fault it!” – a GetYourGuide traveller ( Read more reviews )

19. Marrakesh: Full-Day Desert and Mountain Tour with Camel Ride

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | ✅ Book it!

Discover the wonders of the Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains on this full-day adventure from Marrakesh. 

Embark on a journey that will take you through the heart of Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes, where the magical Kik Plateau awaits with its stunning vistas and serene atmosphere. Along the way, visit local villages nestled in the mountainsides and immerse yourself in the rich Moroccan culture. 

Get a closer look at the daily lives of the Berber people, known for their warmth and hospitality. Learn about their traditions, crafts, and the unique way they’ve adapted to the rugged surroundings. This tour is not just about exploring natural beauty but also about connecting with the local way of life, offering a truly enriching and memorable experience.

“I recommend this unforgettable experience to everyone.” – Andreea ( Read more reviews )

Free 3 Day Marrakech Itinerary

Final thoughts: best agafay desert tours.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Morocco , the Agafay Desert is a must-visit destination. 

With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of the Berber people, it offers a unique and enriching experience for travellers. 

From camel rides to traditional meals with locals, there are plenty of activities to choose from that will make your trip truly special.

Agafay Desert vs Sahara Desert

Day trip to the Atlas Mountains

A night in the Sahara

Top things to do in the Sahara Desert

Morocco 4-day itinerary

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Tour a Merzouga

TOUR A MERZOUGA

As “Tour a Merzouga,” we are one of the leading Moroccan tour businesses, operating from our main office in the Sahara Desert. We are a family-run firm founded by an originally nomadic family that is adjusting to the changing world around us. We value our lifestyle and like assisting tourists in seeing and experiencing Morocco and portions of our culture.

Our goal is to offer you the trip of a lifetime while highlighting Morocco’s incredible culture and historical sites.

Our Morocco Trips agency has created a variety of desert trips in Morocco. These tours cover all of Morocco’s tourist attractions and cities, allowing both single and group travelers to appreciate the country’s natural splendor, which includes deserts, valleys, coasts, and mountains. Our journeys come in a variety of lengths, prices, and speeds.

Your suggestions will be gladly incorporated into the appropriate tour, and if you prefer a completely customized tour, we will assist you in creating the ideal unique itinerary.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRAVEL WITH TOUR A MERZOUGA ?

Traveling with our agency relieves you of many restraints and ensures that you locate a deal that suits you well. We have the infrastructure and experience to handle all aspects of travel, allowing our clients to concentrate on their main goal: to enjoy their Moroccan visit. Relaxing, partaking in cultural activities, or embarking on excursions.

If you are still unsure about choosing our travel agency for your next adventure in Morocco, we have compiled a list of the top perks of traveling with Tour a Merzouga to help you get what you want

• Tours for any Type of Vacation
• Multilingual Local Guides
• Elaborate Offer of Customization
• The best tours at a reasonable price
• The best accommodations
• Recommonded on Tripadvisor

ALL MOROCCO DESERT TOURS

Desert tours from marrakech.

• 3 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
• 3 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
• 4 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
• 4 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
• 5 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
• 5 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES

DESERT TOURS FROM FES

• 2 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MERZOUGA
• 2 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
• 3 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MERZOUGA
• 3 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
• 4 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
• 5 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH

DESERT TOURS FROM CHEFCHAOUEN

• 3 DAYS TOUR FROM CHEFCHAOUEN TO MARRAKECH
• 4 DAYS TOUR FROM CHEFCHAOUEN TO MARRAKECH
• 5 DAYS TOUR FROM CHEFCHAOUEN TO MARRAKECH

DESERT TOURS FROM ERRACHIDIA

• 3 DAYS TOUR FROM ERRACHIDIA TO MERZOUGA
• 3 DAYS TOUR FROM ERRACHIDIA TO FES
• 3 DAYS TOUR FROM ERRACHIDIA TO MARRAKECH

DESERT TOURS FROM CASABLANCA

• 4 DAYS TOUR FROM CASABLANCA TO MERZOUGA
• 5 DAYS TOUR FROM CASABLANCA TO MERZOUGA
• 6 DAYS TOUR FROM CASABLANCA TO MERZOUGA
• 7 DAYS TOUR FROM CASABLANCA TO MERZOUGA
• 8 DAYS TOUR FROM CASABLANCA TO MERZOUGA
• 9 DAYS TOUR FROM CASABLANCA TO MERZOUGA

• PRIVATE MOROCCO DESERT TOURS
• SHARED DESERT TOURS
• PRIVATE MARRAKECH DAY TRIPS
• SHARED MARRAKECH DAY TRIPS

Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Private Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Experience the best of Morocco with our 3-day Fes to Marrakech Desert tour ! You’ll traverse the majestic Atlas Mountains and Moroccan Sahara desert , immersing yourself in stunning scenery along the way. This road trip is a must-do for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, this private tour guarantees personalized attention as you explore some of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes. You’ll enjoy two nights’ accommodation complete with dinner and breakfast – one night under starry skies at a Merzouga Camp nestled within the heart of the Sahara Desert after experiencing an enchanting sunset camel ride , followed by another night spent amidst Dades Valley ‘s picturesque scenery at your lodge.

3 Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour Highlights

• Drive across the Middle Atlas Mountain Cedar Forests and watch Barbary Monkeys.
• Take a camel ride in Erg Chebbi dunes, witness a beautiful sunset, and stay in a desert camp.
• Discover hidden gems in Tinghir oasis and its gorges, and continue to Skoura Oasis along the road of 1001 Kasbahs.
• Visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, where you can glimpse ancient ruins and history.
• Cross over the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi N'tichka Pass on your way to Marrakech.

Itinerary of the 3 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Day 1 : fes → ifran → midelt → merzouga.

8 HOURS DRIVE

After an early breakfast at your hotel or riad in Fez, your English speaking driver/guide will pick you up as early as possible, 07h00 AM in wintertime, and 08h00 AM in summer ( that will allow you enough driving time to catch the sunset in Erg Chebbi ). Your Fes to Marrakech desert trip will start crossing the plains of Saiss towards the Cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains past Ifran and Azrou. You can spot Barbary apes on the side of the road and stop for some photos. Continue to Midelt, where you will stop for lunch. From here, you will carry on crossing the Ziz River. Continue driving past thousands of sky-scraping palm trees and fortified Kasbahs to Erfoud, then to Merzouga, After a quick rest, get ready for a spectacular sunset camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes. get the chance to admire the long-talked-about color-changing sunset before continuing to your Sahara Desert camp. Freshen up before you get ready for dinner served under the stars while entertained by the local nomads playing their Tam-tam drums. Overnight at your Sahara desert camp in Merzouga.

Accomodation Details: Comfortable camp Luxury camp

Day 2 : Merzouga → Rissani → Tinghir → Boumalne Dades

4 HOURS DRIVE

After an early sunrise camel ride, meet your guide in Merzouga. Today the drive will feature one beautiful scene after another, including the stunning oasis of Tinghir, where you will be able to take a walk along with the Todgha riverbank, visit Berber villages, and learn about the lifestyle of the local inhabitants. Continue your walk to the magnificent Todgha Canyons, and treat yourself to a delicious lunch at a local cafe. In the afternoon, drive along the road of the Casbahs to Dades Valley before you arrive at your boutique guest house. Dinner and overnight in Dades Valley lodge.

Accomodation Details: Hotel Panorama Hotel Babylon

Day 3 : Boumalne Dades → Skoura oasis → Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech

6 HOURS DRIVE

After breakfast, drive along the Valley of the Roses to Kalaa Mgouna. You might visit one of the Rosewater cooperatives and learn how the locals prepare rose-scented perfumes based on distilled rose water. We continue to Ouarzazate past Skoura oasis, famous for its date palm trees, then to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, where you will have lunch before visiting the Kasbah. This UNESCO world heritage site served as a set for various Hollywood movies, fashion, and commercial shootings. The Kasbah is well preserved and consists of various Kasbahs packed together and appearing as a single unit. In the afternoon, we begin our descent through the Atlas Mountains past Tizi Ntichka Pass, passing by various Berber villages with houses built with stones and mud. You immediately notice that life here never changed centuries ago !! and most of the locals are shepherds. We arrive in Marrakech late afternoon, and your driver will take you to your riad or hotel. End of your private 3 days Fes to Marrakech desert tour.

