merzouga road trip

Roaming Around the World

Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales

Marrakech to Merzouga Travel Itinerary & Tips to Reach the Sahara Desert

June 29, 2016 By John Widmer 57 Comments

When taking a trip to Morocco, it’s nearly a requirement to make the journey to see the vast sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. It’s such an awesome experience!

But those beautiful Sahara Desert dunes are quite the distance from Morocco’s popular travel hubs such as Marrakech and Fez. The town of Merzouga, Morocco, is the main launching point for camel tours into the Sahara Desert. So this leaves travelers with the predicament of figuring out how to get from Marrakech to Merzouga .

While there is a highway and public transportation connecting these two Morocco destinations, it’s not a quick jaunt. The route from Marrakech to Merzouga is more than 560 kilometers that cuts through a precarious section of the High Atlas mountains and then past deep ravines, before ultimately descending down into the Sahara Desert.

Going from Marrakech to Merzouga is really a fantastic trip, with many points of interest to stop at along the way. We’d recommend against going directly between the two cities. Stopovers along the way in fascinating places like Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, and Dades Gorge really add to a trip from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert.

Three Ways To Get from Marrakech to Merzouga

There are three ways for travelers to get from Marrakech to Merzouga:

🚗 Rental Car 🚐 Small Group Tour 🚌 Public transportation: Buses & Taxis

Deciding the Best Way to Travel from Marrakech to Merzouga

The best way to get from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert largely depends on:

• your travel preferences/style
• your comfortability with independent travel in Morocco,
• the amount of time you have to travel this route, and
• your budget.

The small group tours are actually the most affordable way to go and can cost even less than a do-it-yourself trip that uses public transportation. It’s also, by far, the most convenient option. And a group tour is essentially the only option for those who are limited on time.

Going from Marrakech to Merzouga by bus can be a fun travel challenge for those who prefer independent travel. It can be great for those who like to go slower and have the time to do so.

Renting a car can be a great way to go for confident drivers who prefer to have the flexibility and have the budget to do so.

Considerations for Renting a Car for a Marrakech to Merzouga Road Trip

Renting a car to self-drive from Marrakech to Merzouga can be the most expensive option and may be the most intimidating, yet it offers travelers the most freedom. The road through the Atlas mountains can be a nail-biter, leaving travelers tightly gripping the wheel with around tight curbs with steep drops on either side. Road hazards further include crazy drivers, livestock, speed traps, sand, and road conditions in general.

It can also get pricey for those traveling Morocco on a budget. Weeklong car rentals in Marrakech start at about $200 for an economy car with manual transmission. Expect to pay over $300 for an automatic. Factor in the added expense of car rental insurance and gas (petrol) and you’re realistically looking at a cost of about $60-$90 per day to rent a car on the low end. And that’s in addition to food, lodging, and tours, of course.

You can compare rental car prices at all the main agencies using Priceline’s Rental Car Search , which tends to offer the best rates for Marrakech.

Small Group Tours are the Fastest & Most Inexpensive Way To Go

There are several great small group tours that you can book directly from some of Morocco’s major cities such as Fez and Marrakesh, which can be fantastic for those who are short on time or those who prefer to forgo the hassle that comes with independent travel in foreign lands. Most of these tours make a nice multi-day itinerary from Marrakesh to Merzouga which stop at notable sites such as Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, and Dades Gorge.

While tours typical are much more expensive than independent travel, we found this isn’t necessarily the case here in Morocco, if you know where to look. Many highly-rated tours from Marrakesh to Merzouga and the Sahara Desert are actually surprisingly affordable. Even if you’re backpacking Morocco, you may really want to consider hopping on one of these tours for a few days to get you from Marrakesh to Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi Desert.

A small group tour from Marrakech to Merzouga will whisk you along to all different stops with ease and gives you the opportunity to meet other travelers. All of your lodging and meals will be taken care of for you and a guide will be available to provide information and answer questions.

An added benefit of being part of a tour in Morocco is that you won’t have to deal with the hassle of persistent touts trying to sell you tours. They can get aggressive with independent travelers. Since lodging and transportation are taken care of too, it makes for yet another hassle that get removed when taking a Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech.

A big additional benefit traveling in a minivan is that it take you from each destination to the next. There’s no need to wait in a random town for hours (sometimes overnight) for an elusive bus to arrive.

Timing is a big consideration for taking a tour. Given limited public transport connections, a small-group tour is able to whisk passengers from Marrakech to all the main points of along the way to Merzouga, and back, all in three days. Meanwhile, it would take about a week to do when relying on buses and public transport.

Where to Find Budget-Friendly Marrakesh to Merzouga Desert Tours

Often we find it’s the most economical to book tours once on the ground in most destinations around the world. But GetYourGuide offers some incredible deals on 3-day desert tours from Marrakech to Merzouga. They have a low-price guarantee, so you know you’re getting the lowest price. And we actually never found rates this cheap while in Marrakech.

But these tours are on set dates and do end up selling out, particularly so during popular time periods. So it can be critical to reserve ahead to secure these deals. 

• Check the latest reviews, availability, and prices for your travel dates.
• Check latest reviews, prices, and availability for this tour now.
• Search availability and rates for your travel dates .

Considerations for an Independent DIY Desert Trip from Marrakesh to Merzouga

Independent travel in Morocco has its benefits too. You’ll end up traveling deeper into the culture and exploring places that aren’t regularly receiving group tours. You’ll get to mingle with curious locals as you use the same public transit or share a cab, allowing for a more personal experience. It can be a fun adventure!

But on the do-it-yourself (DIY) route proposed throughout the rest of this guide, it’ll come at the cost of time, occasionally personal space, and lack seamlessness.

Anyone pursuing this trip from Marrakesh to Merzouga using public transportation will need to be comfortable with independent travel. Even more importantly, you’ll need to have more time then if taking a group tour. This is because there are very infrequent buses, with inconvenient connection times.

Because of this, traveling independently actually adds up to a bit more than some of those tours we mentioned. So it doesn’t really save any money to go this route.

The journey from Marrakesh to Merzouga on your own can be a moderate challenge. It’s not easy, yet not terribly difficult either. Having researched a bit of info upfront will make for a much more pleasant trip.

That’s why we put together this travel guide, showing exactly how to get from Marrakech to Merzouga. Info was desperately lacking during our visit. We wondered, can you use get from Marrakech to Merzouga by bus? What were the Morocco bus timetables? Where can/should you stop along the route? How much would it cost? Where would we stay?

We had to sort through tons of online reviews, forums, and blogs to piece together all this info. So we’ve now put together this travel guide and sample itinerary to potentially help out other independent travelers who may have stumbled across our little space on the web.

We’ve attempted to develop this fairly comprehensive resource with all the info assembled from our firsthand experience. Hopefully, this travel guide will now answer all of the questions you may have by providing some guidance on taking your own Morocco desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga.

The remainder of this travel guide shows exactly how to do so.

How to Travel by Bus from Marrakech to Merzouga

Merzouga is the main access point to the rolling Erg Chebbi Desert sand dunes. You can travel directly from Marrakech to Merzouga using the 8:30 am Supratour bus, which is the only bus that currently makes the entire trip direct.

But that direct Marrakech to Merzouga bus is a 12.5-hour trip, if all goes well. Plus you’ll be missing some really awesome sites you could stop at along the way. We would highly recommend breaking up this lengthy bus journey with overnight stops at some of the spectacular destinations we’ve outlined throughout the remainder of this post.

Sample DIY Itinerary Marrakech to Merzouga Using Public Transport:

While Merzouga is the final destination to take a camel trek out into the Sahara Desert, there are two very notable stops to consider along the way, in addition to a handful of minor attractions. The two main places to stop are:

• The Aït Benhaddou kasbah (via Ouarzazate), and
• Dades Gorge

To access these two destinations in Morocco on the way from Marrakesh to Merzouga, it can take about a week, given the transport connections. Here is a suggested itinerary:

• Day 1: Enjoy the morning in Marrakech and take an afternoon bus to Ouarzazate to have dinner in Centerville.
• Day 2: Rise early and go to Aït Benhaddou and consider a stop at Atlas Studios on your return to Ouarzazate. Spend the afternoon at Taourirt Kasbah and consider a visit to the Cinema Museum.
• Day 3: Take the 12:00 CTM bus to Boumalene Dades, then transfer to a minibus into Dades Gorge to check into your hotel around 3:00 pm. Sip some tea and do some light exploring on your own.
• Day 4: Depart no later than 8:00 am for a hike around Dades Gorge and surrounding mountains (4-5 hours). Be sure to leave time to get back to Boumalene Dades for the 3:30 pm bus to Merzouga. (Otherwise, consider another night in Dades Gorge.) Arrive in Merzouga at 9:00 pm.
• Day 5: Relax in Merzouga during the day, as your camel trek will not depart until it cools off in the late afternoon. Enjoy your trip into the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara Desert!
• Day 6: If opted for a one-night trek, return to Merzouga in the morning. Begin pursuing to the long road back to Marrakech (will need two days), or onward from Merzouga to Fes.
• Day 7:  Continue traveling from the day prior.

How to Travel by Bus From Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou

First, to get out of Marrakech, you can find a Supratour or CTM bus to Ouarzazate at the bus station, which is located next to the train station. Buses run this route regularly, are air-conditioned and are fairly comfortable. The bus from Marrakech to Ouarzazate takes nearly 5 hours, which usually includes a 25-minute stop somewhere along the way, such as Touama.

You will want one full day around Ouarzazate, including Aït Benhaddou. So we recommend to either (1) take a very early morning bus to stay one night in Ouarzazate or (2) take an afternoon bus and stay two nights. Our Supratour bus cost Dh80 (~$8) per person.

Up-to-date prices and times for Supratour buses can be found at the ticket office at the Marrakech’s train station, located here . CTM bus times can be scouted out in advance on their website: here . The CTM bus station is also near the train terminal, located here .

How to Get From Ouarzazate to Aït Benhaddou

The main reason for a stop in Ouarzazate is to visit Aït Benhaddou. This kasbah is one of Morocco’s 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized as such for its “earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat.” Read the full UNESCO description, here . Visitors may recognize Aït Benhaddou from the movie Gladiator and on Season 3 of Game of Thrones .

Aït Benhaddou is a must-do detour along the route from Marrakech to Merzouga. All the desert tours from Marrakech running this route stop here and independent travelers certainly should too. It’s a fascinating sight. It just takes a little work to get to.

Given the direct bus connections for onward travel, it is easier to stay in Ouarzazate and make Aït Benhaddou a half-day trip. Plus Ouarzazate has a lot more midrange and budget-friendly lodging options, a good assortment of restaurants and a handful of supermarkets.

To get to from Ouarzazate to Aït Benhaddou, your best bet is to hire a grand taxi for about Dh250 (~$30) or so for the 30km+ ride there, waiting an hour or two, and the return to Ouarzazate. You can find the taxi rank near Ouarzazate’s bus terminal.

The offers for the trip from Ouarzazate to Ait Benhaddou will start high, so be sure to negotiate it down to a more reasonable rate. Dh350 isn’t a horrible price but you should be able to talk it down still from there. Shoot for at least Dh250 or less.

You can also try to take a shared taxi for about Dh20 per person, each way. But it seems that during the afternoon, no one is available to perform this trip. Furthermore, we saw no taxis waiting around Aït Benhaddou for the return trip. Hence, securing a roundtrip taxi may prove best.

However you get from Ouarzazate to Aït Benhaddou, be sure not to miss it. This was among our favorite of the many kasbahs visited all throughout Morocco.

Things to Do in Ouarzazate Morocco

This is Morocco’s version of Hollywood, so there are lots of film-related things to do in Ouarzazate Morocco. It’s also a pleasant city to visit. In addition to visiting nearby Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate’s main attractions are:

• Atlas Studio,
• Cinema Museum, and
• Taourirt Kasbah

While in Ouarzazate, you can visit two movie studios for some fun photo opportunities. These won’t be highlights to your Morocco trip but are certainly worth the effort and cost, if you have time after visiting Aït Benhaddou. If traveling from Ouarzazate to Aït Benhaddou by taxi, negotiate with your driver to stop at Atlas Studios on your way back into town where you can jump on one of their regular tours which run about every 30 minutes and lasts about the same (Dh100).

Otherwise back in Ouarzazate, you can also visit Cinema Museum where you can take your own self-guided tour of this other movie studio (Dh60).

Across the street from Ouarzazate’s Cinema Museum is the Taourirt Kasbah .

This is a nice visit to wander through its labyrinth-like corridors and stairwells. Since Cinema Museum and Taourirt Kasbah are right across the street from one another, these two Ourzazate attractions can make for a good way to spend half of a day.

Be sure to take a stroll through the Centreville area to see what’s going on and consider stopping for a bite in one of the many restaurants. There are typically local concerts and festivities there that locals come to gather for.

Restaurants in Ouarzazate Morocco

You’ll find a handful of restaurants in Ouarzazate, particularly near the Centreville area.

El Bahja was one of our favorite restaurants during our entire trip backpacking Morocco. This locals’ joint was always packed yet service was continuously fast and friendly. The keftas, tagines, and meat skewers were not only delicious but also generously priced. We stuffed our faces here multiple times and the bill came out under Dh80 (~$8) for meals, sides, bread, and drinks for two people.

Where to Drink in Ouarzazate Morocco

Don’t. Or just enjoy some mint tea at a café. But if you need to, a sectioned-off part of the supermarket in town sells booze.

Where to stay in Ouarzazate Morocco

There’s a variety of places to stay in Ouarzazate, spanning all budgets. For those looking for an inexpensive private room, we can suggest Hotel Marmar . It’s no-frills and basic, yet comfortable, and has extremely helpful personnel. You can find rooms including breakfast for as low as $20 per person. Visit hotelscombined.com here to check Hotel Marma rates across all top booking sites to ensure you find who offers the lowest price.

Tip : stay in the room above the office if wifi is important to you.

How to Travel From Ouarzazate to Dades Gorge by Bus

Dades Gorge is the next logical stop on a journey out to the Sahara Desert, from Marrakech to Merzouga.

From Ouarzazate onward, regular buses run few and far between, so you must plan your itinerary according to their schedules. From Ouarzazate, you may want to consider trying to stop at Skoura to see the famous oasis there. But with infrequent buses, it can only be done by hiring a taxi or making an overnight stop there.

In order to get to Dades Gorge, you must find a bus from Ouarzazate to Boumalene Dades. Once in Boumalene Dades, transfer to a minibus that will continue to Dades Gorge.

To get from Ouarzazate to Boumalene Dades, you can take one of two buses, which each takes nearly two and a half hours:

• CTM bus which departs Ouarzazate at 12:00 noon and cost Dh40.
• Supratour bus departs Ouarzazate at 1:00 pm.

Alternatively, you can consider a shared taxi, which will be infrequent and cramped, unless you buy extra seats. (This would be a good option to consider if you want to stop at Skoura.)

Once you get to Boumalene Dades, it is an easy minibus or shared taxi ride into Dades Gorge. They leave from the taxi ranks very frequently. The ride up Dades Gorge to about the 25km mark (where you’ll want to stay) should cost no more than Dh20 per person (possibly less) and should take about a half hour.

Dades Gorge on Your Own

In Dades Gorge, you’ll want to spend a day hiking in the area. If you are arriving in the afternoon, you may want to consider a half-day hike the following morning, before catching your next afternoon/evening bus to Merzouga. Perhaps spend what is left of your afternoon arriving relaxing or some light exploring on your own.

For a hike, we’d definitely recommend hiring a guide. There are no trails that are marked or signposted, so a hiking guide is essential.

We organized a guide with the hotel we were staying at for Dh300 (~$35), plus a bit more for a tip and a simple packed lunch. It would have been nearly impossible to navigate the trails otherwise. He also brought us over to a cave-dwelling nomadic Berber family where we had the opportunity to join them for a mint tea.

But the gorge itself, with its narrow and tall slot canyon formations, was truly an impressive highlight of Dades Gorge that we think is not to be missed.

Where to stay: We don’t have a strong recommendation for the hotel we used (it was just okay). But there are a number of listings with reviews to vet out on  Booking.com . We recommend staying somewhere between the 24km to 27km area, for spectacular hiking opportunities.

Where to eat: Your hotel or guesthouse

Where to drink: Don’t. Or hopefully, you picked up something in Ouarzazate to enjoy privately and discretely.

How to Get From Dades Gorge to Merzouga

From Dades Gorge, you can opt to make a stop at Todra Gorge. But if one Gorge is enough, then this is where you’ll make your final push towards Merzouga. This is where all the Erg Chebbi Desert Tours depart from.

There is only one bus that leaves Boulmanes for Merzouga directly. It is a Supratours bus that leaves Boulmanes around 3:30. You can buy a ticket at a shop along the west side of the main stretch of the road. Look for the Supratour logo in the window. This shop is also where the Supratour bus stops to pick you up. The shop owner can keep you abreast if the bus is on time or running late and will store your baggage complimentary if needed.

From Boulmanes to Merzouga, it’s a long yet comfortable ride that takes nearly six hours. Be sure to arrange your accommodation in Merzouga in advance. Otherwise, you may be swarmed with touts upon arrival with offers for accommodation and camel tours.

Where to Stay in Merzouga Morocco :

We had a very pleasant stay at Chez Youssef , in which the owner met us at the bus station upon arrival to walk us back to his lovely riad. Rates start at $30 and include a very filling breakfast. You can also arrange camel tours directly with Chez Youssef, although we had booked ours elsewhere in advance.

Be Sure To Book Your Erg Chebbi Camel Trek in Advance

There are dozens (possibly hundreds) of operations in the area offering camel treks into this portion of the Sahara Desert known as Erg Chebbi. Tour agents aggressively swarm the bus upon its arrival in Merzouga to plead with passengers to take their tour.

For those with the patience to deal with this uncomfortable scene of dozens of touts grabbing you and climbing onto you, it may be possible to haggle down to a rate of about 550 dirham or so. Yet, their unvetted tours may come with variable quality, comfort, and well-being of the camels. 

Instead, we’d strongly suggest this well-reviewed Camel Trek , that includes great meals, comfy sleeping conditions, a consistent track record of 5-star reviews, and even includes sandboarding (most others do not). It’s easily bookable online at a competitive price. And once you’re booked, you won’t have the chore of trying to sort through the sea of aggressive hawkers once arriving in Merzouga. Check up-to-date pricing and availability .

Returning Back From Merzouga to Marrakech or  Merzouga to Fez

Supratours has an 8 am bus returning to Marrakech, which you likely will not be back from your camel trek in time to catch and may need to stay an additional night in Merzouga.

Alternatively, you can continue onward to Fez. While there is a Supratour bus at 7 pm from Merzouga to Fez, its arrival time in the middle of the night can be inconvenient. Instead, we recommend taking a quick taxi from Merzouga to Rissani. There, you can catch a local bus directly from Rissani to Fez or Rissani to Meknes. If no buses are departing Rissani, you’ll most definitely be able to get a bus leaving to Er-Rachidia where even more onward travel possibilities abound.

Taking the Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Trip Across Morroco

Or if you have anything else to add from your experience traveling these routes, please do share.

Lastly, if this post was helpful to you, please consider joining the thousand other savvy travelers who  follow along on Facebook  where we’re giving out more value-oriented adventure travel inspiration, ideas, and tips from all around the world.

Have a great trip backpacking Morocco!

Did you find this article helpful? Pin this to your travel Pinterest boards:

Related Posts

April 10, 2024 at 10:54 AM

Thank you so much for all the info. I am just wondering about one thing. The drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate involves mountain driving (at least 1 mountain pass, am I correct?), which is not easy to do by car, yet busses do the same route? Is this really safe, by bus?

May 19, 2019 at 2:08 PM

Hi there, thank you for this helpful DIY guide! I have just one question, is it safe for just 2 female travellers? Thank you!

May 23, 2019 at 6:22 PM

Safety can always be a tricky and subjective question to answer for anywhere in the world. There’s always some level of risk involved. You’d probably be fine traveling this route as two female travelers. Of course, modest dress is an absolute must. Still, there’s always a potential for incidents. They have happened, but are far and few in between. It’s also in the realm of possibility that you may receive some unwanted attention. And you may find some added challenges, as we found that many of the men in Morrocco (e.g., taxi drivers, etc.) tend to deal directly with other men. These are all things to be aware of and make the best judgment for yourselves. If unsure, a tour from Marrakesh to Merzouga would be a safer and much more convenient option.

May 27, 2019 at 8:28 AM

February 1, 2019 at 3:50 PM

Ourzazate is really a beautiful small city; I had the opportunity to visit the city twice.Great article with lovely pictures. Nice trip choice.

June 24, 2018 at 4:04 AM

Thanks for the excellent guide

January 14, 2018 at 10:04 AM

Thanks for these amazing tips. Just a quick question. I’d like to combine the Sahara experience with tracking the high Atlas Mountains without going back to a big city. Is this possible? If so, is it better to do the Mountains first and desert after or vice versa, bearing in mind that the next stop for us will be Fez airpot. Thanks Cristina

January 15, 2018 at 8:34 PM

It really depends where exactly in the High Atlas you want to go. Many people trek around Imlil around Toubkal (highest mountain in Morocco). If that’s where you’re looking to trek, then unfortunately you’d have to go back through Marrakesh. I’d suggest doing that first, then going to the dessert. Because you can then get from Merzouga to Fez more easily without coming back through Marrakesh for a third time.

January 16, 2018 at 11:18 AM

Great thanks! Super useful.

January 10, 2018 at 5:15 AM

Hi , Me & my wife are going from Marrakesh to Atit Benhouda ( staying 1 night ) and then leaving for Merzouga ( staying 1 night ) and then go to Fes.

I wanted to know if there are any private taxi operator / driver who you know can take me around this route.

January 15, 2018 at 7:54 PM

There most definitely are private taxis you can hire along the way if you have the budget for it. There are established taxi ranks where you can attempt to find someone willing to drive the long distance and negotiate a fare price. Otherwise, you may be better served by a tour. But it seems your time is very as there is some much travel time and distance to cover between the locations you are planning to sleep. It may not leave much time to do anything there other than sleep.

December 15, 2017 at 4:56 AM

Hi John, thanks so much for this post. I’m looking to do the same trip in late March 2018, just in reverse: coming down from Fes to Merzouga, spend a night in the Sahara, head on to Todra Gorge then on to Marrakesh (or straight to Imlil if there’s anyone that can take us). I’m hoping to cover this in three days two nights, or maximum four days three nights.

I’ve always preferred DIY, like you said it lets you immerse yourself more, but looking at the bus schedules – especially for the Merzouga to Marrakesh route – and the other sights that I want to see along the way (maybe Ait Benhaddou, Skoura, etc.) can’t help but feel joining a tour is the best option. I also find that I get frustrated and annoyed very easily by touts. I’ve some questions:

– How cold do you think it will be in the desert in late March? What would you recommend to bring along for the stay? – Is it easy to arrange for a desert tour in Merzouga itself, and not pre-book it in Fes? – You mentioned local buses at Rissani. For services to Tinghir (for Todra Gorge), how easy are they to find, how frequent and comfortable are they? Would you know how much they cost? – Can I also find such local buses on the way from Merzouga to Marrakesh? I was thinking that if there are such services, and that they are frequent, getting from Merzouga via Todra Gorge (Tinghir) and possibly Ourzazate (for Ait Benhaddou) to Marrakesh will be easier and less time consuming than if I were to wait for the Supratour/CTM buses, or cheaper than grand taxis. – Have you met with those who joined tours? Do you know if it’s common that the guides and drivers also try to peddle or tout souvenirs to buy to those who joined the group? – Is there a tipping culture?

December 18, 2017 at 9:21 PM

Will try to answer your questions as best as possible… -Merzouga weather averages: https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,merzouga,Morocco -Yes, it can be easy to arrange a desert tour in Merzouga but you will most definitely be bombarded by many touts competing for your business. If you don’t want to deal with touts, it’s best to book in advance. -Local buses from Merzouga to Rissani are frequent and inexpensive. They aren’t comfy but the trip is short, less than an hour. -Yes, there are some local buses running between towns between Merzouga and Ourzazate. But it’s a gamble as times aren’t published, they can be infrequent, not comfortable, and multiple transfer points which may lead to long waits and overnight stays. The Supratour bus is a sure thing. Schedule is here: http://www.supratours.ma/en -Whether joining a tour or not, you will be offered souvenirs in the desert. Guides and drivers tend not to be aggressive with souvenir sales, but may stop at places to buy them. -Yes, Morocco is a tipping culture.

November 19, 2017 at 5:35 PM

Thanks a lot for the detailed and informative post. My husband and I will be going to Morocco for 10 days in December. We were looking for desert tours from Marrakesh on Viator, and were deeply worried that most of the desert tours are for 3 days, which do not offer much chance to get to know the places well.

I was apprehensive about planning something by ourselves, but your blog has really motivated me. So with the help of your blog, we have planned a DIY tour, which involves a mix of bus travel and rental car. It is disappointing that there is only one early morning bus out from Merzouga towards Marrakech. Since we are visiting in winter, when the sun rise time is around 7.30 AM, it is impossible to be back from the camel trek in time to catch the bus. So we are planning to rent a car for a few days, which helped us fit everything we wanted to see into the time we have.

I cannot thank you enough for inspiring us!

Here’s our planned 10 day itinerary if it helps any of the readers:

Day 1-2: Arrive in Marrakesh. Spend two nights in Marrakesh. We are planning a day trip to atlas mountains on day 2.

Day 3-4: Take 11.15 AM bus from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate. Spend the day of arrival sight seeing in Ouarzazate and visit ait ben haddou next day. Will probably have some more time for sight seeing in Ouarzazate next day as well.

Day 5: Rent a car in the morning and head to Dades Gorges with a pit-stop in Skoura. Will arrive in Dades Gorges by noon. Hope it would give us enough time to explore the area. Night stay in Dades Gorges.

Day 6: Head to Merzouga in the morning, to reach around 1 PM. Camel trek from Merzouga to desert camp. Spend the night in the desert.

Day 7: Head back from desert camp to Merzouga, have breakfast and drive back to Ouarzazate. Will arrive in Ouarzazate by late afternoon/evening, return the car and spend the night there.

Day 8 – 9: Take 8.05 AM bus from Ouarzazate to Marrakesh, spend 2 more nights in Marrakesh

Day 10: Leave Marrakesh

Will update more after our trip!

Cheers, Sruthi

November 26, 2017 at 2:42 AM

Glad our post gave a good starting point for your trip. What you’ve planned with the rental car from Ouarzazate sounds like a great way to be able to maximize your time and have more flexibility. The way those buses are timed is disappointing. Thank you for sharing your trip details, as it can likely help to give others some food ideas as they pursue a similar journey. Hope you have a great trip and please do let us know how it goes. Happy travels!

April 24, 2017 at 11:27 AM

Hi John & Heather,

I am writing this post as I sit on the bus from Chefcaouen arriving to Fes. I was hoping to do a desert tour starting from Fes and ending in Marakesh. Thank you for your blog! It has been quite hard finding information about where to start the desert tour etc. So, do you think I shld get the bus from Fes to Merzounga and book a desert tour from Merzounga which will end in Marakesh (is there such an option)? Or shld I just get a bus from Fes to Marakesh and book a tour starting from there instead? I am a solo female traveller therefore would very much prefer to go with other travellers to the dessert instead of having a private tour. Not keen to drive all alone as well hahaha. Thanks guys!

May 1, 2017 at 4:36 PM

Hi Llyana, Apologies for the delayed response, we hope this reaches you in time. If you’re keen to travel with a group, it’d be best to travel to Marrakesh and take a tour from there. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Fez to Merzouga for a camel trek and then get back to Marrakesh on your own. In that situation, you’d likely only be with a group during the camel desert trek. There’s no tours that we’re aware of that start Merzouga and end in Marrakesh. Hope this helps and enjoy your time in beautiful Morocco!

April 7, 2017 at 8:22 AM

Hi John & Heather i just finished about one month journey in Morocco. your blog helps me a lot for the itinerary arrangement and transportation. thank you so much for this detail information. i follow the places you have visited, imlil trekking, Dades Gorge and Sahara desert. those places are amazing. i only regret that i didn’t visit Azrou. i went to Fez directly after Sahara trip and pass by Azrou. it is beautiful forest and cover snow when the time i am in Morocco. thank you for your sharing. i had good time in Morocco. 🙂

April 8, 2017 at 11:00 PM

Hi Betty, Thank you so much for the comment and sharing your experience in Morocco. We’re thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful time in a beautiful country!

February 26, 2017 at 6:05 PM

Hello John! Very useful information, thank you.

My Gf and I are planning to go from Marrakesh to Merzouga by rental car. Do you know anything about the road conditions? Is it necessary to have a car with 4-wheel-drive, bc that wouldn’t be in our budget 🙁

March 3, 2017 at 9:23 AM

Hey Dennsen, thanks for the comment. So happy to hear you found our information helpful. At our time of visit, we observed the roads were in pretty decent shape. There were some parts of the journey where the roads went through mountains on some steep inclines. It would probably be best to have a 4-wheel drive, but I think it’s doable in a standard vehicle. Enjoy your time in Morocco!

February 15, 2017 at 8:39 PM

Incredible information! If we are planning a trip around 12 days long, flying into Tangier and out of Marrakesh what itinerary or cities would you propose we hit?

February 16, 2017 at 4:41 PM

Hey Tucker, thanks for the comment and question. In our opinion, we’d suggest to head to Chefchaouen (known for those historic blue-washed buildings) following Tangier. Make your way to Fes and then head to Merzouga for a camel trek tour in the desert. Head up to Marrakesh and leave yourself a day or two to visit Imlil in the Atlas mountains outside of Marrakesh. Have a great time in Morocco!

January 4, 2017 at 6:03 AM

I just want to ask one thing. I liked your blog very much I just wanted to know from where you get all money to visit so many countries. Do you have any business or what. I am also traveler but due to less money can not visit every where.

