Best Morocco Trails | Tours, Excursions & Activities in Morocco
2 Days Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga Desert And Back
Type
Tours
Min Age
1+
Max People
30
Transportation
4x4, Bus, Luxury Car
Overview
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the magic of the Moroccan merzouga desert, this 2-day tour from Marrakech to the Sahara is the perfect getaway. The journey offers a rich blend of culture, nature, and adventure—taking you from the vibrant streets of Marrakech through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, ancient Berber villages, and iconic desert landmarks, all the way to an unforgettable night under the stars in the Sahara.
Highlights Of This Tour
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a historical and cinematic treasure
- Visit Ouarzazate, known as the Gateway to the Sahara and home to famous film studios (optional visit)
- Pass through traditional Berber villages and learn about local culture
- Camel trek across the golden dunes of the Sahara
- Watch a breathtaking desert sunset from the top of a dune
- Spend the night in a desert camp, enjoying Berber music under a starry sky
- Catch a magical sunrise over the dunes in the early morning
- Drive through the lush Draa Oasis, dotted with date palms and small villages
- Visit the Rissani market, a bustling hub of local trade and tradition
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
Around 7:00 AM, our team will meet you at your accommodation in Marrakech to begin your journey toward southeastern Morocco. The first leg of the drive takes you across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest paved road in Morocco. We will stop along the way for panoramic views and photos, and you will pass through several traditional Berber villages. Next, we will make a stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a famous filming location featured in movies like Gladiator. After visiting Ait Benhaddou, we continue to Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you may optionally visit one of the renowned film studios. We will travel through the Valley of Roses and the beautiful Dades Valley, stopping in Boumalne Dades for lunch. Afterward, we continue toward Todra Gorges in Tinghir, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and freshwater stream, where you will enjoy a short walk in this peaceful canyon. We then drive through Erfoud, known for its fossils and sweet dates, and head toward the Merzouga Desert. Upon arrival, your camel guide will take you on a camel trek through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, with a stop atop a high dune to enjoy the spectacular sunset. After your ride, you will arrive at the luxury desert camp, where you will be welcomed with Moroccan tea and cookies. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner followed by live Berber music and dancing around a fire beneath a sky full of stars.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp.
Day 2: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Nkob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
Wake up early to witness an unforgettable sunrise over the sand dunes. After soaking in the view, enjoy a hearty desert breakfast. You will return to Merzouga village either by camel or 4×4 vehicle, where your driver will be waiting to continue the journey. Our first stop is Rissani, a historic town with ancient palaces and a bustling traditional market, which is a great place to explore and buy local spices or souvenirs. We will then head to Nkob, a charming Berber village where we will stop for lunch. Afterward, we journey through the scenic Draa Valley, dotted with palm groves and authentic Berber villages, on our way to Ouarzazate. You may revisit Ait Benhaddou or take a final stop at the film studios if you missed it on Day 1. The tour concludes with the drive back to Marrakech via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass. We will arrive around sunset and drop you off at your accommodation.
What's Included
- An English-speaking guide and well-experienced driver during the trip
- Drop off at your accommodation
- Fuel/gas and all car-related expenses
- Overnight stay in a luxury desert camp
- Pick up from your accommodation
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned touristic minivan or 4WD
- Private trip
- Camel trek in the Merzouga dunes
What's Excluded
- Any other personal expenses
- Plane ticket to and from Morocco
- Tips (Optional)
FAQs
Is it possible to do a 2-day trip to Merzouga from Marrakech?
Yes, it is possible and very popular for travelers with limited time. However, please note that it requires a lot of driving (around 10-12 hours total over the two days) to fit in all the sights and the desert experience.
How long is the drive from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert?
The direct drive from Marrakech to Merzouga takes about 7 to 8 hours without stops. Because this is a scenic route, we break up the journey with multiple sightseeing stops along the way.
Will I have enough time to enjoy the desert on this tour?
While it is a quick visit, you will arrive in time for a sunset camel trek, a full evening of camp entertainment, and a sunrise the next morning. If you want more time to relax in the dunes, we highly recommend booking our 3-day or 4-day tour instead.
Can we skip some stops to spend more time in the desert?
Yes, this is a private trip, so the itinerary is flexible. If you prefer to skip stops like Ouarzazate or Todra Gorges to arrive in Merzouga earlier, just let your driver know on the day of the tour.
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