3 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour Price

• A/C modern 4×4 or van driven by an English speaking river/guide
• Pick up from your Fes hotel / Riad.
• Sunset camel ride in Erg Chebbi
• Overnight at a Sahara desert camp in Erg Chebbi ( Private tent ) with shared bathrooms – Showers available in the morning at the camp operator’s lodge – Dinner and breakfast are included.
• Sunrise camel trek in Erg Chebbi
• Breakfast at the camp operator's lodge in Merzouga or at your Sahara desert camp (Luxury camp upgrade only)
• Sand boarding
• Upgrade to a deluxe camp with an ensuite tent available upon booking your Marrakech to Fes desert tour ( €70 per person )
• Second night at Auberge Panorama or Hotel Babylon (Private A/C ensuite room) with dinner & breakfast
• Drop off at your Marrakech hotel or the closest accessible location to your Fes riad if not car accessible.

Not included:

• Entrance fees if any
• Local guides if any
• Lunches on the way

Know Before You Go

• This tour can be tailored to a 4-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour .
• The tour price is per person and it depends on how many passengers are at your party.
• Driving times above do not include stops for sightseeing, photos, lunch, and cafe.
• Pick-up from Fes can be flexible during spring and summer.
• Local guides and entrance fees (if any) are not included. You pay for those directly to the suppliers.
• Winter season pick-ups need to be at 08h00 at the latest to catch the sunset in Merzouga.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is fes from marrakech.

The distance between Marrakech and Fes is 520 Km via the motorway through Casablanca and Rabat. If you choose to drive via the Middle Atlas Mountains and Beni Mellal, the distance is 570 Km. The drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains is more scenic, but you need to spare a whole day to enjoy the itinerary. There is an even longer and more popular way to get to Fes from Marrakech: Through Merzouga and the Moroccan Sahara desert. It is 1030 Km, and it requires a minimum of 3 days.

Are there showers at your Sahara desert camp?

Not in the comfortable Merzouga desert camp. Showers will be available at the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga the following day before departure to Fes. Only shared toilets are public at the comfortable camp. If you choose to upgrade to a luxury desert camp, you will have a private shower and toilet inside your deluxe tent.

Can we skip the camel ride in Erg chebbi to the desert camp?

Yes, you can. A separate 4×4 can take you to the desert camp if you choose to skip the camel ride ( An extra fee of 30 Euros/return transfer will apply ). If you decide to upgrade to the luxury desert camp during your Fes to Marrakech desert tour, no additional fees apply to a 4×4 return transfer.

can we hire quad bikes in Merzouga?

Yes, you can. There are plenty of ATV rental companies in Merzouga that supply good quality quad bikes and dunes buggies in Erg Chebbi dunes. Your Fes to Marrakech guide will assist you with that, and you will directly pay the supplier in Merzouga. They cost 50 Euros per quad per hour.

How many days do i need in Fes, Morocco?

You mainly need two days in Fes Morocco to explore it fully. A full-day guided tour of the Medina of Fes will introduce you to discover the hidden gems of the ancient Medina and an extra day to explore the Souks on your own. Now, with the nearby blue city of Chefchaouen becoming more and more popular, you could add an extra day to make an entire day trip to Chefchaouen from Fes. The distance between Marrakech and Chefchaouen is 200 km (each way)

What is Fes famous for?

Fes is considered the Athens of Morocco: It is the oldest Medina in Morocco. It is also Morocco’s intellectual, cultural, craftsmanship, and culinary capital. Its narrow streets and centuries-old Medina is amazing. Fes is heaven for historians, archaeologists, and scholars from all over. The oldest university in the world ( Al Quaraouiyine) is located in the center of Medina. Fes used to be the capital of various Moroccan dynasties that ruled North Africa, Spain, and sub-Saharan Africa to Niger River and Sudan for centuries.

Is Fes Morocco safe?

Fes is as safe as any other city in Morocco. It is even safer than most touristy cities in Europe. Police are now patrolling the Medina, and they are visible everywhere. It would be best if you took the standard precautions like anywhere else in the world: Avoid empty Medina streets, especially unlit narrow alleyways of Fes at night Women traveling alone need to dress moderately. The less attractive you dress, the less attention you get. Do not carry a lot of cash on you. Be prepared to be annoyed by touts and fake guides now and then. Just ignore them, and a firm ”NO” would keep them away. A local registered guide hired by your riad or tour company would be of excellent efficiency in the Medina of Fes. Not only by explaining a big deal of history, architecture, religion, etc. but also by keeping you safe. Sporadic pickpocketing cases were registered recently in Fes. Keep your valuables, passports, and jewelry at your hotel safe. Physical aggression is very rare.

Are there any electricity outlets in Mezouga camp?

There will be electrical outlets in your Merzouga Sahara desert camp public areas, restaurants, and camp courtyard. However, the electric generators get turned down around midnight.

How far is the Sahara desert from Fes?

The distance from Fes to the Sahara desert (Merzouga dunes) is 463 Km (287 miles). However, the journey is full of amazing sceneries and various stops.

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Morocco Desert Tour From Casablanca Via Chefchaouen & Fes

Marrakech To Fes Desert Tour

Private 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

Isla Reynolds

We embarked on a memorable 3-day journey from Fes to Marrakech with Marrakech Desert Trips – a group of two moms and two 20-year-olds. The adventure was nothing short of extraordinary, and I can’t emphasize enough the enchantment of Morocco. Much credit goes to our guide Mohamed, who made the trip feel like a family affair – secure, enjoyable, and filled with learning moments. If you’re looking to truly experience all that Morocco has to offer, this is the way to do it. Our tour was a perfect blend of adventure and cultural exploration. The camel trek was a definite highlight – a truly enjoyable experience. The farewell was bittersweet; Mohamed, our guide, stood as a wonderful ambassador for Morocco. Every minute of the journey was cherished, and it’s worth noting that Morocco boasts some of the best-tasting coffee ever.

Max Thompson

We decided to go on a 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech, and it turned out to be an exceptional experience that I’m thrilled to recommend. Morocco’s diversity and stunning landscapes exceeded my expectations. We explored all the places highlighted on the website, and we even had the freedom to request additional stops for photos and more. The organization of transportation and accommodations was top-notch, providing comfort throughout the journey. Our driver and guide was not only friendly but also well-versed in the attractions along the way. However, we would have welcomed more insights into broader topics about Morocco during the longer car rides, such as its history, geology, wildlife, political system, and current issues. Despite this, the trip was a remarkable way to discover Morocco’s beauty and variety.

Zoe Mitchell

I organized my 3 Days tour from Fes to Marrakech through this agency, and it turned out to be an excellent decision. One of the highlights was spending a night in the Sahara desert, which was an incredible experience filled with numerous stops at attractions like waterfalls and mountains along the way. Riding camels through the desert was a memorable adventure, especially witnessing the breathtaking sunset and sunrise from the crest of a massive sand dune. The team was fantastic – friendly, knowledgeable, and well-versed in all things Morocco. Thanks to this agency, I had an amazing time exploring Morocco and making unforgettable memories.

Noah Peterson

The entire tour from Fes to Marrakech was fantastic. Everything went well and was pleasant. It’s a great enjoyable experience to have, and you get a lot for your money. Hicham, our driver, has been an excellent travel companion. In every way, he exceeded our expectations. He’s a great driver, a laid-back man who’s receptive to local customs and has a great sense of humour. Throughout the tour, we felt as though he was simply another member of our group. We wholeheartedly recommend him and the entire tour!