January 6, 2017 at 9:40 AM

We work online which helps fund our travels. We don’t earn much, but we don’t spend much either. We had also saved hard for many years which helped to fund the beginning of our travels, but now we rely more on working while we travel. I’m going to write a more detailed post about this soon, but we have discussed it further on our FAQ page, which you can find here: http://www.roamingaroundtheworld.com/about/faqs/

November 6, 2016 at 4:47 PM

Hello, I would like to tell you that your post was extremely useful to me. I didnt have much time to plan my itinerary and I was searching for info and bump into your useful guide to Morocco. Honestly: Great! We are also independent travellers and we avoid tours unless there is a very very very good reason. We would liket to do tha 2 night tour to the desert and the same kind of itinerary as you did. I have two questions 1- What time do the 2night tours arrive to Merzouga, as it would be ideal to catch the 8 am bus back to Marrakech??

2- I presume they are back after 8 am, so what are my chancesto get a public transport back to Marrakech and arrive there before 11 am next morning ? We have our flight at 12 pm : )

Many thanks, and keep up the good work!

November 10, 2016 at 12:47 PM

So glad to hear that this post was useful! 1- The 2-night tours tend to arrive into Merzouga in the late afternoon of Day-2 for the camel trek, in which you’ll spend the night out in the desert before returning to Merzouga by camel during the following morning. 2- If taking the 2-night tour, then just stay on the tour, in which case transport back to Marrakech is included during Day 3. It’s not a one-way tour. In this post I was simply suggesting that it is possible to leave the tour early and not return to Marrakech, and use public transport for anyone who wants to do onward travel throughout Morocco. But if you’re taking one of the 3-day/2-night tours, they’ll take you back to Marrakech on Day 3. No bus needed. And you’d be back in Marrakech the night before your flight. 🙂

September 8, 2016 at 4:05 PM

Hi John, This is very helpful as I am planning a family trip for May’17 and would take all public transportation. I am still confused on some part. Our flights will be round trip Marrakech, will do 3 nts in Marrakech and then will follow your itinerary. The way I am understanding you stayed one night in Ouarzazate, one night in Dades Gorge, one night in Merzouga and then one night to camel trek. I believe if you arrive Merzouga in afternoon then u can directly go to camel treck, please correct me if I am wrong and would not have to stay one night in Merzouga.or u do have to stay one night in Merzouga and one night for camel treck.

September 13, 2016 at 1:26 AM

If you are renting a car, that is all very possible. But assuming you are using busses, it won’t be possible due to the time tables. If you can get an early bus to Ouarzazate, a one night could work to see Aït Benhaddou during the afternoon you arrive. Otherwise, you’d need two night. As for Dades Gorge, one night is also possible but will be tight. You could try to get there early and go for a hike that same day or get there at whatever time and go hiking the following day. Just be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to catch the only bus from Boulmine to Merzouga, which leaves at 2:45 pm from Boulmaine. For Merzouga, you must stay a night there unfortunately because your bus will not arrive until 9 or 10 at night. So you must wait it out the next day there until your camel trek departs that afternoon. You can then do a one or two night camel trek across the desert. Hope that helps.

August 4, 2016 at 12:43 PM

Hi Jon, firstly I would like to thank you for taking the time to post this, and more importantly reply to all those seeking advice (like me) I am leaving Dublin and going to Morocco on the 4th Sept, returning 14th (flying in and out of Marrackech) I have a rough travel plan laid out, but after careful thought I think I might be trying to see too much in 10 days. I’ve mapped out my proposed plan below, and would very mu h welcome an alternative, suggested edits and advice 👍 there’s a few things I would love to do such as visit the blue city, (Chef), visit the Paradise Valley, and see a few of them places you mentioned from Marrackech to merzouga – here’s my plan..

Day 1 – Arrive in Marrakech (19:40) stay one night. (Sept 4th)

Day 2 – Day 4 Catch bus to Agadir check into hotel 5th, stay 5th,6th check out 7th. – bus back to Marrakech. Stay the night

Day 5 (8th September) – Get early (12.5) hr bus from Marrakech – Merzouga

Check into hotel in Merzouga on the 8th, stay 8th, 9th & check out 10th.

10th Sept – meet camel tour guy, head out in desert, stay the night in tent arrive back in Merzouga following day 11th Sept.

Depart Merzouga, 11th @19:00 hrs bus – Fes 12th (6AM), spend couple hours in Fes and get afternoon bus to Chefchaouen.

Spend as long as possible in chefchaouen and be back in Marrackech in time for my flight home on the 14th @ 20:05..

Sounds like a grand plan, but I can’t see it going as smoothly as I expect lol, I am looking forward to hearing back from you Jon and I can get my trip confirmed. I’m open to suggestions, and if you think my plan is crazy then I would love to read your proposed plan for my trip from 4th – 14th sept – thanks in advance.

Rober –

if you nee to contact me, my email is [email protected]

August 5, 2016 at 3:25 AM

Hey Robert, Glad to hear you found this helpful. I’d say your plan seems perhaps a bit aggressive (long travel days) yet still very doable. The biggest change in your itinerary I would suggest is with Merzouga – there’s really no need to spend a few days there. There’s not much to see and Merzouga is used more so as a base to to begin your camel tour through the dessert. I’d suggest beginning your camel tour on Sept 9th which will depart in the later afternoon. You’ll be finished with your camel tour early the next morning, the 10th. Try to catch a local bus to Fes on the 10th, rather than spending the day in Merzouga.

Chefchaouen is one of my favorite places in Morocco, so I’d recommend trying to squeeze it in, if timing permits. However, it will put you further away from Marrakech, which it seems you need to return to. If your return flight is not booked, perhaps consider departing from Fes, Tangier, or even Casablanca if at all possible. That would save you from yet another long full day on a bus, which you have many.

Overall the plan is viable, but you’re covering a lot of ground in a fairly small amount of time, and hence will be spending a good portion of your trip on a bus which won’t be much fun. I hate to suggest skipping Chefchaouen but that would give you more time to explore some of the other places, like Fes, that you’ll be visiting and will cut out some travel time. So, it’s something to consider. Also, I’d consider the possibility of joining a tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. Those tours cover lots of amazing places that you’d otherwise be skipping over during your 12.5 hour direct bus ride. Joining a tour will also prevent the unnecessary day you inevitably will have to spend in Merzouga doing nothing but waiting for your camel trek to begin. Consider that. Then, instead of returning from Merzouga to Marrakech, you could continue onward to Fes on your own.

Hope that all helps to give you some ideas to ponder over as you finalize your travel plans.

June 11, 2016 at 3:36 PM

Very informative, thank you so much. We are a group of 6 travelling this July 2016 going to Casablanca for 2 nights, then Marrakesh for 3 nights, 4 to 5 nights to Erg Chebbi then to Fez. From Marrakesh to Erg Chebbi to Fez im not sure if we should drive or take the bus with combination of taxi to the sites. This post was really helpful.

June 20, 2016 at 10:43 AM

So glad to hear this post was helpful! Thanks for commenting to let us know. As for your pondering of taking a bus versus driving. I would probably recommend, being that you’re a big group of six, that driving may make more sense if you’re able to find a decent price on a one-way car rental. Whatever you decide, hope you have a great trip to Morocco!

April 20, 2016 at 7:19 AM

Hi! Thanks so much for this post which encouraged us to tackle a visit on our own. Going well! Just to add: So far we’ve stayed one night in Ait Benhaddou, Skoura and Dades Gorge each, and we never had a problem getting onward transportation. Shared taxis abound, and we’ve yet to pay more then 30 Dirhams for a ride … Safe travels! Rike

April 28, 2016 at 10:27 AM

Glad to hear this post helped! Thanks for the added info about taking shared taxis. At the time we went we found them to be somewhat unfrequent between certain towns and a sometimes a bit hectic to negotiate a fair price. Am glad to hear you’re having success with them and at what seems like very fair prices. Hope the rest of your journey through Morocco and to the Sahara has been great!

March 18, 2016 at 1:06 PM

Great Info John, definitely helpful in preparations. I am debating the idea the DIY, but can’t be sure, as I don’t speak any native languages. Also debating on other options. Reading through this post I got a feeling that, one day should be enough to cover Ait Ben Houdad and Ouarzazate, am I right? In that case taking a guided trip makes sense. I am also debating the idea of doing tours but dropping of at Merzouga to go on to Fes. What do you think of these options.

I don’t want to fill up your blog my itinerary, but would mind taking a look at it in the Lonely Planet. Detailed itinerary is in a post at the bottom of the page.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/africa/morocco/two-weeks-trips-itinerary?page=1

March 30, 2016 at 1:51 PM

Hi Raj, I somehow missed this comment when you had initially posted it a few weeks ago. Sorry about that! Yes, one full day should be enough to cover Ait Ben Houdad and Ourzazate. I wouldn’t let you lack of language prevent you from attempting the DIY-version. We don’t speak French or Arabic either yet managed to get by most of the time. However, I would suggest a tour to Merzouga simply to maximize your time. Then ditch the tour after the camel trek to make your own way to Fes.

I took a look at the itinerary you sent. It looks good and is similar to our itinerary. But I would just caution you that it seems a little fast-paced. Many of the travel distanced between these locations will take a full day of travel time itself, leaving not much time to enjoy the destination you’re going to. You may want to consider cutting a destination or two in order to prolong your time in other places. Chefchaouen was a highlight for us, so although that is furthest out of the way, it would be a shame to cut that from your trip. We did not go to Rabat nor Casablanca as other travelers we met in Morocco seemed to cite them as lowlights. Perhaps consider skipping that too and then departing from Tangier instead of Casablanca. …just a thought.

Hope that helps! Feel free to reach out if any other questions as you plan your trip and we’ll try to respond back more timely! 😉

January 18, 2016 at 1:31 PM

Thank you for your informative post!!! I am headed to Marrakesh in February and will be there for a week. I really want a Desert Tour to be the highlight of the trip. Considering that we are flying out of Tangier, We would want to ideally get a tour that would depart from Marrakesh and Finish in Fes. That being said all of the Quotes I am getting are in the 275 – 350 range. I know that you were saying that your quotes were significantly cheaper but I am assuming that you were not going to multiple locales and starting and finishing your trip in one city.

Do you have any suggestions? I am not opposed to doing a DIY option but considering the somewhat tight schedule of our time in morocco, and the other cities we want to visit i wonder if the Guided Tour would be best… and if so If you know of any “wiggle room” in the prices.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again!

January 18, 2016 at 3:43 PM

There are few desert tours from Marrakesh to the desert and then onward to Fes. Those that exist do tend to get pricey. The package tours that I’ve suggested in this article are roundtrip starting and ending in Marrakesh, which you can find a 3-day version for around $100 USD. A week is pretty tight to cover Marrakesh, a dessert trip, Fes, and Tangier (without being on a tour the entire time) – but it may be possible. Given that you only have a week, I would not suggest the DIY version. Heading out to Merzouga on your own will take more time as you’ll have to rely on the infrequent busses which travel that way. A tour may be the way to go, even for the entire 7-days, if you can find one that matches your desired itinerary. Otherwise you may want to consider booking only a desert tour from Marrakesh and perhaps applying some DIY tactics to get to Fes instead of returning to Marrakesh on the tour. For example, you could consider the following: Spend 1-2 days in Marrakesh. Go on a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech. The third day of the tour would entail returning by camel to Merzouga early in the morning and then an entire day bus ride back to Marraskesh. Instead of returning to Marrakech on the tour, you could leave the group that morning and take public transportation towards Fes. There are only unscheduled 2nd class busses running during that time, so you would have to be comfortable with those. From Merzouga, take a quick taxi to Rissani and from there you should be able to find a 2nd class bus to Fes. If not, take a bus to Er-Rachidia where there will be more bus connections going to Fes. The bus will take the entire day to get to Fes and you’ll likely arrive at night. You could also consider hiring a taxi to take you the entire way which will be more expensive but more comfortable and quicker. They will be no shortage of taxi drivers eager to negotiate such a trip. After your first night in Fes, you can then spend a full day in there. Then you should still have a day to get to Tangier. It’ll be a very tight timeline, but that’s one way you could possibly make it work without breaking the bank. Hope that helps!

August 5, 2015 at 1:07 PM

I am planning a trip to Morocco and will be renting a car. We are planning on driving ourselves from Fes to Merzouga in one day, leaving very early in the morning to ensure that we arrive before sunset in Merzouga. Has anyone done the drive? I know that it is a long drive, but aside from that I have heard that the roads are paved, but drivers can be a little aggressive. I am from NYC so I am used to aggressive driving. Would you advise against driving?

We are staying in a luxury tent in Merzouga and we understand that they will pick us up by 4X4 in Merzouga to take us to the tents – but where do you leave you rental car? Any experience with this?

Also, we are then going to drive from Merzouga to Ouarzazate for one night, then to Atlas Mountains and then to Marrakesh. Is this drive okay as well?

August 5, 2015 at 3:49 PM

It will be a VERY long drive but certainly doable. I’d recommend leaving as early as possible to ensure you get to Merzouga in time. The roads are decent enough condition. Some of the mountain roads get very twisty and can be a bit scary at times, but you’ll likely be fine. We met some folks from Canada who did the drive and made it out to Merzouga without incident. And the driving isn’t too aggressive but you’ll just have to get used too what I thought was some strange driving customs such as often driving in the middle of the road instead always staying in the right lane.

Most all of the places with luxury tents in the desert also have hotels or riads in Merzouga, which is typically your meeting point. So you’ll likely leave your car there.

The drive from Merzouga to Ouarzazate and through the Atlas mountains should be mostly the same route you came in on from Marrakesh. If you’re passing through the small town of Asni, watch out for the many stray dogs. We noticed there were a few road kills there 🙁

Have a great trip and good luck on the journey!

April 6, 2015 at 5:44 AM

Hello John! Thanks for sharing your experience. Your write up convinced me not to hire a driver in Marrakech. I will then rent a car in Marrakech and drop it off in Fes. I will stop in Imlil for 1 or 2 nights, then through Merzouga, where I’d like to spend a night in the desert.

How easy is to hire a good guide in Merzouga? I’m sure competition is high…so how to stay safe from touts and scammers…if any? Also, do you know how much the guide\dinner\desert night will cost me when booked once there and not online? I travel with my gf, but we are happy to join a group tour!

Thanks to those who can help 🙂

April 15, 2015 at 12:06 AM

It is quite easy to find a guide in Merzouga. But competition is very high and there are dozens (hundreds?) all vying for your business. A guide\camel\dinner tends to cost around $40 euro per person. To avoid having to deal with the many touts once you get there, I’d strongly recommend organizing a tour beforehand. You shouldn’t need to prepay or provide any credit card info. Just find a good tour online and confirm with them via email for meeting spot and time. Hope that helps. Enjoy!

February 10, 2015 at 11:15 PM

Heya, thanks for the very good tips on hand. I will be making this trip at the end of this month for the first time and your information have been very helpful. Question: So you stayed one night at Chez Yousef and afterwards check out and join the cameltrekking.com tour? Did they pick you up from Chez and after the trek, where do they drop off you off? My plan was to head to Fez after Mergouza and I understand I need to get to Rissani bus stop to catch the 730pm bus onwards to Fez. Thanks much!! 🙂

February 11, 2015 at 7:54 AM

So glad to hear this helps! Yes, we just stayed one night in Chez Yousef and we had arranged to meet the owner of CamelTrekking at the bus station after we checked out. He personally picked us up at Noon and drove us to his riad (at no cost to us), which was about a 10-minute drive. At the CamelTrekking riad, we were given access to a room and the pool for the rest of the day while we awaited our camel trek to begin. We were also able to order a lunch there. After the trek, we returned to CamelTrekking’s riad where we could shower off in one of the rooms where we kept our luggage. Then he provided us with a cab (again, at no extra cost to us) from his riad to Rissani. The cab driver tried to sell us his services to take us the entire way in his cab, but ultimately wasn’t too pushy and even helped us buy our bus ticket in Rissani. In Rissani we caught a local bus towards Fez. Supposedly these leave every few hours. The local busses aren’t as nice as the CTM and Supratour busses and don’t have reliable timetables. But it gets the job done and if you leave Rissani in the morning, you can get to Fez at a reasonable time in the early evening. Whereas if you take that 730pm bus to Fez, you would have to wait around Rissani all day doing nothing and then you’ll wind up in Fez really awkward time in the middle of the night / extreme early morning. So I’d really recommend going with an earlier local busses. Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip!

January 21, 2015 at 7:33 PM

Thank you – this is really helpful. We are planning to travel from Marrakech to Ouarzazate in April with two small kids. Because we have the kids, I would really like to buy our bus tickets in advance, but I can’t find any online booking option. Did you find that the buses were busy such that we might have a problem if we just turned up without a booking? We arrive in the evening and need to leave the next morning. Any info gratefully received!

January 22, 2015 at 6:42 AM

When we traveled all throughout Morocco during the month of May we used only busses. Every single time we just bought our tickets minutes before the bus was scheduled to depart and never had any problems with full busses. So I wouldn’t worry at all, particularly since you’ll be able to buy a ticket the day before. Also, there are many busses that go from Marrakech to Ouarzazate each day, so in the off-chance that one bus is full (not likely), you’ll still have lots of other times to choose from. So I wouldn’t worry much about that. You should be just fine to just arrive and buy your tickets. Hope you and your kids enjoy Morocco!

December 26, 2014 at 7:32 PM

Hi john, nice DIY guide. Very useful and gave me some good idea what to do near marrakech. Allow me to ask some question. I am now in fes, planning last min to merzuga for overnight, then to Marrakech. What do you recommend as I will not be on time to catch the 8am bus in time coming back from dune. Can I make a 2 day trip to Marrakech with some stop / site seeing in between” once in marrakech, meeting up with friends, I have 5 more days to hang around.

Thx in advance, Kind regards, William

December 30, 2014 at 4:06 PM

Glad you found it helpful. From Merzouga you should be able to find transport to Er-Rachidia, where you can likely find local busses towards Marrakech. I’m not sure you’d be able to get there in the same day (pending what time you leave Merzouga) but I’d imagine you could at least get to Ouarzazate, which would make for a nice overnight stop. And from there you could catch one of the CTM or Supratour busses to Marrakesh. Hope that helps and it reached you in time!

November 18, 2014 at 5:01 PM

Your report is very helpful and informative! Congratulations!!! I’d like to ask u a question. We plan to go from Marrackesh to Merzouga with only one night stop in between. We are thinking of staying in Skoura since there is a CTM bus service from Marrackesh to Skoura. Unfortunately I don’t see any bus from Skoura to Merzouga. Do you know if the supratours bus to Merzouga does any stop to Skoura or we have to go back and take it from Ouarzazate? Thank you for your help!!!

November 19, 2014 at 9:56 AM

I can tell you for a fact that the Supratours bus definitely does pass right through Skoura. What I’m not sure about is whether or not it stops there. Sorry. But I do recall that it made a stop of two in between Ouarzazate and Boulmanes, so I’d imagine that Skoura may have been one of those stops. Unfortunately, Skoura is not listed on the Supratours website, so that doesn’t help. Nonetheless, if Skoura is not a stop, I’m fairly the certain the bus driver would still drop you off there. It just may be a little hassle to pick the bus up again the following day. You could always get a share taxi from Skoura onward to to Boulmanes, where I know for certain you can pick up the Supratours bus there that would take you onward to Merzouga. Hope that helps a little. Sorry I couldn’t provide more certainty about the Skoura stop. Or if you want to play it safe with the bus connections, you could stop at Ouarzazate or Boulmanes instead. I’d recommend Ouarzazate, as there is a good amount to do to fill a one-night stop and its a pretty neat city.

November 13, 2014 at 2:25 PM

hello…i am going to visit morocco with my husband at christmas, and we were searcing for direct transport from marrakesh to merzouga. We cannot find a direct bus or train line, but i saw you ‘ve mentioned that there is one..can you please inform me more for the cost of the ticket and the schedule. snd then we want to continue from merzouga to fes…is there a bus for there too? thank you very much!

November 13, 2014 at 4:19 PM

There is a Supratours bus that leaves Marrakesh at 8:30 each morning, arriving in Merzouga around 9:00pm. You can find schedules and timetables for this bus at http://www.marrakechtickets.co.uk/morocco-rail-timetables I don’t know the cost of this route but simply based on the cost of other Supratours buses and distances, I’d take a guess its probably somewhere in the ballpark of dh200.

There is a also a Supratours bus directly from Merzouga to Fez. (You can find the timetables at the same website I provided above.) However, you’ll notice that this bus leaves at 7:30pm and gets into Fes in the middle of the night, which I wouldn’t recommend. As suggested in this article, instead consider a quick taxi to Rissani where you can catch a local bus directly to Fez or at least to Er-Rachidia where even more onward travel possibilities abound. The local buses aren’t as comfortable or quick as the Supratour & CTM buses, but they’re cheap and will get you to where you need to go.

September 23, 2014 at 3:03 PM

What a fabulous looking place! I’ve been to Morocco but only to the north (around Tangier) – this looks much more authentic.

September 24, 2014 at 1:41 PM

Thanks! Yes, we visited Tangier too and it certainly wasn’t our favorite. The desert and the mountains is what we really enjoyed in this exotic land. Hopefully you can go back one day and take a journey further south!

January 27, 2019 at 8:58 AM

Wouwww thanks a lot for sharing. Very good / helpfull informations. In witch period have you been there? Just trying to find out best solution for the last day. Desert to Marrakech. How much did you spend for the self tour

January 28, 2019 at 8:42 AM

We did this trip in May. The camel desert tour was 70 euros per person for the 3-day tour, inclusive of all meals, water, guide, camels, camp, and equipment. You can read all about that here: https://www.roamingaroundtheworld.com/sandstorm-and-sandboarding-our-camel-trek-into-the-sahara-desert/

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don't subscribe All new comments Replies to my comments Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Marrakech to Merzouga & What to See Along the Way

Please share if you enjoy this content!

Morocco is a land of striking contrasts with modern and historical cities, large metropolises and tiny villages, lush mountainous areas, and barren deserts. It’s worth visiting multiple areas as only then will you get a real feel for all that Morocco is.

One trip I highly recommend is going from Marrakech to Merzouga. Marrakech is one of the largest cities in the country and the most popular on the tourist trail. Even so, it’s well worth seeing, and there are a lot of fun things to do in Marrakech .

Merzouga was one of my favorite places in the country, but in this case, it’s not just about the destination but also the journey. Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge are two pearls in the middle of Morocco, kind of in the middle of nowhere.

They are nestled between many of the other famous and popular places to go, like Marrakech, Merzouga, and Fes, and could easily be overlooked, except they shouldn’t be as they are amazing and add another layer of learning and interest about Morocco.

You should definitely make this journey, and this post includes what you will see along the way.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure  for more information.

How to Get from Marrakech to Merzouga

Before we dive into the amazing things you’ll see from Marrakech to Merzouga and why you should take this trip, let’s first review your travel options.

You have a number of options to get from Marrakech to Merzouga.

• Tour : The easiest way is to take a group tour that will stop at the must-see sites on the way from Marrakech to Merzouga. There are many group tours available .
• Bus : You could also take buses and public transportation on this route. It will require changing multiple times, and you may not get to see as much. This is the least expensive option, though. So, if budget is a primary factor, it’s a solid option.
• Taxi : Believe it or not, a taxi is an option. Hiring a driver may be costly, especially if you want to make stops along the way. However, it provides flexibility without having to drive.
• Car rental : A final means of transportation is to rent a car. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to balance budget and flexibility, renting a car is a great choice.

Why is driving adventurous? Once you leave Marrakech, you will drive through the High Atlas mountains, filled with spiky peaks and tightly winding roads.

Most take the Tizi-n-Tichka mountain passage, which is spectacular albeit a tad bit scary. It’s a beautiful and exhilarating drive through some tight turns and massive drop-offs.

This also takes you past the highest point in the country called Col du Tichka, and with it, a significant temperature difference from Marrakech. It has an elevation of 2,260 meters (just over 7,400 feet).

Why would you want to take this trip? I’ll share a bit about what I loved with Marrakech and Merzouga, and then include the amazing things along the way!

If you’re visiting Morocco, chances are you are spending time in Marrakech. It is the top tourist destination in the country for a reason—there are a ton of great things to do in Marrakech. Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, and Koutoubia Mosque, just for starters.

But there are many other things to see and do as well to learn about this amazing city. It’s a great representation of Morocco and worth every minute you spend there.

You May Also Like 11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Marrakech

Marrakech is what most people know about Morocco, and I think that’s great. But there’s another side to Morocco. If you only see the cities, you’ll definitely be missing out on it.

I encourage you to see Marrakech, and it was a favorite of mine, but do take the chance to explore beyond Marrakech, both with day trips and more time than that if you are able to. A great recommendation is to visit Merzouga.

Why Merzouga

Eventually, you must leave Marrakech, and I highly recommend a visit to the Merzouga Desert to see the Sahara sand dunes. It’s soothingly tranquil, particularly important after the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax in solitude, Merzouga is your kind of place.

You May Also Like Why You Should Visit the Sahara Sand Dunes of Merzouga

It’s not a quick trip to get from Marrakech to Merzouga, and it takes around ten hours in total drive time. I recommend you don’t try to make it straight through in one day.

Instead, take the time in between because it provides you with an amazing opportunity to see some of the most incredible parts of Marrakech in the central region of the country.

The true highlights of this trip, in addition to driving through the impressive and statuesque High Atlas Mountains, are Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge.

I really loved this trip as it shows you a wide range of Morocco, from high mountain peaks to crumbly old cities, a massive and beautiful natural gorge to a vast stretch of sand dunes.

It’s truly worth it, and I believe breaking it up to enjoy each of these distinct areas is the way to go.

The drive to Ait Ben Haddou takes around three-and-a-half hours. If you drive, be sure to take your time, as this road can be challenging. Take breaks at some of the pull-off areas to enjoy the impressive scenery and the massively long drop to the base of the mountains.

Stop 1: Argan Co-Ops

I was a little torn about going to visit an argan oil co-op. It’s a popular thing to do, and I personally love argan oil, but I read a number of blogs recommending that people not go. They described a lot of pressure to buy, though more accurately, the guilt of not buying the products.

We did end up stopping at one, and it was a great experience. We learned a bit about the manually-intensive process from the women and got to watch them at work. I personally felt no pressure to buy something or guilt about the small amount that I did purchase. It may very much depend on the argan co-op you go to.

Most of the blogs that I read or reviews were about argan oil co-ops on the way to Essaouira from Marrakech. Essaouira is a top day trip from Marrakech (or spend longer than a day!), and I highly recommend that. However, I’m not sure I’d recommend visiting an argan oil co-op on that route.

There are argan co-ops all over the place through the High Atlas Mountains and in other areas throughout the country. They have many products, including various types of argan oil and black salt soap (which is used when you visit a Moroccan hammam).

They also have other types of soaps and some food products. If you do go, definitely try amlu. It’s a Berber treat of ground almonds, honey, and argan oil. It is like a sweet, finely-ground almond butter, and it’s very good. You can also get edible oils.

Stop 2: Ait Ben Haddou

The next place I recommend seeing on your trip from Marrakech to Merzouga is Ait Ben Haddou. It is a fortified village, also called a ksar, along the former caravan route between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech. Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized as an example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture.

The ksar includes a group of earthen buildings that are traditional pre-Saharan and an example of southern Moroccan architecture. It’s located on the southern slopes of the High Atlas mountains in the Province of Ouarzazate.

The high walls around the village protected it from raiders. Inside the walls are a number of kasbahs or merchant’s homes where you can buy souvenirs. Much of it has been reinforced and reconstructed due to many years of neglect, providing a great glimpse of what life was like here hundreds of years ago.

It’s quite picturesque and, in fact, has been featured in a number of movies. Films like Gladiator, The Mummy, Lawrence of Arabia, and many others, as well as Game of Thrones.

The settlement was believed to have been from the 17th century. It has suffered many years of neglect which is what led the inhabitants to move across the river. Reconstruction efforts have successfully restored portions of the settlement while maintaining its original authentic feel.

There are a number of buildings, as well as a mosque, a public square, two cemeteries (Muslim and Jewish), and others.

Where to Stay in Ait Ben Haddou

We stayed at La Rose du Sable , a tourist-class hotel that was almost across the river and the street from the ksar and only a 15-minute walk away. I didn’t find a proper address for it, but here is the map where La Rose du Sable is located .

The location was ideal, and the view from the roof deck was superb. Behind the hotel were a number of small local homes, so we had a chance to view local life from above. The hotel restaurant was very good as well. I got Moroccan eggs (made in a hot pot-type of a dish with tomatoes and olives).

If you’d like to stay a little way out of town in a beautiful riad on a hill with a view of Ait Ben Haddou, Riad Tamdakhte is a great option at the same price point. It’s located at Douar Tamdakhte à 5 km d’Ait Ben Haddou, Aït Benhaddou, Morocco .

A more upscale riad option within a 15-minute walk of Ait Ben Haddou is Riad Caravane. It also doesn’t have a proper address, but the map of Riad Caravane is here .

Where to Eat in Ait Ben Haddou

As I mentioned, I did like the restaurant in my hotel, La Rose du Sable. As of this writing, the recent reviews on Tripadvisor were not positive, but older reviews were. I found the service in line with Morocco, and the food was very good.

Other nearby places that look good are Kasbah Valentine Restaurant and Auberge Azaddou Tamlalt.

Stop 3: Ouarzazate

Only around 30 minutes away from Ait Ben Haddou is Ouarzazate (pronounced “where-za-zat”). It’s on the way and worth stopping by. This city has gained fame as the “Moroccan Hollywood,” or “Mollywood,” as it’s sometimes called.

Filmmakers from around the world have used Ouarzate as a Moroccan base, and there are two film studios located here. Many famous movies and TV shows have been filmed here, including Gladiator , Mission Impossible , and Game of Thrones .

You can visit Atlas Studios to tour old movie sets. If you decide to take it easy and let a local do the work, this group tour from Marrakech includes Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Atlas Studios . There is also a Museum of Cinema if you have the time and want to learn more about the filming here.

Ouarzazate is also called the Gate to the Desert, as it borders the beginning of the desert region in the southern part of Morocco.

