2-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Todra Gorges – Merzouga (Camel Trek & Desert Camp)

Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech typically between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Leaving early is essential because the driving distance on this route is significant and you need to reach the dunes in time for the sunset camel trek.

You’ll head south, climbing through the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 metres) the highest road pass in North Africa. Traditional Berber villages line the slopes and the views grow more expansive with every turn of the road.

The first major stop is the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou—a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most celebrated historic fortifications. Built from clay and straw, this ancient ksar has appeared in countless international productions including Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia. You’ll have time to walk through the ancient village and take in the spectacular views.

Continue through Ouarzazate—Morocco’s “Hollywood”—with a brief stop at the Taourirt Kasbah and the famous Atlas Film Studios. The journey then takes you through the Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses, with its fragrant rose gardens. You’ll pass through the dramatic Todra Gorges, where towering limestone cliffs rise on either side. You’ll have a short walk along the riverbed to experience this natural wonder.

By late afternoon, the first dunes of Erg Chebbi appear dramatically against the horizon. You’ll arrive in the village of Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara. Here, you’ll pack a small overnight bag—your main luggage stays in the vehicle—and mount your camel for a sunset trek across the golden dunes. The camel ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, with a stop on a high ridge to watch the sunset transform the sand into a breathtaking display of colour.

You’ll arrive at a traditional Berber desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea. After a delicious Moroccan dinner, gather around the campfire for Berber drumming and music under one of the world’s darkest skies. You’ll spend the night in a private tent, surrounded by the serene silence of the Sahara.

Driving distance: Approximately 560 km
Driving time: Approximately 10–11 hours (including stops)
Meals: Dinner AND breakfaast included
Overnight: Berber desert camp in Erg Chebbi

Day 2: Merzouga – Sunrise – Camel Ride Back – Draa Valley – Marrakech

Wake up early for one of the most magical moments of the trip: sunrise over the Sahara dunes. Watch as the first light of day transforms the golden sands into a breathtaking display of colour. After breakfast at the camp you’ll ride the camels back to Merzouga or return by 4×4 if you prefer—where you can freshen up with a shower at a local hotel before beginning the long but scenic journey back to Marrakech.

The return route often takes a different path, passing through the spectacular Draa Valley—Morocco’s longest valley—famous for its palm oases, kasbahs, and fortified villages. You’ll travel through the historic towns of Rissani, Nkob, and Agdz, with stops for lunch and photo opportunities along the way.

The drive continues over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with one last chance to admire the dramatic mountain scenery before descending toward Marrakech.

You’ll arrive back in Marrakech in the evening, typically between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, where the tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.

Driving time: Approximately 9–10 hours (including stops)
Meals: Breakfast included
Overnight: Not included (arrival in Marrakech)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Alesandere E 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Best experience ever
Best experience ever Youssef is so so nice, and a very good guide and a very good person ,I recomended him to everyone. Thanks Youssef
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Rafael C 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Out of this world
Words can’t even describe how this whole trip has been. From the very start Youssif was on time, matter of fact he was waiting for us and he welcomed us with open arms. We stayed with him for about two and half weeks and did everything from sleeping in the middle of the desert, riding camels, atvs, out of this world views and amazing places to eat everything single time. I think god for Youssif being our tour guide because we come here every two years and will use him every single time. If anyone is looking for a tour guide that is professional, on time, matters, knowledgeable and most importantly funny.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Laura C 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Gracias a Moha por una semana inolvidable
Hemos vivido una experiencia maravillosa durante una semana con Moha que ha acompañado al grupo de 7 mujeres de forma única, cuidando todos los detalles y siempre pendiente de todas. Ha hecho que nuestra experiencia sea aún mejor y nunca podremos olvidarla. Gracias Moha y equipo por un trato excelente y profesional.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Maïven S 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Un accueil incroyable
Quels voyages … ! Et oui, ce n’est pas la première fois que Youssef accompagne mes séjours au Maroc, tout simplement car il est GÉNIAL ! 😎 Lors de chaque visite il s’est adapté aux envies que nous lui avons partagé : découverte du désert, de la côte, de l’atlas … Et ce qui n’a jamais changé sont : ses sourires, sa générosité et son partage de la culture marocaine. 🌞 Je vous recommande Youssef pour découvrir le Maroc en toute sécurité et, surtout, avec tellement d’authenticité. SHUKRAN BEZEEEEEEF SOSO, « allah mawlana » (ce qui veut dire que je reviendrai le voir, c’est sûr !) 🫶
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sam tch 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Amazing trip and youssef is the man 🤙🏽
Just booked with Youssef from Best Travel to Morocco and no cap, the whole trip was fire 🔥. Everything was smooth, well planned, and zero stress. My guy Youssef really knows how to hook things up properly. Always responsive, super chill, and made sure everything was running like clockwork. The schedule was on point, nothing felt rushed, and the whole experience was straight vibes. You can tell he actually cares about making your trip lit, not just doing the bare minimum. If you’re tryna explore Morocco the right way, Youssef is the real deal. Highly recommend 💯
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Trip37154272494 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Isreal's Magical 50th Birthday Celebration in Morocco
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ BesttraveltoMorocco delivered an amazing experience! We visited Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, the Atlas Mountains, and the Merzouga Sahara Desert, and everything was perfectly organized. The guides were knowledgeable and professional, transportation was smooth, and the accommodations were excellent. The Sahara Desert experience celebrating my 50th birthday was unforgettable. Highly recommend BesttraveltoMorocco for an authentic and stress-free Morocco trip!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Mohmed O 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Tour to morocco🇲🇦
I had an incredible experience traveling to Morocco with Best Travel to Morocco. Everything was perfectly organized from start to finish. The team was professional, friendly, and always available to help with anything we needed. Our itinerary was well planned and allowed us to experience the real beauty of Morocco—from the vibrant cities to the stunning desert and beautiful landscapes. The guides were very knowledgeable and made the trip even more special by sharing local culture, history, and traditions. The accommodations, transportation, and overall service exceeded my expectations. I felt safe, comfortable, and truly welcomed throughout the journey. This trip created unforgettable memories, and I highly recommend Best Travel to Morocco to anyone looking for an authentic and well-organized Moroccan experience. Thank you for an amazing journey! 🇲🇦✨
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Odyssey29318042941 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Absolutely amazed⭐️
I had an exceptional experience. Høssïne is a very attentive person, generous and passionate about his work and his country. He shares a lot of explanations and makes the experience truly authentic. I leave with stars in my eyes and only one desire: to come back. Thank you for everything!⭐️
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sophie A 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Excellente promenade dans le désert!
Nous avons fait une superbe excursion dans le désert avec Youssef: excellente organisation et agréable soirée. Nous recommandons vivement!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Melina Z 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Volveré
Hermosa experiencia! Súper recomendable. Cerca de Marrakech, pero en el desierto.muy amable el personal. Seguramente volveré!