Ella Turner

The most of it has already been said. Marrakech Desert Trips provided excellent 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech. The pricing is reasonable and accurate for 3 amazing days with exceptional service, particularly from Jalil, our driver. Very competent and meticulous in their attention to detail in order to make the lengthy travel as pleasant as possible. In Marrakech, I also had the pleasure of attending a fantastic birthday dinner.

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Hai in programma un viaggio in Marocco? Vai a Marrakech e vorresti anche vedere il deserto ? Hai dei dubbi se scegliere un tour di gruppo oppure un’escursione con fuoristrada con autista guida privato? Ti dico subito che in Marocco il deserto non è raggiungibile con escursioni in giornata, è troppo lontano da Marrakech. Però senza impegnare troppi giorni e senza spendere cifre eccessive puoi prenotare un tour che da Marrakech in sole 2 o 3 notti ti porta a vedere le grandi dune del deserto.

• Tra i numerosi viaggi organizzati nel deserto del Marocco di 3 o 4 giorni proposti dalle agenzie di Marrakech e prenotabili in internet ho selezionato 4 differenti tours , non sono i soli ma a mio parere sono tra i migliori e più completi disponibili sul mercato. In particolare ho prestato particolare attenzione ai fornitori locali, tutti molti stimati, in attività da anni e che godono di ottime reviews da parte dei viaggiatori.
• I 4 migliori tours nel deserto del Marocco da Marrakech: il tour di gruppo di 3 giorni alle grandi dune dell’Erg Chebbi a Merzouga, il tour privato di 4 giorni in 4WD alle dune dell’Erg Chebbi a Merzouga ed a Ouarzazate, il tour privato di 4 giorni in 4WD da Marrakech a Fez passando dal deserto dell’Erg Chebbi, e per ultimo il tour privato in fuoristrada al remoto Erg Chegaga alle porte del Sahara.
• Trovi inoltre la segnalazione di altri tours nel deserto , sono delle varianti ai 4 tours principali, così che ti puoi fare un’idea più ampia delle tante possibilità ed opzioni disponibili.
• I   tours sono descritti di seguito, molto in dettaglio, con i pro ed i contro di ognuno, i tempi e le cose importanti da conoscere.
• Tutti sono prenotabili facilmente con carta di credito tramite Viator e GetYourGuide, le due più grandi società specializzate nella vendita di viaggi ed attività online. Viator è di proprietà di TripAdvisor mentre GetYourGuide ha il vantaggio del servizio clienti disponibile in lingua italiana. Al momento che prenoti di solito la conferma è immediata od al più tardi la ricevi entro 48 ore dalla tua richiesta.
• Stai invece cercando un’escursione organizzata in giornata per visitare le kasbah di Ait Ben Haddou e Ouarzazate, le verdi e fresche vallate dell’Atlante o la città di Essaouira affacciata sull’Oceano Atlantico? Andando in gita da Marrakech il mattino e tornando il tardo pomeriggio? Oppure sei interessato ad un tour guidato della Medina di Marrakech? Due altri articoli del blog possono esserti di aiuto, sono Le 4 Migliori Escursioni in Giornata da Marrakech e la guida 16 Escursioni da Urlo da Non Perdere a Marrakech
• Per ultimo, sei un tipo indipendente e desideri fare da solo? Bene, in questo blog puoi leggere gratuitamente numerose guide di viaggio che ti permettono di visitare Marrakech ed il resto del Marocco in totale autonomia, spostandoti con i tuoi tempi e visitando solo quello che ti interessa. Trovi il link a tutte le guide su Marrakech ed il Marocco pubblicate nel blog al termine dell’articolo.

Photo Credit: ale

Cose Importanti da Conoscere sui Tours nel Deserto del Marocco

Aspetti da Considerare Prima di Prenotare un Tour nel Deserto da Marrakech

• Il deserto del Marocco è lontano da Marrakech. Qualsiasi tour tu scelga percorrerai chilometri, tanti, centinaia e centinaia di chilometri. Passerai ore ed ore a bordo del minivan o dell’auto . E nei tours che durano 3 giorni il primo e l’ultimo sono quasi esclusivamente dedicati al viaggio per andare e tornare.
• Nessuno dei t ours nel deserto del Marocco da Marrakech che trovi qui recensiti è un tour di lusso. Ma ci sono tours più spartani ed altri più confortevoli. Gli alberghi dove alloggi sono semplici e gli accampamenti di tende nel deserto utilizzati nei tours più economici sono davvero essenziali, pochi i servizi, non è detto che tu possa lavarti.
• In estate soffrirai il caldo, guarda che nelle tende nel deserto l’aria condizionata non c’è. Dalla fine di ottobre ad aprile invece le notti sono fresche, e decisamente fredde tra dicembre e febbraio , meglio che ti copri come si deve, probabilmente vorrai evitare di utilizzare le vecchie e consunte coperte che trovi in dotazione alle tende… meglio che porti il tuo sacco a pelo.
• Non dimenticare i soldi in contanti ed in piccolo taglio occorrenti per tutto il periodo che stai via, le occasioni di cambiare sono poche. Utili anche un cuscino da viaggio per poter appoggiare il collo durante gli interminabili percorsi di avvicinamento in auto, le salviette umidificanti per lavarti ed un paio di sandali per camminare nell’acqua (a volte nelle Gole del Todra potrai fare una passeggiata nel torrente) e frequentare i bagni condivisi nell’accampamento tra le dune. Non aspettarti di poter ricaricare la batteria del cellulare o della tua digitale quando sei nel deserto.
• La quasi totalità dei tours nel deserto del Marocco  qui presentati prevede sempre almeno un’ora e mezza  in sella ad un cammello per raggiungere l’accampamento in mezzo alle dune, ed altrettanto il giorno successivo per tornare alla vettura. Inutile portarti dietro tutto il bagaglio, infila quel poco che occorre per la notte in uno zainetto leggero.
• Per ultimo, per partecipare ad uno qualsiasi di questi tours nel deserto del Marocco dovrai prenotare in precedenza e per tuo conto le notti prima e le notti dopo a Marrakech . Dovrai cioè fare due distinte prenotazioni alberghiere, la prima per il soggiorno che precede il tour e la seconda per quello che lo segue. Io ti suggerisco molto vivamente di riservare 2 notti in entrambe le situazioni, ma se al rientro puoi decidere di soggiornare a Marrakech solo 1 notte è invece molto saggio prevedere le 2 notti prima del tour: non solo l’intera giornata che hai a disposizione ti serve per visitare Marrakech, ma anche per riconfermare il tour con il fornitore locale.

Photo Credit: just_a_cheeseburger

Le Grandi Dune dell’Erg Chebbi: Tour di Gruppo di 3 Giorni alle Dune dell’Erg Chebbi a Merzouga

Vuoi vedere il vero e grande deserto spendendo pochissimo? Hai un budget super limitato ma sei uno che si adatta a sistemazioni spartane? Bene, nessun altro tour ti permette di raggiungere le grandi dune dell’Erg Chebbi a Merzouga spendendo di meno. E non solo ammiri delle dune magnifiche alte più di 150 metri, ma nel corso del viaggio ti fermi a visitare la celebre kasbah di Ait Ben Haddou, passi da Ouarzazate, attraversi le magnifiche gole del Dadès e del Todra e l’oasi di Tinghir, praticamente il meglio del Marocco più esotico. I panorami sono fenomenali lungo tutto il percorso ed i due giri in cammello, il primo al tramonto ed il secondo all’alba, entrambi non brevi e già inclusi nel prezzo assicurano un’esperienza molto coinvolgente. Tieni presente che in 3 giorni percorri quasi 1.400 Km di strada… sei avvisato!

