More about: 3 Best Day Trips to Merzouga Desert from Marrakech
If you are traveling to Morocco and have at least three days available, one of the most authentic and exciting experiences you can have is an excursion from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara. With dunes up to 150 meters high, camel rides, nights under the stars, and Berber culture, this adventure is ideal for travelers looking for something more than a conventional trip.
1. 3-day excursion to the Merzouga desert from Marrakech
The 3-day trip to the Merzouga Desert is undoubtedly the most comprehensive and popular. It includes all the essentials for exploring the desert in depth without worrying about logistics.
During the journey, you will enjoy a scenic route through the High Atlas and the Draa Valley, with stops at kasbahs, traditional villages, and oases.
What you'll do on this tour
- Ride a camel at sunset to reach the camp
- Sleep in a traditional Berber tent or a luxury camp (you choose when booking)
- Listen to local music under a starry sky
- Watch the sunrise from the top of the dunes
- Sample local cuisine and discover desert customs
Details of interest
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
- Price from: $110
- Includes: Transportation from Marrakech, hotel pickup, accommodation, dinners and breakfasts, 2-hour camel ride, local guide
2. 4x4 excursion to the Merzouga desert
For those looking for a more dynamic experience or wanting to explore less accessible corners, the 4x4 excursion to the Merzouga Desert offers a journey full of action and cultural discovery.
What you'll do on this tour
In addition to the spectacular views from the vehicle, this excursion allows you to:
- Visit the village of Hassi Labied and explore its gardens
- Explore the mines of Mifis, an old mining site
- Meet nomadic families living in traditional tents
- Enjoy a local lunch in the middle of the desert
- Access less touristy areas of Erg Chebbi
Details of interest
- Duration: 2 or 3 days (depending on option)
- Estimated price: From €180 per person
- Includes: Private 4x4 vehicle, local guide, cultural stops, lunch, accommodation
3. Express excursion to see the sunset in the desert
If you don't have several days but want to experience the magic of the Sahara, there are express tours from Marrakech that take you to Merzouga to watch the sunset from the dunes.
The experience begins with a camel ride at dusk. As you ride through the dunes, the landscape changes color and the silence becomes part of the show. Once you reach a high point, you'll have time to take photos, gaze at the horizon, and connect with the immensity of the Sahara.
What you'll do on this tour
- Transfer from the arrival point in Merzouga
- Camel ride lasting approximately one hour
- Free time to take photos and enjoy the silence
- Return to base under the first stars
Details of interest
- Duration: Half day (express excursion)
- Estimated price: From €30 per person
- Includes: Sunset camel ride, local guide, return to starting point
How to get to the Merzouga desert in Morocco on your own?
Although you can organize the trip on your own, it is more common to book an organized excursion.
If you decide to do it on your own, keep in mind that the Merzouga desert is located near the town of Merzouga and that getting to this area of Merzouga from Marrakech is not the easiest task. A one-way trip can take up to 12 hours depending on the method used.
Option I: Organized excursion from Marrakech
This is the most practical and safest option. It includes transportation, stops along the way, accommodation, and a guide. This is my favorite option. A tour from Marrakech frees you from worries and the need to plan. It is the perfect option if you are visiting the country for the first time and ideal for tourists who want a hassle-free vacation. The price for this experience starts at 110
Option II: Rent your own transportation
Although this alternative requires a little more planning on your part, it is a very attractive option, as you can organize your own stops along the way, visit interesting historical sites, and stay there as long as you like.
Renting a small, simple car in Marrakech will cost you approximately €8 to €10 per day. Consider fuel and tolls as additional expenses.
Option III Take the bus route from Marrakech
Some local companies offer bus services from major Moroccan cities to destinations such as Merzouga. This is an interesting option for those traveling on a very tight budget.
Where will you stay on your trip to the Merzouga desert?
If you decide to book your 3-day trip to the Merzouga Desert, this is the type of accommodation you will have. There are options for all tastes:
Standard Camps
- Single beds or mattresses on rugs
- Shared bathrooms
- Traditional dinner and breakfast
Luxury campsites (glamping)
- Double bed with cotton sheets
- Private bathroom and shower
- Wi-Fi, lighting, chill-out area, and tasteful décor
When is the best time of year to take a trip to the Merzouga desert?
In my opinion, the best time is spring because the temperatures are pleasant, the weather is stable, and the desert light at this time of year is perfect for enjoying and taking spectacular photos. In any case, here is a summary so you can weigh up the pros and cons of traveling to the Merzouga Desert depending on the time of year:
- Spring and fall: ideal climate and cool nights. Perfect for outdoor activities.
- Summer: very hot during the day. Some excursions do not operate in July and August.
- Winter: mild days and cold nights. A good time for those looking for clear skies.
What to do in the Merzouga Desert
Sandboarding
If your trip to Merzouga includes a few hours of leisure time, sandboarding is an option. This adventure usually includes professional boards and the necessary safety equipment.
I don't recommend it for beginners. If you have previous experience on a surfboard or skateboard, sliding down the dunes is another way to enjoy the Sahara Desert that adrenaline lovers will appreciate.
Enjoy a sunrise in the desert
If you decide to spend the night in one of the Erg Chebbi camps, you should prepare yourself for one of the most important events of the experience: sunrise in the dunes.
At around 6:00 a.m., campers get up to walk through the dunes and admire the sun rising over the sand. It is one of the most magnificent sights you will ever see in your life.
This spectacle can be combined with a camel ride, which will save you from having to walk. Many camps, such as the 3-day excursion from Marrakech, include a dromedary ride at sunrise in their list of experiences.
Take night-time photographs
Due to the low light pollution in the area , night photography in the desert is truly impressive, and the clear skies at night in Erg Chebbi allow you to count billions of stars. If you are a photography lover and have good photographic equipment, take advantage of your night in the desert to take night shots of one of the most perfect skies on the planet.
Frequently asked questions about trips to the Merzouga Desert
What does a desert excursion from Marrakech include?
- Transport by minibus or 4x4
- Camel ride
- Accommodation in a camp
- Meals (usually dinner and breakfast)
- Local guide
Is it suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, most excursions are adapted and safe. Please let us know in advance if you require special assistance.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing for the day, a jacket for the evening, sunscreen, sunglasses, and closed-toe shoes.
Other desert excursions
To find out about other excursion options to the Moroccan Sahara desert, explore this information.