Morocco desert tours from Marrakech offer an exciting opportunity to experience the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique wildlife of the country’s desert regions. Morocco is home to several deserts, including the well-known Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, as well as smaller areas like the Tinfou Dunes. No matter which desert you choose to explore, there are various tours available from Marrakech to multiple destinations. Whether you’re interested in camel rides, sandboarding, or simply watching breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, desert tours from Marrakech cater to different interests and schedules. They often include overnight stays in desert camps and the exploration of natural sites in the region. This article outlines the best Morocco desert tours from Marrakech, including detailed itineraries, practical travel information, and tips to help you choose the best experience.
2 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Zagora
These 2 days desert tours are perfect if you have limited time but still want to experience the joy of the desert.
Highlight
Idyllic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, visits to Ait-Ben-Haddou and Ouarzazate, camel ride in the Zagora desert, and an overnight stay in a traditional Berber camp with traditional music.
Itinerary
• You’ll drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
• The next stop will be Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where several films have been shot.
• There’s a visit to Ouarzazate, famously known as the “Hollywood of Africa.”
• Arrive in the Zagora Desert for a sunset camel ride.
• Overnight stay in a traditional Berber camp.
• Return to Marrakech the next day.
2-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
This journey is perfect for those who want to experience the famous dunes of Merzouga in a short period of time.
Highlight
A quiet drive through the Atlas Mountains, an adventure through Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes, and spend the night under the stars at a desert camp before going back to Marrakech.
Itinerary
• Pick-up from your hotel and early morning departure from Marrakech
• A breathtaking drive through the Atlas Mountains
• A brief stop at Ait Benhaddou Kasbah for photos and a visit
• Go through the Draa Valley, famous for its palm groves
• Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
• An overnight stay at a desert camp under the stars, with Berber music and food
• Return to Marrakech via the same route
3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
This 3 day desert tour allows for a more relaxed pace and more time in enjoying the cultural experience of Morocco.
Highlight
An expedition from Marrakech to Merzouga with stops in Ait-Ben-Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Todgha Gorge. Enjoy a camel trek and overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp before returning to Marrakech.
Itinerary
• Depart from Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains
• Drive through Dades Gorge via Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
• Continue through Dades to Merzouga, where you can visit Todgha Gorge and Rissani
• Camel trek around the area
• Check into a hotel or riad and enjoy an overnight stay in a Sahara camp
• Return to Marrakech
3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
This 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes is the perfect adventure for travelers on their way to Fes.
Highlight
Travel from Marrakech to Fes via the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, and the Dades Valley. You’ll get to enjoy a camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes, spend a night in a Berber desert camp, and take in scenic views through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Itinerary
• Crossing the High Atlas Mountains
• Passing through Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah into the Dades Valley
• Camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes
• A night at a traditional Berber desert camp with music, dinner, and other fun activities
• Drive through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas Mountains, where you might spot Barbary apes
• Arrival in Fes
3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga
Part of the Sahara and not as visited as other regions, Erg Chegaga is a beautiful place for many fun activities.
Highlight
You’ll get to move through the High Atlas Mountains and the famous Draa Valley, with cultural stops in Ait Ben Haddou, Zagora, and Tamegroute. Arrive at the remote Erg Chegaga dunes for a night of traditional music at a desert camp, looking at the stars.
Itinerary
• Drive across the Tizi n’Tichka High Atlas Mountains
• A short trip to the Berber fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou
• Drive through Morocco’s longest valley – the Draa Valley, with palm groves and fortified villages
• Arrival at Zagora to explore the Almoravid fortress
• Drive along the Draa River and visit Tamegroute, famous for its ancient library
• Pass through Mhamid village
• Arrival at Erg Chegaga
• A night at the desert camp enjoying traditional music
4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
A 4 day desert tour to Merzouga gives you more time to explore and enjoy the journey.
Highlight
This extended tour includes everything from the 3-day itinerary, with added cultural experiences like a visit to Kasbah Amridil and nomadic villages near Merzouga—plus you will get more time to relax or try out fun activities like sandboarding.
Itinerary
• You’ll head from Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass
• Enjoy a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou
• Stop at Kasbah Amridil in the Skoura Oasis
• Explore nomadic villages around Merzouga
• Relax and participate in optional activities like sandboarding
• Spend time at a desert camp enjoying traditional music and food
4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
This tour gives you more cultural stops and a more relaxed pace.
Highlight
This is an extended version of the 3-day tour with some extra time in Dades and Ziz Valleys, cultural stops, a camel trek in Erg Chebbi, and arrival in Fes via Midelt and Ifrane.