Il Tour nel Deserto Giorno per Giorno

• 1° giorno: Marrakech – Gole del Dadès. Partenza da Marrakech presto il mattino in direzione del passo di Tizi n’Tichka a 2.260 metri di altitudine con vedute sulla catena dell’Atlante. Sosta per la visita alla pittoresca kasbah di Ait Ben Haddou protetta dall’UNESCO e proseguimento prima per Ouarzazate e poi per le Gorges du Dadès. Notte in semplice albergo od ostello a Tinghir (Tinerhir) o nei dintorni di Boumalne Dadès. In totale circa 7 ore a bordo del minibus.
• 2° giorno: Gole del Dadès – Merzouga. Dalla suggestiva oasi di Tinghir passaggio attraverso le Gorges du Toudra e proseguimento per Merzouga, l’ultimo villaggio prima del deserto. Primo giro in cammello tra le grandi dune di 1 ora e mezza al tramonto per raggiungere l’accampamento. Notte in tenda in mezzo alle dune. Circa 5 ore di viaggio.
• 3° giorno: Merzouga – Marrakech. All’alba secondo giro in cammello tra le dune per tornare al minibus in attesa a Merzouga, quindi lungo, lunghissimo viaggio di rientro verso Marrakech seguendo la strada di Agdz e ripassando nuovamente da Ouarzazate e dal passo Tizi n’Tichka. Quasi 10 ore di viaggio.

Photo Credit: Maureen

Tutto Quanto Devi Conoscere

• Pick-up e drop-off: la partenza ed il ritorno sono previsti dal tuo albergo o riad di Marrakech, se alloggi all’interno della Medina in un punto non raggiungibile dal mezzo di trasporto il prelievo avverrà nel punto più vicino; è molto saggio riconfermare l’esatta ora e punto di pick-up almeno il giorno precedente il tour, magari facendo contattare il fornitore locale (contatti nel voucher/conferma che ti viene inviato dopo aver prenotato) dal personale del tuo albergo per poi farti spiegare con chiarezza dove farti trovare.
• Quanto dura il tour nel deserto: 2 notti/3 giorni; partenza il 1° giorno intorno alle 7 con rientro il 3° giorno tra il tardo pomeriggio e la prima serata.
• Autista/guida: autista/guida parlante inglese e francese più guide locali nel deserto.
• Caratteristiche del tour: tour low cost condiviso insieme ad altri viaggiatori, il trasporto avviene in minibus o bus più grande da 17 posti a seconda del numero dei partecipanti. Il fornitore locale è Marrakech Travel Service, il tour è a conferma immediata e puoi iscriverti anche se viaggi solo. Possibilità di inserire già all’atto della prenotazione un’escursione in Quad tra le dune. Al momento dell’update di questo articolo sono state introdotte 2 ulteriori opzioni. La prima: possibilità di upgrade ad un campo tendato più lussuoso per la notte nel deserto. La seconda: il terzo giorno invece di tornare a Marrakech è possibile usufruire di un transfer condiviso di gruppo in taxi fino a Fez, chiaramente è previsto un supplemento.
• Prezzo: include il trasporto, l’assistenza di un autista/guida per tutto il viaggio più i cammellieri nel deserto, la sistemazione per 2 notti in alberghi semplici/ostelli/tenda, la mezza pensione (colazione e cena) ed il giro in cammello; non sono inclusi i pranzi, le bevande, la guida ad Ait Ben Haddou (costa pochi euro) e le mance.
• Pros: non c’è nessun altro tour che ti porta dentro il deserto, quello vero, spendendo di meno, né in Marocco né in qualsiasi altro Paese del Nord Africa o della Penisola Arabica.
• Cons: può capitare di avere la camera/tenda privata ma metti in conto la possibilità di dover condividere la sistemazione insieme ad altri partecipanti; per i pranzi non hai molta scelta, sono previsti in ristoranti turistici situati in località isolate, spesso a menù fisso e più costosi rispetto agli standard marocchini; sia l’albergo al Dadés/Tinghir sia l’accampamento nel deserto sono molto semplici se non spartani, la pulizia a volte è quella che è, se sei schizzinoso lascia perdere; metti in conto delle tappe obbligate a negozi di souvenirs/tappeti/artigianato, nessuno ti obbliga ad acquistare nulla ma probabilmente te le saresti risparmiate.
• Da sapere: quando sei nel deserto probabilmente non ti laverai; non sempre i mezzi impiegati hanno l’aria condizionata funzionante, e soprattutto niente aria condizionata nelle tende dell’Erg Chebbi; soprattutto ricorda di valutare sempre quello che ricevi con il prezzo (molto basso) che paghi, qualcuno a volte se ne dimentica.
• Consigliato: se viaggi solo, ti sai adattare e non vuoi perdere l’occasione di ammirare le grandi dune del Sahara spendendo davvero poco.
• Info & Prenotazioni: GetYourGuide | Da Marrakech: Tour di 3 Giorni alle Dune di Erg Chebbi
• Un tour identico: cambia solo l’organizzatore ma stesso identico tour per GetYourGuide | Da Marrakech: Safari di 3 Giorni nel Deserto di Merzouga con Cibo , il local supplier è Ando Travel.
• Cerchi qualcosa di più confortevole e su base privata? L’itinerario rimane identico, quello che cambia è invece il livello dei servizi, ben più elevato rispetto ai due tours precedenti, ma soprattutto il tour viene effettuato con veicolo, driver e guida privata; anche il costo è ovviamente più alto ma i mezzi utilizzati sono confortevoli ed hanno l’aria condizionata funzionante, l’albergo nella valle del Dadés è caratteristico e ben gestito e soprattutto l’accampamento nel deserto è curato con tende a 2 posti e bagno in comune dotato di flushing toilette, lavabo con acqua corrente e possibilità di fare la doccia; anche i pasti sono di buon livello e l’acqua da bere per la notte all’accampamento è inclusa nelle quote di partecipazione; questo il link per controllare info e prezzi Viator | Tour di 3 Giorni nel Deserto Marocchino da Marrakech ; il tour è su base privata ed il fornitore locale è Camel Safaries, in assoluto una delle agenzie più quotate e con le migliori recensioni di tutta Marrakech, i pareri sono quasi sempre entusiastici.
• Video: ecco cosa accade e quello che vedi durante il tour condiviso in minibus di 2 notti/3 giorni all’Erg Chebbi nel filmato a cura di Marrakesh Travel Services:

L’Erg Chebbi e Ouarzazate: Tour Privato di 4 Giorni in 4WD alle Dune dell’Erg Chebbi a Merzouga

L’Erg Chebbi è un imponente ammasso dunario lungo quasi una ventina di chilometri e largo poco meno di dieci. Si trova immediatamente ad est del villaggio di Merzouga ad oltre 300 Km in linea d’aria (molti di più via strada) ad est di Marrakech ed è raggiungibile con un percorso molto lungo ma interamente su strada asfaltata. E’ il deserto più conosciuto e frequentato del Marocco, le dune sono alte e fotogeniche, il paesaggio è da cartolina. Ed è proprio l’Erg Chebbi la meta principale di questo tour, arricchito non solo dalle visite alla kasbah di Ait Ben Haddou ed alle gole del Dadès e del Todra, ma anche alle kasbah di Amerhidil e di Taourirt e dalla Valle delle Rose. Il tour è meno faticoso e stancante rispetto ai precedenti perché viene effettuato con una vettura privata e soprattutto con un giorno in più a disposizione, viste le notevolissime percorrenze la cosa non è di poco conto e l’intero viaggio risulta maggiormente godibile.