Atlas Studios does not show an online address, but here is the map to get you to Atlas Studios. It’s open from 8:15 to 6:45 daily except for Monday, when it closes at 6 p.m. I was unable to find any official information from Atlas Studios but did read that the cost is 50 MAD (around $4.75 USD).

The Museum of Cinema is located on Avenue Mohammed V, Ouarzazate 45000, Morocco , and it’s open from 8 to 6 daily. Like with Atlas Studios, I did not find a website for the Museum of Cinema but did see it noted that the cost is 20 MAD (just under $2 USD).

Another interesting place to check out is La Caravana des Epices, the paradise of senses. We met Herboriste Ismael, who received several years of training to help people with herbal medicines. Herbal and natural products are very popular in Morocco overall, and I did notice a few other similar shops as we toured the country.

He introduced us to many incredible smells and had us guess what they are. Things like sandalwood, amber, prickly pear, musk, orange blossom, and others, then he shared what they are used for.

There are over 1,100 products in his shop, including herbs, spices, and perfumes. They also offer services like massage and Moroccan hammam .

La Caravane des Epices is located at N, 380 Rue Al-Mansour Ad-Dahbi, Ouarzazate 45000, Morocco .

Stop 4: Todra Gorge

Todra Gorge and the nearby city of Tinghir are around a three-hour drive from Ait Ben Haddou. It’s close to three hours from Merzouga, where you can visit the Sahara Desert on the southern edge of Morocco.

This stunning canyon is located on the eastern side of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It was carved by the Todra and Dades Rivers through cliffs of stunning orange and red rock that are quite high—over 500 feet tall (152 meters).

Though the river is mostly a memory, it’s easy to imagine the power it must have once had to carve such a large canyon. The gorge stretches for many miles, and the Todra is the last 2,000 or so feet (around 600 meters) of the canyons.

Even though the gorge is in an area of Morocco that is fairly remote, it is a popular tourist destination. It is a few hours’ drive from Ait Ben Haddou and is fairly on the path of driving between Marrakech and Merzouga.

There is not much to do in the town. However, it’s a beautiful site to see and a nice stop to break up the long, ten-hour drive between these areas.

Vendors line the canyon walls selling souvenirs, much like in most places in Morocco. Buses often clog the area as well, which is a well-maintained dirt path.

You can walk a while into the gorge through the area, past the buses, to really get an appreciation for the power of nature and the many colors of the rocks in the area.

You can also see an old, closed hotel, which must have been quite a place to stay in times past.

Where to Stay in Todra Gorge

The town of Tinerhir is within walking distance of Todra Gorge and is a good place to spend the night. There are many hotels as this is a popular tourist destination, and it’s also a popular place for Moroccans to go for holidays.

Wander through the kasbahs and climb through the various areas to the top of a peak to see some great views of the surrounding area. Ait Ben Haddou is one of the best places to visit in Morocco , given how interesting and unique it is.

And if you are heading between Marrakech and Merzouga, it’s a great place to stop for a break in your travels.

La Belle Etoile is where we stayed, and it’s a cute little place that’s maybe a 45-minute walk from the gorge. Like many places in rural Morocco, I was unable to find an address, but the hotel map is here. The restaurant was good as well.

A good option for a place outside of the town is Riad Timadrouine , located at Douar Timadrouine – Ouaklim, Tinghir 45800, Morocco . A hotel option in town but a little off the main road is Hotel Saghro . It’s located at Avenue des Far, Bp46 Tinghir, Tinerhir 45800 Morocco .

Where to Eat in Todra Gorge

Just like with Ait Ben Haddou, most of the hotels have restaurants. I did enjoy La Belle Etoile, and a highly-rated one is Cafe Restaurant Centrale. Several reviews commenting that they had the best tagine in all of Morocco caught my eye.

Last Stop: Merzouga

At this point of the trip, you’re only 3 -4 hours by car to Merzouga. You’ll notice the scenery starts to change a little over an hour out. And you can actually feel the shift to desert even before you see it.

The sun feels just a bit more intense, and the air feels drier. You’ll notice the landscape start to shift, and before you know it, you’re there.

Merzouga is a magical place , and I highly recommend taking the time to enjoy it. A visit to Merzouga can be a lot of fun as well as incredibly relaxing. It’s a lavish and comfortable shift from much of Morocco.

Though it’s fun to visit the cities in Morocco, it’s equally an incredible adventure to visit the areas in between. The trip from Marrakech to Merzouga is a great road trip filled with some absolutely magical places that are worth seeing.

Morocco is an adventure of a lifetime, the cities and in between.

You Might Also Like

• 10 Incredible Reasons to Visit Morocco
• Traveler’s Guide to the 11 Best Places to Visit in Morocco
• 20 Best Travel Tips for Morocco
• G Adventures Morocco: Kasbahs and Desert Tour Review
• Why You Should Visit the Roman Ruins in Morocco
• The Best Things to do in Casablanca in One Day
• Why You Should Visit the Sahara Sand Dunes of Merzouga
• 11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Marrakech
• What It’s Really Like in the Fes Medina
• Top 9 Things to do in Essaouira
• All You Need to Know About a Moroccan Hammam

Like it? Pin it!

Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover on a quest to create a life of travel with her dog. She loves learning new things, snuggling a dog, architecture, hiking, and bold red wine. Join her in creating a life to dream about!

One Comment

This is awesome! Thank you for the details.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

AFFILIATE NOTICE

This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Learn more .

• Exciting destinations
• Solo travel
• Travel Tips
• Travel Guides & Itineraries
• Traveling with Pets
• Work with me

7 Stops On A Marrakech to Merzouga Road Trip | Morocco

There are some destinations which surprise you. Morocco is one of them! When I first looked into Marrakech desert tours, I didn’t care how I got to the Sahara Desert. I just knew I had to get there, my eyes were on the prize so to speak. It turns out, the route from Marrakech to Merzouga is just as incredible as the desert itself! Here are my favourite stops on a Marrakech to Merzouga road trip!

Driving From Marrakech to Merzouga

• 🚙 Distance : 560km (348miles)
• 🕖 Drive time : Approximately 9 hours (without stops, one way)
• 🏨1 night in Dades Gorge | 1 night in Erg Chebbi dunes

Marrakech desert trips start fairly early to be able to squeeze in a day of sightseeing on route. So we booked to stay in the Old Town Medina that night before the tour .

Stay in a Riad. They. Are. BEAUTIFUL. I would never have been able to find it without the help of the guy that picked us up from the airport. I don’t even know if I’d be able to find it again if I returned now!

The alleyways are like a maze but behind the doors are these amazing (no pun intended!) accommodations. They are built around an open air courtyard and may even have a rooftop terrace.

I stayed at Riad Chouia Chouia , whose central focal point was a small swimming pool. The decor of the hotel was white and bright blue with lots of green plants. A complete contrast from the dusty orange brick work of the outer buildings and alleyways.

The roof terrance was a sun trap with views of the Andes and Atlas Mountains, giving us a little taster of where we’d be heading to on our Morocco desert tour!

I don’t think I can even put my thoughts of the Medina into words. I kinda found it exciting but my travel buddies were overwhelmed by it. It’s crazy and attacks all your senses (including your hand if you get scammed into an unwanted Henna tattoo. Just putting it out there, as a woman I never received unwanted attention from men. I had more problems with the local women).

There are monkeys and snakes, amazing freshly squeezed orange juice and lots of opportunities for souvenirs. I think anymore than an afternoon would have exhausted me!

Marrakech to Merzouga

• ⛰️ The Atlas Mountains
• 🏰 Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
• 🎬 Atlas Corporation Studios
• 🏞️ Dades Gorge
• 🐐 Todra Gorge
• 🐪 Merzouga/Erg Chebbi

The Atlas Mountains

Our guide for our desert trip met us at one end of Jemaa el Fna square around 7.30am. It was TOTALLY different at that time of the morning. It was so peaceful. We set off in Toyota Land Cruisers and headed for what I had read, to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Of course it has a million switch backs, it has to go up and over a mountain range!

Our drivers were over taking on blind bends and all that, but I surprisingly never felt like my life was at risk. Even with the driver hanging his foot out of the window, despite driving a manual. (I think we went the whole way in 4th gear…)

Our first stop was at  Tizi Aït Barka , a restaurant with an outside deck overlooking the mountains (not the above picture).  This was our first opportunity to go to the toilet (for a fee) and stock up on snacks from their little snack counter. FYI, I think I drunk around 5 litres of water on the first day of my Morocco desert tour. So it’s worth stocking up! I travelled in May and it was HOT.

Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou is considered a kasbah which was often built as a type of walled fortress to protect the inhabitants. (We stopped at the ruins of a second kasbah on route to the desert. If I had £1 for every time I sung The Clash song ‘Rock The Casbah’ in my head, I would have been rich.)

Before taking a tour of the Ait Ben Haddou we stopped for lunch at  La Rose Du Sadle restaurant just across the street. It’s also a hotel and has a swimming pool which we were allowed to use. I was the only one that had swim stuff and the pool felt AMAZING, as the temperatures felt like we were sitting on the sun.

Ksar Ait Ben Haddou is located in Ouarzazate . It was first built in the 17th century as a stopping point on the ‘caravan trade route’ for people travelling between Marrakech and the Sahara.  It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The buildings are made from clay and they have to be rebuilt every 100 years due to weathering.

There are a lot of tourist souvenir shops within the walls. Only a handful of families still live in Ait Ben Haddou, the others that run the stalls live nearby. It’s also appeared in lots of films and TV shows including: Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Indiana Jones.

Atlas Corporation Studios

Speaking of films. We stopped at a viewpoint which overlooked the Atlas Corporation Studios, the largest film studio in the world! Our guide told us that American film companies would hire out the Atlas Corporation Studios, as it was cheaper to film there than it was to film in similar looking US desert locations.

The Mummy was apparently partly filmed at this location and so was the UK’s ‘The Grand Tour’ (the Top Gear spin off series on Amazon Prime).

Dades Gorge

One amazingly awesome surprise of our Marrakech desert tour, was our overnight stop in the Dades Gorge in the Dades Valley .  After a quick stop for a photo opportunity at the Monkey Fingers Valley , we arrived at The Hotel La Gazelle Du Dades , located right in the bottom of the narrow Dades Gorge.  It was the same colour as the gorge wall, completely blending in to its surroundings!  

In all honesty the beds were as hard as sleeping on a table. But the location more than made up for it. In true Moroccan fashion, we were greeted again with mint tea (I think I drunk the whole pot of it) and shown to our room. It had a balcony with views of the gorge.

We were served a dinner of: soup, chicken tagine, bread and fruit and for breakfast we had pancakes. Both meals were delicious (and the giant ants stayed well away from us)!

At one end of the Dades Gorge is a CRAZY switch back road, that we got to experience and view from the top.  There’s also a hotel perched right on the edge. It looked a little bit scary, like it might topple over the edge at any moment…I’m kinda glad we stayed at the one in the bottom of the gorge!

Todra Gorge

The following morning we had a short stop at the Todra Gorge . This narrow gorge was created by the flow of the Todra and Dades Rivers. When we visited in May, the river was only a shallow stream passing over a rocky river bed with a road (good quality) running alongside it. In places the walls of the gorge are over 500ft high!

Just like our hotel in the Dades Gorge, the Hotel Yasmina is the same colour as the rock of the gorge. It almost looks as if it’s been carved right out of the wall (I used the toilet in the hotel).

The Todra Gorge was mainly filled with what looked like large local family groups on a weekend day trip. The kids were splashing around in the stream, they were eating picnics and cooking food, playing drums and having what looked like a great time! It was so interesting to watch this snippet of daily life!  

It also looked like a resting point for shepherds. There were groups of donkeys and goats that were being herded through the Gorge and the animals were drinking out of the stream.

The Last Stretch To Erg Chebbi

After the Todra Gorge, we stopped at the Cafe Touroug for lunch (read as: “2 ice creams”…). They even had free WiFi, which is mad considering that at this point we were starting to get into the middle of nowhere!

The rocky, dusty desert started to become more sandy. We stopped at a small dune to stretch our legs and then again at an oasis type area which had views of the Erg Chebbi dunes, before reaching Merzouga to begin our night in the sand dunes.

We had a very quick stop in the town of Merzouga. Our guide told us to stock up with 2 litres of water from a local supermarket. We had food and a couple of drinks provided but would need extra water while out in the dunes. From here we met our camels and continued into Erg Chebbi dunes.

The Sahara Desert is the largest ‘hot’ desert in the world, covering an area the size of the USA.  The Sahara is mainly a rocky landscape and only a small part of it actually falls in Morocco. Erg Chebbi is one of only 2 Saharan dune areas in Morocco. An ‘Erg’ being the name given to a ‘sea of sand’ and what people typically consider the Sahara Desert to look like.

⛺️ You can read my experience of camping in the desert in my post:  Things I Wish I Had Known Before Camping In The Sahara Desert

Merzouga to Marrakech

After our night in Erg Chebbi, we hit the road early and drove 9 hours straight, back to Marrakech. We only stopped a couple of times to go to the toilet, fill up with fuel and buy snacks. Our guide did ask if we wanted to stop for a longer lunch or just plough on. Our group decided just to keep on going.

I booked my Morocco desert tour from Marrakech with CamelTrekking.com  and was very happy with my experience! You can either join the whole tour which goes from Marrakech to Merzouga, or they have other options if you just want to do the overnight stay from Merzouga!

My travels have taken me to over 40 countries worldwide (& I lived in USA for 4yrs). I hold a BTEC National Diploma in Travel & Tourism (triple distinction) and have been writing on Between England & Everywhere since 2015.

Expert in : Adventure travel 🎢 , beach destinations 🏖️ , and packing light (mid-budget backpacker) 🎒

Inspired by this Marrakech to Merzouga drive? Pin It For Later!

Last Updated on March 1, 2024

One Comment

Thanke you for info

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from between england & everywhere.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Destinations
• Africa & Middle East

Marrakech To Merzouga: Our Moroccan Road Trip Itinerary

Published: September 16, 2023

Modified: January 3, 2024

by Cinnamon Ojeda

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips
• Road Trip Itinerary

Introduction

Welcome to Morocco, a country rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From vibrant cities to vast desert dunes, there is something for every traveler to discover. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Morocco is by embarking on a road trip from Marrakech to Merzouga. This captivating journey will take you through ancient kasbahs, picturesque valleys, and the mesmerizing Sahara Desert. Morocco is a country that offers a unique blend of Arab, Berber, and European influences, creating a fascinating melting pot of traditions, architecture, and cuisine. Marrakech, the starting point of our road trip, is a vibrant city with its bustling markets, impressive palaces, and labyrinthine medina. As you venture further from Marrakech, you’ll come across Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning kasbahs. This fortified village has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, adding to its allure. Continuing our journey, we arrive at Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon carved by the Todra River. The towering cliffs provide a breathtaking backdrop for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike. The highlight of our road trip is the enchanting village of Merzouga, located on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magical desert ambiance, witness the glorious sunset over the desert dunes, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime camel ride. From Merzouga, we make our way to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Lose yourself in the winding streets of the medina, explore the vibrant souks, and marvel at the exquisite architecture of the city’s mosques and madrasas. Before concluding our road trip, we visit Chefchaouen, famously known as “The Blue Pearl.” The charming blue-washed streets and buildings create a dreamlike atmosphere that is both captivating and serene. Our final stop is Tangier, a city renowned for its strategic location at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea. Its cosmopolitan vibe, stunning seaside promenade, and historical sites make it a fitting end to our Moroccan adventure. Join us as we embark on this unforgettable road trip from Marrakech to Merzouga, and experience the magic and beauty that Morocco has to offer. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant colors, exotic scents, and warm hospitality. Let the journey begin!

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Day 2: exploring marrakech.

Today is dedicated to further exploring the wonders of Marrakech. After breakfast, set out to uncover the hidden gems and cultural treasures that this captivating city holds. Begin your day by visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech and an iconic symbol of the city. Marvel at its impressive minaret and take in the harmonious blend of Islamic and Andalusian architectural styles. Next, make your way to the Saadian Tombs, where you can step back in time and discover the opulent resting place of the Saadian sultans. These beautifully decorated tombs date back to the 16th century and were only rediscovered in 1917. Continue your journey through history as you visit the intricately designed Ben Youssef Madrasa. Once a prestigious Islamic school, this architectural masterpiece showcases intricate tilework, carved wooden ceilings, and serene courtyards. Take a moment to reflect and appreciate the tranquil ambiance that permeates this ancient educational institution. As you wander through the bustling souks of Marrakech, you’ll find yourself tempted by the array of vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and exquisite handmade crafts. Take the opportunity to haggle with the local vendors and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. For a cultural immersion, visit the Maison de la Photographie, a hidden gem that houses a remarkable collection of vintage Moroccan photographs. Gain insights into the rich history and diverse culture of Morocco through the lens of talented local photographers. To truly experience Moroccan cuisine, indulge in a traditional Moroccan cooking class. Learn how to prepare authentic dishes using local ingredients and spices, guided by experienced chefs. This hands-on experience will not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide you with a deeper appreciation for the culinary traditions of Morocco. In the evening, embark on a magical journey to the enchanting Jardin Majorelle. This exquisite garden, once owned by French painter Jacques Majorelle, offers a tranquil retreat filled with exotic plants, vibrant blue buildings, and a small museum showcasing Berber culture. Take a leisurely stroll through the oasis-like surroundings and embrace the serenity of this picturesque haven. For a memorable dining experience, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant where you can savor Moroccan delicacies while overlooking the bustling city below. Feast on hearty tagines, aromatic couscous, and sweet pastries, accompanied by traditional Moroccan music and mesmerizing city views. After a day of exploration and cultural immersion, return to your accommodation and reflect on the rich experiences and memories you have created in the vibrant city of Marrakech. Tomorrow, we will journey towards Ait Ben Haddou, where ancient kasbahs and stunning landscapes await.

Day 3: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou

Today marks the beginning of our journey from Marrakech to the captivating village of Ait Ben Haddou. After breakfast, we leave the vibrant city behind and head towards the High Atlas Mountains, where breathtaking landscapes and ancient kasbahs await. Our first stop is the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in North Africa. As we wind our way up the steep and winding roads, we are rewarded with panoramic views of the stunning Atlas Mountains. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the awe-inspiring scenery. Continuing our drive, we make a stop at one of Morocco’s hidden gems, the Telouet Kasbah. Nestled in the mountainous region, this ancient fortress was once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. Explore the intricate rooms, ornate decorations, and hidden passageways that offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past. As we descend further into the Ounila Valley, we arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. This remarkable village is famous for its well-preserved kasbahs, mud-brick buildings, and its appearance in several films and TV shows, including “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones.” Take your time to explore the labyrinth-like streets of Ait Ben Haddou, as you wander through the narrow alleys and marvel at the intricate details of the kasbahs. Feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you imagine the bustling trade and vibrant life that once filled these ancient walls. For a panoramic view of the village and the surrounding landscape, climb to the top of the hill where the old granary is located. From here, you can appreciate the beauty of the village and the stunning views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. As the day draws to a close, find a cozy spot to savor a traditional Moroccan dinner. Indulge in the flavors of aromatic tagines, freshly baked bread, and sweet mint tea, immersing yourself in the rich culinary traditions of the region. After a day of exploration and cultural immersion in Ait Ben Haddou, we rest in local accommodations, where you can unwind, reflect on the day’s adventures, and prepare for the next leg of our Moroccan road trip. Tomorrow, we continue our journey towards Todra Gorges, where awe-inspiring natural beauty and adventure await.

Day 4: Ait Ben Haddou to Todra Gorges

After a restful night in Ait Ben Haddou, we continue our Moroccan road trip towards the stunning Todra Gorges. Today’s journey promises breathtaking views and thrilling adventures as we explore the natural wonders of the region. Leaving Ait Ben Haddou behind, we drive through the fascinating Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and picturesque landscapes. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the contrasting colors and shapes carved by nature over millions of years. As we approach Tinghir, we arrive at our next highlight, the Todra Gorges. These towering limestone cliffs carved by the Todra River create a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a leisurely walk along the riverbed, surrounded by towering walls that seem to touch the sky. The canyon walls provide a haven for rock climbers, and for those seeking an adrenaline rush, you can try your hand at this thrilling sport. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a beginner, the natural beauty and challenge of the cliff faces in Todra Gorges will leave you with an unforgettable experience. After working up an appetite, enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor the flavors of the region. Delight in the richness of Berber dishes, such as couscous with vegetables, tajines, and savory pastries, showcasing the unique gastronomy of the area. For those interested in the local culture and history, visit the nearby Todra Palmeraie, an oasis made up of lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages. Explore the verdant trails and discover the traditional way of life of the locals, who rely on the oasis for their livelihood. As the day unfolds, find a serene spot to witness the spectacular sunset over the Todra Gorges. The golden hues cast upon the cliffs create a magical ambiance, providing a perfect moment for reflection and appreciation of the natural beauty that surrounds you. For a truly immersive experience, spend the night in a traditional kasbah or a cozy guesthouse, allowing you to be fully immersed in the peacefulness of the surroundings. As we conclude our day at Todra Gorges, take a moment to relax and reflect on the stunning landscapes and thrilling adventures that have enriched our Moroccan road trip so far. Tomorrow, we continue our journey towards the enchanting village of Merzouga, where the majestic Sahara Desert awaits.

Day 5: Todra Gorges to Merzouga

As the sun rises over the majestic Todra Gorges, we bid farewell to this stunning natural wonder and continue our road trip to the captivating village of Merzouga. Today’s journey is filled with ever-changing landscapes and culminates with an extraordinary experience in the Sahara Desert. Leaving Todra Gorges behind, we drive through the vast desert plains of the Sahara, immersing ourselves in the stillness and tranquility of this unique environment. As we approach Merzouga, the golden sand dunes known as Erg Chebbi come into view, signaling our arrival at the gateway to the Sahara. Upon reaching Merzouga, we transfer to camels, the traditional mode of transport in the desert. Embark on a magical camel ride as the gentle creatures lead us on a journey over the dunes, through the shifting sands of the Sahara. Along the way, marvel at the breathtaking desert landscapes and the play of light and shadow on the golden dunes. Arriving at our desert camp, we are welcomed with warm hospitality by the local Berber people. Settle into your comfortable tents and take a moment to soak in the serene atmosphere. As the sun begins to set, prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a mesmerizing Saharan sunset. Climb to the top of the dunes and witness the sky ablaze with hues of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dips below the horizon. This breathtaking spectacle is nature’s masterpiece, a truly unforgettable sight that will leave you in awe. As darkness falls, a traditional campfire is lit, casting a warm glow on the surroundings. Gather around the fire and indulge in a delicious dinner of traditional Moroccan cuisine, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Berber music. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the desert as the local nomads share their stories and songs. As the desert sky dazzles with countless stars, take a moment to marvel at the vastness of the universe above. In the absence of city lights, the Sahara’s pristine night sky reveals a myriad of twinkling stars, creating a magical ambiance. Retire to your cozy desert tent, lulled to sleep by the gentle breeze and the peacefulness of the desert. Let the silence of the Sahara envelop you as you drift off into a dreamy slumber, cherishing the memories of this remarkable day in the desert. As we conclude our day in Merzouga, allow the enchantment of the Sahara to linger in your mind and heart. Tomorrow, we continue our journey to the captivating city of Fes, where centuries of history and culture await our exploration.

Day 6: Camel Ride in the Sahara Desert

Awake to the serene beauty of the Sahara Desert as the sun begins to cast its gentle rays across the golden dunes. Today, we embark on a remarkable adventure – a camel ride through the vast expanse of the desert. After a delicious breakfast at our desert camp, we once again mount our trusted camels and set off into the sea of sand. This traditional mode of transport allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the spirit of the desert, as we journey deeper into the heart of the Sahara. As our camels traverse the undulating dunes, the silence of the desert envelops us, creating a peaceful and meditative atmosphere. The rhythmic swaying of the camels and the soft sand beneath our feet heighten our connection to the vastness and beauty of the desert. Pause along the way to admire the breathtaking panoramic views that unfold before us. The ever-changing patterns of the sand dunes, sculpted by the wind, create a mesmerizing tableau that seems to stretch infinitely in every direction. Our knowledgeable guide, a member of the local Berber community, shares fascinating insights into the desert’s flora and fauna, as well as the rich cultural heritage of the region. Learn about the traditional nomadic way of life and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and beauty that desert dwellers have faced for centuries. In the midst of our camel ride, we make a stop to rest and witness the majestic silence of the desert. Take the opportunity to soak in the tranquility, capturing the moment with photographs or simply allowing the experience to etch itself into your memory. If you are feeling adventurous, try sandboarding down the steep dunes, gliding across the sand in an exhilarating rush of adrenaline. Feel the thrill of this unique activity, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sahara. As we make our way back to our desert camp, immerse yourself once more in the quietude of the desert. Let the peacefulness and vastness of the Sahara leave a lasting impression on your soul, as you reflect on the timeless beauty and extraordinary landscape that surrounds you. As the sun begins to set over the dunes, casting a warm glow over the sand, we return to our camp to enjoy a traditional dinner under the starry desert sky. Sit around the campfire, sharing stories and laughter with fellow travelers, and perhaps even join in a traditional Berber dance. Fall asleep in your comfortable desert tent, lulled by the stillness and tranquility of the Sahara. Let the dreams inspired by the desert’s enchantment transport you to another world, as you anticipate the adventures that await us on the next leg of our Moroccan road trip. Tomorrow, we bid farewell to the Sahara and continue our journey to the captivating city of Fes, where a tapestry of history, culture, and exploration awaits us.

Day 7: Merzouga to Fes

After an unforgettable experience in the Sahara Desert, we continue our Moroccan road trip towards the enchanting city of Fes. Today’s journey takes us through diverse landscapes, from the desert plains to the verdant valleys, as we make our way to this vibrant cultural hub. Leaving Merzouga behind, we embark on a scenic drive through the Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves and picturesque landscapes. As we wind through the valley, keep an eye out for the traditional adobe villages that dot the landscape, providing a glimpse into the rural Berber way of life. Our drive continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through cedar forests where Barbary macaques roam freely. If we’re lucky, we may catch a glimpse of these playful creatures as they go about their daily activities. As we approach Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, the anticipation builds. Fes is a city steeped in history and brimming with architectural wonders, and we’re about to embark on a journey to discover them. Upon arriving in Fes, we settle into our accommodations and take a moment to freshen up before venturing into the heart of the city. The UNESCO-listed medina of Fes is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, bustling souks, and historical landmarks that date back centuries. Our first stop is the splendid Bou Inania Madrasa, an architectural masterpiece that features intricate tilework, carved cedarwood, and a tranquil courtyard. Take the time to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship and the peaceful ambiance that pervades this renowned educational institution. Next, we navigate through the bustling streets to reach the famous tanneries of Fes. Here, we witness traditional methods of leather production that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Take in the vivid colors and pungent aromas as you observe the skilled workers dyeing and treating the leather. As we stroll through the medina, be sure to visit the lively souks, where local artisans display their craftsmanship. From vibrant textiles to intricately designed pottery and traditional Moroccan lamps, the souks offer a treasure trove of unique and beautifully handcrafted items to take home as souvenirs. For a panoramic view of the city, venture to the Merenid Tombs, located on a hill overlooking Fes. From this vantage point, you can admire the captivating skyline and gain a new perspective on the city’s intricate layout. As the day comes to a close, savor a sumptuous dinner featuring traditional Fassi cuisine. Indulge in aromatic tagines, flavorful couscous, and delicate pastries, as you experience the rich culinary heritage of Fes. Reflect on the fascinating history and vibrant culture you’ve encountered throughout the day, as you anticipate the adventures that await us in the days ahead. Tomorrow, we continue our exploration of Fes to uncover more hidden gems and immerse ourselves in the charm of this remarkable city.

Day 8: Exploring Fes

Today is dedicated to further exploring the captivating city of Fes, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural wonders. From the bustling souks to the ancient medina, there’s much to discover and immerse ourselves in. After a hearty breakfast, we set off to explore the UNESCO-listed medina of Fes, one of the world’s largest pedestrian-only urban areas. As we navigate the maze-like streets, accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, we delve into the fascinating history and vibrant culture of this remarkable city. Our first stop is the famous Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, considered the oldest continuously operating educational institution in the world. Admire the stunning architecture of the mosque and take a moment to appreciate its historical significance. Next, we visit the nearby Al-Attarine Madrasa, a masterpiece of Moroccan architectural artistry. Marvel at the meticulously carved stucco, colorful zellige tilework, and tranquil courtyard, as you immerse yourself in the tranquility of this educational sanctuary. As we wander through the bustling souks of Fes, our senses come alive. The aroma of exotic spices, the vibrant colors of traditional ceramics and textiles, and the lively sounds of bartering and conversation create a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and scents. Take the opportunity to visit the renowned tanneries of Fes once again, this time from a different perspective. Ascend to one of the nearby terrace cafes and observe the bustling activity below. Witness the tanners diligently working in the stone vats, creating vibrant colors and patterns on the hides. For a panoramic view of the medina and the surrounding city, make your way to Borj Nord, a fortress perched on a hill. From here, you can appreciate the grandeur of Fes, with its myriad minarets, ancient walls, and bustling streets stretching out before you. Indulge in a delicious lunch of traditional Moroccan cuisine at a local restaurant. Savor the flavors of aromatic tagines, savory pastries, and refreshing mint tea, taking a moment to truly appreciate the culinary artistry of Fes. In the afternoon, explore the Mellah, the historic Jewish Quarter of Fes. Visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue, a beautifully preserved place of worship that provides insight into the city’s rich Jewish heritage. As the day draws to a close, find a tranquil spot to reflect on the experiences and treasures you’ve discovered in Fes. Allow yourself to be captivated by the city’s charm, its captivating blend of old and new, and its deep-rooted cultural traditions. Rest and recharge in your accommodations, as we prepare to continue our Moroccan adventure and journey towards the enchanting “Blue City” of Chefchaouen tomorrow. The beauty and magic of Fes will forever hold a special place in your heart.

