By Sabir, Morocco Extra Tours. I have guided and driven travellers through southern Morocco since 2004.
Quick answer: In 3 days from Marrakech to Merzouga, you cross the High Atlas by the Tichka pass, visit Ait Ben Haddou and sleep in the Dades valley on day 1. On day 2 you see the Todra gorges, then reach Merzouga in time for a camel ride at sunset and a night in a desert camp. Day 3 is the drive back to Marrakech, about 560 km, through Rissani, the Draa valley and Ouarzazate.
This is the exact route I drive with my guests, with the times and stops that make it work.
Day 1: Marrakech to the Dades valley
- 8:30, departure from Marrakech. We leave early because the day is full.
- Toufliht, in the High Atlas. A first stop of 10 to 15 minutes for the toilets and a break.
- The Tichka pass (2,260 m). The road climbs through mountain bends. We stop at the top for photos of the mountains.
- Ait Ben Haddou. About one hour to visit the historic kasbah, then lunch there.
- Ouarzazate. A short stop in front of the film studios. In summer, when the days are long, guests can visit the studios (about one hour). In winter the days are short, so I recommend a photo from outside and continuing the road.
- The Monkey Fingers, near Boumalne.
- A beautiful geological landscape, our last stop before the hotel.
- The Tissadrine bends. We drive up to see the famous zigzag road of the Dades gorges.
- Night in the Dades valley. Usually at Dar Bluse or Dar Ahlam. Dinner and breakfast are included.
Day 2: Todra gorges and the Merzouga dunes
- 8:30, departure. We drive to the Todra gorges, about 60 km from Boumalne, and visit them.
- On to Merzouga. This is where timing matters most. In winter the sun sets around 5:30 pm, so we must be in Merzouga by 4 pm at the latest. That gives time to ride the camels to the camp and arrive on the dunes for the sunset. Any delay on the road, and you miss it.
- Camel ride and desert camp.
- You ride a camel to the camp and watch the sunset from the dunes. Dinner and breakfast are included. I work with excellent camps such as Tiziri Camp and Eden Sahara Camp.
Day 3: Merzouga back to Marrakech
The last day is for driving: about 560 km back to Marrakech. We take the southern route: Rissani, Alnif, Tazarine, N'Kob, the Draa valley, Agdz, Ouarzazate and Marrakech.This way you see different landscapes for most of the way back.
My honest advice
3 days works, but it is a fast trip. The distances are long, and day 3 is almost all driving. If you have more time, 4 or 5 days lets you enjoy the road instead of only crossing it.
Winter or summer? In summer the days are long, so there is time to visit the film studios in Ouarzazate. In winter the days are short: we keep the stops short so we do not miss the sunset in Merzouga.
What to bring:
- long trousers for the camel ride;
- warm clothes for the Tichka pass and the cold desert night;
- cash for tips and small purchases.
Food on the road: I choose the restaurants carefully, because one sick guest can ruin the whole trip. Tell your driver about any allergy or diet before you leave.
FAQ
How far is Merzouga from Marrakech? About 560 km. That is why the trip is spread over 3 days.
Is 3 days enough for the Sahara? Yes, it is the minimum, and you will see the main highlights. With 4 or 5 days, the pace is much more comfortable.
Where do we sleep? Night 1 in the Dades valley, night 2 in a desert camp in Merzouga.
Are meals included? Dinner and breakfast are included at the hotel and the camp.
Can I end the trip in Fes instead of Marrakech? Yes. See our 4-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour.
Book this itinerary
This exact route is our 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour, private, with a local driver.
Read more:
- A Night in a Sahara Desert Camp: What to Expect
- Todra Gorge to Merzouga: Best Stops on the Desert Road
- Merzouga vs Chegaga: Which Sahara Desert Should You Choose?
- Complete guide to a desert trip from Marrakech
- Spelling of the camps: Tiziri Camp and Eden Sahara Camp.
- Spelling of the guesthouses: Dar Bluse and Dar Ahlam.