• 1° giorno: Marrakech – Gole del Dadès. Partenza da Marrakech risalendo i mille tornanti del passo di Tizi n’Tichka a 2.260 metri di altitudine con vedute sulla catena dell’Atlante. Sosta per la visita alla pittoresca kasbah di Ait Ben Haddou e proseguimento per Taourirt e Ouarzazate dove se vuoi puoi visitare gli studios cinematografici od il Museo del Cinema. Quindi è il momento della valle delle Rose e della kasbah di Amerhidil nei pressi del paese di Skoura. Il tardo pomeriggio raggiungi la valle del Dadès dove dormi in un albergo semplice ma carino.
• 2° giorno: Gole del Dadès – Merzouga. Visita delle Gorges du Dadès con sosta per assaggiare il tè alla menta, dell’oasi di Tinghir e delle Gorges du Toudra per poi proseguire fino a Merzouga, qui abbandoni il fuoristrada per salire sul cammello ed iniziare il percorso tra le dune che ti porta all’accampamento nel mezzo dell’Erg Chebbi, notte in tenda beduina.
• 3° giorno: Merzouga – Ouarzazate. Alba nel deserto, in cammello tra le dune rientri a Merzouga dove ti attende la tua auto ed il tuo autista, visita del villaggio di Rissani, della kasbah di Tafilalt, dell’oasi di Tondra Palm Tree Grove e del mausoleo di Moulay Ali Sherif. Quindi partenza in direzione di Ouarzazate via Tazarine, Valle del Draa e Agdz, all’arrivo puoi visitare la kasbah di Taourirt, notte in una kasbah riad nei dintorni di Ouarzazate.
• 4° giorno: Ouarzazate – Marrakech. Ultima giornata dedicata al rientro lungo i 200 Km che separano Ouarzazate da Marrakech passando nuovamente dal passo di Tizi n’Tichka.

Photo Credit: Elade Manu

• Pick-up e drop-off: il tuo albergo o riad di Marrakech, riconferma il tour il giorno precedente con il fornitore locale così da evitare qualsiasi malinteso sull’ora e sul luogo esatto (nel caso il riad dove alloggi non sia raggiungibile in auto) di partenza.
• Quanto dura il tour nel deserto: 3 notti/4 giorni, si lascia Marrakech intorno alle 8.30 del 1° giorno con rientro a Marrakech entro metà pomeriggio del 4° giorno.
• Autista/guida: autista/guida parlante inglese e francese, seleziona la lingua durante il processo di prenotazione, a volte capita di avere guide che parlano anche italiano, l’italiano parlato è chiaramente abbastanza basic; gli autisti di questa compagnia sono di solito molto professionali e disponibili.
• Caratteristiche del tour: il tour è effettuato su base privata con auto ed autista/guida in esclusiva, il trasporto solitamente avviene a bordo di 4WD; il fornitore locale è l’osannato Camel Safaries, una delle agenzie più serie e stimate di Marrakech; il tour è a conferma immediata e richiede un minimo di 2 partecipanti.
• Prezzo: include il trasporto, l’autista/guida, la méharée in cammello nel deserto accompagnato dai cammellieri, la mezza pensione (la prima colazione e la cena) e la sistemazione alberghiera per 3 notti delle quali 2 notti in alberghi semplici ma carini ed una notte in accampamento tendato nel mezzo alle dune; sono invece esclusi i pranzi, le bevande, la guida ad Ait Ben Haddou ed eventuali entrate alle kasbah/musei/attrazioni che decidi di visitare lungo il percorso.
• Pros: la grande comodità del mezzo e guida privata; la differenza rispetto ai tours di 3 giorni è che si spezza l’interminabile viaggio di ritorno inserendo una notte nella zona di Ouarzazate.
• Cons: nessuno, salvo il costo, non eccessivo (se consideri la durata del tour) ma chiaramente ben più alto rispetto ai tours di gruppo che durano una notte/un giorno in meno.
• Consigliato: se vuoi raggiungere il deserto con un tour che pur non prevedendo lussi di alcun tipo risulta sicuramente ben più confortevole rispetto ai veloci tours base; se lungo il percorso vuoi fare soste per visitare quello che più ti interessa e godere il tutto con i tuoi tempi, cosa impossibile da fare con i tours di gruppo.
• Info & Prenotazioni: GetYourGuide | Da Marrakech: Tour Privato di 4 Giorni nel Sahara
• L’alternativa: un tour similare, sempre di 3 notti e 4 giorni e sempre su base privata, organizzato dall’agenzia Tours From Marrakech ed in genere effettuato con auto normale, cosa che aiuta a tenere più basso il prezzo, questo il link per investigare e confrontare i costi  GetYourGuide | Da Marrakech: Tour Privato di 4 Giorni sulle Montagne dell’Atlante e nel Deserto
• Video: Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou, le Gole del Dadès e la cammellata tra le dune dell’Erg Chebbi a Merzouga in queste immagini a cura di Travelling and Dreaming:

Marrakech, Fez ed il Deserto: Tour Privato di 4 Giorni in 4WD da Marrakech a Fez via Erg Chebbi

Un tour davvero interessante. Ed anche molto ben studiato. Unisce in un unico viaggio one-way le due città più belle e ricche di cose da vedere di tutto il Marocco, Marrakech e Fez, con l’esplorazione in profondità delle dune dell’Erg Chebbi a Merzouga. Due le particolarità del tour. La prima: da Merzouga raggiungere Fez richiede una percorrenza inferiore rispetto a tornare a Marrakech, ecco la logica del proseguire su Fez una volta visto il deserto. La seconda: a differenza di tutti gli altri tours stai un giorno intero dal mattino alla sera nell’area dell’Erg Chebbi, hai cioè un giorno di break con visite in zona senza dover affrontare lunghi tratti in auto. Il tour è disponibile con guida parlante italiano. Considera che per essere un tour privato, che dura 4 giorni, e che al termine ti lascia a Fez, il tour ha un costo assolutamente non eccessivo.

• 1° giorno: Marrakech – Gole del Dadès. Il programma del primo giorno è lo stesso del tour precedente, ossia partenza da Marrakech, passaggio dal colle di Tizi n’Tichka con grandi vedute sulla catena dell’Atlante e prima vera sosta per visitare il paesino fortificato di Ait Ben Haddou. Quindi proseguimento per Tourirt, Ouarzazate, la valle delle Rose e la kasbah di Amerhidil vicino a Skoura. Il tardo pomeriggio raggiungi la valle del Dadès dove dormi in albergo, di solito il panoramico La Kasbah De Dades.
• 2° giorno: Gole del Dadès – Merzouga. Nel trasferimento verso Merzouga visiti le Gole del Dadès, ammiri l’oasi di Tinghir e le Gorges du Toudra, qui di solito si fa una passeggiata lungo il fiume in mezzo alla gola. Proseguimento per Merzouga via Rissani, un saluto all’autista ed inizio della cammellata per raggiungere l’accampamento nel bel mezzo delle dune. Notte in tenda nel cuore dell’Erg Chebbi, durante la cena in genere viene eseguito uno spettacolo di tamburi.
• 3° giorno: Merzouga. All’alba camminata libera tra le dune, colazione e nuovamente méharée in cammello per rientrare verso Merzouga. La giornata prosegue tranquilla sempre in prossimità dell’Erg Chebbi, possibilità di farsi una doccia per poi visitare i paesini vicini di Rissani, conosciuta per il suo mercato, e Khamlia. Nel pomeriggio in genere si effettua un giro in fuoristrada nuovamente all’interno dell’Erg Chebbi per poi raggiungere l’albergo di Merzouga situato al limitare del deserto. Volendo puoi fare un’ultima passeggiata per tuo conto alle vicine dune.
• 4° giorno: Merzouga – Fez. Ultima giornata dedicata a coprire i 470 Km che separano Merzouga da Fez. Il percorso si sviluppa lungo la valle dello Ziz e la pittoresca gola di Midelt, qui è prevista la sosta per il pranzo. Nel pomeriggio proseguimento verso Azrou con i suoi estesi boschi di cedri ed Iran dove verrà fatta l’ultima sosta prima di raggiungere Fez.