Day 9: Fes to Chefchaouen

Leaving the vibrant city of Fes behind, we embark on a scenic journey towards the charming “Blue City” of Chefchaouen. Today’s drive takes us through rolling hills and lush landscapes, as we make our way to this picturesque gem nestled in the Rif Mountains. As we approach Chefchaouen, the distinctive blue-washed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets come into view, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. Known for its serene ambiance and striking blue hues, this unique city is a haven for photographers, artists, and travelers seeking tranquility. Upon arrival, we check into our accommodations and take a moment to soak in the undeniable charm of the city. The blue-washed buildings, adorned with colorful flower pots and intricate doorways, create a dreamlike setting that is both captivating and serene. Begin your exploration of Chefchaouen by wandering through its winding streets, lined with artisan shops selling traditional handicrafts, textiles, and locally made products. Immerse yourself in the lively souks and indulge in the city’s famous goat cheese, honey, and aromatic spices. For a panoramic view of Chefchaouen, hike up to the Spanish Mosque, located on a nearby hill. From here, you can capture breathtaking vistas of the city nestled amidst the mountains, as well as the contrasting red-tiled rooftops against the blue backdrop. As you stroll through the medina, make your way to the main square, Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Sit at a café and enjoy a refreshing mint tea, while observing the daily rhythms of local life. The square is a vibrant hub, bustling with activity and surrounded by restaurants, shops, and historic landmarks. To truly immerse yourself in Chefchaouen’s serene atmosphere, venture to the tranquil Ras Elma River. This refreshing oasis offers a soothing escape from the bustling medina and provides an opportunity to relax in a natural setting surrounded by lush greenery. Indulge in the flavors of Chefchaouen by enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant. Sample regional specialties such as hearty tagines, freshly baked bread, and delicate pastries, all while taking in the magical ambiance of the city. As the day comes to a close, find a cozy spot to reflect on the beauty and tranquility that envelops Chefchaouen. The blue-washed streets, the crisp mountain air, and the genuine hospitality of the locals combine to create an unforgettable experience. Rest well, for tomorrow we journey to the vibrant city of Tangier, our final destination on this Moroccan road trip. The memories of Chefchaouen’s charm and serenity will stay with you long after you leave.

Day 10: Chefchaouen to Tangier

On our final day of the Moroccan road trip, we bid farewell to the captivating “Blue City” of Chefchaouen and make our way to the vibrant city of Tangier. Today’s journey takes us through picturesque landscapes, as we uncover the treasures awaiting us in this cosmopolitan coastal city. Leaving Chefchaouen behind, we drive through the rolling hills of the Rif Mountains, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. As we descend towards the coast, the picturesque shores of the Mediterranean Sea come into view, signifying our arrival in Tangier. Known as the gateway to Africa, Tangier has long been a meeting point of various cultures and influences. As we explore the city, we begin to unravel its rich history, vibrant art scene, and bustling markets. Our first stop is the Kasbah of Tangier, a historic fortress perched on the highest point of the city. Wander through its narrow streets and pass by ornate doorways, capturing glimpses of the stunning views of the Mediterranean and the bustling city below. Continue your exploration by meandering through the winding alleys of the medina, where vibrant souks offer a variety of goods, including traditional handicrafts, vibrant textiles, and Moroccan spices. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you haggle with the friendly vendors and find unique treasures to take home as souvenirs. A visit to the famous Gran Socco, the main square of Tangier, is a must. Take a seat at a local café, savoring a cup of mint tea while observing the fascinating blend of people passing through. The square is a vibrant hub where locals and visitors alike converge, providing an authentic taste of Moroccan city life. For a glimpse into the artistic side of Tangier, visit the American Legation Museum. Housed in the former American diplomatic mission, this museum boasts a collection of artwork and artifacts that celebrate the cultural exchange between Morocco and the United States. Stroll along the picturesque Tangier Corniche, a lively promenade that stretches along the coastline. Breathe in the refreshing sea breeze and take in the panoramic views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Tangier’s diverse cuisine. From fresh seafood dishes to aromatic tagines and exquisite Moroccan pastries, there’s something to satisfy every palate. As our day in Tangier comes to an end, find a tranquil spot to reflect on the adventures and experiences of our Moroccan road trip. The vibrant energy, cultural diversity, and historical significance of Tangier will forever hold a special place in your memories. Relish the final moments of your journey before bidding farewell to Morocco, taking with you the cherished memories and the spirit of this enchanting country.

As our Moroccan road trip comes to an end, we reflect on the incredible experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural treasures that we have encountered along the way. From the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the majestic Sahara Desert, and from the captivating medinas to the serene blue hues of Chefchaouen, Morocco has truly captivated our hearts. Throughout our journey, we have immersed ourselves in the rich history, traditions, and warm hospitality of the Moroccan people. We have wandered through ancient streets, explored bustling souks, tasted flavorful cuisine, and marveled at architectural wonders that have stood the test of time. The varied landscapes of Morocco have also left a lasting impression. We have traversed towering mountains, crossed expansive plains, journeyed through lush valleys, and ridden camels amidst the endless dunes of the Sahara. Each turn of the road has revealed new vistas, painting a vivid picture of Morocco’s natural beauty. Beyond the picturesque landscapes and historical sites, it is the people of Morocco who have truly made this journey special. From the gracious hosts in the riads and desert camps to the friendly shopkeepers in the souks, we have been embraced with warmth and genuine hospitality. The stories, traditions, and cultural exchanges shared with the locals have added depth and meaning to our experiences. This road trip has provided us with a unique opportunity to delve into the heart and soul of Morocco. We have witnessed the blending of Arab, Berber, and European influences, creating a country that is not only geographically diverse but also culturally rich. As we say farewell to Morocco, we carry with us the memories of bustling medinas, fragrant spice markets, captivating desert sunsets, and the laughter and camaraderie shared with fellow travelers along the way. Our journey through Morocco has been a tapestry of colors, scents, and flavors, woven together to create an unforgettable experience. It has opened our eyes to the beauty of a country steeped in history, brimming with culture, and bursting with the warmth and hospitality of its people. Until we return to Morocco’s vibrant and enchanting embrace, we bid adieu to this captivating land, grateful for the memories and experiences that will forever remain in our hearts.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

How to plan a trip to the Merzouga desert: 9 fun things to do in Erg Chebbi in Morocco

This article covers everything you need to know if you plan to visit Merzouga and the Sahara desert in Morocco. You’ll find information on how to get to the Merzouga desert village and where to stay, to free activities and things to do on a budget, including a desert trip and staying in a luxury camp in Erg Chebbi in Morocco.

Who has never dreamed of sleeping in the Sahara cozily nestled between sand dunes while looking at the stars?

The desert has always inspired me and when I was young, I often imagined myself riding camels between the sand dunes of some far away country. I dreamed of sleeping under the stars in the desert while drinking tea next to a campfire.

Merzouga in the southern region of Morocco was the perfect place for me to live all of these fantasies. It’s a small town in the Sahara desert in Morocco, not too far from the Algerian border. It’s known as the door to Erg Chebbi , a huge stretch of sand dunes south of town.

Merzouga is such an iconic place to visit in Morocco that it’s considered one of the best destinations in the country !

I was there five years ago and couldn’t resist visiting this charming little village once more this year. I pitched my tent in the desert, got lost between the dunes, drank plenty of tea and saw more camels than I could imagine.

The best part is that it was super easy to get there and I did all of these activities without spending a fortune. If you want to experience the beauties of the Sahara desert without breaking your piggy bank, this is the place to visit.

Morocco T r a v e l G u i d e : 19 useful things to know before traveling to Morocco

I wrote this guide to help you plan your trip to Merzouga desert village, covering everything you need to know so you can get the most out of your visit to the Sahara desert. 

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Morocco Travel essentials and resources

• Morocco Travel Guide: 19 things you should know before you go
• Where to go: The 17 most beautiful places to visit in Morocco
• Plan your trip: 3 itineraries to discover the best of Morocco
• Is Morocco safe: 18 useful tips to stay safe while traveling in Morocco
• Tours and experiences: Book a customized tour
• Where to stay : Find a room in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or desert camp
• Travel Insurance: Find the best travel insurance for Morocco
• Getting around : Rent a car in Morocco or travel by bus or train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Things to do in Erg Chebbi, the Merzouga desert in Morocco

Merzouga is a calm and quiet town in the Sahara, yet it offers a surprisingly big amount of cool fun activities.

The best time of the year to visit Merzouga is in spring between the months of March and May, or in fall between the months of September and November.

During these periods, the weather isn’t too hot and you’ll be able to enjoy your time in the desert much more. The temperature in summer reaches highs of 40°C (104°F ) and it rarely drops below 26.7°C (80°F) at night.

Regardless of the time of the year you visit Merzouga, always cover your head to avoid getting sunstroke. Sun protection is vital.

It could be a good idea to cover yourself with a wide-brimmed hat or a bandana. To avoid losing a lot of water through sweat, a good clothing option to spend time in the desert are light-colored long-sleeve shirts and pants.

Make sure to always drink plenty of water while you visit the desert. The general rule is to drink at least a gallon a day—and you should double that amount if you are going on long walks.

No matter what time of the year you visit this village (although I wouldn’t recommend summertime, it’s just way too hot then), you’ll always find plenty of cool things to do.

Here is a small list of super fun activities you can do in Merzouga, whether you are a budget traveler like us or whether you prefer to travel a bit more luxuriously. Since Merzouga is the perfect place to do many free activities, I really encourage you to try these first.

The 17 most beautiful places to visit in Morocco

Free Things to do in Erg Chebbi and Merzouga

1. spend the night camping in the merzouga desert.

This is, in my opinion, one of the best free activities to do in Merzouga. For a lot of people, camping means hiking to the heart of a lush forest, perhaps near a pristine alpine lake or on the shores of a fast-flowing river.

Many imagine the desert as a vast and arid place where they would never pitch their tent. It’s true that the desert can be quite inhospitable, however, that’s not the whole picture.

I witnessed some of the most beautiful sunsets in my life right from the side of my tent in the desert of Merzouga. Seeing the sun gradually disappear between the dunes while it paints the arid landscape with warm shades of colors was quite a spectacle.

Dawn in the desert is also a beautiful sight, as the sun’s first rays begin to diminish the night chill and you feel the air warming up.

Camping in this Moroccan desert is a really fun experience but it does require a bit of planning. Make sure you have a good tent , a thick floor mattress ( the desert sand becomes cold as ice at night) and a warm sleeping bag .

The temperature in the desert cools down very quickly at night so if you want to sleep well it’s important to have warm layers under and over your body.

2. Walk to the highest dune of Erg Chebbi

The desert near Merzouga is known as Erg Chebbi. It’s a large area filled with sand dunes south of Merzouga.

Out of all the sand dunes that can be seen from the village, one particularly stands out. It’s much higher than all the rest of the desert and looks like a huge mountain of sand.

Reaching the top of this dune from the center of town takes about one hour . Be aware that climbing in the sand is not so easy, so bring a lot of water with you and avoid going there around noon.

The best moment to go there is right before sunset . Watching the sun slowly disappearing over the horizon from the top of this dune is a spectacular sight and makes the long and strenuous climb really worth it.

I recommend you bring a blanket with you if you go at that time as the temperature will drop very quickly the moment the sun disappears.

3. Watch the stars in the Sahara desert

There is no better place to admire the stars than in the desert itself.

Since Merzouga is a small town, the sand dunes around it receive almost no light pollution, making this a prime stargazing location .

I was amazed by how clear the milky way appeared above us and how bright and big the stars seemed to be. It was a really soothing experience to see millions of lights above us in all directions and the best part is that it was completely free .

If you would like to admire the stars through the lens and optics of a powerful telescope in Merzouga, there is a company that can help you do just that!!

This company is called Morocco Desert Stargazing and they organize awesome trips to the desert where you can watch the stars from their telescopes.

4. Watch camels and flamingos at the salt lake in Merzouga

As we were hitchhiking towards Merzouga, a few Moroccan drivers told us we would be able to see flamingos next to this southern village. Flamingos in the desert!? I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

I thought it would be impossible to find a lake (and birds) in such an arid location. But we found the lake and it was surrounded by herds of camels that were there to refresh themselves in the cool water.

The lake is called Dayet Srji and it’s located West of Merzouga. It can easily be reached by walking and it takes about 45 minutes to get there on foot from the village .

The lake is often dry in summer but when full (usually during winter), it attracts all kinds of migratory and desert birds including flamingos (unfortunately, we didn’t see them while we were there).

Dayet Srji is also a great place to watch the sunset and many Moroccan families will spend the winter evenings on the shores of this lake having a picnic with their loved ones.

Is Morocco Safe? Useful Things to Know before you go

Things to do in Merzouga on a budget

Aside from the free things you can do independently, Merzouga offers a plethora of cheap activities that almost every budget traveler will love.

From sandboarding between the dunes to going for a ride in a 4×4 in the desert, we guarantee you won’t run out of cool things to do in this desert village.

Morocco Budget Guide: How much does it cost to travel in Morocco?

5. Go on a sunset camel ride in the Sahara desert

There are various companies in Merzouga offering camel rides throughout the whole day and they are generally not too expensive.

For travelers who are fascinated with the ancient African camel caravans, this is the perfect opportunity to feel like a nomad for a couple of hours.

Although these treks are possible during the whole day, the best time is at sunset. Short camel rides to the desert that do not include overnight camping in a luxury camp are relatively cheap.

They start at around 17 USD per person for two hours with a private guide .

Most of these local companies advertise online so you can compare prices and reviews:

These short camel rides can also be super romantic so it’s a great activity to do if you are traveling with your significant other.

6. Go Sandboarding in the desert

If you want to discover the desert in a more “alternative” way and get covered in sand in the process, you should try sandboarding. Although this activity looks at first glance as something that could be dangerous, it’s actually super safe.

The sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga are really soft so you shouldn’t fear falling down. This is also a great activity to do with kids but make sure to cover your eyes with goggles to avoid getting sand in them.

Imagine the thrill of sliding down a dune at full speed while standing on a board. This is what we did in Merzouga with other travelers that were staying in our hostel and we had such an awesome day.

There are some tents near the entrance of the desert where you can rent boards for the price of 100 MAD for the whole day . There is also a shop directly on the main street in town next to the mosque where you can rent sandboards for 50 MAD per day .

Tip: Ask other travelers at your hostel if they want to join as this is an awesome activity to do with friends.

Another recommendation is to go “sand balling” in the desert:

7. Enjoy a thrilling 4×4 ride in Erg Chebbi

Although this activity is not as traditional as riding a camel through the dunes, nothing beats the feeling of zooming up and down through the desert in an off-road vehicle.

The guides operating in Merzouga are all quite young but don’t let their youthful appearance fool you. These guys are all very experienced guides and they know the desert like the back of their hands.

It’s possible to go on a short 2-hour trip in a 4×4 or go on a full-day trip with a private guide to some nearby Berber villages and then to the dunes.

This day trip is a great choice because it gives you the chance to discover traditional Berber music and dance, and have the opportunity to try their instruments and learn to play some desert music of your own!

You’ll also get to visit a Berber family in their tent for lunch. You’ll learn how they live in their tents with their goats, sheep and working donkeys, as well as how to prepare a Berber pizza on the fire.

Check out the prices for this day trip here .

8. Listen to traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia

The Gnawa are an ethnic group inhabiting Morocco and they have some of the most beautiful traditional music you will hear while visiting the country.

The ancestors of the Gnawa people were brought from Central and West Africa as slaves through the Sahara desert in caravans that eventually arrived in the southeastern part of Morocco.

One village where you can discover this culture is Khamlia. It’s located just 7 km south of Merzouga. The town itself is quite small with a population of 390 people of Gnawa and Berber origins. Khamlia is located right next to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

It’s possible to reach the village by shared taxi or to drive there if you have your own car. There are two Gnawa musical groups that receive tourists and play music for them in Khamlia.

One of the two groups is called Bambara and the other group is called Pigeon des Sables. You can go anytime you want and you don’t need to reserve in advance. They have signs on the side of the road advertising their business and they will play for you even if you are alone.

Although they don’t ask for money, it’s a nice gesture to give them some if you enjoyed the music and you can also buy a CD to support them and help them continue sharing their culture with the world.

9. Go on a Luxury Desert Camp trip in Merzouga

You might prefer joining a luxury desert tour during which you’ll go by camel to a beautiful camp where you’ll spend the night. There are a lot of companies offering such tours, like To Morocco Travel and Sahara Holiday Tours .

Below are some of the best-rated Merzouga luxury desert camp tours:

2. Sahara Desert Tours to Merzouga

A lot of tour companies offer tour packages from Marrakech or other destinations in Morocco to the Merzouga desert. This could be a good option if you’re limited in time and prefer that all logistics and activities are taken care off for you.

I recommend the tour company To Morocco Travel as they’re specialized in group and private tours to the Sahara desert from Marrakech (or any destination of your preference).

Morocco Photography Tips – How to take portraits of the Moroccan people

3. What to wear and bring on a trip to the Sahara desert in Merzouga

If you’re planning on spending some time in the Sahara desert and you are wondering what to wear and bring, remember this: when in Morocco do as the Moroccans do.

As the temperature varies a lot between day and night in the desert, it’s important to wear clothes that serve many purposes and that are above all very functional.

Here’s an overview of clothing and items to bring on a trip to the desert in Morocco.

A scarf will be your best piece of clothing in the Moroccan desert for various reasons.

First of all, you’ll be using it to cover and protect your face from the sun and the sand. If your scarf is long enough, it will also cover your shoulders.

If you don’t want to risk a sunstroke, remember to cover your head well. Another advantage of the scarf is that it can serve as a blanket if you want to lay down on the sand.

If you go on a tour with a Berber guide, you could also ask him to fold it and tie it on your head in the traditional way.

We recommend this Shemagh Scarf made of cotton.

• Large light flowy pants

With the type of weather you will encounter in the desert, it’s much better to wear large flowy pants. These pants will dry quickly if you sweat and are not as heavy as jeans or as other types of pants.

The best pants are those that are made of cotton or linen, these materials are top choices for a breathable fabric to wear in hot weather conditions.

If you want to protect your eyes from the intense light that will be present throughout the day, it’s important to bring a good pair of sunglasses with UV protection .

These will also protect your eyes from the small dust particles the wind carries.

• Merino wool socks

Bringing Merino wool socks to the desert may sound a bit counter-intuitive but believe me, it gets super cold at night! I completely forgot to bring warm socks the first time I camped between the dunes in Merzouga and my feet were so cold I couldn’t sleep at all.

I recommend you bring more than one pair of these Merino wool socks to the desert, you’ll have warm feet and a good night of sleep.

• Warm sweater

As soon as the sun sets over the horizon, the Moroccan desert will become very cold so if you’re planning to spend the night in the desert make sure to bring a warm sweater or two.

I recommend this warm sweater lined with sherpa fur if you want to be prepared for the cold nights in the Sahara.

What to wear in Morocco – The Complete Packing List

• Dustproof camera

Something I definitely have to warn you about: the sand literally gets everywhere! So watch out with the electronics you bring to the desert, including your phone and camera.

Luckily, Cynthia has the Lumix G90 , a camera with a weather-sealed and dustproof body, ideal for any outdoor situation!

However, she strongly suggests not to change lenses while you’re out in the desert. Use a lens that is versatile enough to capture the beautiful scenery (she used the   Panasonic Lumix G Vario Lens, 14-140MM, F3.5-5.6 for the photos in this post).

She also highly recommends that you clean your camera thoroughly once you’re back in the dust- and sand-free room of your hostel or hotel. 

What’s in my camera bag? Photography essentials for travel photographers

4. Where to stay in Merzouga

Merzouga is a village that offers a wide range of guesthouses, beautiful Kasbah hotels that are decorated with Berber artifacts, and luxurious desert camps. Depending on your needs you will find a place to stay that will match your budget.

Best budget-friendly hotels in Merzouga

Here are some of the best budget hotels and guesthouses in Merzouga.

• Family Moroccan House

This beautiful guesthouse features a terrace, a beautiful garden and a fully equipped kitchen. It’s the ideal place if you want to relax in the garden with a bit of shade.

Guest rooms at the guesthouse are equipped with a comfortable seating area where you can enjoy a quiet evening after long walks in the desert.

A continental breakfast is served every morning at the property.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Family Moroccan House”

• Sahara Desert Experience

This beautiful country house offers rooms with a terrace, a bar, a kitchen and a garden. There’s also free private parking free of charge in case you’re traveling by car.

Continental breakfast is served every morning.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Sahara Desert Experience”

Best hotels in Merzouga

These hotels are all a bit more luxurious. They are ideal places to stay if you are traveling with your significant other or if you are in Merzouga on your honeymoon. Some of them will provide a pool.

• Auberge Camping La Liberté

Auberge Camping La Liberté has a very good restaurant and a delicious breakfast served every morning. This hotel is located very close to the sand dunes and organizes camel and 4×4 tours in the desert.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Auberge Camping La Liberté”

• Riad Chebbi

This Riad is probably the most luxurious place in this lineup. It is set in the Moroccan desert a bit outside of town. Riad Chebbi has a beautiful interior courtyard where you will find palm trees and a pool.

The guest rooms are decorated with traditional Berber carpets and designs. They all offer either a beautiful view of the sand dunes or of the terrace. Each room has a private bathroom that comes with a shower and a toilet.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Riad Chebbi”

• Dar Hassan Merzouga

This air-conditioned riad is located in the town of Merzouga, at a walking distance from Erg Chebbi. It has a sun terrace, an indoor pool filled with fresh water, and free Wi-Fi access

All of the air-conditioned guest rooms have a traditional Moroccan style.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Dar Hassan Merzouga”

Best desert camps in Merzouga

Spending the night in a luxury camp among the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Imagine yourself relaxing and gazing at the ever-changing colors of the desert as the sun is setting behind the dunes while hearing traditional Gnawa music. Sleeping in these camps is perfect for honeymooners, solo travelers and small groups of friends seeking uncompromising privacy and the calmness of the desert.

In this section, I will cover a few of the best desert camps in Merzouga, from the most inexpensive ones to the high-end luxurious options .

Before you go on a camel trek to the Sahara, you have to remember one thing: there is a huge difference between the budget desert camps and the luxury ones so make sure you know exactly what will be provided in your camp.

First, be aware of the sleeping arrangements . Will you sleep in a bed with covers or would it be preferable to bring your sleeping bag? It’s also good to double-check if the tent will be heated and if dinner will be provided at the camp.

Almost every hotel or hostel in Merzouga offers and organizes their own camel tours in the desert and overnight stays at their own private desert camps.

It’s best to first talk with your hotel owner to see what kind of tour they can organize for you. If, however, you would like to book your desert tour ahead of time, here are great desert camps to consider.

• Zahra Luxury Desert Camp

Zahra Luxury Desert Camp is an equipped glamping desert camp on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. this camp has 8 spacious clean suite tents with private facilities.

The owners are a local family and they care about the comfort and relaxation of their customers during their stay.

They also offer extra services like camel treks, transfers, a multiple-day stay in the desert, and customized stays for special occasions and celebrations,… They want to offer their customers the best possible experience.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Zahra Luxury Desert Camp ”

• Desert Berber Fire-Camp

This desert camp is one of the most inexpensive ones in Merzouga. It provides cozy beds with warm sheets and delicious breakfast and dinner if you book these options.

Each tent has a carpeted floor making them warm and cozy. A shared toilet is also available on site.

This desert camp offers trekking by foot, on camel, by quad or 4×4.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Desert Berber Fire-Camp”

• Desert Heart Luxury Camp

This luxury camp will offer you an escape from the crowds of the cities and let you relax in a beautiful pristine environment.

Apart from your guide and your travel companions, the only other people you will encounter during your stay are the native nomads that call this arid but beautiful environment their home.

The tents of this camp are gorgeously decorated with traditional Berber carpets. This camp has a BBQ and a children’s playground so it’s ideal for families.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Desert Heart Luxury Camps”

5. How to get to the Sahara desert near Merzouga

Getting to Merzouga is a lot easier now than it was 5 years ago. The road to get to the village is now completely paved.

Although there aren’t any trains going there yet, it’s possible to reach this desert village either by bus or in your own car. In this section, I’ll explain how to get there from nearby popular cities.

 How to get to Merzouga from Marrakech

Getting to merzouga from marrakesh by bus.

Traveling from Marrakesh to Merzouga by bus is quite a long journey (about 12 hours) so my best advice would be to cut this trip in two. I would suggest staying either in Ouarzazate for a day where you can visit an ancient mud Kasbah called Ait Ben Haddou or in a city called Tinerhir where you can visit stunning rock gorges.

Getting a bus out of Marrakech is really easy. You can find a Supratour or a CTM bus to Ouarzazate or Tinghir at the main Marrakesh bus station. This bus station is located almost adjacent to the train station in Marrakech .

The ticket prices for these 2 bus companies are almost the same and the CTM timetables and ticket prices can be found online . The trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate takes 4 to 5 hours and this will usually include a break somewhere along the way while the trip to Tinerhir will take a bit more than 6 hours .

I suggest spending at least a full day in either one of these two places before continuing your journey south towards Merzouga. The bus stations with buses going in the direction of Merzouga in Tinghir and Ouarzazate are very easy to find. Here’s where the bus station in Ouarazate is located and you can find the bus station in Tinghir here.

The Supratour bus from Ouarzazate to Merzouga costs 200 Moroccan Dirhams while the bus from Tinghir to Merzouga should cost a lot less.

Getting to Merzouga from Marrakesh by car

If you are traveling around Morocco with your own car or if you decide  to rent one , it means you can plan your own route, take breaks wherever and whenever you please and get to know the country in a much more intimate way.

Everything you need to know about renting a car and driving in Morocco

To get from Marrakesh to Merzouga you will have to follow highway N9 and highway N10 . This route will take you to the cities of Ouarzazate and Tinghir, two stops I absolutely recommend.

Visit the best places in Morocco with these 3 Morocco itineraries

How to get to Merzouga from Fez

Getting to merzouga from fez by bus.

There are a few bus stations in Fez where you can catch a bus towards Merzouga but the main one is called the Gare Routiere Boujloud. It is situated just on the side of the main peripheral highway( highway R501).

To get there exit the old city through the blue gate also called Bab Boujloud. From there walk across the square until you arrive at Bab Mahrouk. Cross this old gate and turn right into the downhill road, the bus station will be on the next access road to your left.

There are CTM and Supratour buses going from Fez to Merzouga but this bus journey is quite long. Some good options could be to stop halfway in Errachidia or to take an overnight Supratour bus from Fez to Merzouga and get some sleep on the bus.

There is a Supratour bus that departs from Fez at 8:30 pm and arrives in Merzouga at 7:15 am the next morning. All the prices and timetables can be found on the Supratour website .

Getting to Merzouga from Fez by car

If you have the luxury of traveling by your own car or if you are renting one , the road from Fez to Merzouga will take you along gorgeous olive plantations, beautiful deserts and is definitely a pleasant drive.

The driving distance between Fez and Merzouga is 469 km and it should take around 7 hours to reach the southern town.

Driving from Fez to Merzouga is a great idea if you have the time and if you want the freedom to stop along the road and take great pictures. To reach this desert village simply follow highway N13 towards the South.

6. Other cool places to visit near Merzouga

Merzouga is the ideal place to visit a small part of the Sahara desert. If you still want to explore more interesting parts of Morocco, Merzouga is not far from some other awesome Moroccan destinations.

1. Tinerhir and the Todra gorges

Tinerhir is a city in the region of Drâa-Tafilalet, Northwest of Merzouga. The city is famous for its huge rock gorges that receive avid rock climbers every year.

Tinerhir is also famous for its beautiful palm grove that covers more than 30 km and a handful of abandoned mud Kasbahs.

The Complete Guide to the Todra Gorges and Tinerhir

How to get to Tinerhir from Merzouga

Tinerhir is located 200 km North-West of Merzouga and driving between the two cities should take about 3 hours. It’s also possible to take a  Supratour bus  in the morning from Merzouga to get there.

If you have your own car, simply follow  highway N13 going North from the desert town until it reaches Rissani . From there, follow highway N12 west . Once you reach Alnif, take route 113 North and you will reach Tinerhir shortly after.

2. Dades Gorges

The Dades Gorges are a series of gorges carved out in the mountain by the Dades River. This river comes from High Atlas mountains and flows for about 350 km southwest before joining the Draa River at the edge of the Sahara.

It’s the ideal place for mountain hikes and rock climbing. It’s also located near Tinghir and the Todra gorges.

How to get to the Dades Gorges from Merzouga

To get there from Merzouga, you will have to first pass through Tinghir. Take highway N12 all the way to Tinghir and then continue west on highway N10 . Once you reach Boumalne Dades, take route R704 North .

The Dades Gorges are located 270 km Northwest of Merzouga and getting there will take about 4 hours.

3. Ait Ben Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou is an ancient fortified mud-brick village located between the Sahara and Marrakech. It’s a place known as a Ksar- the North African term for “Berber castle”.

This village is one of Morocco’s World Heritage Sites and was used as a set in the TV series Game of Thrones to portray the slaving city of Yunkai that Daenerys Targaryen laid siege to.

This old fortified village is located just 30 km north of Ouarzazate so it’s ideal to visit both and then continue towards Marrakech if you are coming from Merzouga.

How to get to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou from Merzouga

It’s possible to find a Supratour or a CTM bus that leaves Merzouga early in the morning and goes all the way to Ouarzazate. Ait Ben Haddou is located only 30 km north of this city so from there it’s easy to find a shared taxi.

If you have your own car, you will love the landscape as you drive there. Simply follow the highway N12 direction North-West until this highway becomes highway N9.

Follow it until you reach the city of Ouarzazate. This city is located 368 km North-West of Merzouga and reaching it should take about 5 hours. Once you’re there you can continue north for about 30 km to reach the fortified village.

T he 9 best day trips from Marrakech

One small note I would like to add at the end of this guide is how useful an Arabic phrasebook has been for me to get by around Morocco. I highly recommend getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook .

