Shared 3 Days 2 Nights Merzouga Camel Trek from Marrakech
Three-day, two-night trip from Marrakech to the Merzouga dunes, crossing the High Atlas and Dades Valley with a camel trek and overnight desert camp.
- Duration
- 3 days, 2 nights
- Departure
- Marrakech
- From
- €70
- Group
- Up to 40
- Booking
- Instant
- Full refund until
- 72 h before
How it works
Book here. We run it.
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01
Choose your option and date
Pick a date and pay in the booking window on this page. Your place is confirmed straight away.
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02
We confirm pickup
Send your hotel or riad and a mobile number. Many riads sit on pedestrian lanes, so the driver may meet you on foot.
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03
Our vehicle, our driver
A Barbaro vehicle, a driver we employ, and the same team from the first pickup to drop-off. Full refund if you cancel more than 72 hours before.
Highlights
What the three days are made of
You'll leave Marrakech for three days on the road to Merzouga, home to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Kasbahs, gorges and valleys fill the days between the High Atlas and the Sahara. A sunset camel trek takes you into the dunes, and you'll spend the night in a desert camp under the stars.
- Duration
- 3 days, 2 nights
- Route
- Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, Merzouga
- Departure
- Around 7am on day one
- Group Size
- Up to 40 people, shared or private
Options and prices
Choose how you travel
Gallery
On the road
Itinerary
Day by day on the Merzouga trip
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Day 1: Tichka, kasbahs and a Dades night
Pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad is around 7am. Day one crosses the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, with stops at Telouet, the UNESCO ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, before continuing to the Dades Valley for the night.
You stay in a valley hotel, the kind of panorama-facing stop used on this road, with dinner included. Long driving days are part of reaching the dunes without skipping the High Atlas.
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Day 2: Todra Gorge then sunset camels
Day two continues through Todra Gorge and on toward Merzouga. In the late afternoon you swap the vehicle for camels and ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
No prior camel experience is needed. Mention any back or joint concerns when you enquire. The ride typically lasts around an hour into the dunes.
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Night at the Erg Chebbi camp
Overnight is at a bivouac camp among the dunes, with a traditional Moroccan dinner and live music under a dark sky. Facilities are simple but staffed. Pack warm layers, because desert nights can be cold even in summer.
A headlamp is useful. Some camps have limited lighting. Closed shoes suited to sand help around the tents.
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Day 3: Draa Valley road back to Marrakech
Day three can start with optional sunrise over the dunes before breakfast. The return to Marrakech runs via the Draa Valley and Agdez, with drop-off in the city in the evening.
Breakfast and dinner are included throughout, plus lunch on all three days. Entry fees to attractions visited are included. Tips and souvenirs are not.
Included
- Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned minibus
- English-speaking driver and guide
- Hotel accommodation on day one
- Bivouac camp stay on day two
- Camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Breakfast and dinner throughout, plus lunch on all days
- Entry fees to attractions visited
Not included
- Tips for your guide and driver
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities not listed
- Transport to and from the meeting point
Kit list · what to bring
Bring:
Small overnight bag, warm jacket for desert night and mountain passes, closed-toe sneakers, scarf, sunglasses, camera, and cash.
Essential information
Time: Early morning pickup Day 1 (7:00 AM) to evening return Day 3 (7:00 PM to 8:00 PM).
Route: Marrakech to High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou to Dades Valley (Night 1) to Todra Gorge to Merzouga Desert (Night 2) to Marrakech.
Included: Transport in air-conditioned vehicle, driver-guide, 1 night Dades Valley hotel, 1 night Merzouga desert camp, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and sunset and sunrise camel treks.
Not Included: Day 1, 2, and 3 lunches, drinks, local kasbah entry fees (for example, small fees at Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate), and tips.
Getting there · pickup
Hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech
You are collected from your hotel or riad in Marrakech around 7am on day one for the drive towards Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. Many riads sit on pedestrian lanes, so the driver may park nearby and meet you on foot, or a nearby pickup point can be arranged if you are staying in the medina.
At the end of day three you are dropped back at the nearest accessible point to your Marrakech accommodation in the evening. Share your hotel or riad name and a mobile number when you enquire so pickup logistics stay simple across all three days.
Questions
Asked before booking the Merzouga trip
Where do we meet?
You are collected from your hotel or riad in Marrakech around 7am on day one, with a nearby pickup point arranged if you are staying in the medina.
Share your accommodation details when you enquire so pickup can be confirmed for your date.
What is the route over the three days?
Day one crosses the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate with an overnight hotel stay. Day two continues through the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge to Merzouga for the camel trek and desert camp. Day three returns to Marrakech.
The exact stops and pace can be adjusted slightly depending on group preferences and time of year.
What is the desert camp like?
You spend one night in a bivouac camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes, with dinner and live music included as part of the stay.
Facilities are simple but comfortable, designed to give a genuine desert camping experience.
Do I need previous camel riding experience?
No, the camel trek is guided and suitable for beginners, taking you into the dunes at sunset for around an hour.
Most people find the pace comfortable, though it is worth mentioning any back or joint concerns when you enquire.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner are included throughout on a half-board basis, along with lunch on all three days, including a traditional Moroccan dinner at the desert camp.
Specific dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice before you travel.
How cold does it get in the desert at night?
Desert nights can be genuinely cold, even in summer, so packing warm layers is important regardless of the season you travel.
A headlamp or flashlight is also useful, as some camps have limited lighting.
Is this trip suitable for families?
Yes, though the long driving days and the physical nature of the camel trek should be considered for very young children.
Share ages when you enquire so the team can advise on suitability for your group.
Is this a shared or private tour?
Both options are available. Shared group tours are a more budget-friendly way to make the journey while meeting other travellers, while private tours offer more flexibility.
Let the team know your preference when you enquire.
What should I pack?
Layered clothing for cold mornings and nights, closed shoes suited to sand, a headlamp, and protection for electronics against dust are all worth packing.
A camera is essential, as sunrise and sunset over the dunes are a highlight of the trip.
Can this trip be extended or combined with other destinations?
Yes, this route can sometimes be extended into a longer loop or combined with other regions depending on your onward travel plans.
Mention any interest in extending the trip when you enquire so the team can advise on options.
Reviews
What guests said
Adventuro reviews
No Adventuro reviews for this journey yet. They appear here after the trip.
Tripadvisor · Barbaro Tours Morocco
4.9 / 5 · 152 reviews
“Everything is well organized, beautiful guides, great service!… As well as transfer to Casablanca airport. Full range of services at adequate prices!”
Anna B · October 2025 · all reviews
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