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EDEN EXPEDITIONS
3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
Journey from Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains to the Dades Valley and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Discover Aït Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge and southern Morocco before spending a night in a luxury desert camp and returning to Marrakech.
3 Days / 2 Nights
Marrakech → Merzouga → Marrakech
Xaluca Dades
Luxury Desert Camp
Private or Shared
Sahara Experience
Overview
Experience the spectacular landscapes of southern Morocco on a three-day journey from Marrakech to the Sahara and back. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, explore the historic Aït Ben Haddou and continue through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses before reaching the dramatic Dades Valley.
Spend your first night at Xaluca Dades before continuing through the Todra Gorge and the pre-Saharan landscapes towards Merzouga. Reach the golden Erg Chebbi dunes and enjoy a desert experience followed by an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp.
On the final day, wake up in the Sahara, experience the sunrise over the dunes and begin the scenic return journey to Marrakech across southern Morocco and the High Atlas.
Trip Details
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Departure
Marrakech
Destination
Merzouga / Erg Chebbi
Return
Marrakech
Night 1
Xaluca Dades
Night 2
Luxury Desert Camp
Travel Style
Private or Shared
Experience
Desert & Cultural Journey
Meeting Point & Pickup
Pickup in Marrakech
Pickup is available from your hotel, riad or accommodation in Marrakech.
If your accommodation is located inside a pedestrian-only area or somewhere inaccessible to the vehicle, a convenient nearby meeting point will be arranged.
Drop-Off in Marrakech
At the end of the tour, return transportation can drop you at your Marrakech accommodation or another convenient accessible location.
Please provide your preferred drop-off location when booking or contact Eden Expeditions in advance.
Itinerary
Leave Marrakech behind and cross the High Atlas Mountains towards southern Morocco. Explore Aït Ben Haddou, continue through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses, then arrive in the Dades Valley for your first night at Xaluca Dades.
Marrakech Pickup
Approximately 15–30 minutes
Meet your driver at your hotel or riad in Marrakech and begin your journey towards the High Atlas Mountains.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains
Approximately 1.5–2 hours
Travel through the spectacular High Atlas landscapes, passing mountain villages, valleys and panoramic viewpoints as the road climbs towards the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass.
Tizi n’Tichka Scenic Stop
Approximately 20–30 minutes
Stop at a scenic viewpoint around the famous mountain pass and enjoy panoramic views across the High Atlas.
Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
Approximately 1.5–2 hours
Explore the historic fortified ksar of Aït Ben Haddou. Walk through its traditional earthen buildings and narrow passages while learning about the history, architecture and cultural importance of this remarkable southern Moroccan site.
Moroccan Lunch
Approximately 1 hour
Stop for lunch in the Aït Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate area and enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal before continuing towards the Dades Valley.
Ouarzazate
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Continue through Ouarzazate, one of the gateways to southern Morocco, with time for a short scenic stop before following the road towards the Valley of Roses.
Valley of Roses
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Travel through the landscapes of the Valley of Roses and discover the traditional villages and agricultural landscapes surrounding Kelaa M’Gouna.
Dades Valley & Gorge
Approximately 45–60 minutes
Enter the dramatic Dades Valley and enjoy views of red cliffs, palm groves and traditional villages. Depending on road and weather conditions, enjoy a scenic stop around the Dades Gorge.
Xaluca Dades
Overnight experience
Check in at Xaluca Dades, relax after the journey and enjoy dinner at the hotel before spending your first night in the Dades Valley.
Leave the Dades Valley after breakfast and continue east through the Todra Valley and dramatic Todra Gorge. Travel across the pre-Sahara towards Erfoud and Rissani before reaching Merzouga and the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Finish the day with a desert experience and overnight stay in a luxury Sahara camp.
Breakfast at Xaluca Dades
Approximately 45–60 minutes
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before beginning the journey towards the Todra Valley and the Sahara.
Dades Valley Scenic Route
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Continue through the changing landscapes of the Dades Valley, passing traditional villages, palm groves and dramatic rock formations.
Todra Gorge
Approximately 1–1.5 hours
Explore the spectacular Todra Gorge and walk between its towering rock walls. Enjoy time for photographs and a relaxed walk through one of southern Morocco’s most impressive natural landscapes.
Tinghir & Todra Oasis
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Continue through the palm-filled oasis around Tinghir and discover the contrast between the green agricultural valley and the surrounding mountains.
Lunch Stop
Approximately 45–60 minutes
Stop for lunch along the route and enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal before continuing towards the desert.
Erfoud
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Pass through Erfoud, known for its dates and fossil-rich region, before continuing through the Tafilalet landscapes towards Merzouga.