It is packed with all the essential words and phrases you will need on your trip to Morocco and will help you in every situation — from finding a hotel room to ordering tajine or joining the local festivities this book will cover almost every situation you could imagine.

10 tips and tricks to learn Moroccan Arabic

I hope this guide to Merzouga will help you during your stay in this gorgeous desert village. Have you been to Merzouga already or do you plan to go soon? Let us know in the comments below.

Related Posts

19 Very Useful Things to Know for Backpacking in Morocco in 2024 – The Complete Travel Guide to Morocco

The 17 Best Places to visit in Morocco in pictures

The Honest Guide to Meknes Morocco and Volubilis – 9 best things to do and what to skip

16 Top Things to do in Marrakech Morocco – The Complete Guide to Morocco’s Red City

Is Morocco expensive – Morocco Budget Guide for 2024

11 Best Things to do in Rabat Morocco – The Complete Guide to Morocco’s Capital City

More morocco travel resources:.

• What you need to know before you go: 23 Travel Tips for Morocco
• Is Morocco Safe? Safety Guide to Morocco
• How to avoid the 12 most common scams in Morocco
• See the best of Morocco by following these 3 great travel itineraries
• Visit these beautiful 17 places in Morocco
• Tips for traveling to Morocco during Ramadan
• Morocco City Guides: Fez , Tangier , Essaouira , Chefchaouen , Rabat , Meknes , Marrakech , Casablanca , Agadir
• The best daytrips from Marrakech
• Fun things to do in the Sahara: how to plan a desert trip to Merzouga
• The Complete Guide to Imlil and Hiking Mount Toubkal
• Everything you need to know about visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls
• Rock climbing and other fun things to do in the Todra Gorges and Tinerhir
• How to get to the Akchour Waterfalls from Chefchaouen
• A guide to visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls
• Surfing in Morocco – The best surfing spots in Morocco
• How to visit Paradise Valley in Agadir
• What to wear in Morocco: Complete packing list for Morocco
• Morocco photography tips: How to take portraits of people in Morocco
• Extend your stay in Morocco using one of these 3 ways to renew your Morocco visa
• Useful tips on how to take the ferry from Tangier to Spain
• Books about Morocco: 10 Great Novels set in Morocco

47 thoughts on “How to plan a trip to the Merzouga desert: 9 fun things to do in Erg Chebbi in Morocco”

Wow, excellent blog! Thank you for sharing our lovely country.

Great blog! Thank you. When you rent a car, do you have to take a 4×4 or is a small car good enough to ride through the Atlas and the desert?

Thanks in advance!

Thanks Piet!

A road car should be good to drive through the Atlas. As for driving through the desert, I don’t think everyone can just go with his or her car through the desert so you also don’t necessarily need to rent a 4×4. I hope this helps!

This is great comprehensive guide! Well done writing , better then many guide books. I like to add though that also big difference in the desert camps is to look at location!. Many camps are too close to the village and you may hear rooster cries in the morning. Others are too close to each other and you hear the drumming from other camp. Some are just by the road. Choose wisely your camp and also don’t stay just for the night.

Thank you for these tips Jana!

Just wonderful article keep going , wonderful

Thank you Annita!

Love your blog and gallery, thank you for sharing this amazing article

Thank you Zawa!

Really Nice bog ! Thank you for sharing with us

thank you for your amazing post blog !!!!

Thank you for sharing this amazing experience Appreciate it

Hello, This is blog information is a desert trip Merzouga Morocco is an Awesome place. thank you for share this blog

waw amazing blog! I really like it thank you for sharing

Nice blog Thank you so much

Thank you Youssef!

I love what i see & i see what i love 😀 Nice blog, check my instagram ( @inMerzouga) Welcome to Sahara Desert Morocco

Super!! I’m waiting for the next Blog about the other parts of Morocco 🙂 thank you for showing the beauty of Morocco

I’m super happy you liked this article Hassan. Your country is indeed very beautiful. Where are you from in Morocco?

Hello, This is the desert trip Merzouga Morocco Information is useful and it is the beneficial Morocco tour. thank you for share this blog

I hope it will help travelers plan their trip to Merzouga more easily. I’m glad you found the information helpful.

Wow!!! your blog is amazing, thank you so much for sharing with us.

Thanks, I’m glad you like it 🙂

Wow!!! Your blog is amazing.

Thank you 🙂

Hello, It is the blog information is desert trip Merzouga Morocco travel is Awesome.thank you for share this blog

Thanks for reading,I’m glad the information was helpful.

Yes that’s is true merzouga is small town and very quiet and amazing things its camel ride and to cross sahara to the camp…

Great article Thank you for sharing this beautiful photos with us to show the beauty of Morocco to the world

You’re welcome 🙂

Really lovely desert pictures, Morocco’s countryside is breathtaking, really helpful, thank you so much for the great content

Thank you, really appreciate this! 🙂

Informative Article! Gorgeous photos, amazing experience. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you!! 🙂

Hello! I want to thank you for this wonderful article. I really like it and thank you for sharing it with us!

Hello, thanks for sharing your tips. How cold was the nights you spend in the desert? Which periods of the year were that? We are going to sleep in a luxury camp, do you think that’s it is warmer than cheaper camp?

Hi Laurent, we went to the desert during the winter (December – January). It gets quite cold at night, around 5 degrees, but if you stay at a luxury camp, they should definitely provide you with warm blankets! Enjoy your trip!

Its great information always searching the best options to find an adventures tour…

Thank you so much for all the information that you share about our lovely village, I like your pictures 😉

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the guide and photos!

I really liked reading your article. I found your blog from a friend . Keep writing, you are doing a great job. hop to see you in Morocco

We’re glad you enjoyed it! Morocco is a gorgeous place full of cool destinations!

This is SUCH an amazing experience- seriously so jealous! I hope I can visit this place too!

It was indeed a fun and unique adventure and I really hope you can have the same experience one day Natalia! Hope you make it to Morocco soon!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Daily Packers

Road trip to merzouga from tinghir 1-day.

• January 20, 2023

In November 2022, we made a 16-day Road trip in Morocco going all around and driving over 2 500 km (in a Fiat 500! What an adventure).

Our trip started and ended in Fes, and we made a loop in order to visit this magnificent country. Our itinerary went through the main cities, the Sahara Desert, the seaside and the mountains of Morocco.

We personally rented a car at the airport and did the following: Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, Casablanca, Essaouira, Marrakesh, Imlil, Telouet, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Merzouga, Ifrane. However, you don’t need to follow it by the dot, you can use it to make your own plan.

Today we start in Tinghir where we will explore a palm groove. We will then take the scenic route through the Atlas Mountain and later head out toward the Sahara and Merzouga. At night, we will spend our first night in a luxurious tent in the desert.

Tinghir is also known as Tinerhir. It is a small town and the capital of this region. It has a lush palm groove with ruins of kashbah in it. It is also located next to the famous Todra Gorge.

Merzouga is a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border. It’s known as a gateway to Erg Chebbi, a huge expanse of sand dunes north of town.

In this article, we will tell our story going from Tinghir to Merzouga. So, if you too are planning a trip to Morocco, then let ‘s dive in Road Trip to Merzouga from Tinghir 1-day

Here is our complete video from this trip :

Table of Contents

Mapping the day.

Get our full map

Why pin one by one when you can get them all at once? With this map, you get all our pins, destinations, things to see, where to eat and sleep, and so much more in one time.

Morocco Travel Map

Road trip to merzouga, introduction.

We had breakfast at 7h30. It was yummy. I then went to refuel the car down at Tinghir as there isn’t any station on the road we will be using. (485dh fuel et 5 tip).

There are 2 possible roads to get to Merzouga. One goes through the Atlas Mountain and takes longer but is breath-taking, the other is much faster and through the main roads. We opted for the scenic option.

But there is no fuel on this road, only some people selling it on the side of the road. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee it is only fuel, it can be mixed with water or oil.

So be sure to refuel in the total station in Tinghir which is the last one.

While I was refuelling, Tina went to make sandwiches. They even allowed her to use the kitchen.

Where to stay in Tinghir

• (€):  Retour Au Calme
• (€€):  Auberge Camping Atlas
• (€€€): Auberge Le Festival Todra Gorge

We stayed at Auberge Camping Atlas and we loved it!

Palm Groove & Ksar

Once ready, we went for a walk in the palm groove where our accommodation was. We believe we kinda get lost as we ended up quickly going through the ruins of the Ksar and it didn’t look like a trail. We came out in the middle of the groove where there were lots of garden. There it was stunning, and we also found our way back to a trail.

We then checked out and paid what we owned for dinner and the room (560dh). We left 40dh tips there as the people where so amazing. We had a long chat with the waiter during dinner talking about the road through the Atlas.

Todgha gorges / Todra gorges

We were on the road around 10h30 toward the Todgha gorges. From where we stayed it was really not far. When we arrived, there were lots of tours van. We passed through them, and actually the gorge is huge, and tours only stay at the entrance while we went through them completely. It was breath-taking.

Road through the Atlas

We then followed the road to Ait Hani, Amellagou, Goulmima. This route was super scenic and totally worth the 2h more to reach Merzouga. This route goes through then Atlas instead of around.

We made a few stops to take pictures, stop for lunch where we were all alone.

We then reached the regular road out of the mountains toward Erfoud and then Merzouga.

Old water system

Along the way, we saw some strange formation on the side of the road. We stopped at bivouac chez Bachir to check what was that. There we where met by Bachir that explain us that there is an old  irrigation system that can be visited. After negotiating with him we dropped the price from 50 to 20dh per person. It was interesting and we got to drink a tea as well.

The irrigation system is not used anymore and was built to bring water from the mountain to the desert.

Where to stay in Merzouga

• (€):  merzouga activities camp
• (€€):  Sahara Desert Luxury Camp
• (€€€): Sunrise Sahara Camp

The camp where we stayed was Sahara Desert Luxury Camp . Our next article, will be the full review of this experience 😊

Reaching the camp

We hoped back on our car and were heading for 2 nights stay in a luxurious tent in the desert. As we were too late for the camel ride to the camp with sunset, we took the regular 4×4 transfer from the meeting point in Résidence Touristique Merzouga where a private parking is located.

Before that we just made a quick stop in a small store to buy toothpaste for 10dh.

At the meeting point, we met with Daan and Puck, a Dutch couple travelling 10 days in Morocco. We all hoped on the 4×4 towards the camp.

After a few minutes we were in the middle of the dunes, and quickly we made a stop to admire the desert and take some pictures.

Welcome drink

Another few minutes later we drove to the camp where we all had tea with biscuits and peanuts. There we started discussing and got to know better Daan and Puck who were super friendly.

Once the tea finished, we got to our rooms which are quite unique. And then went to watch the sunset over the dunes altogether. In the end, once nice part of our stay there was also to meet Daan and Puck.

Before dinner we took a shower as our tent had private shower and toilet. It was nice but the water just warm which was enough as we are in the desert. The tent was super well-made and so comfortable.

By 19h30, it was getting dark and much colder. It was also time for dinner in the main tent. It was a bit awkward has they separated us at the opposite of the tent. But we quickly came back to chat together.

Dinner was yummy. First some olives, followed by a barley soup and a tajine grilled cheese with tomatoes. Then the main dish was a mix of grilled vegetables, vegetables pastilla and some chicken for me meat eater. Dessert was a vanilla pudding.

End of the day

Once finished, we were invited around a fireplace next to the camp for some local music. At that time another couple from Italy was also there. They were from the next camp. There are quite a few camps next to one another.

We even were asked to play their instruments. What a disaster but it was fun. To finish the evening, we chatted some more before going to bed.

Note to Daan and Puck: if you ever read this article, get back in touch with us. We though we got your whatsapp number but no ☹ We would love to hear back from you

• Breakfast in Tinhgir
• Explore the palm groove and old Ksar
• Drive through the Atlas
• Discover the water system
• 1 st night in the Sahara

ضرب الحديد ماحدو سخون Strike the iron while it’s still hot. (Take advantage of the opportunity before it passes you by)

You may also like

Best Way to Exchange Money in Morocco

Getting a Sim card in Morocco in 10min

16 Tips to Road Trip Morocco

An Amazing 2 weeks Morocco Itinerary

Road Trip Merzouga to Fes 1-day

Amazing 2-night glamping in Merzouga

9 Best things to do in Ouarzazate

Road trip to Ouarzazate 1-day

4 Best things to do in Imlil

19 Best things to do in Marrakech

Chilling in Essaouira 1-day

Hey Guys! We are Alex & Tina. A Serbian and French Couple who met during our time in China. We are in love with traveling, hiking, meeting new people… Since 2019, we started a travel blog to share our experiences all around the world.

Subscribe to receive the latest news from Our journal And travel blog in your mail box

Ready to Blog?

Post-Hike Stretch

Discover our gears

Pssst, did you know that....

If you purchase something through our links we earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win! And one day we may get to be full time travel blogger =)

Feel Better

via KristinaVesovicYoga

Sleep better

via booking.com

Explore More

via Civitatis.com

Save yourself

via World Nomands

via rentalscar.com

via Rei.com

via Trip.com

Post-Hike Stretch Bundle

Post-Hike Stretch can also be your after work stretch, or post-flight stretch, or any time you need a nice full-body stretch to relieve tension and stiffness in your body.

Each class is a full-body stretch designed to release any physical tension from your body and help you unwind your mind. At the same time, you will become more in sync with your body.

Latest Posts

An Amazing 3 weeks Vietnam Itinerary

9 Best things to do in Hoi An

1st Class Sleeper Train From Hue to Hoi An

Comment & share, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Follow our story live

Dwell on the beauty of life. watch the stars, and see yourself running with them., marcus aurelius.

Copyright © 2019 - 2020 TheDailyPackers | All Rights Reserved

Privaci policy & terms.

Essential Facts and Information About Merzouga, Morocco

Located on the edge of the starkly beautiful Sahara Desert, Merzouga is a small, dusty town in eastern Morocco . Although the town itself has little to offer the intrepid traveler (besides a handful of hotels and restaurants), it is famous as the gateway to the vast Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, soaring peaks of sand change color with the shifting light of dawn and dusk. Camel trains create romantic silhouettes, and Berber villages act as remote oases in an environment that has remained unchanged for thousands of years. These are the archetypal Sahara landscapes of which Moroccan dreams are made. 

Camping & Camels

Life in Merzouga revolves around the nearby desert, and the most authentic way to experience it is on camelback. Several operators offer the opportunity to join a camel safari into the dunes. Many of these tours include an overnight stay at a desert campsite, or in a traditional Berber village. The former offers the unparalleled romance of a night under canvas beneath the blazing desert stars; whilst the latter allows you to sample unique Berber food, music and culture. Tours vary greatly in cost and comfort, so make sure to shop around before you decide which option is best for you. 

Adventure Activities

Of course, the Sahara also provides ample inspiration for a number of  adrenalin-fuelled activities . If you prefer the thrill of an engine over the swaying gait of the Merzouga camel trains, opt for a quad bike tour instead. Trips can last a few hours or several days, but all of them give you the chance to indulge in some serious off-road fun. Those with quads of steel can try their hand at sand-boarding or sand-skiing - kind of like traditional snow skiing, only considerably hotter and without the convenience of a ski lift! Hot air balloon rides over the dune sea can be arranged. Although pricey, witnessing the splendor of the Sahara from a unique birds-eye perspective is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Desert Wildlife

No matter how you choose to explore, keep an eye out for fascinating desert-adapted wildlife in and around Merzouga. The dunes are home to unusual reptiles including the Berber skink and the fringe-toed lizard; while large-eared mammals like the jerboa and the fennec fox come out to hunt under cover of darkness. In particular, Merzouga is a good destination for birders . Nearby saltwater lake Dayet Sriji provides an oasis for greater flamingos as well as a collection of egrets, storks, and ducks; while the dunes themselves harbor native desert birds including sandgrouse and bustards.  

Getting to Merzouga

Located 350 miles/ 560 kilometers east of Marrakesh , Merzouga is relatively remote. The nearest large city is Errachidia. If you want to avoid the long drive from Marrakesh, consider flying into Errachidia's Moulay Ali Cherif Airport via Royal Air Maroc instead. From there, it's a two-hour drive to Merzouga. If you'd rather save money,  CTM  and  Supratours  operate overnight buses between Fez and Merzouga, as well as a long bus from Marrakesh to Merzouga. 

There are also plenty of tour companies offering extended itineraries from Marrakesh and Fez. These include a guide, different organized activities and 4x4 transport, and usually, last for several days. Although three days tours are popular, opt for a four or five-day tour if you can so that you get to spend more time admiring the desert scenery. Some tour companies offer a trip that starts in Marrakesh and ends in Fez, stopping off in Merzouga en route.

Best Time to Visit & Where to Stay

In the Moroccan summer (June - September), Merzouga and the western Sahara Desert can be brutally hot, averaging around 45ºC/ 115ºF during the middle of the day. March and April are often plagued by the sandstorms of the seasonal Sirocco wind. Therefore, the best time to travel is from October to February, when daytime temperatures are pleasant and the chances of sandstorms are slim. Bring plenty of layers, as temperatures drop dramatically after dark. Rainfall is almost non-existent throughout the year. 

Recommended accommodation options in Merzouga include Hotel Kasbah Mohayut , a good value hotel with a swimming pool and stunning dune views. Auberge Les Roches is an excellent option for travelers on a budget, with affordable room rates and a tasty free breakfast. Guest House Merzouga is another quality B&B, made special by a rooftop terrace with beautiful Erg Chebbi vistas. Family-run, this is Berber hospitality at its very best. 

This article was updated and re-written in part by Jessica Macdonald . 

10 of the Best Places to Visit in Morocco

The 18 Top Things to Do in Meknes, Morocco

The Top 15 Things to See and Do in Morocco

The 12 Best Things to Do in Casablanca

Your Trip to Morocco: The Complete Guide

Zagora Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Best Time to Visit Morocco

48 Hours in Casablanca: The Ultimate Itinerary

Weather in Morocco: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The 10 Best Restaurants in Morocco

Asilah Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

10 of the Best Annual Festivals and Events in Morocco

Aït Benhaddou, Morocco: The Complete Guide

Tunisia Travel Guide: Essential Facts and Information

Ksar Ghilane, Tunisia: The Complete Guide

The 8 Top Things to Do in Ouarzazate, Morocco

The complete guide to Merzouga

Merzouga – my home for the last 4+ years!

One of the top things to do in Morocco is to go see the famous dunes of Merzouga. Go on a camel ride and stay in a camp in the dunes. Most people are scared to go on their own and book a tour to take them from Marrakech or Fez to Merzouga and back. But this is not necessary. How do I know? Because I went on my own. And I am currently living in Merzouga, so I think I can judge how safe and easy it really is.

Merzouga is a small town with around 1500 people at the edge of the dunes of Erg Chebbi. It is the starting point of all trips into the dunes, but because most tourists only pass through, it doesn’t feel particularly touristy. The cafés and restaurants are full of locals drinking tea and chatting and only after the Supratours bus arrives will you see some tourists wandering around the main street.

Do you need a tour to see the desert?

No! At least not to get there and back. You can easily take public transport from Marrakech or Fez and find a camp in the desert when you get there. There are plenty of options for any price range.

If you want to book something special, look at my desert hiking business Berber Adventure Tours , we offer everything from overnight camps to multi day hikes.

But if you prefer to book a tour from Marrakech or Fez , check out these tours:

If you want a private tour I can of course organise that for you from Marrakech, Fes or anywhere else in Morocco.

The best time to go to Merzouga

The best time to go to the desert in Morocco is between October and April. Temperatures range from 15-25°C during the day to 5-15°C at night.

The summer is hot with temperatures up to 50°C and it will be dangerous to go into the dunes during the day. You would leave Merzouga just before sunset and return early, just after sunrise. You will not be able to stay for a few days in the camps.

In March there is a higher likelihood of sand storms, so you might want to be a bit flexible with your plans as it can be very uncomfortable.

How to get to Merzouga

Depending on your starting point and budget there are multiple options to get to Merzouga.

From Marrakech and Fez, you can take the Supratours bus to Merzouga. The one from Fez is an overnight bus, arriving in Merzouga at around 7 am. The one from Marrakech takes all day and arrives at ca. 9 pm. Costs are around 15-18 € one way. And of course, you can also get on these busses in any town along their routes.

From Casablanca the easiest option is to fly to Errachidia with Royal Air Moroc . There is a flight at 22:40, arriving in Errachidia at 23:50, 5 days a week. There are some nice hotels in Errachidia to spend the night at and in the morning you can catch a shared taxi from the centre to Rissani and then another one to Merzouga (cost ca. 4,5 € one way). Alternatively you can get up early and catch the overnight bus from Fez when it stops in Errachidia.

Hotel Tip: Dar Diafa or Auberge Tinit

Of course, you can also rent a car and drive yourself. 4-wheel drive is not necessary as the road is paved all the way to Merzouga. This gives you the most flexibility in terms of stops on the road and arrival times, but it is also the most expensive option. Here you can find more information about interesting stops on the way to the desert .

I rented a car out of Errachidia for a week at 30 € per day, just to give you an idea. It was a brand new Renault Clio, enough for the regular roads around here.

I was very happy with the service of the rental agency, they also deliver cars to other locations for a little increase in the rental fee. Let me know, if you want the contact information.

I also wrote a post with much more information on how to get around Morocco with public transport .

Where to stay

Here is a short list of hotels in town, for more info head over to my blog post about the best hotels in Merzouga .

Hostel Hassan

Low-mid range, maison tamaright, desert villa merzouga or riad serai.

In 2019 the government forbid the camps in the dune field and they had to move behind the dunes. Some hotels also moved them next to the hotels, which might not be everyone’s idea of a desert camp. So I really recommend asking for these details before booking.

One option to sleep in the dunes is with mobile camps, but this is in normal tents that you bring with you on the camels and it is without any comforts like bathrooms, etc. But definitely an unforgettable experience!

You can find a few recommendations below.

Where and what to eat

When visiting Merzouga, you should eat some traditional Berber and Moroccan food . During my time here in Merzouga I am eating my way through all the restaurants one by one and I am only recommending my favourites here.

For a traditional breakfast or even just for a coffee or orange juice head to Café Itrane on the south end of the main street. Order Berber Omelette with or without cheese (cream cheese), some olives, bread and a coffee. WiFi is pretty good here, so I am usually spending my mornings here working on the computer.

Soup – If you just want a small meal for lunch, I recommend Harira, the traditional Moroccon soup. You can get it with a boiled egg and bread to make it more filling, if you like. My favourite place is Chez Youssef , a little shop to the right of Café L’Expert and the soup only costs about 1 € per portion. They also serve many home cooked meals like lentil and white bean soup, which are both vegetarian. And you can eat chickpeas with cow feet or vegetable stew with offals.

Berber pizza – If you’re feeling hungry and are in a group, I recommend having a traditional Berber pizza at Café Nora in Khamlia, a small village 7 km south of Merzouga. You can either walk there or rent bicycles or take a taxi of course. The pizza is basically a flat bread filled with either beef, chicken or vegetables and very good.

Tajine – You can, of course, find tajine in pretty much every restaurant in town, the best ones in Chez Youseef.

Kofta and brochette – One of my favourite things to eat here are Kofta, meatballs, and brochette, meat skewers, grilled on the little fireplaces they have outside the restaurants, with hot sauce and bread.

Rooftop drinks – There are a couple of places with rooftop terraces on the main street where you can enjoy a view and a drink, alcohol free only though. My favourite is Café Ténéré , where you can actually enjoy a view of the big dunes at sunset and where I sit frequently in the evenings writing for this blog.

Desert camp – The obvious thing to do is, of course, an overnight trip into the desert. You can ride a camel , walk, or ride a quad to get there. Most of the tours leave in the late afternoon, you get to climb one of the high dunes close to the camp to watch the sunset and then walk or ride the rest of the way. At the camp, you will be assigned a tent, can freshen up a bit and then there will be a nice traditional dinner.

Afterwards you can sit around the fire, listen to some Berber music and look for shooting stars. In the morning you can climb up the dunes again for sunrise or ride straight back to Merzouga. You only take what you need into the dunes in a small bag/backpack, your other luggage with be kept safe in one of the hotels.

Most camps (and this is where the price makes a difference) have a tent with toilets/showers. Not all have running water, in some you have to “flush” the toilet from a bucket and also take a bucket shower if you really want one. But the hotel you kept your things at will offer a shower once you get back.

A few camps that I can recommend are:

Ali and Sara’s desert palace

Camp Mirage

Caravanserai Luxury desert camp

Chez les Artistes in Khamlia – This cute art gallery is run by Johanna and Lahcen, who exhibit and sell their art. I bought 2 small paintings that now have a home in my living room.

Gnawa music in Khamlia – Another thing to do in Khamlia is listening to the traditional gnawa music. The music goes back to the times when people from more southern places were brought to Morocco as slaves. And Khamlia is a village where many of those former slave families still live. There are a few bands that play their music at local weddings, but they also get invited to events all around the country, e.g. the Essaouira gnawa music festival. After listening to a few songs, please throw some money into the hat, so this tradition can survive.

Taouz petroglyphs – If you are a bit of an archaeology nerd like me, you will enjoy the petroglyphs in Taouz. They are located all over the mountains apparently, but there is one small area with parking close by, only accessible by 4×4 though. You could also leave your car in Taouz and walk, it shouldn’t take more than an hour to get there. You can find a guide in Merzouga to show you the way.

Rissani market – If you happen to be here on a Sunday you might want to consider going to Rissani. Sunday is the big market day and the city is full with people coming in from the surrounding villages riding donkeys or driving horse pulled carts. You can buy everything from fruit and veggies to donkeys and sheep. It is really fun to watch everyone going about their business.

There are plenty of little cafés just around the corner from the taxi station with rooftop terraces and WiFi to have lunch at once you are all shopped out. My favourite place for tajine in Rissani is the Café Esslimania, they have one with plums and apricots and it is really good!

To get there you can take a shared taxi for 15 Dirham (about 1.5 €) for the 30-minute drive. The taxis leave from the south end of the main street and stop in Rissani right next to the souk. It is also where they will leave again from to Merzouga. Be aware, if you plan on going anywhere else from here, you need to walk to a different taxi station.

Multi day trekking around Merzouga

If you are up for a real adventure you should consider a multi-day trek to or from Merzouga. It can be anything from 3 days to 3 weeks or more. As mentioned above, I went on a 16-day-trip from Zagora to Merzouga in November 2018. The landscape is amazing and more varied than one would think when imagining what the desert looks like.

The best time to do this is October to February, but it might get really cold at night in December and January. March is also good temperature wise, but it tends to be very windy with sandstorms every few weeks (or sometimes days).

If you are interested in more details regarding longer treks, check out our website Berber Adventure Tours .

Turbans – You can find plenty of shops selling turbans in every colour along the main street in Merzouga. There is a quality difference, mostly in terms of longevity of the colours. Also, they differ in length. Generally, prices are up for discussion, the more you buy in one shop, the better the price.

Shoes – There is a small shop called Desert Fox right at the southern end of the main street selling really good quality shoes made from camel leather by the Berber women in the mountains. The quality is better than what I have seen in Fez or Marrakech and the price is really good at 12-15 € for most pairs. You can also get a range of really cute camel leather handbags here and of course turbans, dresses etc.

Kaftans, jalabas , etc. – You can also find these in pretty much any shop, beware though, there are big quality differences. You want to look out for natural materials, for jalabas camel or goat wool for example, not synthetics.

Herbs and Rose products – There are plenty herborists on the main street selling all kinds of herbal products, teas, oils, etc. The rose products are from the valley of roses around Kelaat M’Gouna, so if you can’t make it there, buy some rose oil, rose water or soap here in Merzouga. You can also find argan oil at good quality. My favourite of the shops is called Herbier Elmazouar towards the north end of the street.

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and, at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. That income goes to supporting this website and keeping it free for you and everyone else!

You prefer to let others do the planning? I offer itinerary planning for your trip to Morocco! You can check out the details here.

For more general information on Morocco, also check out these posts:

Monthly Newsletter

Never miss any new posts or life updates. Sign up for the monthly Not Scared Of The Jetlag newsletter here! I promise there will be no spam, only information about travelling in Morocco, Jordan and the Middle East, and my life!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Please check your emails, including your spam folder, to confirm your subscription.

13 Comments

This was a great overview, thank you! I’m traveling to Merzouga next month and was wondering if you still have contact information for a good guide. I definitely want to go on a desert adventure for a night or two, but after reading your comments about availability, am thinking that hiring a guide might be an easier way to go (versus just booking online). I appreciate any additional information you can provide.

We also loved Merzouga and the Rissani market. This article brought back some great memories, and my burning desire to go back.

I would love to go back to Morocco and especially visit the dessert there. Your photos are excellent and I am already planning outfits to wear with those gorgeous sandals – so pretty!

Thank you Maria! You should really go, it is such an amazing place!

Hi Eva, Thanks for your amazing information. I would love some help please regarding the desert camping trips. I am thinking of taking your suggestion of flying from Casablanca to Errachida and taking bus to Merzouga and organising a desert trip from there. Can you suggest a guide you trust? Also if we arrive after midnight from Casablanca should we stay the night in Errachida and take bus next morning to Merzouga or organise a pick up from the hotel on the night we arrive? Can I ask if you have any suggestions for visits to Erg Chigaga from Marrakesh as an alternative to Erg Chebbi? Once again, Thanks for you work and sharing, Kerry-Ann

Hi Kerry-Ann, thanks for your comment. I will answer via email.

This is a fantastic guide! I am heading to Morocco next year and I will take you up on your offer of more info about the multi day tracks.

I am amazed the government is cracking down on the dune camps. Are the high numbers of tourists degrading the desert habitat? These closures are happening more and more – islands in Thailand, Komodo Island in Indonesia. The multi day track sounds like the best day to ensure you can sleep in the desert for a few nights.

Thank you for all the info! I will reach out closer to the date of my trip.