Itinerary
• Departure from Marrakech with extra time in the Dades and Ziz Valleys
• Drive through the colorful canyons and palm groves
• Stroll under rock formations in Todra Gorge
• Potential visit to Erfoud, a fossil museum
• Camel trek in Erg Chebbi
• Views of the Ziz Valley
• Visit to Midelt and Ifrane, popularly called the “Switzerland of Morocco” because of its unique architecture
• See Barbary apes in the cedar forest
• Arrival in Fes
5-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
This allows for a more engaging exploration.
Highlight
This is a more relaxed tour with longer stays where you get to experience unique cultural stops like Erfoud’s fossil workshops.
Itinerary
• A drive from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, a world-famous site known for its well-preserved kasbah
• A drive through Dades, popular for its views
• Arrive at Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi desert dunes
• Enjoy a camel trek through the dunes
• Enjoy unique stops like the fossil workshops in Erfoud
• Desert excursion and fun activities like sandboarding
• Plenty of time to explore the dunes in a 4×4 and enjoy photography, shopping, and relaxation
• Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner with live music
1-Day Trip to Ait-Ben-Haddou and Ouarzazate from Marrakech
This trip is perfect for travelers who don’t have much time but still want to enjoy iconic sites in Morocco.
Highlight
A scenic day trip from Marrakech featuring hot spots like Ait-Ben-Haddou, Atlas Studios, and Ouarzazate’s historic sites.
Itinerary
• A drive from Marrakech through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
• A visit to the small village of Ait Ben Barka near Toufliht, offering a glimpse into local life and culture
• Guided tour of Ait Ben Haddou
• Visit Ait Ben Barka, a small village, for a glimpse into local life
• Visit Atlas Studios and Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
• Optional visit to Taourirt Kasbah, a historical site with unique designs
• Return to Marrakech in the evening
1-Day Agafay Desert and Mountain Tour with Camel Ride
If you want to get the desert experience without the long drive, then this trip is for you.
Highlight
You get to explore the Agafay Desert near Marrakech with a camel ride, stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains, visits to traditional Berber villages, an argan oil cooperative.
Itinerary
• Visit the Agafay Desert, just 45 minutes from Marrakech
• Enjoy a camel ride with views of the High Atlas Mountains
• Admire the charming Lalla Takerkoust Lake
• Arrive at the Agafay Desert for a camel ride
• Stop at traditional Berber villages to learn about their culture and way of life
• Visit a local argan oil cooperative to see how it’s made
• Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch in a desert tent
1-Day Ouzoud Falls Trip from Marrakech (Including Optional Boat Ride)
Though not really a desert trip, it’s a sought-after day tour for nature lovers.
Highlight
Take a scenic drive to Ouzoud Falls, where you can hike around the waterfalls, spot Barbary macaques, enjoy a boat ride if you like, and eat lunch with stunning views before returning to your hotel.
Itinerary
• Drive to Ouzoud Falls (approx. 2.5 hours)
• Explore the waterfalls. You’ll have time to hike around the falls, observe Barbary macaques, and take photos
• Optional boat ride on the lake to get closer to the cascade
• Spot Barbary macaques in the trees
• Lunch at a local restaurant with views of the waterfall
• Back to the hotel
Can you visit the desert from Marrakech?
Yes, absolutely! Marrakech is one of the most popular starting points for any desert tour in Morocco. The city is near the High Atlas Mountains, which makes it easy to get to regions like Merzouga, Zagora, and the Agafay Desert. Tours can last from one-day trips to five-day tours, depending on your schedule and how far you want to explore the surroundings.
Can you do a day trip to the desert from Marrakech?
Yes, you can, but it’s only limited to nearby desert areas like the Agafay Desert, Ouarzazate, and Ouzoud Falls. These options give you desert and nature experiences without long travel times. Longer trips to the Sahara will need about 2 to 3 days.
What is the Best Desert Tour from Marrakech?
The best tour from Marrakech depends on your travel goals. For a proper Sahara experience, the 3-day desert tour to Merzouga is the most popular. For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, consider the 3-day Erg Chegaga tour. If you don’t have much time, the 2-day Zagora tour is a great alternative.
What is the Closest Desert to Marrakech?
The Agafay Desert is the closest desert to Marrakech. Although it doesn’t have sand dunes like the Sahara, it offers a desert-like landscape and is great for short visits, camel rides, and mountain views.
Where to stay in Marrakech
Marrakech has different accommodations to fit different budgets. Here’s how they are categorized:
Budget:
- Hostels and budget riads
- Shared rooms or basic private rooms
Mid-Range:
- Comfortable riads with breakfast included
- Often located in the medina
Luxury:
- Upscale hotels and boutique riads
- Amenities include pools, spas, and fine dining
Can You Do a Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech?
Yes, but it needs to be at least a 3-day trip. The Sahara Desert is several hours from Marrakech, with the main entry points being Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes) and Erg Chegaga. Although the tours involve long drives, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable landscapes and traditional Berber hospitality.
