This 2-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is a fast-paced yet enriching journey through the heart of Morocco. Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains, discover the valleys of the south and arrive in the Sahara for an unforgettable camel trek and a night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp.
Highlights
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Drive the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” through Skoura and the Valley of Roses
Camel trekking through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
Watch the Sahara sunset and sleep in a desert camp
Experience Berber culture and traditional Moroccan hospitality
Sunrise over the dunes before the journey back
At a glance
Pick-up6:00 a.m. at your riad or hotel
Start / EndMarrakech / Marrakech (or Fes)
Accommodation1 night in a desert camp
TransportPrivate 4x4 or minibus with A/C
Distance560 km each way (≈ 10 h driving)
LanguagesEnglish · Français · Español · Italiano
Tour stylePrivate (small group on request)
Best seasonSeptember – May
Day by day
Itinerary
Two intense, unforgettable days: the High Atlas, the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and a night in the Sahara.
We pick you up at 6 a.m. from your riad or hotel and cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260 m), with fantastic views of the mountains and Berber villages.
After lunch in Ouarzazate we continue through the palm groves of Skoura, the Valley of Roses and the Dades Valley, along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”, where you can admire 17th-century kasbahs.
We reach Merzouga in the late afternoon. Your camels are waiting to take you into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset. Delicious Berber dinner, drums around the fire and a night in a nomad tent under a sky full of stars.
The day at a glance
Pick-up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech
Tizi n'Tichka Pass, 2,260 m — photo stop
Ouarzazate and lunch break
Skoura palm grove & Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
Valley of Roses and Dades Valley
Merzouga — camel trek into the dunes at sunset
Berber dinner, drums by the fire, night in the camp
Merzouga · Rissani · Draa Valley · Ouarzazate · Marrakech
Sunrise in the dunes
Rissani
Alnif
Draa Valley
Ouarzazate
High Atlas
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes — one of the most magical moments of the trip — then ride back by camel to the camp for breakfast.
We start the return journey through the desert landscapes of Rissani and Alnif and the palm groves of the Draa Valley, with plenty of stops for photos.
After crossing the High Atlas again, we arrive in Marrakech in the evening and drop you at your riad or hotel.
Day 1 · 560 kmMarrakech → Merzouga · ≈ 10 h driving
Day 2 · 561 kmMerzouga → Marrakech · ≈ 10 h driving
⚑Marrakech
1Tizi n'Tichka
2Ouarzazate
3Skoura
4Dades Valley
5Tinghir
6Erfoud
★Merzouga
7Rissani
8Alnif
9Agdez · Draa Valley
Accommodation
Choose your desert camp
Standard stay
Traditional Berber camp in the dunes
Comfortable beds with blankets
Dinner & breakfast
Music around the campfire
Luxury upgrade
Luxury tent in Merzouga
Private bathroom & shower
Spacious tent with real beds
Dinner & breakfast
Good to know
What's included
Included
Private transport in a 4x4 or minibus with A/C
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Pick-up and drop-off at your riad or hotel
Night in a desert camp with dinner & breakfast
Camel trek at sunset and sunrise
Fuel, parking and road taxes
Not included
Lunches
Drinks during meals
Flights
Tips and personal expenses
Travel insurance
Know before you go
This tour includes long driving distances. For a more relaxed pace, consider the 3-day or 4-day tour.
You can end the tour in Fes instead of returning to Marrakech — ask us when you book.
Take a small bag for the night in the desert; your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
Bring a warm layer: desert nights can be cool, even in spring and autumn.
Let us know about any dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) when you book.
Reviews
What travellers say
5.0★★★★★Excellent
★★★★★
An unforgettable adventure!
“The drive through the Tizi n'Tichka pass was breathtaking, and our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Riding camels into the Merzouga desert felt surreal, especially at sunset. Spending the night in a nomad tent under a sky full of stars was the cherry on top!”
★★★★☆
A beautiful journey through the desert
“The palm groves of Skoura and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs were incredible. Taking a camel ride to watch the sunset was one of the most peaceful moments I've ever experienced, and the sunrise over the dunes was equally stunning.”
Choose your date and send us the form on this page or a WhatsApp message. We confirm availability and send you the price for your group. The booking is secured with a small deposit; the balance is paid in cash to your guide on arrival.
How much does the tour cost?
The price depends on the number of travellers, the season and the camp you choose (standard or luxury). Send us your date and group size and we'll reply with a clear quote — no commitment.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 5 days or more before the tour receive a 100% refund of the deposit, and 50% between 5 and 3 days before. Within 3 days of the tour, the deposit is non-refundable.
Is the tour private?
Yes. It's just you and your companions with your own driver-guide and vehicle. Small group options are available on request.
What time is the pick-up?
Around 6:00 a.m. from your riad or hotel in Marrakech. If your riad is inside the medina, we'll meet you at the nearest point a car can reach.
How long are the drives?
About 9 to 10 hours on each day, with regular stops for photos, coffee and lunch. If you prefer shorter drives, the 3-day tour covers the same route at a calmer pace.
How long is the camel ride?
Around one hour to reach the camp at sunset, and the same back at sunrise. It's suitable for all ages and our camel men guide the camels on foot.
Can I travel without riding a camel?
Yes. If you prefer not to ride, we can take you to the desert camp by 4x4.
What happens to my luggage?
Your main luggage stays safely in the vehicle. For the night in the desert, just take a small bag with what you need.
Can I end the tour in Fes?
Yes. Instead of returning to Marrakech, we can drive you from Merzouga to Fes on the second day via Midelt and the Middle Atlas.
What are the facilities in the camp?
Standard camps offer comfortable beds in Berber tents with shared bathrooms. The luxury upgrade includes a spacious tent with a private bathroom and shower.
Is it cold at night in the desert?
Desert nights are cool, especially from November to March, when temperatures can drop close to 0 °C. Blankets are provided, but bring a warm jacket.
Is there Wi-Fi and electricity?
Most of our desert camps offer Wi-Fi and a place to charge your phone, but connection can be limited — a good excuse to disconnect!
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children love the camels and the dunes. Just keep in mind the long drives; we can adapt stops and bring child seats on request.
Still have a question? Brahim and the team reply personally.
