Night 1
Dades Valley
Kasbah-style guesthouse
A family-run guesthouse or kasbah hotel built in the local earthen style, with en-suite rooms, a terrace over the valley and a home-cooked dinner.
3-Day Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert Tour
The gentlest way to the Sahara from Ouarzazate.
- Private Tour
Only - Local
Driver-Guides - Comfortable
Vehicles - Handpicked
Accommodation - Fully
Customisable
Tour overview
From Ouarzazate to Merzouga in Three Days
The gentlest way to the Sahara from Ouarzazate. Two short driving days through Skoura, the Valley of Roses and the gorges lead to Merzouga, where the tour ends after a night in a desert camp and a sunrise over the dunes, leaving you free to continue to Fes, Errachidia or back west.
Our 3 Day Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert Tour begins in Ouarzazate and ends in Merzouga, covering about 390 km by road over three days. Along the way you will experience the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, a sunset camel trek in the dunes of Erg Chebbi and a night in a desert camp. Each stop is a real visit on foot, with your driver-guide explaining what you are looking at and local people adding their own stories.
Accommodation is chosen for character and location rather than size: one night in a kasbah-style guesthouse in the Dades Valley and one night in a desert camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. You travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, a 4x4 or a minibus depending on the size of your party, with an English-speaking driver-guide who knows these roads well. Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese-speaking guides are available on request.
It suits travellers who have only a few days but still want to reach the real Sahara: couples, friends, solo travellers and families with older children who are comfortable with some time in the car. The longest day on the road is day 2, with 4.5–5 hours of driving; every other day is shorter, and all of them are broken up by visits and stops. Like all our tours it is fully private, so the plan below can be lengthened, shortened or rearranged to fit your dates.
- Duration3 days / 2 nights
- StartOuarzazate
- EndMerzouga
- Tour typePrivate tour
- GroupJust your own party
- LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese
- TransportPrivate 4x4 or minibus with A/C
- AccommodationKasbah-style guesthouse and Desert camp
Highlights
Tour Highlights
- Explore the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
- Ride a camel into Erg Chebbi at sunset
- Spend a night in a Sahara desert camp
Detailed itinerary
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Gorge
Your tour starts in Ouarzazate and follows the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs east. First stop is Skoura, a palm oasis where a short walk leads to Kasbah Amridil, a seventeenth-century family fortress with its old ovens, press and terraces.
In Kalaat M'Gouna, heart of the Valley of Roses, a cooperative shows how rosewater is made; in spring the hedges are pink with Damask roses.
From Boumalne you turn into the Dades Gorge, between red and ochre cliffs, to see the Monkey Fingers and the famous hairpin bends, then settle into your guesthouse by the river.
- Skoura's Kasbah Amridil
- Rosewater cooperatives
- Dades Gorge switchbacks
- Monkey Fingers rocks
Day 2
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Camel Trek
Before leaving the valley, drive a little way up the Dades Gorge to see the Monkey Fingers, then continue east to the oasis town of Tinghir.
A few kilometres further, Todra Gorge narrows to a corridor of orange rock barely wider than its stream. You walk through it on foot, perhaps watching climbers on the walls, then have lunch nearby.
In the afternoon the land opens out and the first dunes of Erg Chebbi appear after Erfoud. In Merzouga you mount a camel and ride into the sand to watch the sunset from a dune, then spend the night at a desert camp.
- Red cliffs of the Dades Gorge
- Walk inside the Todra canyon
- Camel ride at sunset
- Night in a desert camp
Day 3
Day 3: Erg Chebbi Sunrise – Camel Ride – Merzouga
In the cool dark before dawn, your guide leads you up a dune to watch the sun rise over the sand sea. In a few minutes the colours change from blue to rose to orange.
Then you return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 for breakfast and a shower.
The tour ends in Merzouga in the morning. We can organise a private transfer onward to Errachidia, Fes, Marrakech or Ouarzazate, or to the bus in Rissani.