Thank you Margarita! I’m sure you will love it, and I am happy to provide more info on the trekking. Yes, the camps are not removing their waste, there is so much noise, it just got way too crowded. So I believe it is a good thing in the long run, even if it causes some irritation at the moment.

Very informative! I’m bookmarking this for when I visit Morocco!

Thanks Vita! Let me know, if you need any more information.

I just did a Sahara Desert Tour last summer so it was a shock to hear they are removing all of these camps. This article had a lot of good information that I wish I had known before going last summer.

Yes, it is shocking, but it will be so good for the area! The camps produce so much waste, and quite a few are not removing it appropriately.

Write A Comment Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• United Kingdom
• Travel Tips
• Itinerary planning
• Recent posts

Privacy Overview

Merzouga Expedition

• +212 603 745 808
• [email protected]

3 Days desert trip marrakech to merzouga

Departure: marrakech to merzouga desert duration: 3 days/2 nights.

Overview :  The 3 days desert trip Marrakech to Merzouga  is one of the most popular Morocco Sahara desert tours with a departure from Marrakech. On the road trip, you will be traveling  through the traditional Southern of Morocco and all along the road of one thousands Kasbah, by crossing the High Atlas mountains enjoying wonderful panoramic views of well known and also of hidden landscapes and sceneries, such as: the stunning gorges, caves, wide rivers, palm groves, oasis, green valleys, authentic villages, etc… S pending the first night in the heart of the Dades valley in a traditional and comfy Berber House.

Second day within this 3 days desert trip Marrakech to Merzouga , you’ll be enjoying your Morocco Sahara desert time, starting from the lovely golden sand dunes in Merzouga. Among the activities you’ll experience are: the camel trekking, a memorable overnight under the magical starry sky at the Luxury desert Camp (situated at the heart of Erg Chebbi dunes), an amazing sunset and sunrise, and also  riding Buggy or an ATV Quad, visiting a Nomadic family,  etc …

Please note that t he third day back from  Merzouga to Marrakech , will be a long drive (around 9-10 hours). So, this Marrakech desert trip is possible in 3 days, but if you’re staying for more days in Morocco, we recommend you a slow pace over 4 days desert trip Marrakech to Merzouga

Desert Trip itinerary

Day 1: marrakech - high atlas - ait benhaddou - ouarzazate - skoura - roses valley - dades valley: (330 km).

We’ll pick you up from your accommodation Hotel/Riad in Marrakech at 8 am, and start the 3 days desert trip Marrakech to Merzouga.  We’ll be traveling through the  High Atlas mountains and ‘Tizi N’tichka’ pass , which is the highest road pass in Morocco at  2260m altitude , where you’ll enjoy various of enchanting panoramic views over the mountains. After that, we’ll arrive to  Kasbah Ait Benhaddou , it is one of the 9 sites in Morocco that  UNESCO declared World Heritage.  

Ksar or Kasbah Ait Benhaddou  is a tribal, traditional pre-Saharan Moroccan concept, consisting of a group of buildings built in 1600 with organic materials, including a rich red mud, enclosed in high walls where some families still live today. Ait Benhaddou was built on a hill in order to dominate the valley along the banks of the Ounila River at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, 30 kilometers from  Ouarzazate , is featured many films  like Gladiator, Lawrance of Arabia  …

After lunch, we’ll head to Ouarzazate,  named as The African Hollywood,  because of the international movies made at the whole province. After Ouarzazate, the day will be continued along  what is commonly known as the  “Road of  Thousand Kasbah “, to catch a spectacular view of a vast valley dotted with small oasis and hundreds of ancient fortifications, till we arrive to the  Roses valley,  the town is called  Kalaat M’gouna , it is well known for  the “Roses Festival “, a festival that takes place on the city every year in May. 

During the festival, people from all over the country and the world, coming to discover the beauty of the town, try roses products like: rose water, oil, cosmetic products, also to enjoy the traditional handmade clothing. At the evening we’ll arrive to   Dades valley,  where we’ll stay for the Overnight at dinner at the Berber house.

day 2: Dades valley - Todra gorges - erfoud - merzouga - camel trek & sunset: (300 km)

After breakfast at the Berber house in  Dades valley,  we ‘ll leave via  the Todra gorges,  also called  the grand moroccan canyon,  famous for rock climbing at its rock walls that rises up to 300m in a narrow part. In Todra valley, you’ll have time for walking to smell the adorable nature of green agricultural lands at the middle of a wide river.

Lunch will be in  Erfoud:  it is a Berber village, which became the destination for filmmakers due to the beauty of the surrounding Sahara desert and the town’s oasis areas. Erfoud has been a filming location for many films, including: The Mummy (1999) Prince of Persia (2010), SPECTER (2015), famous also for its  fossilized marbles , where you will have the opportunity to visit a workshop produces marble and fossils.  

At the evening, we’ll arrive to  Merzouga , you will be welcomed with a cup of tea and have a safe room to be prepared to spend such a romantic overnight at the nomad desert camp. You will have about one hour of  camel ride  to cross the highest golden sand dunes in the north Africa, while you enjoying the show of the  sunset  till you arrive to the camp. you’ll have your own private tent, the tents are well equipped with mattresses, blankets, cushions, shower also toilets. You’ll be served a delicious Moroccan dinner, then you will gather around the fire to admire a typical Berber music performed using drums under the magical starry sky.

day 3: camel trek & sunrise - Merzouga - Rissani - Draa Valley - Agdez - High atlas - marrakech: (560 Km)

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the view of  the sunrise  over the golden sand dunes.  After freshening up and have your breakfast,  ride the camels back to the car, then we’ll leave to  Rissani,  once called Sijilmassa: is the ancient capital of Tafilalet, its central location as a crossroad between north and south, gave the city a certain importance in previous times, here was the meeting place for the salt caravans, coming from Timbuktu in Mali.

Rissani remains a major commercial center in the region, with its lively souk  (Typical Market) , particularly lively on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Here you’ll walk through the souk, to explore berber trading market, like the adorable spices area, vegetables, cloths, date market, and also animal trades, such as: goats, sheep, donkeys, Camels and cows. 

After the Souk visit, we’ll drive across the longest  Draa valley,  which is particularly well known with its palm trees and the widest length of the Oasis, that produces about 35 varieties of dates, and it is known also for it’s trade routes and volcanic rocks. We’ll continue our journey towards  Agdez village and  Ouarzazate,  then  we’ll be crossing again the  High Atlas mountains. Arrival in Marrakech late evening,  drop you back to your accommodation/Hotel.  End of “the 3 days desert trip Marrakech to Merzouga”. End of our services.

• Private service (without other travelers).
• Comfortable transport with Air-conditioned in Wv, 4×4 Toyota or Mercedes minivan.
• Experienced driver/guide speaking English.
• Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom and shower.
• Accommodation half board (dinner & breakfast) in 3*/  4*/  5*/  Hotels and Riads.
• Overnight in a traditional Berber tent at the heart of Erg Chebbi dunes (dinner & Breakfast included).
• Camel trek in Merzouga.
• From/to your accommodation Hotel transfers.
• No forced Shopping.

NOT INCLUDED :

All what is not within the list of “INCLUDED”.

Do you need more information? Please complete the below form, to be in touch & discuss about the itinerary that suits you!

Do you prefer using whatsapp.

• Ksar Merzouga N33, 52202, Morocco.

• TERMS & CONDITIONS

Merzouga: A Moroccan Desert Adventure

Desert, camels, star filled skies and luxury camps. Find out why a visit to Merzouga in Morocco is everything you’d hope it to be, and more.

3 Days in Merzouga, with our 3 Children, Experiencing the best of Morocco’s Desert Tourism

Disclaimer: We were fortunate to have this section of our trip subsidised by H&G Morocco Tours , in return for some online publicity. That said, all opinions expressed here are genuine. We would never take payment or reward for false or exaggerated reviews.

As we approached Merzouga, the enormous red dunes of the Sahara Desert began to show themselves in the distance. This signalled the end of an epic 4 day road trip across Morocco , that had taken us from the Atlantic coast, over mountains, through deserts, to here; our final destination. We’d passed some great viewpoints along the way, but the excitement of seeing these proper desert dunes for real still made for an unforgettable sight.

H&G Morocco Tours

We would usually opt for independent travel over organised tours. However, on this occasion having our stay organised for us by H&G Morocco Tours exceeded expectations, with them sourcing us some excellent accommodation and undoubtedly providing us with experiences that we wouldn’t have found on our own. They specialise in small, personalised tours with an emphasis on local engagement (one of the owners grew up in a Berber nomad family) and sustainability. I can wholeheartedly recommend both their ethos and offering. We couldn’t have achieved the same seamless package of activities if we’d tried to source each separate section of the trip independently ourselves.

Merzouga 4WD Tour

As well as arranging our accommodation and transfers around Merzouga, H&G Morocco Tours took us on a mini 4WD tour of the surrounding area. We visited a local, nomad family, who generously welcomed us in for mint tea in their makeshift tent. We had their history and way of life explained to us, with surprising tales of traditional Berber wedding customs leaving a lasting impression.

This was followed by a visit to a viewpoint at an abandoned former French heavy metals mine up on the hillside.

The highlight of the trip for us was a visit to the ‘Pigeons du Sable’ (or ‘Pigeons of the Desert’), a traditional (and loud!) musical group based within a Gnaoua community descended from South Sudanese slaves.

Once only used ceremonially and very infrequently, this musical style was at risk of disappearing. In an attempt to keep these traditions alive and raise some extra revenue for the village, the music is now played for visitors.

The highlight of the trip for the children was being driven up and down at speed over some of the smaller sand dunes in the 4WD, on the way back to the hotel. Kids love a ride!

Merzouga, the undisputed capital of Morocco’s emerging desert tourism industry, is tucked in right next to the red sand dunes of the Sahara. Although the main town centre is only quite small, it does have a few shops and restaurants, as well as a bank with ATM. Newly built mud (or at least mud-rendered for effect) hotels sprawl in all directions to service the growing demand. I was surprised by the sheer quantity of these hotels, with more under construction. It seems that desert tourism has become big business.

Where to stay with Children in Merzouga

Our arrival at the Hotel Kasbah Moyahut was met with great excitement from the children. They were amused by the mud construction (“won’t it wash away in the rain?”), were intrigued by the entrance foyer full of desert fossils, and loved exploring the maze of rooms and walkways. There is also a pool (sadly too cold for all but the bravest of swimmers in winter), comfy outdoor seating and a licensed rooftop bar with desert views.

It’s a beautiful place to stay and the staff were very friendly. We had a family suite containing 2 separate bedrooms (with hot/cold air con) and private bathroom. It was perfect for our needs.

Only a short walk to the rear of the hotel brings you onto the desert dunes. It is an expanse of sand that looks like it goes on forever. Some of the dunes in sight, such as the majestic Erb Chebbi, are truly mountainous. For those wanting a challenge, some can be climbed for panoramic desert views (although the top sands shift in the wind, apparently the main structure of the dunes remains unchanged over time). On a clear night it is dark enough to see an incredible display of stars in the night sky.

Where to eat with Children in Merzouga

Most desert hotels provide packages that typically include breakfast and evening meals. The food at our hotel, Kasbah Moyahut , was excellent. Primarily Moroccan (Berber) cuisine, they managed to keep the meals fresh and varied over the 2 days we were staying there. They even provided two very different (and tasty) styles of vegetable tagine over the 2 days for vegetarians, which was a nice touch. Our fussy kids defiantly ate mostly bread alone, but also managed to eat some other bits and pieces that they deemed acceptable.

Besides the hotels, the town centre is home to a few independent restaurants. The pick of the bunch is Restaurant L’entrecôte Merzouga . It has a great varied menu, the food is all freshly cooked and delicious, the staff are some of the nicest people you’ll meet and, best of all, the prices are incredibly reasonable. It was definitely some of our must try food in Morocco .

Camels and Desert Camps

Seeing the desert on foot from the hotel is one thing. That’s not why everyone is here though. Riding in on camels is the real star of the show. Standing on the dunes at sunset, you can watch wave after wave of camels lined up with tourists on board (some even dressed in Berber costumes!), heading off into the desert. It’s quite atmospheric and you could kid yourself that you’re watching an ancient desert trade caravan departing, as long you don’t look too hard!

For those thrill seeking and wanting a motorised option instead, there is also the option of driving 4WD vehicles or quad bikes to the desert camps. For me though, that would be missing the point. I’d come to the desert to ride a camel.

I had imagined trekking deep into the desert to our camp. Sadly, that is not the case. All the camps are located relatively close to the edge of the dunes. I guess this makes sense logistically when people expect en-suite bathrooms and hot, running water. Although this removes some of the romance, a trip to a camp is still a special experience. Choose wisely though, some camps are definitely better than others, both in location and quality.

Most of the major hotels run their own desert camps. Our hotel was no exception. If we hadn’t have known better we may have just booked to stay a night in that one. That would have meant walking around in circles on a camel to end up only about 100m from the hotel, with the rear of the hotel still in sight. Given there is no heating at the camps (and winter nights can get very cold), I think if I’d have gone for this option I’d have given up in the night and gone back to the hotel!

Fortunately, H&G Morocco Tours had selected for us the excellent Sahara Stars desert camp, arranging a short transfer for us from our hotel to the departure point. We rode for just under an hour on camels to reach the camp, which was nestled in a much more secluded desert location than some of the others we’d seen.

I must confess this wasn’t our first camel trekking experience. Many years ago, before children, we’d ridden camels into the desert in Rajasthan, India. It rained. Unbelievably, this time around, just as we arrived at the Sahara Stars camp, it started to rain. Rain in the Sahara desert. You couldn’t make it up! Fortunately it didn’t last long or detract from our overall camp experience.

The camp itself was amazing. It was definitely a 5* offering. It was beautifully laid out around a central bonfire with carpeted floors and plenty of outdoor seating options available.

The food on offer was plentiful and always tasty. Our tent had en-suite bathroom, comfy beds and plenty of extra blankets to help see us through the cold winter night.

The following day we were given the option of riding camels back or getting a lift in a 4WD vehicle. We chose camels. I’d have thought it was a no-brainer but most of our fellow guests chose the 4WD. I guess one camel ride was enough to scratch their itch. This was great news for us as it meant there were far fewer people with us for the return trip, the sun was shining and, despite my legs aching by the end of the ride, we all agreed this had been the best bit of the whole desert trip.

When to Visit Merzouga

Peak seasons in the desert are Spring and Autumn. Summer temperatures can get uncomfortably hot. Winter nights can get very cold in the desert camps and swimming pools are too cold to use. That said, daytime temperatures in winter are still very pleasant so, if you want fewer people to share the experience with and you can handle the cold nights, winter time can also be a good option.

Whenever you decide to go, I wouldn’t leave it too long. More desert hotels and camps are being constructed all the time. If this rate of expansion continues, with the corresponding increase in visitor numbers and tour operators, there is the very real risk of the complete Disneyfication of the desert.

That shouldn’t detract from the fact that we all had a great time. The kids in particular loved the whole experience from start to finish. Our trip to Merzouga and the dunes of the Sahara Desert will remain with us as a top highlight from our month in Morocco .

• Author Details

Related posts

How to Prepare for Your Next Outdoor Adventure: Pro Tips

Cape Town 1 Day Itinerary with Kids

Navigating Unique Mini Golf Courses Across the UK

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

13 comments

This looks like an awesome trip and an incredible experience to camp out in the desert like that. Your photos beautifully capture the the desert! It looks so relaxing and peaceful. 😁

Thanks. It’s a great place to visit

So great experience and lovely article !!!

Thanks – we had a really great time in Morocco

The kids look like they’re loving it. Looks like an amazing experience. =)

WOW! This looks incredible. Your photos are amazing! I’m glad to hear you had a good experience with the tour, some can be poor quality making for a not so great experience. I will use your referral to this company when I visit Morocco!

I love Morocco but have never been here. It looks incredible. I’m so glad you found a company like this to do your tour with. I will need to look them up when we go! thanks!

Very practical sharing indeed. I’ve never tried a desert trip and wow, camping (even not the same as the camping dream) and riding a camel would be great!

This looks amazing! Morocco has been on my list for a while. Thanks for sharing all the details.

Looks like an amazing trip! I’d love to go to Morocco someday 🙂

Oooh this all looks awesome! When we visited Morocco, we went up to the Atlas Mountains, but we didn’t have a chance to go to the desert. I love the look of the camp!

[…] Camp, each guarantee a memorable keep. If this sounds enjoyable, try our unforgettable household Moroccan desert adventure. It’s an extended (although scenic) drive from Marrakesh nevertheless, so that you’d battle to […]

It was a great pleasure for us to make your experience unforgettable. Looking to host you again.

31 Best Stops Between Marrakech and Merzouga

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?

The direct drive from Marrakech to Merzouga is 344 mi (554 km) , and should have a drive time of 10 hrs 27 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Marrakech to Merzouga, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Ouarzazate , as well as top places to visit like Medina and Saadian Tombs, or the ever-popular Oasiria-Amizmiz Waterpark.

Top city between Marrakech and Merzouga

Best stops along marrakech to merzouga drive, oasiria-amizmiz waterpark.

Saadian Tombs

Badi Palace

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Bahia Palace

Paradis du safran maroc, ourika valley waterfalls, tizi n'tichka, hotel restaurant kasbah telouet, aït benhaddou, atlas studios, cinema museum.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Taourirt Kasbah

Kasbah amridil, m'goun, kasbah des caids, roses valley, dadès gorges, aventures verticales maroc, todra river, la source de lalla mimouna عين للا ميمونة.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

GOMARRUECOS

Amazigh emotions tours sarl, macro fossiles kasbah, other popular road trips from marrakech, explore nearby places.

• Hassilabied
• Boumalne Dades
• El Kelaa M'gouna
• M'Hamid
• Zawyat Oulmzi
• Skoura Ahl El Oust

All related maps of Merzouga

• Map of Merzouga
• Map of Hassilabied
• Map of Erg Chebbi
• Map of Rissani
• Map of Ouzina
• Map of Erfoud
• Map of Aoufous
• Map of Errachidia
• Map of Tinejdad
• Map of Alnif
• Map of Goulmima
• Map of Tinerhir
• Map of Tazzarine
• Map of Nkob
• Map of Bechar
• Map of Tamgrout
• Map of Midelt
• Map of Boumalne Dades
• Map of Imilchil
• Map of Zagora
• Map of Amezrou
• Map of El Kelaa M'gouna
• Map of Beni Abbes
• Map of M'Hamid
• Map of Zawyat Oulmzi
• Map of Tamnougalt
• Map of Tabant
• Map of Agdz
• Map of Agouti
• Map of Skoura Ahl El Oust
• Map of Toundoute

Merzouga throughout the year

• Merzouga in January
• Merzouga in February
• Merzouga in March
• Merzouga in April
• Merzouga in May
• Merzouga in June
• Merzouga in July
• Merzouga in August
• Merzouga in September
• Merzouga in October
• Merzouga in November
• Merzouga in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Merzouga?

Get inspired for your trip to Merzouga with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Merzouga Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from marrakech to merzouga.

Yes! You can drive from Marrakech to Merzouga.

How far is Merzouga from Marrakech by car?

The drive from Marrakech to Merzouga is 344 miles (554 km).

How long does it take to drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?

Driving from Marrakech to Merzouga should take you 10 hrs 27 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Marrakech to Merzouga?

Gas from Marrakech to Merzouga would cost around $30 to $70 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Marrakech to Merzouga?

You could check out Medina and Saadian Tombs, or the always popular Oasiria-Amizmiz Waterpark!

What are the best cities to visit between Marrakech and Merzouga?

People love visiting Ouarzazate, among others.

What's the weather like in Marrakech?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Marrakech in January
• Weather in Marrakech in February
• Weather in Marrakech in March
• Weather in Marrakech in April
• Weather in Marrakech in May
• Weather in Marrakech in June
• Weather in Marrakech in July
• Weather in Marrakech in August
• Weather in Marrakech in September
• Weather in Marrakech in October
• Weather in Marrakech in November
• Weather in Marrakech in December

What are some other road trips from Marrakech?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Marrakech.

• Marrakech to Barcelona drive
• Marrakech to Paris drive
• Marrakech to Madrid drive
• Marrakech to Lisbon drive
• Marrakech to Seville drive
• Marrakech to Granada drive
• Marrakech to Florence drive
• Marrakech to Valencia drive
• Marrakech to Milan drive
• Marrakech to Malaga drive
• Marrakech to Venice drive
• Marrakech to Agadir drive
• Marrakech to Porto drive
• Marrakech to Cordoba drive
• Marrakech to Casablanca drive
• Marrakech to Essaouira drive
• Marrakech to Brussels drive
• Marrakech to Turin drive
• Marrakech to Benidorm drive
• Marrakech to Fes drive
• Marrakech to Rabat drive
• Marrakech to Toledo drive
• Marrakech to Palma de Mallorca drive
• Marrakech to Nice drive
• Marrakech to Albufeira drive
• Marrakech to Ronda drive
• Marrakech to Bruges drive
• Marrakech to Marseille drive
• Marrakech to Lyon drive
• Marrakech to Cadiz drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

A Road Trip Through Eastern Morocco

No trip to Morocco is complete without a trip out to the Sahara Desert. There is no better way to see this area of the country than to rent a car and hit the open road! This road trip itinerary through Eastern Morocco will have you hiking through beautiful gorges, trying your hand at rock climbing, spending a night in the middle of the desert, and enjoying the spectacular scenery along the way.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Getting to Morocco

Most people arrive in Morocco by airplane. The largest and busiest airport in Morocco is Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca (Airport Code: CMN). However, the most popular airport for tourists is probably Marrakesh Menara Airport (Airport Code: RAK) in Marrakech .

There are, of course, several other international airports in the country, including Rabat, Tangier, and Agadir. There is even an international airport in Ouarzazate but you’ll only find flights to a handful of destinations.

This itinerary begins and ends in Marrakech, but when you’re planning your road trip you may want to consider flying into Marrakech and out of Fez or Casablanca so you can see more of the country in less time.

Check Flight Prices on Skyscanner

If you’re coming from Europe, then another option is to take a ferry from Spain to Morocco . There are several ferry routes that connect the two countries, but the most common one is between Algeciras in Spain and the Tanger Med terminal in Morocco about an hour northeast of Tangier.

Moroccan Road Trip Basics

Rules of the road.

• Road conditions in Morocco are quite good so a 4-wheel drive is not required. But you’ll encounter some gravel and bumpy roads around Merzouga and if you decide to take any detours along the way the roads off the highway aren’t nearly as pristine.
• In Morocco, you drive on the right side of the road.
• Speed limits in the area range from 20 kilometers/hour to 80 kilometers/hour. When driving through towns, you’ll need to stay below 60 kilometers/hour. Speed limit signs are clearly marked.
• Seatbelts are required by law for every driver and passenger. If you’re caught not wearing one, you’ll likely be stopped at a checkpoint and given a fine.
• Be alert! Camels and donkeys frequently cross the highways without looking both ways.
• There are plenty of gas stations along the way so no need to worry about getting stranded.
• Watch out for speed traps along your road trip. The fees are minimal (our ticket was 150 Dhs, or ~$16 USD) and must be paid in cash on the spot.

Tips on Renting a Car in Morocco

• Use a credit card that offers some kind of car insurance protection for your deposit. We like the rental car insurance provided by our Chase Sapphire card – plus no international fees!
• Document everything! Mark every imperfection on the rental contract prior to signing as well as taking a video and/or photos of any dings or scratches on the car.
• Make sure you have a spare tire.
• Know where the insurance and registration paperwork is and ask about how to handle emergencies or getting pulled over by the cops !
• Does the car take unleaded or diesel gas? Most run on diesel but best to check before you depart.

Preparing for your Moroccan Road Trip

• Download some podcasts for your in-car entertainment as well as a map of the area to find your way around.
• A road trip through Morocco can be challenging, so make sure you’re prepared!
• Check out my other post on all the things I wish I had known before visiting Morocco !
• A trip to the Sahara Desert should be on everyone’s itinerary even if you only have a week or 9 days in Morocco .

Eastern Moroccan Road Trip Itinerary

Ouarzazate, morocco.

Ouarzazate is the gateway to the Morocco Desert and as soon as you cross the Atlas Mountains, you’ll see that the climate becomes increasingly arid and the landscape more barren. The area surrounding Ouarzazate is actually quite famous even though you may not yet realize it. The rugged, desolate desert landscape surrounding Ouarzazate has been used in dozens of movies and TV shows.

The ancient walled city of Ait Ben Haddou to the north of Ouarzazate is instantly recognizable as a filming location for the Jewel of the Nile, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.

Ouarzazate is also the jumping-off point for your Morocco road trip !

Getting to Ouarzazate

From Marrakech, you can take a private taxi for around $80-100 USD depending on your negotiation skills or 80 Dhs (~$9 USD) per person if you take the bus. The narrow road winds through the Atlas Mountains so roads may be impassable in the winter.

• Recommended transportation from Marrakech: Supratours Bus
• Distance from Marrakech: 122 miles
• Drive time: 4 hours

Where to Stay in Ouarzazate

Hotel Azoul

The  Hotel Azoul  is a lovely hotel in Ouarzazate offering spacious rooms, comfortable beds, incredibly hot water, and friendly service. And the internet is super fast so be sure to catch up on email and everything else since you’ll be heading into remote areas.

Check Prices on Booking.com

Where to Eat in Ouarzazate

If you are looking for an upscale dining experience (and wine!), then you’ll love Le Jardin des Aromes . The service is impeccable and the food is some of the best in town. And right next door you’ll find  Kasbah Tafarnout which has lovely city views from the terrace and delicious pizza!

For a quick and inexpensive lunch, El Bahja  is right down the street from the Hotel Azoul and serves delicious lentils and roasted chicken.

Things to do in Ouarzazate

Of the things to do in Ouarzazate , the best is probably a visit to Atlas Studios , aka “Ouallywood”, where movies including Jewel of the Nile and Kingdom of Heaven were filmed. Sets and props from movies are on display and guided tours run every 20 – 40 minutes. The Cinema Museum has some props as well but it is poorly signed and confusing.

The UNESCO world heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou sits just 30 minutes northwest of Ouarzazate. It is an ancient walled city that has been used in the filming of loads of movies and television shows, including Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and the Jewel of the Nile.

The cheapest place to rent a car is at the Ouarzazate airport, but there are also a few rental agencies in town if you don’t mind paying a little extra for the convenience. Load up on snacks and get ready for a week of adventure; you’re headed to the Moroccan desert !

Tamellalt, Morocco (Dadès Gorges)

Tamellalt is best known for the nearby Dades Gorges. You can arrange for a hike through the gorges if you’re up for an adventure or you can simply gaze upon the verdant valleys backed by the rugged mountains in the background from your car window or your hotel room balcony.

Getting to Tamellalt

• Recommended transportation from Ouarzazate: Rental car
• Distance from Ouarzazate: 71 miles
• Drive time: 2 hours

Where to Stay in Tamellalt

Maison D’Hôtes La Vallée des Figues

Maison D’Hôtes La Vallée des Figues  is a modest hotel offering spectacular views, delicious cuisine, and they can help you plan all of your activities in the area. The owners are local and are incredibly interesting to chat with about their experience growing up in this small town.

Where to Eat in Tamellalt

Most of the restaurants in the area are attached to the hotels and they need some advance notice of your order to start cooking. Auberge La Vallée des Figues offers a delicious and reasonably priced dinner with large portions. But be sure to let them know well in advance if you’d like to dine in.

Things to do in the Dadès Gorges

The Dadès Gorges were carved by the Dadès River which created the unique formations resembling “monkey fingers”. The walls of the gorges range from 650 to 1600 feet high and are quite impressive as you hike through them. 

Arrange a guided hike ranging from 2-4 hours in length through your helpful hotel staff. You can do the hike on your own as well but the entrance to the gorges can be difficult to find. And some of the areas inside the walls can be tricky to navigate as you’ll need to do some scrambling.

Opt for a longer tour and you’ll have the opportunity to meet a nomadic family that resides in a cave at the end of the hike. They’ll offer you tea and you’ll get a glimpse into their living conditions and daily life. Bring snacks and some change to leave for them as a “thank you”.

Be sure to take a drive through the gorges as well on the R704. The road winds up the mountain and the views from above are stunning!

Tinghir, Morocco (Todra Gorge)

Getting to Tinghir

• Recommended transportation from Tamellalt: Rental car
• Distance from Tamellalt: 45 miles
• Drive time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Where to Stay in Tinghir

A Secret Garden

A Secret Garden  is a reasonably priced hotel offering home-cooked meals, bright rooms, and an owner who is an expert in climbing in the region. The location is perfect for walking to the gorge and the views from the balconies are stunning!

Where to Eat in Tinghir

This small town doesn’t offer a ton of dining options but luckily the food at A Secret Garden is tasty and convenient. Plus you can purchase wine or beer if you so desire.

Things to do in Todra Gorge

Todra Gorge is a hot spot for climbers from all over the world! The limestone walls of the gorge rise almost 1,000 feet above on either side of the road and you’ll spot climbers everywhere. A Secret Garden is owned by a French ex-pat named Julio who can also arrange to take you out climbing, regardless of your level of expertise.

If climbing isn’t your forte, you can choose to take a drive through the gorge and/or do some hiking in the area. A loop trail runs from the large parking lot up to the highest point for spectacular views of the gorge below. And then the trail winds around back down to the town. You can even stop for tea in one of the nomad villages along the way if you feel inclined to accept their hospitality.

Merzouga, Morocco (Sahara Desert)

Spending a night camping under the stars in the Sahara Desert should be on every traveler’s bucket list ! And the easiest place to access the Sahara Desert in Morocco is from Merzouga. Here you’ll find a dusty desert town with hotels sitting just a few feet away from massive sand dunes – it’s like a scene from Arabian Nights.

You’ll also find plenty of options for booking Sahara Desert trips available in Merzouga so if you don’t want to bother with spending a night in town you can head straight out into the desert. Options generally include travel by jeep, ATV, a camel, or on foot so you can pick the African desert safari that suits your taste.