Rissani
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Continue through Rissani, a historic gateway to the Merzouga region, with time for a short local stop when appropriate for the route.
Arrival in Merzouga
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Reach the edge of the Sahara and take in your first views of the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
Camel Trek into Erg Chebbi
Approximately 1–1.5 hours
Begin your camel trek across the golden dunes towards the desert camp. Travel through the changing colours and shapes of Erg Chebbi while experiencing the Sahara at a relaxed pace.
Sahara Sunset
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Stop among the dunes to watch the sunset transform the Sahara landscape into deep golden and orange tones.
Luxury Desert Camp
Overnight experience
Arrive at your luxury desert camp and settle into your private tent. Enjoy dinner, traditional Moroccan hospitality, desert music and a peaceful evening beneath the stars.
Wake up surrounded by the Sahara and watch the sunrise over Erg Chebbi. After breakfast, leave the dunes and begin the scenic return journey through southern Morocco, Ouarzazate and the High Atlas before finishing in Marrakech.
Sahara Sunrise
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Wake up early and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the desert as the first light appears over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Breakfast at the Desert Camp
Approximately 45–60 minutes
Enjoy breakfast at the camp before leaving the desert and beginning your return journey towards Marrakech.
Return from the Dunes to Merzouga
Approximately 30–60 minutes
Leave the luxury camp and return to the Merzouga area using the arranged desert transfer.
Rissani & Tafilalet Region
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Travel back through the Tafilalet region and continue west across the pre-Saharan landscapes.
Scenic Southern Morocco
Approximately 2–3 hours with stops
Continue through the changing landscapes of southern Morocco, with opportunities for scenic viewpoints, photographs and short refreshment breaks along the route.
Lunch Stop
Approximately 45–60 minutes
Stop for lunch along the return route and enjoy a final taste of southern Moroccan cuisine before continuing towards Ouarzazate and the High Atlas.
Ouarzazate
Approximately 30–45 minutes
Pass through Ouarzazate and take a short break before beginning the climb towards the High Atlas Mountains.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains
Approximately 1.5–2 hours
Cross the High Atlas once again and enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery as the landscape changes from the pre-Sahara back towards Marrakech.
Drop-Off in Marrakech
Approximately 15–30 minutes
Finish your Sahara journey with drop-off at your Marrakech hotel, riad or another convenient accessible location agreed with Eden Expeditions.
SAHARA EXPERIENCE
A Night in the Erg Chebbi Dunes
Reach Merzouga and leave the everyday world behind as you enter the Sahara. Cross the golden dunes towards your luxury desert camp, watch the sunset, enjoy dinner and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the desert beneath the stars.
01
Camel Trek
Travel across Erg Chebbi by camel towards your desert camp.
02
Sahara Sunset
Watch the dunes change colour as the sun disappears behind the horizon.
03
Luxury Camp
Relax in a private luxury tent and enjoy dinner in the heart of the Sahara.
04
Desert Sunrise
Wake up early and experience sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
What’s Included
- Pickup and drop-off in Marrakech
- Private or shared transportation according to selected option
- Professional driver/guide
- High Atlas Mountains crossing
- Aït Ben Haddou visit
- Ouarzazate and southern Morocco route
- Valley of Roses
- Dades Valley experience
- One night at Xaluca Dades
- Breakfast and dinner at Xaluca Dades
- Todra Gorge visit
- Erfoud and Rissani route
- Merzouga / Erg Chebbi experience
- Camel trek into the dunes
- Sahara sunset experience
- One night in a luxury desert camp
- Dinner at the desert camp
- Breakfast at the desert camp
- Sahara sunrise experience
What’s Not Included
- Lunches unless specifically included in your selected option
- Drinks
- Entrance fees not specifically mentioned
- Personal expenses
- Personal shopping
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not mentioned in the selected option
- Any service not specifically listed as included
Important Information
- This is an active three-day journey with long road sections, especially on the return from Merzouga to Marrakech.
- The itinerary may be adjusted according to road conditions, weather, local circumstances and operational requirements.
- The tour includes walking at Aït Ben Haddou, Dades, Todra Gorge and the desert.
- Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
- The camel trek is subject to local weather and operational conditions.
- Travelers who prefer not to ride a camel can request an alternative desert transfer where available.
- Desert temperatures can vary significantly between daytime and nighttime, so suitable layers are recommended.
- Please inform Eden Expeditions before departure of any dietary, mobility or other important travel requirements.
- Xaluca Dades and the luxury desert camp are subject to availability and the selected accommodation category.
- The exact order of some stops may change while keeping the main experiences of the itinerary.
