3 days excursion to the desert from Marrakech

Trip summary: 3 days excursion to the desert

This 3 days excursion to the desert from Marrakech to the majestic dunes of Merzouga is an intimate journey designed for curious souls and lovers of authenticity. Traveling in a small group of no more than 8 people, you’ll enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fosters connection, discovery, and comfort at every stage of the adventure.

Accompanied by passionate local guides who know every secret of the Sahara, you’ll go beyond the usual tourist routes to explore the hidden beauty of Morocco. From peaceful palm groves to timeless kasbahs, each stop along the way is an opportunity to feel the essence of the country — not only through its breathtaking scenery, But also through the meaningful connections with people that leave a lasting mark on your journey.

What makes this 3 days excursion to the desert truly special is the attention paid to every detail. The itinerary remains flexible and can adapt to the interests of the group, allowing for spontaneous detours or extended moments in places that move you. Whether you’re admiring a sunset over the dunes or sharing a cup of mint tea in a desert camp, every instant is filled with meaning.

With the comfort of a small group, the magic of a starry Saharan night, and the joy of real connections, this journey offers much more than just sightseeing — it’s a story you’ll carry in your heart long after your return.

Itinerary of the 3 days excursion to the desert from Marrakech

This three-day excursion takes you from Marrakech to the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, passing through the magnificent Dades Valley.

On the first day, we’ll leave Marrakech for the Dades Valley, driving around 270 km through the breathtaking landscapes of the High Atlas and the famous Kasbah Route.

On the second day, you will leave the Dades Valley for Merzouga, where you will discover the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes after a 300 km journey. This will be an unforgettable desert experience, including a camel ride at sunset.

On the third and final day, you’ll get back on the road to return to Marrakech after a 560 km journey, marked by stops in Berber villages and the fascinating landscapes of southern Morocco.

This trip promises total immersion among mountains, oases and golden dunes, with unforgettable memories.

📌Why choose an excursion for small groups?

• Personalized attention: With a maximum of 10 participants, our guides can offer you a personalized experience and meet your expectations. You won’t be lost in the crowd, but at the heart of the action.
• Authentic experiences: You’ll meet the inhabitants of the desert, share moments around a campfire and discover the way of life of Moroccan nomads.
• Flexibility and freedom: we adapt our itinerary according to the wishes of the group, exploring hidden places and reducing waiting times.
• Comfortable travel: Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a small group, for a more intimate and enjoyable trip.
• Luxury adventure at a low price: Sharing the costs allows you to enjoy a quality trip at a reasonable price.

📌Unmissable experiences: 3 days excursion to the desert

• Cross the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka gorge.
• Explore the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco”, with its film studios.
• Admire the spectacular scenery of the Valley of the Roses and the Dades Gorge.
• Hike through the Todra Gorge, the largest gorge in Morocco.
• Experience an unforgettable camel ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
• Watch a magical sunset and sunrise over the desert.
• Spend the night in a traditional Berber tent with music and dancing around the campfire.

Trip program of 3 days excursion to the desert

📍 Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

Your 3 days excursion to the desert begins at 7am with a departure from vibrant Marrakech, leaving behind the city’s hustle as you head toward the majestic Atlas Mountains. The road winds its way through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, offering countless photo opportunities along the way — from dramatic mountain passes to scattered Berber villages perched on rugged hillsides.

As you ascend the legendary Tizi n’Tichka pass, reaching 2,260 meters above sea level, the panoramic views are nothing short of spectacular. This passage through the High Atlas unveils a rugged, authentic Morocco rarely seen by the casual traveler. Your first major stop is the iconic Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most photogenic places in the country. With its earthen clay architecture and centuries-old charm, it’s no wonder this ksar has been featured in films like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.

After a relaxed lunch near the kasbah, the route continues toward the cinematic city of Ouarzazate, also known as the « Hollywood of Africa. » From there, you’ll travel through the fragrant Valley of the Roses, especially enchanting in spring, before reaching the spectacular Dades Gorge. Here, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and serene landscapes, you’ll enjoy a peaceful night in a charming guesthouse — the perfect end to a day filled with wonder and discovery.

📍 Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes)

The second day of your 3 days excursion to the desert begins with a hearty breakfast before heading towards one of Morocco’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders: the Todra Gorge. Carved by millennia of flowing water, these towering limestone cliffs rise up to 300 meters high, forming a breathtaking canyon that invites you to stroll along its cool riverbanks and soak in the tranquility of the scene.

After this refreshing pause in nature, the journey continues southward as the landscape shifts dramatically — from green valleys to vast arid plains — signaling your approach to the Merzouga desert. As the first golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon, the sense of anticipation grows.

Upon arrival in Merzouga, your desert experience takes on a magical tone with a camel ride across the dunes, a gentle rhythm that allows you to fully appreciate the immensity and silence of the Sahara. At the heart of the sand sea, your nomadic camp awaits, nestled beneath the stars. As the sun sets in fiery tones over the dunes, you’ll be welcomed with a traditional Moroccan dinner, followed by an evening of Berber music around the campfire — a soulful celebration of desert life that will stay with you forever.

📍 Day 3: Merzouga – Marrakech

The final day of your 3 days excursion to the desert begins in silence and awe, as the sun rises slowly over the golden dunes of Merzouga, casting warm hues across the endless sea of sand. This peaceful moment, watched from the heights of the dunes or your camp, is a gift of the desert — serene and unforgettable.

Following a final camel trek across the dunes back to Merzouga, you’ll savor a generous breakfast before setting off on the road northward. The road back to Marrakech winds once again through Morocco’s ever-changing landscapes: rugged peaks, sweeping valleys, and traditional Berber hamlets nestled in the mountains. Along the way, several scenic stops allow you to stretch your legs, savor local dishes during lunch, and capture a few last photos of this breathtaking adventure.

By late afternoon, you’ll return to the lively rhythm of Marrakech — carrying with you unforgettable memories, a gallery of desert moments, and a soul deeply moved by the wild beauty of the Sahara.

Included/Excluded

✅Included in a 3 days excursion to the desert:

✔️Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned minibus.

✔️English-speaking local guide.

✔️Hotel accommodation in the Dades Valley (dinner and breakfast).

✔️Camel ride in the Merzouga desert.

✔️Overnight in a Berber camp with dinner and breakfast.

✔️Hike in the Todra gorges.

✔️Free time to explore, take photos and relax.

Not included in a 3 days excursion to the desert :

❌Drinks and personal expenses.

❌Lunches and entrance fees to tourist sites.

❌Accommodation in Marrakech.

Book your place now and experience a magical adventure in the Moroccan desert!