Getting to Merzouga

• Recommended mode of transportation from Tinghir: Rental car
• Distance from Tinghir: 125 miles
• Drive time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Where to Stay in Merzouga

Auberge La Source

Auberge La Source is actually located in a quieter area of Merzouga, just outside of the town. If you do make the drive into the center you’ll appreciate that this area has far less hassle from men trying to sell you a camel ride. Plus Auberge La Source offers spectacular views of the dunes from their backyard!

Where to Eat in Merzouga

Restaurant Cafe Fatima is just a short walk from your hotel and offers good sized portions at reasonable prices. Their salad is one of the best in all of Morocco!

Things to do in the Sahara Desert

If you stay at the Auberge La Source, you’ll have the Sahara Desert right in your backyard! It’s just a short walk to the massive dunes so head over there at sunset to get a prime view of the huge expanse of desert.

You can also book a camel ride to the Auberge La Source Desert Camp right in the middle of the dunes! You’ll start with an hour or so ride on a camel and then you will enjoy an epic sunset, a tajine feast for dinner, and finally a sky full of stars before drifting off to sleep in your comfortable tent.

Then you’ll wake up early in the morning to climb to the highest dune and watch the sun as it bathes the sand in light. This overnight in the desert will be the highlight of your road trip and a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Zagora, Morocco

Getting to zagora.

• Recommended transportation from Merzouga: Rental car
• Distance from Merzouga: 190 miles

Where to Stay in Zagora

Le Petite Kasbah

Le Petite Kasbah  is situated a bit outside of the city but offers the perfect oasis to relax after a long road trip. You’ll love swimming in the pool after enjoying the delicious breakfast spread from the terrace.

Where to Eat in Zagora

There are many darling outdoor restaurants lining the main street of Zagora. You’re likely to find great people watching but unlikely to find a lot of diversity in the menu options offered. Have a mint tea and tagine while enjoying the sunshine!

Things to do in Zagora

Zagora is the most bustling of all of the cities along your road trip so just taking a walk around town is enjoyable. If you’re craving more desert adventures, you can also arrange several excursions from Zagora, although the dunes aren’t nearly as impressive as in Merzouga.

Just behind Le Petite Kasbah is a maze of old kasbah wall ruins that are worth taking a stroll through. You’ll see farmers working the land, women doing laundry, and people just going about their daily life in mud buildings that were constructed ages ago.

And finally, you will have a two-and-a-half-hour drive to finish out your Moroccan road trip back to Ouarzazate.

Hopefully, this post has helped you to plan your road trip through Eastern Morocco!

Looking for more things to see and do in Morocco? Check out our favorite guidebooks!

SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST

About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

View all posts

Related Posts

Marrakech Sightseeing: 7 Best Marrakech Tours & Day Trip

A Day Trip to Volubilis and Moulay Idriss from Fes

The Top 10 Things to do in Essaouira, Morocco

3 thoughts on “a road trip through eastern morocco”.

How many days did it take in total?

Kind regards.

The distance from Tamallalt to Tinghir is not 1 hour and 10 minutes….. try, like, half a day. I was trying to make sense of the itinerary, unfortunately got derailed by the distances!! And check your distance between Tamallalt and Ouarzazate, which is more like four hours and 125 miles, not two hours and 71 miles…. Your article didn’t help!! Sorry.

Hi Matteo – if you read the article again, you’ll see that we gave the distance from TamEllalt, not TamAllalt. You are correct that from Tamallalt it is about 6 hours. But from Tamellalt it is an hour and 10 minutes. They are two different places. Thanks for reading!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• X (Twitter)

Merzouga, Morocco: All About a Perfect Visit!

Merzouga , the small desert town in Morocco , is a real travel highlight and belongs to the fixed program of almost every round trip. This is the right place if you want to do a desert tour with camel trekking in Morocco, possibly also with an overnight stay in the desert! Because in this part of the country is the Sahara with the most spectacular sand dunes . The dunes of Merzouga, the so-called Erg Chebbi dunes, can be up to 180 meters high here. The best way to experience this breathtakingly beautiful scenery is on the back of a camel and then spend the night in a desert camp in Merzouga.. A fantastic experience, which you will not forget so quickly.

In this travel guide, we provide you all the information about Merzouga in Morocco. In addition, we share with you our experiences, the best pictures and give useful tips on accommodation, desert tours with overnight stay , jeep safaris, best desert hotels and camel trekking in Merzouga.

Good to know!

A desert safari is a must-do of every trip to Merzouga. It is an excursion with camel riding, dune climbing, campfire and with overnight stay in a Berber tent in the desert. Here you can find the best desert camps .

If you prefer to stay in a hotel , we can recommend the beautiful desert hotel Kasbah Azalay with a great pool and a perfect location on the edge of the dunes. Excursions, camel rides and jeep tours are also offered here.

You are planning a road trip ? Check out the article “ Morocco in 2 weeks “, including route, travel tips and the most beautiful places in the country.

If you don’t want to travel to Merzouga on your own, you can also join a guided tour from Marrakech . There is a fantastic offer on tours, including reviews, on GetyourGuide !

General information about Merzouga

With 500 inhabitants, Merzouga is a tiny town in the south-east of Morocco, around 560 kilometers from Marrakesh and 463 kilometers from Fez. The locals live here almost exclusively from tourism. There are a few nice hotels, desert camps and a wide range of tours. The village is located right on the edge of the desert, is quite spacious and consists entirely of the clay buildings typical of the country. Most of the houses were built from 1980 onwards to meet the tourist demand for hotels, restaurants and stores.

This area is one of the most beautiful in the country, and a visito to the Merzouga desert is one of the best things to do in Morocco . It is 50 km long and 5 km wide. In addition, the huge dunes of Erg Chebbi, up to 200 meters high, await you here, a fascinating landscape formed purely by the wind. Thanks to its ideal location on the edge of the sand dunes, Merzouga is the perfect starting point for camel rides, jeep tours or other exciting excursions into the desert.

From Marrakech to Merzouga

Getting from Marrakech to Merzouga you drive about 560 kilometers, which is about 9–10 hours pure driving time. The roads are well-developed and there are also enough gas stations on this route. This route can be covered excellently by rental car on your own.

The journey to Merzouga, in the desert of Morocco, is already a great experience . The drive leads over the imposing Atlas Mountains , further over the dreamlike road of the 1000 Kasbahs and past the lush oasis of Tinghir. The further south you go, the more barren and dry the landscape becomes, and you realize that you are getting much closer to the Moroccan desert.

In addition, there are some worth seeing places on the way to the Sahara, such as Ait Ben Haddou , Dades Gorge and the Todra Gorge , which should not be missed.

The journey continues to Erfoud , a small desert town that is considered the gateway to the Sahara. From there it is another 50 km to Merzouga. The last stop is the desert town of Rissani with its magnificently decorated city gate.

Merzouga Itinerary

In this Merzouga itinerary, we tell you about our experiences of camel trekking in Morocco. In addition, we share with you the collected impressions of an unforgettable desert tour with an overnight stay in a desert camp . Of course, we will also give you some tips about what kind of clothing is best and how much such a trip costs in Merzouga.

Desert Tour and Camel trekking in Merzouga

Arrived in Merzouga, we were warmly welcomed by the team of the desert camp. There was delicious mint tea to welcome us, and we felt arrived home right away. After a delicious lunch that was freshly prepared for us, we immediately got fit and motivated for the upcoming camel trekking. Since everything was very well organized, we were able to leave our pastries in the room, take a shower and then in the late afternoon we started the desert tour.

Leisurely we rocked on our desert boats into the Erg Chebbi and already after about 15 minutes we reached the first dunes. The dunes became higher and higher, and the sand glowed reddish-yellow in the evening sun. Soon we found ourselves in a sea of huge sand dunes. The camel ride was truly breathtakingly beautiful.

After about 1 ½ hours, we arrived and stopped in front of a huge dune about 200 meters high . We still had time to climb the dune before sunset.

Although the climb was not easy, but from the top we had a breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view over the beautiful Erg Chebbi desert. We had never experienced anything so unique!

We stayed a while at the degree of the dune to sit around, from there the incredibly beautiful sunset to witness. So deep in the Sahara, it seemed as if we were there all alone. Around us, it was so quiet, magical moments that should make our Morocco trip unforgettable.

After the sun had set, we descended to our desert camp where our guides, Youssef and Ismael were already waiting for us. We were surprised at the beautiful clean camp that had been designed with great attention to detail. The beds and the tents were brilliant, so much better than we would have expected in the middle of the Sahara. A little luxury in the middle of the deep desert of Morocco.

The dinner was also delicious ! The tajine was the most delicious in all of Morocco. The evening was a real fun and until deep into the night we sang Moroccan and Austrian songs at the campfire. For a long time we stayed under the dreamlike starry sky and enjoyed the magical ambience.

The next morning we were woken up by a sandstorm. Yes, this can also happen in the desert, and so we rode back to Merzouga right after the obligatory mint tea. Once there, we were treated to an excellent breakfast .

Tip : Camel riding is a unique experience, but can get a little uncomfortable over time. Dress in comfortable clothes, no shorts or tight underwear. Take sunscreen with you and also athletic shoes for climbing the dunes. Please keep in mind warm clothes either: You are in the desert, and the temperature varies extremely between day and night. Even if it is warm or hot during the day, temperatures in Merzouga can quickly drop to zero degrees at night. There has even been snow in the Sahara.

Jeep Safari

Well strengthened, the next day we went on a jeep safari to explore the area. Especially interesting was the Khamlia Village , where we heard the spiritual Gnawa music for the first time. Later, we went to the black volcanic desert where our guide Hassan showed us how to find fossils and beautiful minerals by ourselves. Another stop was at a Berber family and the mines of Mefis. Back to Merzouga we drove by jeep along the Algerian borders and had a fantastic view over the golden dunes of the Erg-Chebbi.

Hotels in Merzouga

Enchanted by these impressive experiences in the Sahara, we decided spontaneously to extend one night in the desert hotel Kasbah Azalay . The hotel is located directly on the edge of the desert and has a breathtaking pool and rooms with a view of the Sahara. After a strenuous camel tour, the hotel was a wonderful place to relax and unwind.

Here you can find a selection of remarkable desert hotels and resorts in Merzouga .

Recommended Desert Camps in Merzouga

If you do a little research on the internet, you will come across a large number of tour providers . So it is not easy to find the perfect offer. In principle, we recommend simply looking at the reviews of the tours here. The itinerary of the desert tours (camel ride, dinner, desert overnight stay) are very similar, only the equipment of the desert camps differ.

Here are our pics for the 3 top recommendations for desert camps in Merzouga:

• Cheap and Good : The Berber Camp is a small but nice and cheap desert camp in Merzouga. A great opportunity to get to know the desert authentically.
• Great desert camp : The Erg Chebbi Camp is one of the best desert camps in Merzouga. It is really amazing what kind of comfort you can find in the desert! As a special experience, you can spend the night here in a tent as well as under the open sky.
• Pure luxury : For a truly unforgettable stay the luxury camp Sahara Majestic Luxury Camp provides. Here, you will literally be pampered to the hilt.

Guided tours from Marrakech to Merzouga

There are also great possibilities to visit Merzouga by a guided tour. Perfect if you prefer to travel with a group! Especially from Marrakech and also from Fes really great excursions to Merzouga are offered .

Most of these tours include meals, and there are additional sightseeing stops , for example at the mud city of Ait-Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorge . You can easily book these tours online in advance. Click here for the best tours:

What you can expect from a Sahara Tour in Merzouga:

• Excellent value. The price for a night in a Berber tent including camel trekking, yummy dinner and delicious breakfast often costs as little as 40 Euro per person. Of course, also in Morocco, there are no limits to luxury.
• A  camel ride  deep into the Sahara is always offered. You have the opportunity to take fantastically beautiful pictures of the dunes of Merzouga.
• The desert camps are well-equipped and comfortable, of course, there are washrooms and toilets .
• Also, the Moroccan hospitality and the on-site support should be emphasized. At all time, we felt safe and secure in Merzouga.

Find the best Desert Camps & Hotels in Merzouga:

Read more about traveling in morocco:, 2 weeks in morocco: a perfect road trip itinerary, top 15 amazing things to do in morocco, marrakech in 3 days: itinerary and tips for marrakech, 10 best things to do in fez | morocco, ait-ben-haddou: guide for morocco’s famous ksar.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Write A Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Captcha 5 + 3 =

• Hvar Island
• Brac Island
• Korcula Island
• Split Beaches
• Zadar Beaches
• Dubrovnik Beaches
• Pula Beaches
• Rovinj Beaches
• Krk Beaches
• Brac Beaches
• Hvar Beaches
• Istria Beaches
• Makarska Beaches
• Korcula Beaches
• Cities in Croatia
• Krabi Beaches
• Where to Stay in Krabi
• Koh Samui Beaches
• Where to Stay in Koh Samui
• Koh Phangan
• Trang Island
• Thailand Island Hopping
• Val d’Orcia
• San Gimignano
• Montepulciano
• Soca Valley
• Beaches in Slovenia
• Czech Republic
• Round trips
• Travel Resources
• Boutique Hotels
• Paris Boutique Hotels
• Budapest Boutique Hotels
• Vienna Boutique Hotels
• Rome Boutique Hotels
• Lisbon Boutique Hotels
• Athens Boutique Hotels
• Prague Boutique Hotels
• Madrid Boutique Hotels
• Florence Boutique Hotels

This post is in partnership with KKday, and of course, all opinions are my own. KKday connects travelers with local tour and activity operators in over 170 cities! And PS: This post does contain some affiliate links. 

Merzouga Tips: My Best Recommendations to make your Sahara Experience that much Better

Updated January 2024,   Merzouga Tips: Recommendations for Moroccan Desert Tours was originally written in December 2017

On my first trip to the Sahara, I took a  3-day Merzouga Desert tour  arranged by KKday during my trip to Morocco. After my experience, here are my best Merzouga tips and more information to know before you go. I also recommend picking up a copy of Bradt’s Morocco handbook to help you plan.

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Morocco?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

Where is Merzouga?

Merzouga is a village on the edge of the Moroccan Sahara that serves as a great jumping-off point for greater adventures into the Sahara Desert.

Many people take 3-day desert tours from Marrakech that include one-night camping at a Berber desert camp in Erg Chebbi nearby to Merzouga.

A night in the Sahara will give you phenomenal stargazing as well as a small look into the lifestyle of the nomadic Berber people.

More of a DIY-style traveler? Check out my  Southern Morocco road trip itinerary

Why Merzouga?

There are tons of desert camps in Morocco when you start searching on google.

If you don’t have much time to dedicate to thoroughly exploring the Sahara and want to get the most out of your experience a tour to Merzouga comes most recommended, especially over Zagora.

Weather in the Moroccan Sahara

Let’s cut to the chase: The best months to visit are February-April and September-November. Why? Because that’s when temperatures are most pleasant, spring and fall.

Deserts are a land of extremes, temperatures can range from dangerously hot in the summertime to downright freezing cold in the winter! Here is a handy chart for temperatures in a nearby city in Algeria (yes, Merzouga is very close to the Algerian border).

What does a 3-day Merzouga Desert Tour usually include?

You’ll start by departing Marrakech early on day one towards the Atlas Mountains where you will make several stops for scenic viewpoints before descending out of the mountains and onto Ait Ben Haddou.

Ait Ben Haddou is an ancient village that is famous for appearing in several big-name movies. After exploring a bit of the Kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou head toward Ouarzazate: the Gate of the Sahara, a large city.

After leaving Ouarzazate roll down your windows as you head into the Valley of Roses (it really does smell like roses!). You will arrive in the evening to Boumalne Dades for the evening.

Day 2 is a jam-packed day, in the morning you will head off for the oasis town of Tinghir via the ‘Road of 1001 Kasbahs’.

After exploring the lush, green oasis of Tinghir, and a demonstration on how traditional Berber carpets are made you’ll head to Todgha Gorge to briefly explore the monstrous canyon before making way to Merzouga.

In Merzouga, you will meet your camels and nomadic guides and set off for a camel ride into the sunset and to camp at a Berber camp in Erg Chebbi for the night.

Day 3 will begin before dawn so that you can leave by camel as daylight breaks and make it to the biggest sand dune around to catch the sun as it rises over the horizon. Day 3 is mostly spent in transit back to Marrakech with scenic stops along the way.

Starting or ending in Marrakech? Check out my  girls’ guide to the city

Shop Merzouga Desert Tours

• 4 Day Merzouga & Zagora Tour + Atlas Mtns

• Price: $290.48
• 3 Day Marrakech to Merzouga Tour

• Price: $138.93
• Camel Trek into the Sahara from Merzouga

• Price: $75.78
• Overnight Camel trek to Merzouga

• Price: $85.00

General Merzouga tips for the tour

• Bring an external battery for charging electronics and extra batteries for cameras! If you didn’t book the luxury camp you won’t have access to electricity the night you sleep in Erg Chebbi. You’ll likely be taking lots of photos and videos of your trip, so better safe than sorry!
• If you’ve not booked a luxury desert camp: Pack a small backpack with necessary items the morning before you leave your accommodation in Boumalne Dades and head for Merzouga (ie: change of clothes, toothbrush, etc). Our driver failed to tell everyone this, which lead to everyone having to pack a small backpack when we arrived in Merzouga. Not the end of the world, just a little chaotic and a waste of time, that could’ve easily been avoided by simply telling the group to pack a bag at dinner the night before.

Tips for the Sahara

• You'll start by departing Marrakech early on day one towards the Atlas Mountains where you will make several stops for scenic viewpoints before descending out of the mountains and onto Ait Ben Haddou. Ait Ben Haddou is an ancient village that is famous for appearing in several big-name movies. After exploring a bit of the Kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou head toward Ouarzazate: the Gate of the Sahara, a large city. After leaving Ouarzazate roll down your windows as you head into the Valley of Roses ( it really does smell like roses! ). You will arrive in the evening at Boumalne Dades for the evening. Day 2 is a jam-packed day, in the morning you will head off for the oasis town of Tinghir via the 'Road of 1001 Kasbahs'. After exploring the lush, green oasis of Tinghir, and a demonstration on how traditional Berber carpets are made you'll head to Todgha Gorge to briefly explore the monstrous canyon before making way to Merzouga. In Merzouga, you will meet your camels and nomadic guides and set off for a camel ride into the sunset and to camp at a Berber camp in Erg Chebbi for the night. Day 3 will begin before dawn so that you can leave by camel as daylight breaks and make it to the biggest sand dune around to catch the sun as it rises over the
• Look at daytime highs and nighttime lows during the period of time you plan to take a Merzouga Desert tour. I visited in mid-November and temperatures ranged from about 0°C (32°F) at night to 20°C (68°F)- warm days and chilly nights.
• Pack necessary layers to accommodate the weather. It can be scorching hot in the summer to downright freezing in the winter. One woman on our trip had brought a winter jacket with her- was she glad she had it!
• Bring water! Getting dehydrated is no joke. Some tours will provide water ( best to ask beforehand ), but it’s still better to bring more just in case. This is the desert and it’s extremely dry out here.
• Bring a long scarf. The local nomadic men who will take you out to camp on camelback will wrap your scarf on your head for you to keep sand from pelting you. It was very windy the evening I went by camelback, so I was glad to get to camp without sand in my hair and mouth!
• Bring sunglasses. This pairs great with the scarf mentioned above to keep blowing sand out of your eyes, and of course the bright sun. If I hadn’t worn glasses I’d have not seen most of the journey with the sand flying around.
• horizon. Day 3 is mostly spent in transit back to Marrakech with scenic stops along the way.

Read:  What it was like to spend the night in the Sahara

Camel riding tips

• For many of you this will be the first time you ride a camel. Comparatively, I find travel by camelback more comfortable than travel by horseback.
• Stretch your legs before, especially your inner thighs. You’ll likely be engaging these muscles to help you balance as you mosey along.
• Hold on! It can be a bumpy ride and require a bit of balance on going downhill. There are handles on the saddle to hold onto.

Tinghir & Todgha Gorge Tips

• Bring a water bottle. In the morning you’ll walk through the oasis of Tinghir. Luckily for you, you’ll be in a nice shaded oasis but it’s a decent amount of walking ( nothing strenuous ).
• Make sure to have money to tip your guide here. This guide is included in the tours and ours was great. Very informative and entertaining.

Need more inspiration? Read  19 things to do in Morocco

Ait Ben Haddou tips

• This one is more of a recommendation than a tip: The local guide in Ait Ben Haddou is not included in the 3-day tour prices. This is stated in the description, and that it would cost 2€ per person, which is fine. However, I found the local guide that we were very much pushed to go with by our driver to have been completely unnecessary. He didn’t describe anything that wasn’t easily readable online in about 30 seconds time on the Internet. The part I found annoying was that our driver kind of pushed us that we had to. My recommendation is to skip the guide unless you can confirm you’re being set up with someone that gives good information and does more than cross the riverbed with you and tell you to walk to the top on your own and meet him back in 15 minutes. He also demanded tips on top of the 2€ per head. He walked us through the old Kasbah and spoke for about 3 minutes. 2€ x 17 people for about 10 minutes total of work is pretty high, so  asking for tips  demanding tips on top was asinine in my opinion.
• Avoid the hotel restaurant in Ait Ben Haddou next to the bridge. This is where we were dropped off by the Ait Ben Haddou guide and told to eat. Two things that I found bothersome: 1) They would not allow anyone to share meals. We were told no as many people in our group were paired and weren’t that hungry. 2) The most unprofessional restaurant move I had ever seen. One couple that was in our group split off from us and ate upstairs in the same restaurant. They paid THEIR waiter upon leaving. After we were all loaded up on the van to leave. The waiter that catered to the remainder of the group rushed onto the van stating that two people did not pay, pointed them out, and started demanding money. The couple insisted they paid their waiter. The man then informed them that they were to pay him directly and not the staff member who handled their meal. ( There was never any mention of this before, during, or after the meal ). It finally ended with the couple having to leave the van to settle the matter, in which they did absolutely nothing wrong. Not only was it embarrassing for the couple for being accused of stealing, but it was also ludicrous that a restaurant of that scale would have staff that behaves this way. My point: There are other dining options in Ait Ben Haddou.

Merzouga tips for packing

Not sure what clothes to bring with you on tour?

• 1-2 loose fitting, light shirts. Aim for breathable fabrics.
• 1-2 pairs of loose, lightweight trousers.
• 1 sarong. Can be worn as a scarf, to cover shoulders or as a skirt.
• 1 scarf. Keep that blowing sand out of your hair and face.
• Sunglasses. Block the bright light and the blowing sands.
• Socks and underwear.
• 1 sweater/jumper or light jacket. Because it does cool off some in the evenings.

Spring and Fall

• 1-2 loose fitting shirts.
• 1-2 pairs of trousers.
• Sunglasses.
• 1 sweater/jumper.
• 1 jacket, it gets chilly in the evenings.
• 1 hat, because majority of your body heat leaves from your head.
• 1 pair of light mittens.
• 1-2 loose shirts. At least one long sleeve is a good choice.
• 1 insulated jacket.
• 1 pair of mittens.

Ready to book a Moroccan Desert Tour?

Start your search  here !

Where To Stay In Merzouga

Camel Trekking Desert Camp |  Booking.com  |

Merzouga Desert Camp Bazin |  Booking.com  |

Bihi Camp |  Booking.com  |

Dihya Desert Camp |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Riad Hotel Les Flamants |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Riad Dar Hassan |  Booking.com  |

Riad Chebbi |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Have any questions about my Merzouga tips?

Ask your Merzouga questions in the comments section below.

More Posts from Morocco:

What It’s Like To Spend The Night In The Sahara Desert

How to Survive Marrakech as a Woman: Tips for Female Travel in Marrakech

Merzouga Tips: Recommendations for Moroccan Desert Tours

Southern Morocco Road Trip Itinerary

The Best Road Trips In The World

19 Best Things To Do In Morocco

10 Best Things to do in Marrakech + Two Day Marrakech Itinerary

51 thoughts on “merzouga tips: recommendations for moroccan desert tours”.

Very informed post about Morocco Desert Tours. Thank you so much

great blog very informative thank you for sharing

Thank you so much for this beautiful article 😊

Best article thank you for sharing 😊

Great article. I loved it.

lovely blog , right what i need for may travel to morocco

A heartfelt thank you for sharing “The Adventure of Nicole in Morocco.” Nicole’s journey through Morocco, as depicted in this article, is a captivating tale that transports readers to the enchanting landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences she encountered. Through your storytelling, you’ve allowed us to be a part of her adventure, inspiring us to seek our own thrilling escapades. This article not only shines a spotlight on Morocco but also ignites the spirit of exploration within all of us. Nicole’s adventure is now an inspiration for many, and we’re grateful for this wonderful narrative that brings the magic of travel to life! 🌟🌍✨

Dear Nicole, I recently came across your fantastic article on Merzouga tips, and I must say, it’s incredibly insightful and helpful! Your tips and recommendations are sure to enhance anyone’s experience in this beautiful desert destination. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation for your excellent work. Your passion for travel and dedication to sharing valuable information shine through your writing. Keep up the great work! Moreover, I couldn’t help but notice that your article focuses on Merzouga, and I believe my piece, “ What’s Merzouga known for?” would be a perfect complement to your work. It delves deeper into the unique cultural aspects, natural wonders, and historical significance that make Merzouga a truly enchanting place. Once again, thank you for your inspiring contribution to the travel community. Best regards,

Incredible blog 😁👏 very much appreciated for this amazing article full of value thanks for sharing it with us keep up posting please

IM SO EXCITED ABOUT MY TRIP TO MOROCCO IM SURE IT WILL BE SO AMAZING FROM HOW YOU DESCRIBE IT

Grazie mille per aver fornito dettagli così sorprendenti come questi

Nice pictures

Thanks for sharing all the information about your great experience.

wow amazing blog and beautiful pictures thank you for sharing with us

Amazing article… Really enjoyed reading!!

amazing experiences you shared over here thanks

I like your blog

Thank you very much for sharing this information

thank you for sharing this amazing guidances

great to know that you enjoyed your trip to sahara desert

Beautiful blog

Useful information about travel

The sahara desert is my best place in morocco, thank you for sharing with us the amazing blog, love your gallery. Keep it up

Amazing article… Thanks for sharing with us.

Such an interesting blog post through which you have provided useful travel tips. Many thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!

how is nice to know yhat you spend a good time there

Good tips thank you for sharing

Good blog thank you for sharing. Amazing place you were in

Hi, I would be interested in doing the same tour as you, but on booking the Zahra Luxury Desert Camp costs € 81 and does not correspond with the amount you described, how did you book?

wow, amazing article and your pictures look awesome, we hope you enjoyed your trip to Merzouga Sahara desert. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

Morocco is one of the unique countries in the world and a country of dizzying diversity. You may wander through spice markets, explore sweeping deserts and enjoy warm hospitality. Morocco is roughly the size of California, this is why day tours are so popular! Perhaps this is one of the most exciting Morocco Desert Tours.

Appreciating the time and effort you put into your website and in depth information you offer. Awesome places to explore. I would like to suggest it to my friends so that we can plan a trip and take a time for ourselves in this busy schedule. Keep posting such wonderful places. Thanks for sharing!

Hello, This is very great information. Thank you for sharing.

Informative Article, gorgeous photos, I like your experience in our country, Thanks for sharing and welcome to Morocco

Thanks for reading!

Hey, I Really like your Blog, We did the 3 day Tour to Merzouga and it was a nice trip… But There was something very negative about this Trip: the Camels are treated SO bad! The ropes are so tight that their noses Had scars and the rope to the next camel is way to short, so they hurt Every time when they get up or down. They make terrible noises, dont want to be touched because they feel pain, when they Lay down they fix their legs with ropes so they won‘t move…. I think this is animal cruelty and nobody should support this!

I agree, however I think it’s heavily dependent on which local company handles the tour. Ive seen some camels that are treated very poorly and others that are better taken after.

Thank you for the recommendations, I go to Morocco in April and I cannot wait!

I hope you have a great time

Great photos! Thank you for the useful tips

Nice Blog, I love traveling like cruises, city tours, visiting new places it the greatest but safaris are just majestic, Rather it’s the savanna safari in Africa, jungle safari in Asia or a desert safari from Dubai.

Thanks for this information-packed post. I am planning to visit Morocco this spring and am most likely including Merzouga on my itinerary.

Enjoy! Merzouga and Sidi Ifni were our two favorite stops in Morocco

I am about to head to Morocco in a couple weeks and this post along with your others on Morocco and Marrakech have been a godsend. I hope you’re having an amazing time, wherever in the world you are 🙂

I hope you have an amazing time in Morocco, I am actually at home In Alaska right now, but soon to be off to Egypt and then further afield into the Middle East and Central Asia!

Wow, What an amazing post you have shared here. Every word on your post is recalling my few old memories of my Moroccan desert trip which I had booked with the help of a nice travel agent named Sahara Bliss Tours. I had really enjoyed a lot & collected so many golden memories with my cousin brothers & sisters on the sand of the Sahara desert. It was really an awesome trip for us.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to the Sahara and that this post brings back good memories. Looking up at the stars at night was definitely my favorite part.

Hi, I am wondering if you remember the name of the local tour operator?

Hi Tiril, I can’t remember off the top of my head at the moment, but I do have it wrote down back home somewhere- will try in get the info to you when I am back!

Great article, thank you for sharing 😊

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Getty Images/Moment RF

When a wealthy family refused hospitality to a poor woman and her son, God was offended and buried them under the mounds of sand called Erg Chebbi. So goes the legend of the dunes rising majestically above the twin villages of Merzouga and Hassi Labied, which for many travelers fulfil Morocco's promise as a dream desert destination.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Merzouga. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Shape-shifting over 28km from north to south and reaching heights of 160m, the great sand sea of Erg Chebbi is extraordinarily scenic. The rose-gold dunes…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Morocco

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Merzouga with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.3.1 Stay safe
• 2.5 By tour
• 3 Get around
• 5.2 Camel Safaris
• 7.1 Stay healthy
• 8.1 Camping
• 8.2 Merzouga
• 8.3 Around Merzouga
• 9.2 Romantic liaisons

Merzouga is a village in the Sahara Desert in Morocco , on the edge of Erg Chebbi, a 50-km long and 5-km wide set of sand dunes that reach up to 350 m above the plain and 808 m above sea level.