Photo Credit: Tadd and Debbie Ottman

• Pick-up e drop-off: partenza dal tuo albergo/riad di Marrakech con arrivo al tuo albergo/riad di Fez, se l’alloggio fosse nel mezzo della Medina l’autista raggiungerà il punto più vicino avvicinabile in auto; riconferma il tour il giorno precedente con l’esatto orario e punto di pick-up così da evitare misunderstanding ed inutili perdite di tempo.
• Quanto dura il tour nel deserto: 3 notti/4 giorni, la partenza è prevista dal tuo albergo/riad di Marrakech intorno alle 8 del mattino del 1° giorno con termine al tuo albergo/riad di Fez tra il tardo pomeriggio e la serata del 4° giorno.
• Autista/guida: autista/guida parlante italiano, seleziona la lingua durante il processo di prenotazione, l’italiano parlato è chiaramente abbastanza basic; gli autisti di questa compagnia sono di solito molto professionali e disponibili.
• Caratteristiche del tour: tour one-way effettuato su base privata con auto ed autista/guida in esclusiva, il trasporto solitamente avviene con vettura privata (qualche volta a bordo di 4WD); come per il viaggio precedente il fornitore locale è l’ottimo Camel Safaries; è richiesto un minimo di 2 partecipanti.
• Prezzo: include il trasporto privato da Marrakech a Fez con autista/guida, la méharée in cammello nel deserto accompagnato dai cammellieri, la mezza pensione (la prima colazione e la cena) e la sistemazione alberghiera per 1 notte in albergo nella Valle del Dadès, 1 notte in tenda nell’accampamento nel deserto ed 1 notte in albergo a Merzouga al limitare delle dune; sono esclusi i pranzi e le bevande (salvo l’acqua durante la cena nel deserto che invece è inclusa), la guida ad Ait Ben Haddou ed eventuali entrate alle kasbah/musei/attrazioni che decidi di visitare lungo il percorso.
• Pros: il mezzo e la guida privata ti permettono di fare soste dove desideri e visitare quello che più ti interessa; dopo aver dormito una notte in tenda tra le dune la notte successiva passata sempre vicino all’Erg Chebbi ma in albergo risulta più confortevole e comoda per togliersi di dosso la sabbia e lavarsi come si deve; a differenza di tutti gli itinerari che raggiungono il deserto andando e tornando su Marrakech dove per gran parte la strada è identica sia all’andata che al ritorno questo è invece un itinerario one-way, ossia non torni mai sui tuoi passi ed ogni metro di strada è una scoperta con nuovi paesaggi che sfilano davanti ai tuoi occhi.
• Cons: se le prime tre giornate sono perfette così non è per l’ultimo giorno, speso praticamente sempre in viaggio per coprire i 470 Km che separano Merzouga da Fez.
• Da sapere: non sono previste visite né a Marrakech né a Fez, il tour ti porta dalla prima alla seconda passando dal deserto, per visitare le due città devi inserire almeno 2 notti iniziali pre-tour a Marrakech e 2 notti finali post-tour a Fez prenotandole tu direttamente nell’albergo o riad che preferisci; inserire 2 notti prima e 2 notti dopo viene inoltre comodo non solo per le visite ma per riconfermare in loco gli ultimi dettagli del pick-up il giorno prima della partenza a Marrakech ed una volta raggiunta Fez per assorbire l’ultima lunghissima giornata in auto al termine del tour.
• Consigliato: se vuoi vedere entrambe Marrakech e Fez e non vuoi perderti il deserto allora non c’è tour migliore di questo.
• Info & Prenotazioni: Viator | Tour Privato alla Scoperta del Sahara da Marrakech a Fez in 4×4 , attenzione che non sempre il tour risulta operativo.
• Il viaggio al contrario, da Fez a Marrakech in sole 2 notti/3 giorni: è un tour ben più stancante, ma se sei stretto con i tempi, ti trovi a Fez, vuoi andare a Marrakech e vuoi anche dare uno sguardo al deserto allora il tour Viator | Tour del Deserto del Sahara da Fes a Marrakech 3 Giorni – 2 Notti   potrebbe risultare utile; il fornitore effettivo dei servizi è Aisha Morocco Tours.
• Video: le dune dell’Erg Chebbi a Merzouga in queste immagini a cura di Amazing Places on Our Planet:

Alle Porte del Sahara: Tour Privato di 3 Giorni in 4WD al Remoto Erg Chegaga

La meta è un deserto lontano: la spettacolare ed apparentemente infinita distesa di dune del remoto Erg di Chegaga, il più vasto ammasso dunario del Marocco, a 9 ore di guida a sud-est di Marrakech nelle vicinanze del villaggio di M’Hamid ed immediatamente a ridosso del confine con l’Algeria. Il posto è stato a lungo inaccessibile proprio per le dispute di confine con il vicino, ed è solo a partire dai primi anni ‘90 che i viaggiatori hanno iniziato a frequentarlo. E se è vero che all’Erg Chebbi le dune sono più alte Chegaga vince invece per l’atmosfera: già arrivarci è uno spettacolo, a M’Hamid l’asfalto finisce ed il fuoristrada diventa fondamentale, sono necessarie almeno 2 ore di guida per coprire i 60 Km di pista che portano all’Erg di Chegaga attraversando l’hamada, la piatta e desolata distesa di rocce e sassi che precede l’inizio delle sabbie. Poco per volta i pochi alberi scompaiono, metro dopo metro il terreno si fa più sabbioso, appaiono le prime dune, che diventano sempre più grandi man mano che avanzi. Il percorso è emozionante ed introduce alla vastità dell’erg, è qui più che in altri posti che ti senti davvero lontano dal mondo, nel mezzo della wilderness più selvaggia. Di gran lunga il più esotico e sahariano di tutti i tours qui presentati.

• 1° giorno: Marrakech – M’hamid . Partenza verso Ouarzazate valicando prima il passo di Tizi n’Tichka e passando in prossimità del   paesino fortificato di Ait Ben Haddou. Dopo una sosta per il pranzo ad Agdz nel primo pomeriggio prosegui in direzione sud-est inoltrandoti nella vallata del Draa e passando dallo Ksar di Tamnougalt, da Zagora e fermandoti a visitare il villaggio di Tamegroute, chilometro dopo chilometro il paesaggio diventa più esotico. Il tardo pomeriggio raggiungi il paese di M’hamid, ultimo avamposto prima del deserto, notte in guest-house.
• 2° giorno: M’hamid – Erg Chegaga . In mattinata escursione in cammello nel palmeto di M’hamid per poi nel pomeriggio iniziare il percorso off-road verso l’Erg Chegaga. E’ a M’hamid infatti che termina la strada ed abbandoni definitivamente l’asfalto, da qui con un fascinoso percorso di circa 2 ore in fuoristrada lungo una pista sabbiosa raggiungi l’Erg Chegaga, il più vasto ammasso dunario della regione. Notte al campo tendato situato nel cuore delle dune in mezzo al deserto.
• 3° giorno: Erg Chegaga – Marrakech . Inizia il lungo rientro verso Marrakech ma le sorprese non sono finite, per tutta la prima parte si segue infatti un itinerario differente rispetto all’andata. Viaggiando off-road tra sabbia e rocce dall’Erg Chegaga ti dirigi in direzione di Foum Zguid seguendo la suggestiva pista percorsa più volte dalla Parigi-Dakar e costeggiando la bianca superficie salata ora prosciugata del Lac Iric. A Foum Zguid ritrovi l’asfalto che ti porta a Zaznakht dove in genere è prevista la sosta per il pranzo, la piccola città è famosa per le sue cooperative di fabbricanti di tappeti, se lo desideri e ti interessa puoi fermarti a visitarne una. Nel primo pomeriggio prosegui in direzione nord fino ad intercettare poco prima di Ait Ben Haddou la strada principale già percorsa all’andata che ti riporta a Marrakech.  

