3-Day Sahara Desert Tour Packages
Always wanted to visit Marrakech? How about crossing the Atlas Mountains to reach Merzouga's dunes, stopping at UNESCO heritage Ait Ben Haddou and walking through Todra Gorge? Riding camels into the sunset is just the start - at Tawesna Teahouse, local women serve traditional pastries and share their stories. Other routes take you through Berber villages and past Ouarzazate's film studios. Desert camps earn high marks too.
Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Sahara Desert tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaSahara Desert travel expert at TourRadar
3 Day Morocco Desert Itinerary, incl. Marrakech and Merzouga
The Sahara Desert unfolds over 3 days from Marrakesh to Merzouga. Wander through Todra Gorge, rest in Erg Chebbi dunes, and watch sunset camel rides. Ancient kasbahs and oases await with expert local guides.
- Day 1
Marrakech to Boumalne Dades
Leave Marrakech at 7:30 AM to avoid traffic. The 4-hour drive through the Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka pass includes photo stops. If you get carsick pack motion sickness pills. The mountain roads twist and turn quite a bit. One traveler shared: "The dramatic landscape changes are incredible, from fertile plains to rocky mountains." Stop at the UNESCO site Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou before lunch. The climb to the top requires good shoes but rewards you with amazing valley views. Your journey continues to Ouarzazate known as Morocco's "Hollywood" and through the Valley of Roses. You'll reach your hotel in Dades Valley for dinner and overnight stay.
- Day 2
Boumalne Dades to Merzouga Desert
Start with breakfast then drive through Todra Gorge toward Merzouga. Bring extra water the final stretch gets very hot. You'll reach the Sahara edge by late afternoon for your camel trek. A recent visitor noted: "Wear long pants for the camel ride and bring a light jacket. Desert nights get surprisingly cold. The sunset views over Erg Chebbi dunes are incredible." Your night in the desert camp includes traditional music and dinner by the campfire. The tents offer proper beds and basic comfort. Many visitors say this night stands out as their favorite part of visiting Morocco.
- Day 3
Merzouga to Marrakech
Get up at 5:30 AM for a sunrise camel ride. After breakfast begin the 11-hour journey back to Marrakech. Your driver will stop every 2-3 hours. The route passes through different landscapes and small Berber villages. One traveler mentioned: "The return drive is long but our driver made frequent stops and explained local culture. Just be prepared for a full day of travel and bring snacks." You should arrive in Marrakech around 7:00 PM.
3 Days in Morocco Desert, incl. Marrakech and Merzouga
Sahara's wonders unfold over three days from Erg Chebbi's towering dunes to Todgha Gorges' dramatic cliffs. Luxury camping, traditional Berber entertainment, and guided camel treks complement the perfect 5.0 food rating.
- Day 1
Marrakech to Dades Valley
Leave Marrakech at 7 AM to avoid traffic through the Atlas Mountains. The journey to Ait Ben Haddou takes about 4 hours with stops. If you get carsick on winding roads bring motion sickness medication. Plan to reach the UNESCO site by 11 AM before large tour groups arrive. A recent visitor shared: "The drive was long but our driver made frequent stops at amazing viewpoints. Just remember to wear good walking shoes - the climb up to the old kasbah is steep with loose stones." Stop for lunch in Ouarzazate at Restaurant Douyria where you can try authentic local tagine. From there it's another 2.5 hours to Boumalne Dades. Book a room facing the gorge at your hotel for beautiful views when you wake up.
- Day 2
Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert Camp
After breakfast head to Todgha Gorges. Get there before 10 AM to see the canyon in perfect morning light. The drive to Merzouga takes 4 hours. You'll meet your camel guides around 5 PM to ride into the desert at sunset. Pack only what you need in a small backpack for the overnight stay. The camel trek usually takes 1-1.5 hours. Your luxury desert camp includes a traditional Moroccan dinner under the night sky. A previous guest noted: "The camp was surprisingly comfortable with proper beds and bathrooms. The local drummers after dinner created such an authentic atmosphere - definitely worth upgrading to the luxury option."
- Day 3
Merzouga to Marrakech
Get up at 5:30 AM if you want to see the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast begin the 8-9 hour drive back to Marrakech. Your driver will schedule regular breaks including lunch in Ouarzazate. You'll see the landscape change completely from desert to mountains. Plan to arrive in Marrakech around 8 PM.
3 Day Morocco Desert Tour Itinerary, incl. Marrakech and Fes
Golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, Todgha Gorges, and Ziz Valley oasis highlight this desert tour. Stars shine over desert camps, camels trek at sunset, and traditional ksours welcome visitors. Stays include Kasbah Amazigh and authentic desert camp experiences.
- Day 1
Marrakech to Boumalne Dades
Your journey begins with a 7:30 AM hotel pickup in Marrakech. You'll cross the High Atlas Mountains to reach the UNESCO site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. Take a guided tour of this historic mud-brick fortress before having lunch in the village. The journey continues to Boumalne Dades through Ouarzazate along the "Road of 1000 Kasbahs." You'll arrive in time to photograph the sunset over the pink-hued Dades Valley. Spend the night at Kasbah Amazigh where dinner is included.
- Day 2
Dades to Merzouga Desert Camp
Start your day with breakfast before visiting Tinghir oasis. You'll spend an hour walking along the Todgha Gorge riverbank. In the afternoon you'll reach Merzouga where your desert adventure starts. Take a sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. One guest's useful tip: "The desert is really HOT at night, so I recommend getting an AC tent or avoid doing it in August." Your evening includes a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars with local nomads performing drumming by the campfire.
- Day 3
Merzouga to Fes
You can start your day watching the sunrise over the dunes. The journey to Fes takes about 10 hours through the Ziz Valley with its palm oases and ancient ksour fortresses. Stop for lunch in Midelt before continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains. You'll see the landscape change from desert to cedar forests and snow-topped peaks. Your driver can stop for photos whenever you like. You'll reach Fes in early evening.
Sahara Desert 3 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with Camel Ride
3 Days Desert Tour to Merzouga- Luxury Camp
3-Day Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Ait Ben Haddou & Merzouga
3 Days High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Adventure
3-Day Marrakech to Sahara Desert Tour with Luxury Camp Experience in Merzouga
Desert Tour 3 Days 2 nights from Marrakech
Sahara Desert Tour 3 Days 2 Nights from Fez to Marrakech
Marrakech to Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari
3 Day Private Desert Tour
From the Golden Dunes to the Red City: 3 Days 2 nights Desert tour from Erachiddia to Marrakech
What people love about 3-day Sahara Desert tours
This 3 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga was an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our trip to Morocco. The itinerary was very well organized and allowed us to see many incredible places along the way. Traveling through the Atlas Mountains was beautiful, with amazing views and interesting stops in small villages. We also visited famous locations like Ait Ben Haddou and we drove quads which what exceptional. We passed through the impressive landscapes and finished off in Merzouga which was 100% worth the drive.
3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with Camel Ride
- 3 Days Desert Tour to Merzouga- Luxury Camp
The driver and main tour guide were great. Some of the stops, especially the morning of the second day, were less than stimulating. My main gripe is that I paid nearly twice as much as everyone else on my trip. Book the same trip through Viator and not Tour Radar.
- 3-Day Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Ait Ben Haddou & Merzouga
Really good trip. Just be aware they don’t contact you until the last minute for pick up. There is also a lot of driving involved (the van does have AC though). Our driver Dozi was really nice and helpful and made the trip fun. Saw some awesome sights and the camel ride was amazing. The desert is really HOT at night though so I recommend getting an AC tent or avoid doing it in August.