- Dawn over the sand
- Camel ride back to the village
- Breakfast and shower
- Onward transfer on request
Good to know
What’s Included
Included in the tour
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minibus, depending on your group size) for the whole tour
- English-speaking driver-guide; Spanish, Italian, French or Portuguese-speaking guides on request
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel, riad, airport or port
- 2 nights of accommodation with breakfast
- Dinner on the nights shown in the itinerary
- Sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi, one camel per person
- Night in a mid-range luxury desert camp (luxury camp on request) with dinner, breakfast and music around the fire
- Sandboarding at the camp
- Free stops for photographs, tea and walks whenever you wish
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments, museums and film studios
- Tips for your driver-guide, local guides and camp staff
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and optional activities
Optional activities
- Quad or buggy ride in the dunesOne or two hours on the sand around Erg Chebbi with a guide, bookable on the day in Merzouga.
- Upgrade to a luxury desert campSpacious private tents with air conditioning and heating, elegant traditional décor and premium bathroom amenities, instead of the mid-range luxury camp. Tell us when you book and we will quote the difference.
- 4x4 excursion around Erg ChebbiA half-day circuit to Khamlia, the nomad camps and the black desert, possible if you add a night in Merzouga.
- Second night in the desertStay an extra night in camp for a slower pace, a walk in the dunes at dawn and time to do nothing at all.
Before you go
Practical Information
Pickup and drop-off
We collect you from your hotel in Ouarzazate or Ait Ben Haddou, or from Ouarzazate Airport, at around 8:30 am.
The tour ends in Merzouga after breakfast. We can arrange a private transfer to Errachidia Airport, Fes, Marrakech or Ouarzazate, quoted separately.
A different start or end point is rarely a problem. Because every tour is private, we can begin in one city and finish in another; tell us where you are staying and we will adapt the route and the quote.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers, plus sandals for the camp
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Light, loose clothing for the day and a warm layer for the evening
- A small overnight bag for the desert; your main luggage stays safely in the vehicle or at the hotel in Merzouga
- A scarf or cheche for the camel ride (you can buy one on the way)
- A warm jacket from November to March, when desert nights can drop close to freezing
- Head torch or phone light for the camp
- Passport and a copy of your travel insurance
- Cash in Moroccan dirhams for lunches, tips and small purchases; ATMs are scarce between the main towns
- Camera, spare battery and a power bank
- Any personal medication, and motion-sickness tablets if mountain roads affect you
Best time to travel
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons for this route. Days are warm and clear, nights are mild, and in April and May the valleys of the south are green and the roses of Kalaat M'Gouna are in bloom.
Winter is a good time for the desert if you bring warm clothes: skies are bright and the dunes are quiet, but temperatures after dark can fall to around freezing and the High Atlas passes occasionally close for a few hours after snow. In July and August the Sahara is very hot in the afternoon, so we shift the camel trek later, start driving earlier and can recommend a camp with air-cooled tents.
During Ramadan the tour runs as normal. Some restaurants close during the day in smaller towns, your driver-guide will know where to stop, and evenings are especially lively after sunset.
Important information before booking
- This is a private tour. The vehicle, the driver-guide and the departure date are yours alone, and the itinerary can be changed before or during the trip.
- Driving times are approximate and do not include stops. We stop often, so expect each day to take longer than the hours shown.
- Prices depend on the number of travellers, the season and the accommodation category you choose. Tell us these three things and we will send an exact quote.
- The camel ride to the camp takes about an hour to an hour and a half. If you would rather not ride, or are travelling with small children or have back problems, we take you to the camp by 4x4 at no extra cost.
- We offer two desert camp options, both with private tents, en-suite bathrooms and hot showers: a mid-range luxury camp, and a luxury camp with more spacious tents, air conditioning and heating. Please say which you prefer when booking.
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal meals are easy to arrange; let us know about allergies or dietary needs in advance.
- Roads in the mountains are winding. If you suffer from motion sickness, sit in the front and bring medication.
- Most nationalities do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but please check the entry requirements for your passport before travelling.