Photo Credit: Richard Allaway

• Pick-up e drop-off: il tuo albergo o riad di Marrakech, riconferma il tour il giorno precedente così da evitare qualsiasi malinteso sull’ora e punto esatto di ritrovo.
• Quanto dura il tour nel deserto: 2 notti/3 giorni, la partenza è prevista da Marrakech intorno alle 7 del mattino del 1° giorno con rientro a Marrakech intorno alle 18.30/19 del 3° giorno.
• Autista/guida: autista/guida parlante inglese e francese, i cammellieri in genere parlano francese più qualche parola d’inglese.
• Caratteristiche del tour: il tour è effettuato su base privata con 4WD (il fuoristrada qui è davvero necessario) ed autista/guida in esclusiva; con un minimo di 2 partecipanti e prenotando con un anticipo di almeno 7 giorni la conferma è immediata alla prenotazione.
• Prezzo: include il trasporto con veicolo fuoristrada, l’autista/guida, 1 notte in guest-house a M’hamid ed 1 notte in tenda nel campo tendato all’Erg Chegaga comprensivi della prima colazione, del pranzo, della cena ed un giro in cammello; non include le mance e le eventuali visite alle kasbah lungo il percorso.
• Pros: l‘Erg Chegaga è assai meno frequentato rispetto all’Erg Chebbi e la vastità dei paesaggi rende il posto solenne; inoltre niente confusione e niente affollamento, a differenze del deserto di Merzouga dove gli accampamenti sono numerosi nell’Erg Chegaga i campi sono pochi e ben più distanziati tra loro, a Chegaga tamburi ed animazione sono molto low profile, qui di solito la sera regna il silenzio. 
• Cons: il tour è fatto in soli 3 giorni, avrebbe meritato un giorno in più, magari inserendo un’ulteriore notte sulla via del ritorno per rendere più leggero il lungo viaggio di rientro a Marrakech; questo è un itinerario poco frequentato e, almeno al momento dell’update di questo articolo, non ci sono recensioni del tour scritte da altri viaggiatori.
• Da sapere:  sia all’andata che al ritorno passi in prossimità del villaggio fortificato di Ait Ben Haddou, patrimonio UNESCO e set di films celebri, da Lawrence d’Arabia a Gesù di Nazareth, dal Tè nel Deserto al Gladiatore; chiedi alla guida se è possibile fare una breve fermata per dare almeno uno sguardo al villaggio.
• Consigliato: se cerchi la solitudine ed un po’ di vera esperienza sahariana; non solo il percorso di avvicinamento a Chegaga è fascinoso ma anche magnifica è la prima parte del percorso off-road dell’ultimo giorno tra sabbia, laghi salati e magnifiche formazioni rocciose in un’area del Marocco poco visitata dai turisti.
• Info & Prenotazioni:  Viator | All Inclusive Private 3 Days Experience Desert Safari to Magical Chegaga  che nella traduzione automatica in italiano diventa All Inclusive 3 Giorni di Esperienza Privata nel Safari nel Deserto al Magico Chegaga.
• Video: le sabbie dell’Erg Chegaga riprese dall’alto nelle immagini a cura di Pistenkuh:

Importante!

• Prima di prenotare leggi con attenzione la descrizione del tour nel deserto , cosa è incluso e cosa non lo è, l’orario ed il punto di partenza, le condizioni per eventuali cancellazioni. Se hai domande o dubbi contatta l’ ufficio clienti dell’agenzia che propone il tour, i contatti sono riportati all’interno dei siti ufficiali. E non appena arrivato in Marocco, e comunque il giorno prima dell’escursione, direttamente o tramite l’hotel riconferma il tour con il fornitore locale con l’esatto orario di pick-up dall’albergo.
• Leggi le reviews di ciascun tour nel deserto , non è detto che le cose funzionino sempre bene ma se gran parte delle recensioni sono positive questo è un buon segno. E ricontrolla sempre tutte le informazioni che hai letto in questo articolo nella pagina ufficiale di ogni escursione, le cose cambiano ed il sito ufficiale riporta gli ultimi aggiornamenti.
• E se ti piace fare da solo leggi i diversi articoli su Marrakech ed il Marocco pubblicati in questo blog, ti saranno di aiuto per organizzare i tuoi spostamenti e le tue visite, li trovi nella directory principale dedicata al Marocco . Con le informazioni complete sui trasporti, i miei consigli sui migliori quartieri dove alloggiare e gli alberghi più belli, cosa fare e cosa vedere, dei veri e propri itinerari super dettagliati per visitare il meglio delle più belle città del Marocco, da solo ed in completa autonomia. Spero ti siano utili.

Ultimo aggiornamento: 5 Dicembre 2023

Foto di copertina: deserto dell’Erg Chebbi a Merzouga in Morocco, grazie a   Scott Presly  per la splendida foto.

Escursione nel deserto di Marrakech (1, 2, 3 giorni) – Qual è la migliore?

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Ti stai chiedendo quale escursione nel deserto di Marrakech faccia più al caso tuo?

Allora scopri di più su quali dune è possibile raggiungere da Marrakech , così come su quali altri posti meritano di essere visti durante il tour, quanto tempo ci vuole per arrivarci, quanto costa e come prenotare il tour più adatto a te!

Escursione nel deserto di Marrakech: quale scegliere?

Prima di tutto dovresti sapere che ci sono 3 parti del deserto che puoi visitare, tutte e tre accessibili da Marrakech .

• La prima opzione è rappresentata dal deserto di Agafay , una destinazione affascinante e caratterizzata da colline ondulate, canyon rocciosi e ampi spazi aperti. Le attività includono escursioni in quad, passeggiate a dorso di cammello e momenti di relax in autentici accampamenti berberi.
• Un’altra possibilità da considerare è l’ esplorazione delle dune di Zagora , un deserto che si estende a sud-est di Marrakech. Meno frequentato rispetto ad altre opzioni, questo luogo offre un’atmosfera più intima e tranquilla.
• Infine, se vuoi concludere il tuo viaggio a Fes , puoi optare per l’avventura attraverso Merzouga fino alle dune di Erg Chebbi . Questa è un’escursione più estesa, ma la ricompensa è un’immersione completa nelle dune dorate e nei villaggi berberi lungo il percorso.

Ecco qui la guida completa alle escursioni nel deserto di Marrakech:

1 – Escursione nel deserto di Marrakech a Erg Chebbi via Merzouga (3 o 4 giorni)

Le dune di Erg Chebbi nel deserto di Merzouga possono essere la scelta migliore se vuoi vedere dune sabbiose e tramonti e albe indimenticabili.

L’itinerario per l’Erg Chebbi che passa per Merzouga è l’itinerario perfetto per un viaggio di 3 giorni o 4 giorni da Marrakech.

La città stessa è piuttosto piccola ed è il punto di partenza del viaggio in cammello verso i campi notturni nel deserto.

Di solito, puoi guidare un cammello per un paio d’ore al tramonto per raggiungere il campo, nel quale dormirai in tende comode. Prima della notte, agli ospiti viene offerta una cena berbera con musica.

Potrai trascorrere la notte come desideri, scalando le dune e guardando le stelle. Dal momento che il deserto non ha quasi nessuna luce artificiale, il cielo sarà pieno di stelle!

Si consiglia di fare un viaggio di almeno 3 giorni per visitare questa parte del deserto, in cui una notte sarà trascorsa nel deserto.

• Escursioni nel deserto di Merzouga da Marrakech

Come accennato in precedenza, visitare il deserto di Merzouga ti darà la possibilità di tornare a Fez invece di Marrakech. In questo caso, dovrai prenotare visite guidate speciali che includano questa opzione.

• Escursioni nel deserto di Merzouga da Marrakech a Fez

2 – Escursione nel deserto di Marrakech a Erg Chegaga via Zagora (2 giorni)

Il deserto di Erg Chegaga, situato sotto il villaggio di Zagora, è ben noto per avere alcuni dei migliori percorsi 4×4 e le più grandi dune di sabbia del Marocco.

Erg Chegaga è meno turistica rispetto all’Erg Chebbi, ma il paesaggio è anche meno suggestivo, poiché le dune sono più piccole. Tuttavia, è ancora possibile cavalcare un cammello e trascorrere una notte nel deserto.

È consigliabile che la durata della tua escursione fuori da Marrakech non superi i 2 giorni.

La passegiata sui cammelli inizierà subito dopo Zagora e la guida ti condurrà al campo nel deserto in cui passerai la notte.

Ti consigliamo di fare un viaggio di minimo di 2 giorni da Marrakech, così come trekking sul cammello, sandboarding o osservare le stelle.

• Escursioni al deserto di Zagora da Marrakech

3 – Escursione nel deserto di Marrakech a Erg Lihoudi via Zagora (2 giorni)

Il deserto di Erg Lihoudi a M’hamid è facilmente raggiungibile anche in fuoristrada per 15 minuti in 4×4 o in auto da Zagora. È un’area molto più piccola rispetto al resto dei deserti ma comunque molto apprezzata. In confronto con gli altri, è molto più tranquillo perché non ci sono molti turisti. Si raccomandano anche trekking sul cammello, sandboarding e osservazione delle stelle. Anche in questo caso, si consiglia un viaggio di 2 giorni se si parte da Marrakech.

4 – Tour nel deserto di Agafay (1 giorno)

Preferisci vivere l’esperienza del deserto in un solo giorno? Il Deserto di Agafay appena fuori Marrakech è la tua destinazione. Allontanati dalla vivace città di Marrakech, dove potrai praticare numerose attività, dal safari in cammello, ai quad emozionanti o alle passeggiate a cavallo. Questa opzione ti farà risparmiare tempo ed è affascinante quanto gli altri deserti.

• Tour nel deserto di Agafay

Quali posti posso visitare durante la mia escursione nel deserto di Marrakech?

Verso le dune di Marrakech

Atlas Mountains

Le montagne dell’Atlante del Marocco sono uno dei grandi terreni di trekking del Nord Africa e ospita la popolazione di Berberi. Si estende per circa 2.500 km attraverso il Marocco.

Villaggio di Ait Benhaddou

Un villaggio fortificato tra il Sahara e Marrakech. È riconosciuto per essere uno dei migliori esempi di architetture in argilla marocchina. Oggi è abitato da quattro famiglie e da una dozzina di case di mercanti.

Atlas Film Studios

Il più grande studio cinematografico del mondo situato appena fuori Ouarzazate. Costruito nel 1983, l’area aveva bisogno di uno studio permanente. È riconosciuto per essere una destinazione turistica popolare principalmente per tenere vecchi set cinematografici che sono stati lasciati lì.

Rinomata come la “Porta del deserto” è città e capitale di Ouarzazate nel sud dei monti dell’Alto Atlante. E ‘abitata da oratori berberi ed è diventata un’importante meta di vacanze in Marocco, rinomata per le escursioni attraverso la Valle del Draa e nel deserto. Famoso anche per essere una location cinematografica.

Verso le dune di Erg Chebbi e Erg Lihoudi da Ouarzazate

Oasi di Skoura

Situato nella provincia di Ouarzazate, dove i resti del castello di mattoni fangosi e le palme si estendono lungo la strada.

Valle del Dades, anche conosciuta come la Valle delle Rose

Una gola scavata dal fiume Dadès in Marocco, dove il trekking è molto popolare. Il fiume ha origine nella catena dell’Alto Atlante delle montagne dell’Atlante dove le pareti colorate della gola salgono da 200 a 500 metri.

Boumalne du Dadès

Una città nella provincia di Tinghir, in Marocco, situata ai margini del deserto. Ospita gente berbera, Ait Atta Tribe di Jbel Saghro e tribù di Mgouna, Sedrate, Hdiddou e Marghad.

Una città nel sud dell’Alto Atlante e a nord del Piccolo Atlante nel Marocco sud-orientale. Ha una delle oasi più affascinanti nel sud del Marocco ma non solo, puoi anche partecipare a escursioni lungo le magnifiche gole.

Gola di Todgha

Una serie di canyon del fiume calcareo nella parte orientale delle montagne dell’Alto Atlante in Marocco. Spettacolari mura di 600 metri che si restringono fino a una piatta pista sassosa. Se sei interessato all’arrampicata su roccia o a vagare per i binari, questo è il tuo posto.

Strada di 1000 Kasbah

La Strada delle 1000 Kasbah seguirà l’antica via delle carovane usata dai sultani e dai commercianti.

Piccolo villaggio nel Marocco sudorientale dove si trova il famoso deserto dell’Erg Chebbi. Molti turisti vengono qui perché fa parte dei loro itinerari quando visitano il Marocco.

La città sacra di Rissani

Una città situata nella provincia di Errachidia nel Marocco orientale, vicino a Erg Chebbi. La Città Sacra di Rissani ospita molte attrazioni degne di nota, come i castelli fortificati, il Mausoleo di Moulay Ali Chérif, Ksar El Fida, Ksar Oulad Abdelhlim che conservano ancora la loro antica essenza.

Verso Erg Chegaga da Ouarzazate

Valle del Draa

Un boschetto di palme lungo 200 km con case e “Kasbah” (castelli) che si estendevano da Agdz a Mhamid, passando per Zagora.

Situato nella valle del Draa e prende il nome dalle montagne. Puoi goderti un tour attraverso la valle o il deserto.

M’Hamid

Piccolo villaggio situato vicino alla regione di Zagora dove inizia il Sahara. Altamente riconosciuto come sito storico dove si riunivano le carovane commerciali prima di partire per Timbuktu e altri luoghi. Puoi passeggiare verso la Kasbah e il villaggio di Oulad Youssef tra le palme, andare in cammello verso le dune vicine, quad e buggy, ecc.

Sulla via del ritorno a Fes da Merzouga

Un fiume nel sud del Marocco e in Algeria, la sua acqua è stata utilizzata per fornire acqua alle persone che transitavano attraverso la regione montuosa.

Una città situata nel centro del Marocco, nelle alte pianure tra il Medio Atlante e le catene montuose dell’Alto Atlante. Serve da centro commerciale di un grande entroterra agricolo. Rinomato per il suo delizioso couscous tradizionale prodotto dalla donna del villaggio.

Considerata la Svizzera del Marocco, Ifran è una piccola città sulle montagne del Medio Atlante ben nota per la sua architettura in stile alpino e le vicine piste da sci e foreste.

Quanto ci vuole per arrivare?

• Erg Chebbi dune : A seconda del trasporto che prendi, potrebbero essere necessarie dalle 9 alle 10 ore per andare da Marrakech a Merzouga. Questo è il motivo per cui il viaggio viene solitamente suddiviso in 3 o 4 giorni, in modo che i visitatori abbiano il tempo di visitare le altre attrazioni lungo la strada, come la valle del Dadès.
• Erg Chegaga : Circa 5 ore da Marrakech via Zagora. Ci sono tour di 2 giorni che partono da Marrakech a Zagora e ti portano a visitare le dune di Erg Chegaga.
• Erg Lihoudi : Circa 6 ore da Marrakech al deserto Erg Lihoudi. C’è un viaggio di 2 giorni disponibile partendo da Marrakech che ti porta ad Erg Lihoudi.

Quanto costano le visite al Deserto di Marrakech?

A seconda del tour scelto, il prezzo sarà più alto o più basso. Quanto ti piacerebbe che il tuo campo safari fosse lussuoso, quanti giorni vorresti rimanere o se il cibo e l’alloggio sono forniti … se è tutto compreso o no. I prezzi possono anche differire se si sceglie una viista guidata privata o di gruppo.

• Escursioni nel deserto da Marrakech