Questions and answers
3 Day Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 3-day tour from Ouarzazate private?
Yes. You travel only with the people in your own party, in a private vehicle with your own driver-guide. That means you choose the departure date, set the pace and can stop wherever you like along the way.
How much driving is there each day?
It varies from day to day. The longest stretch is on day 2, with 4.5–5 hours on the road, and the other days are noticeably shorter. In total the tour covers about 390 km. All times are approximate and broken up by visits, lunch and photo stops.
What is the desert camp like?
Camps in Erg Chebbi have real beds with sheets and blankets, a dining tent and a fire circle. You choose between two options. Our mid-range luxury camp has private tents with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers and comfortable bedding. Our luxury camp has more spacious tents with air conditioning and heating, high-quality bedding and premium bathroom amenities. Dinner and breakfast are served at the camp.
Do I have to ride a camel to reach the camp?
No. The camel trek is included and most guests enjoy it, but if you prefer, we take you to the camp by 4x4. This is also what we suggest for very young children, pregnant travellers and anyone with back or knee problems.
Can I change the itinerary or the start and end point?
Yes. The programme on this page is a starting point. We can add nights, swap stops, upgrade accommodation or finish somewhere other than Merzouga. Tell us what you have in mind and we will adjust the route and send a new quote.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
March to May and September to November offer the most comfortable temperatures. Winter is clear and quiet but cold at night in the desert; in July and August the Sahara is very hot, and we adjust the timings accordingly.
How much does it cost and how do I book?
Prices are always quoted on request: the price depends on the number of travellers, the season and the accommodation category, so we quote each request individually. Send us your dates and group size by WhatsApp or email and we will reply with a detailed quote. You can ask for as many changes as you need before confirming.
Accommodation
Where You’ll Stay
Carefully selected riads, guesthouses, hotels and desert camps. The exact properties are confirmed with your quote, in the category you choose.
Night 2
Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga
Desert camp in Erg Chebbi
A camp among the dunes with proper beds and bedding in each tent, a dining tent and a fire circle. We offer two options, both with private tents, en-suite bathrooms and hot showers: a mid-range luxury camp, and a luxury camp with more spacious tents, air conditioning and heating.
Your night in the Sahara
Choose Your Desert Camp
We offer two camps in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Tell us which one you prefer when you enquire.
Included in this tour
Mid-Range Luxury Camp
- Private tents with en-suite bathrooms
- Hot showers
- Comfortable bedding
- Good balance between comfort and authenticity
Upgrade on request
Luxury Camp
- Spacious private tents with en-suite bathrooms
- Air conditioning and heating for year-round comfort
- High-quality bedding and elegant traditional décor
- Hot showers and premium bathroom amenities
- Comfortable private space with maximum privacy
- Warm and welcoming atmosphere with personalised service
Gallery
Moments from the Journey
The places you will stand in on this route, in the order you reach them.
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Ready for Your Moroccan Adventure?
Tell us your dates and group size, and we will send you this itinerary with a personal quote. You can change anything you like before confirming.
Plan Your 3 Day Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert Tour
Quick answers for planning your 3 day Ouarzazate to Merzouga desert tour with Magic Morocco Tours.
How to Spend 3 Days in Morocco
3 days in Morocco on this route means about 390 km by private vehicle from Ouarzazate to Merzouga, with nights in Dades Valley and Erg Chebbi dunes. Spent this way, your 3 days in Morocco leave time to explore the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge and to ride a camel into Erg Chebbi at sunset.
3 Day Morocco Itinerary at a Glance
The 3 day Morocco itinerary, day by day: day 1, Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Gorge; day 2, Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Camel Trek; day 3, Erg Chebbi Sunrise – Camel Ride – Merzouga. As the tour is private, this 3 day Morocco itinerary can be changed before or during the trip.
Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert Tour Highlights
As a Ouarzazate to Merzouga desert tour, this trip reaches the Erg Chebbi dunes on day 2. There you ride a camel into the dunes and spend a night at a mid-range luxury desert camp (luxury camp on request). Shorter and longer Ouarzazate to Merzouga desert tour options are on our Tours from Ouarzazate page.