Understand [ edit ]

Most visitors come here to take a camel safari into the dunes, and to get a taste of remote (but certainly tourism-influenced) Berber life.

The local population is mix of Arabs and Berber, which are generally welcoming and friendly. Although especially in and around Merzouga far more than usual people will display a touting behaviour and try you to sell a tour or a place to stay.

In general, it needs to be remembered that the dunes barely present an authentic Moroccan landscape. Many tourists come here, ride the camel and bring pictures back home, making people believe that this is what the desert looks like south. However, riding a camel through the dunes and staying in a tent there is nothing authentic about it—it is a touristy facade. Having said that the region is nevertheless beautiful and interesting, and even the regular stony desert is impressing in itself.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Airports around with international flights are in Fez and Marrakech . From there you can take an intercity bus to Merzouga.

From Casablanca you can fly to Ouarzazate , then continue to Erfoud, Rissani and Merzouga.

There are also weekly flights into Errachidia , about 2 hours north of Merzouga by car.

By bus [ edit ]

• 31.096531 -4.010483 1 Supratours office & stop . Bus to Marrakech at 07:30. Bus to Fez at 22:30. 160 dirham. ( updated Apr 2019 )

Supratours buses from Marrakech and also from Fez have one daily trip each that end in Merzouga village, for 160 dirham. CTM only goes up until Erfoud and Rissani .

By grand taxi [ edit ]

From Rissani to Merzouga, a grand taxi or van is 12-15 dirham and goes about every 30 min. If you don't want to wait for other people to fill your grand taxi , pay 60 dirham. If you arrive before sunrise (if you come in the 06:00-07:00 bus from Fez ) you might have to pay up to 100 dirham for a grand taxi.

From Erfoud to Merzouga, a grand taxi is 25 dirham, every 1-2 hr.

If you're continuing on to one of the small villages nearby, such as Hassi Labied, the usual tourist price is a fairly steep 50 dirham (total, not per person) for the 5-km drive. Beware that overnight buses may sometimes arrive more than an hour early, putting you in Merzouga before sunrise. If this happens, you may find yourself with no cabs available, so be prepared to wait for someone to arrive.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Beware of guides in Rissani or Erfoud who offer to take you to Merzouga for 5 dirham each, but instead strand you at their auberge 20 km north of the village. If you decline their offers of camel rides and lodging, it is often quite difficult (and expensive) to make your way back to town.

By car [ edit ]

From Marrakech , drive east to Erfoud (2 days drive, stop for the night in or near Ouarzazate ). From Fez , drive south to Erfoud (1 day).

From Erfoud, continue south 14 km to Rissani , carry on through the village and follow the road southeast for 40 km to Merzouga. The road has been asphalted to Merzouga, and also to Taouz , a southern military border town (foreigners cannot cross here). The short access roads (1- or 2-km long) from the main road to the hotels alongside the sand dunes are normally not asphalted, but well maintained. There is now an asphalt road to Hassi Lybed, a smaller village about 4 km before Merzouga.

By tour [ edit ]

Tour operators can arrange 4x4s with driver/guides from Marrakech or Casablanca and back.

Get around [ edit ]

The only way to get around Merzouga is on foot. It's fairly small and easily walkable, but you'll likely want to avoid the midday heat.

See [ edit ]

Sunrise/sunset over the dunes. Folk dances and black G'naui music. Visits to villages near Merzouga inhabited by Senegalese musicians and dancers such as Khamlia can be arranged with some guides, ask at your hotel.

• Animals – See the ducks, and in early spring, flamingos, on the Dayet Srji salt lake, just west of Merzouga (according to the visitor information office in Hassilabied, there has been no water for at least the past 2 years, as of May 2018). There are many other species of birds (ruddy sheldrack and Kittllitz's plower during the spring migration, Tristram's desert warbler, the Egyptian nightjar, the Arabian buzzard and falcons), and the desert sparrows are unique to this region and can be seen all year round. There are also reptiles (Algerian sand lizards, Berber skinks and snakes), mammals such as gerbils, desert hedgehogs, field mice and desert foxes, and scarab beetles. In the morning, you can often see their tracks in the sand. Brown scorpions can occasionally be seen, but they come out at night and tend to avoid humans.

Do [ edit ]

• 31.077663 -3.990291 1 Grand Dune . Hike the dune ( updated Apr 2019 )
• Sunset on the dune . Even though there is not a single liquor store around to buy a decent wine for such a great show and view, it is still worth sitting on the Grand Dune and watching the surrounding area and sun set. ( updated Apr 2019 )
• Camp on the dune . Instead of dropping hundreds of dirham for a remote camping experience with a all so fake looking headscarf, why not just stay on top of the dunes yourself after the sun has set? Bring a sleeping bag, the sand is quite soft. Also, bring water and leave nothing but footprint. ( updated Apr 2019 )
• Hike the desert . From where Merzouga ends in the south it is basically just 5 km straight across the dune from west to east to reach the other side of the dune. If you feel bored, simply hike over to the other side, north by the Grand Dune, visit the setup camps on the other side and head back afterwards. Bring enough water! ( updated Apr 2019 )
• Boarding the dunes . This does not seem to have become a trend yet. Nevertheless, some accommodations have skiers for rent, try Dar Gamra. Otherwise, maybe you are lucky and find a snowboard. Or, a relative strong and smooth plastic "slide" that you can properly hold fix with your hands does the trick while going down the dune. Head for the Grand Dune with the steepest and highest slopes. ( updated Apr 2019 )

Tours [ edit ]

Tour prices are highly negotiable, try 25% less than quoted and use the walking out trick. There is always more than enough companies. And always negotiate with the company directly, not through your accommodation or any arbitrary tout from the street.

• ATV & quad bikes . It is also possible to tour the dunes on ATVs. However, it is not as much fun as it might sound at first. You are basically following a guide and can not go bananas with your rented quad. If the latter is more of you taste, try to find a regular ATV rental and go on your own from there. On the way towards Merzouga there seem to be some regular rentals. Many tourist that come here with their own or rented motorbikes or 4WD go right into the dunes for a little fun. Some discourage this touring, but touring the dunes on a camel is neither more authentic nor worth more protection. From 400 dirham pp for a tour incl. guide (negotiable) . ( updated Apr 2019 )
• 4WD region tour . A 2 hour drive that includes a ride with a 4WD onto the dunes, visit to a local village (and probably shop of a cousin ), and a visit of the Dayet Srij lake with the impressive dunes in the back. 800 dirham per 2 hr (negotiable) . ( updated Apr 2019 )

Camel Safaris [ edit ]

Almost certainly the reason you came here in the first place. After taking you into the village to buy a proper head scarf (of course from their cousin for a special price) to protect you from the sun, you'll be thrown on a camel and lead off into the desert. (Good luck with your knees.) Meals, water, tents, etc should all be taken care of by your leader, but naturally you will have to confirm this when you do your negotiations beforehand and make sure you're very specific, and ask lots of questions. Speaking of negotiations, do your research before coming (ask other travelers in Marrakech, etc., for recommendations and for what they paid), and be prepared to bargain very hard(!)—the industry here is smooth and deceivingly vicious. On the first night, most groups end up at a pre-setup camp circle at the base of some large dunes, where the various tour operators have their "authentic" Berber tents set up. Dinner will be cooked here, often some music played, and you can frolic on the sand dunes under zillions of stars. If you're only on a 1-day trip, then you'll wake early, have some tea/breakfast, and head back before it gets hot. Others will hang out during the day, beating the heat in the tents all day, and either spend another night here or venture further out beyond the dunes and stay with a Berber family, where you'll then set out to return early on the third morning. A few operators have their own private camps that will offer a more remote experience, ask around if this is what you seek. This provides a more intimate setting with fewer people and noise where you can relax and enjoy the stars. Cost a little bit more but worth it. Also check to see if showers are included after the camel trek.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

There is apparently just 31.099253 -4.016794 1 one ATM at the north entrance of Merzouga, which might not be very reliable. It is better to stack up cash in Erfoud or Rissani .

Eat [ edit ]

Most people eat meals at their lodge, but a few basic restaurants are scattered around the town if you are in need.

• Haven La Chance , Hassi Labaid , ☏ +212 66859-9340 . Arrange lunches at Haven La Chance Desert Hotel, either at the hotel or in the desert itself. A popular item is pizza cooked in the sand as the nomads do.  

Stay healthy [ edit ]

For prepared food try to prefer places with enough customers. This is the desert and hygiene standards are lower than in the rest of Morocco.

Sleep [ edit ]

Camping [ edit ].

Just head into the dunes and get a place on top of a dune or somewhere close to a tree to be safe from any vehicles. Even though at night probably no one is driving around, because it is too dangerous getting stuck. The desert here is relatively warm at night but a proper sleeping bag is necessary. Check the weather forecast for the temperatures.

Merzouga [ edit ]

Just near the village there are many small to larger estates made of mud which have decent rooms, running water, WiFi and breakfast available for prices starting from 170-300 dirham for a double.

• 31.093682 -4.006796 1 Dar Gamra ( Family Morrocon House ). A decent house, rated pretty well. The owner is relaxed and not too pressuring about selling you anything and you could just stay around, use that WiFi and wait for the heat to vanish in the afternoon. They apparently also have their own camel tour. Double from 170 dirham . ( updated Apr 2019 )
• 31.08868 -4.00722 2 [dead link] Les pyramides hotel , Ksar Merzouga ( On the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi ), ☏ +212 67013-7673 , [email protected] . €20 per person, breakfast and dinner included . ( updated May 2019 )

Around Merzouga [ edit ]

There are about 50 small hotels of varying categories along the sand dunes, and most of them own camels or can at least arrange your trip into the dunes.

• Auberge Soleil Bleu , Merzouga-Hassilabied ( Off the main road between the villages of Merzouga and Hassilabied ), ☏ +212661792455 , +212670362697 , fax : +212535578890 , [email protected] . A locally-owned and -operated traditional Kasbah hotel five minutes' walk from the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. The hotel has a roof terrace and provides food for their guests from their kitchen. They also organise a wide range of excursions in the area, including desert camping and camel treks. Free pickup for reserved guests from the local bus stop. English, French, and Spanish are spoken. Rooms starting at 90 dirham .  
• Complexe touristique de Merzouga , centre taouz cercle rissani ( 500 m from the centre of merzouga ), ☏ +212 535576322 , [email protected] . This is the nearest hotel to the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, and offers 42 rooms, a restaurant, snack bar, bar, terrace, swimming pool, bivouac and provides excursions by 4x4 or camel. €30 per person, breakfast and dinner included .  
• [dead link] Auberge Berberes , ☏ +212 6810-3178 , [email protected] . Located right on the edge of the dunes, offering single, double and triple rooms. €20-30 per person, breakfast and dinner included .  
• Auberge du Sud , ☏ +212 66121-6166 , fax : +212 3557-8631 , [email protected] . On the edge of the dunes, all rooms come with private bathroom. Swimming pool, camel safaris. €15-40 per person, breakfast and dinner included .  
• Auberge Les Dunes D'or , ☏ +212 6135-0665 , fax : +212 3557-7146 , [email protected] . 35 rooms. Children's activities, restaurant, room service, shuttle bus service, swimming pool, airport transportation ( updated Mar 2017 )
• Auberge Sahara Hotel , Ksar Hassi Labiad , ☏ +212 3557-7039 , +212 6676-6355 (Mobile) , fax : +212 3557-7303 , [email protected] . Clean hotel in a oasis at the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes run by flexible staff. Swimming pool, restaurant, free parking, and a variety of accommodation options including camping under palm trees. Camel safaris and various trips around the area can be arranged. ( updated Jul 2021 )
• Chez Julia , ☏ +212 3557-3182 , +212 7018-1360 (Mobile) . Spotless, very friendly French/English/German-speaking staff, great meals ( tajines can be shared). From 130 dirham .  
• Dar el Khamlia , Ksar Khamlia , ☏ +212 7091-4351 , [email protected] . Dar el Khamlia is just outside of Merzouga, offering lodging for those who like to be more near the local people. Comfortable rooms, meals included. Camel trekking into dunes, excursions by 4x4, pick up at airports of Errachidia, Ouarzazate or Marrakech.  
• Desert Fish , ☏ +212 7208-5113 . Right next to the sand dunes. A bivouac with a space to eat and relax and very nice, comfortable Berber tents. The place is managed by some very friendly young boys. The Berber tents are nice and clean, there are three good showers, the food is good, they play live Gnaoua music after dinner.  
• Auberge Haven La Chance Desert Hotel , Hassi Lybed , ☏ +212 53557-7269 , +212 66859-9340 , [email protected] . Modern, comfortable hotel right next to the sand dunes and palm trees in a private setting. A swimming pool (11 m by 6 m) has been added amongst the olive trees and roses. 15 rooms are en-suite with toilets and showers. 12 Berber tents next to the hotel for the more adventurous. Singles / doubles/triples/quads with en-suite toilet and shower. Home made local food for dinner as well as breakfast is included in the price. Brand new restaurant with unique arches has just been finished. The owners also run a tour company, www.bluemenofmorocco.com, that can organize custom private tours around Morocco for individuals, families and small groups. Caravan parking with showers also located by the hotel. Wifi connection available by the pool and around the hotel for clients. N31.08'031" W004.01'128" €17-30 per person with half board .  
• Hotel Yasmina , ☏ +212 3557-6783 , fax : +212 3577-4071 , [email protected] . Yasmina is located right on the bottom of the dunes of Erg Chebbi, on a hill with great views of the dunes. Pool, on site restaurant and camel safaris. from €20-45 per person, breakfast and dinner included .  
• 31.1073 -4.01058 3 Ksar Bicha , ☏ +212 5355-77113 , fax : +212 5355-73410 , [email protected] . A traditional, family-run kasbah with views of the dunes from the roof terrace. En suite rooms arranged around two plant-filled courtyards. English, French, Spanish, German and Italian are spoken.  
• Les Portes du Desert , ☏ +212 7369-4601 , fax : +212 3557-7930 , [email protected] . A comfortable hotel decorated in a mix of Arabesque, Andalusian and European styles. Pool, on site restaurant, and camel safaris. €26-50 per person, breakfast and dinner included .  
• Nasser Palace , Ksar Hassilabied , ☏ +212 7078-0028 , fax : +212 3557-8010 , [email protected] . Nasser Palace is a hotel with swimming pool and spa located on the dunes of Merzouga. 20 rooms with private toilets, bivouac and camel treks on Sahara dunes. €25-45 per person including breakfast and dinner .  
• Hotel Nomad Palace , Ksar Merzouga 52202 , ☏ +212 662191244 , [email protected] . Hotel Nomad Palace is located outside Merzouga, on the way to Taouz, before Khamlia. Comfortable, quiet, with terraces, swimming pool, restaurant, all rooms with private bathrooms, suite with king size beds. Half board included. Camel treks, 4x4 tours and pick up form any airport. Other tours can be arranged.  
• Riad Aicha Hotel , ☏ +212 71153311 , fax : +212 0535577986 , [email protected] . Ksar Hassi Labiad  
• Snack Hassi Labied , center of village Hassi Labied. ( Hassi Labied 30 m near the school ), ☏ +212 662042881 . Snack Hassi Labied located in center of Hassi Labied. tagine, couscous, Kalia, jusice and sandwich. Snack Hassi Labied can arrange also camel trekking into desert, ski with sand boards, rent bike, quads, excursion with 4x4.  
• 31.13115 -4.01723 4 Hotel Kasbah Mohayut , ☏ +212 666-039-185 , [email protected] . Check-in: 12:30-23:00 , check-out: noon-13:00 . Beautiful hotel with a friendly and knowledgeable staff, fluent in English/French/Arabic/Berber and other languages. Many rooms include terraces overlooking the Erg Chebbi and air conditioning. Rooms are comfortable and clean, with private bathrooms (Western style). Hotel also features a swimming pool, free internet connection, and a restaurant. You can arrange for desert excursions by camel with guides and Berber tent accommodations.  
• Hotel Kanz Erremal , Touz Haci El Bide ( from Rissani 33 km, left at sign, then 2½ km on track ), ☏ +212 55577265 , [email protected] . Hotel Kanz Erremal is located at the base of the desert dunes Erg Chebbi, in the southeast of Morocco. Kanz Erremal has a haimas camp and also organizes a ridding a camel trip in order to spend a night in the desert. Furthermore, it organizes seven-road trips to explore the spectacular places that the landscape offers. The rooms have a traditional decoration, typical from the region. They have air conditioning, free wifi access, bathroom and great external views, most of them to the dunes. The pool is located in front of the dunes, so swimmers have the impression to swim in the middle of the desert. The hotel offers a good example of traditional Moroccan cuisine based on natural ingredients. €44 .  
• [dead link] Auberge Ksar Sania ( through gate at Merzouga, right, immdiately left, follow signs for 800 m ), ☏ +212 55577414 , [email protected] . Camels 60 dirham/hour. Excursions available. single 300-400 half-board; double 200-300 dirham per person half-board; night in the desert 350 dirham per person half-board; camping 25 dirham . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp , ☏ +34 638 903 318 , [email protected] . Spend an unforgettable night in a haima in the Merzouga desert ( updated Apr 2020 )

Touts [ edit ]

Basically everyone in Merzouga is a tout, trying to sell you a camel, ATV or 4WD tour, or anything else that can be had a commission from. Be sure not to fall for any guy that has nothing to do with the actual tour, operator or accommodation.

Romantic liaisons [ edit ]

As with many places, be cautious with anyone who seems interested in romantic entanglements, as incidents of foreign women being charmed by locals and then discovering that the "romance" was merely a cover to obtain sex, money, or other services are not uncommon and increasing. This seems especially true for young foreign travellers. The cosy camp surroundings and maybe some wine does the rest.

Go next [ edit ]

Supratours buses travel from the center of Merzouga village north to Meknes, Fez and also over to Ouarzazate and then Marrakech. This is new and an affordable way to get in and out the desert. But there are no stops to visit the Todra Gorge, Dades valley or Ait Ben Haddaou or Ifrane. Or to take rest stops at your leisure! They travel overnight from Fez and during the day from Marrakech.

• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Has mapframe
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Eat listing with no coordinates
• Articles with dead external links
• Sleep listing with no coordinates
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• Saharan Morocco
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Morocco Travel Diary | Part One: City of Fes, Road Trip to Merzouga + The Sahara Desert

Last month, i went on a 10-day trip to morocco with my family that completely changed my life. i’ve been very fortunate to travel outside the us plenty of times, to many destinations across the atlantic, but there was something about this particular trip that exceeded all the rest..

I believe a lot of it has to do with the fact that this was our first family trip in years, dating back to when spring break was still a thing for us. Now that my two sisters and myself are older & working full-time jobs, it’s been harder to plan family trips that allow for all 5 of us to get away for more than 5 days together. Luckily, my parents found a sweet spot in early January (8th-18th) to surprise us with an experience unlike anything I’ve ever imagined.

I went into this trip not knowing what to expect & left with more appreciation and respect for a country that has completely captured my heart. I can’t wait to share every single detail about this trip with you all & hope you’ll be inspired to travel to Morocco by the end of my two-part recap. In the meantime, here’s part one of our journey – enjoy!

TRAVELING TO MOROCCO

Flight details.

We departed JFK Airport at 7pm on a direct flight to Casablanca via Royal Air Maroc airline. There are only two (direct) flights out of JFK to Morocco each day – one in the morning & one at night. The benefit of taking the evening flight is that you can sleep on the plane (about a 7.5 hour flight) and arrive the following morning on Morocco time. This was the best option for us, as we had a whole day scheduled to make stops along the drive to our first destination – the city of Fes.

I’ll be honest – Royal Air Maroc was very much a “dated” airline & the service/amenities were reflective of that. I wouldn’t go into it expecting the bells & whistles you get from United or Delta on an International flight. You get a tv and in-flight food, but don’t be surprised if the tv doesn’t work & the flight attendants don’t care enough to help you fix it or reassign you a seat. Also don’t be surprised if you ask for extra butter because its missing from your meal & get a response like, “No extras for Economy class..” LOL. The perk of flying it is that it’s the only direct flight into Morocco, so if that’s something of importance to you, then it’s worth taking. But if you’re someone who expects to be treated like a King/Queen on every flight you take, then I suggest paying up for the Business Class..

Planning Our Trip + Getting Around

In the past, we’ve always purposely taken the road less traveled so we can get an authentic experience of the country we’re visiting, outside the tourist hot spots & into the heart of the land. As advised, traveling by car would be our best bet in order to see and do as much as we could within our 10 day stay. In Morocco, the major cities are between 4-6 hours apart, separated by mountainous and/or desert terrain. Needless to say a majority of our trip was spent in the car, with all three daughters sardine packed in the 3rd row of our van.. It was tight but we made it work, and was totally the way to go at the end of the trip after getting to see everything we did.

We met our driver & tour guide at the Casablanca Airport the following morning. Morocco is 6 hours ahead of NYC (East Coast) but thankfully the evening flight allowed for us to adjust to the time change fairly easily. Our parents booked our trip through a travel agency called Casablanca Tours , which set us up with a tour guide & driver to stay with us throughout our trip, from beginning to end. I’D 100% DO THIS IF YOU PLAN TO SPEND SEVERAL DAYS IN MOROCCO. Not only did we have someone to show us around each destination & lead us to the right spots to dine/shop, but we also never had to worry about our bags or stress over how we’d be getting to our next destination. The reason we all got along for 10 days is because of this, so I highly recommend booking a guide & driver if you want to elevate your experience and eliminate the stress that comes with traveling in general.

Our guide Mustapha has worked with our driver Ayoub for several years, so they have a great existing partnership and dynamic that we instantly appreciated as a traveling family of five. We got to know both men very well by the end of our trip, which made it so bittersweet when it was time to leave. Our trip was as amazing as it was because of Mustapha & Ayoub – they truly made all the magic happen behind the scenes and we couldn’t be more thankful for them both!

*If you’d like to book Mustapha (& Ayoub) for your Morocco adventure (trust me, they will make your trip THE BEST EVER), then be sure to reach out through his contact info below – be sure to mention me as a reference!

Mustapha bifoul | e: [email protected] | tel: +212 6 37 22 18 07.

Quick Tidbits

Winter in morocco.

If you live in NYC or any northern city on the east coast, then you’ll be delighted by the winter weather in Morocco. On average, it was 40-50F by mid-day with cooler 30s in the morning & evening. I was comfortable wearing a puffer coat and sweater with jeans or cargo pants each day. Some occasions, it got warm enough to wear a maxi skirt/dress during the day. Personally, we found visiting Morocco in winter to be an incredible time to be there. It’s not the high season, so you can expect less tourists and less crowds at certain hot spots/cities as a result.

THE SECOND LANGUAGE IS FRENCH

If you’re one of those people who chose to take French over Spanish in school, then you’ll be the source of communication amongst your group when visiting Morocco. Of course, you’ll find that many people speak English in the major cities, but you won’t be smooth sailing if you travel outside to the remote towns/villages. French is the second main language spoken in Morocco, and you’ll find a lot of people speak it in places of business (restaurants, hotels, etc.) All those years of taking French seemed to pay off for me most this trip, as it all started coming back to me after a few days of flexing it in conversation. I used to be pretty great at speaking French (took it for 10 years from Kindergarten – 12th Grade) but made the foolish mistake of not continuing it in college after testing out of the entrance exam. So naturally, I lost a lot of conversational knowledge (still can understand pretty well though!) After this trip, I’ve been inspired to take it back up & make it a 2020 goal, along with planning a trip back to Paris or Montreal in order to practice all I’ve re-learned!

AGRICULTURE & TOURISM ARE TWO OF MOROCCO’S TOP INDUSTRIES

These two go hand-in-hand, as the country greatly depends on both to maintain status quo. Morocco is known for growing many varieties of fruits & grains, as well as raising cattle & livestock for quality meat and by-products (cheese, milk, etc.) Everything we ate tasted so fresh because it didn’t travel far to get to our plates. As a precaution, we only ate meat dishes at reputable restaurants or at the select places our guide Mustapha took us to. We avoided eating the skins of most fruits if we could and only drank bottled water; all of our hotels had filtered water to allow us to brush our teeth but we still never drank from the tap.

DRESS CONSERVATIVELY & BE MINDFUL OF RELIGIOUS PRACTICES

Morocco is predominantly 99% Muslim with the remaining 1% consisting of Christian, Jewish, and Baha’i. In the winter, we didn’t have to think too much about what we wore provided it was mostly consisting of longer layers. If visiting during the high seasons of spring/fall or early summer, it’s strongly encouraged to dress on the conservative side more so as a means of respect. Think along the lines of sticking to crew neck T-shirts over v-necks or tank tops and wearing skirts/dresses that hit at the knee or lower (no mini skirts, high slits, or shorts.) Cover your shoulders when entering/visiting any religious sites such as synagogues or places of prayer. Morocco isn’t like the UAE so you won’t be “verbally” attacked for wearing something on the shorter side but it’s best to cover up if you want to avoid any unwanted attention.

Days 1 – 3

City of fes.

WHERE WE STAYED

Riad mayfez suites & spa.

Our first two nights in Morocco were spent at the beautiful Riad Mayfez Suites & Spa , a tucked away oasis in the middle of the Fes Medina. You’d never know such a place existed amongst the maze of pedestrian alley ways making up the city center. We had to walk about 6 minutes with our bags to get there, as cars can’t fit down these narrow streets, but little did we know what an absolute treat we’d be walking into.

Riad Mayfez Suites & Spa is not your ordinary hotel, as it came into fruition from an existing palace that has been family owned for several years. When you walk in, you feel as if you’re in the private courtyard of someone’s residential home, complete with three surrounding buildings where guests are welcomed to spend the night. I stayed in a beautiful guest suite with my two sisters, complete with a private staircase leading up to the room & a private terrace overlooking the courtyard. There’s also a larger rooftop terrace that boasts beautiful views of the surrounding Medina where we enjoyed glasses of wine after a long day of exploring. If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s in the heart of it all but still provides all the feelings of luxury, privacy, and intimacy expected, then this is the hotel you absolutely must stay at when visiting Fes!

WHERE WE ATE

The ruined garden.

Right around the corner from our hotel is The Ruined Garden , a charming outdoor restaurant surrounding its customers with varieties of plants & foliage. Here is where we got our first taste (no pun intended, but somewhat is) of Moroccan cuisine, which was nothing short of outstanding. Our guide Mustapha recommended this place and we couldn’t get enough of the atmosphere along with our many delicious shared plates of Moroccan delicacies – from couscous to chicken/veggie tagine to the homemade bread (OMG..mouth is watering now thinking about it.)

L’Amandier au Palais Faraj

Located on the top floor of the beautiful Palais Faraj hotel is L’Amandier , a restaurant offering Moroccan & Mediterranean Cuisine along with stunning panoramic views of the ancient Medina. This was one of the more intimate, smarter dress places we chose to dine at during our trip and the food + atmosphere was reflective of such. I had the most delicious plate of spinach linguine that my entire family just had to try themselves, along with several shared apps that were both non-dairy & vegetarian-friendy!

WHAT WE DID

Volubilis ruins.

On our way to Fes from Casablanca we stopped at the Volubilis Ruins , a partly-excavated, Roman site of a former Berber city located outside the city of Mekn è s. Its development dates back to 3rd Century BC and it remained inhabited up until the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake, which buried most of this ancient city with mountains of dust, rock, and debris. Despite having its main center structures excavated and restored for tourism, much of it still remains underground yet to be excavated further. I honestly think this was one of my favorite stops on our trip that provided me with a strong understanding of the Berber culture and its importance in Morocco’s ancient history & throughout today. Read more about it here .

Cimetière Israélite + The Fort at Borj Sud

Two tourist stops we made while in the city of Fes – one located in what’s called “New Fes” and the other related to the older parts of the city. Despite being in what’s now dubbed as the newer part of the city, the Cimetière Israélite (Jewish Cemetery) we visited dates very far back in time according to many of the plaques commemorating those buried amongst the tombstones. It sort of reminded me of what Santorini looks like, with the colors of pure white and blue. The second place we visited was Borj Sud , a fortress overlooking the old city of Fes & the ancient Medina where our hotel resides. Those were some of the most beautiful panoramic views I’ve seen & really showed me how enormous the city actually is (with all its maze-like streets and alley ways.)

Poterie de Fès

Hands-down, visiting this pottery workshop was one of my favorite parts throughout our entire trip. What was so unbelievable was witnessing how precise everything is made, yet 95% of its entire creation and design was done by memory over measurements. These pottery artists are so accurate with their timing in order to ensure each piece of pottery made has a perfectly-fitting lid or coaster to go along with it, without fail! If you check out my IG Highlight “Morocco Part 1” , you’ll see what I’m talking about & it’ll blow your mind – especially the frame(s) of the artist assembling the mosaic table, on the floor with the tiniest sized tiles laying color-side down, perfectly placed in a pattern he knows by memory. Needless to say, we spent a solid two hours in the showroom and purchased a bunch of beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces that I can’t wait to receive (we had the ability to ship them from the workshop via DHL, so we didn’t have to worry about packing them in our suitcases & facing inevitable breakage.)

*It was difficult to find the website but I managed to locate the correct FB page ; I’ve also included all the information from the business card below for reference should you decide to stop by (which I highly recommend you do!)

Quartier de poterie (or poterie de fès) | 32, aiin nokbi route sidi hrazem – fè s , morocco 30000| tel: +212 05 35 76 16 29.

Silk Weaving Workshop

Our guide Mustapha led us through the narrow, winding alleys neighboring the souks in the Medina to this tucked away Silk Weaving Workshop. Once inside, we were standing in an enclosed courtyard surrounded by 2 open-air stories of scarves & tapestries. We got to touch and feel the different types of silk threads used to create specific types of headscarves and wraps, along with got a tutorial on how to properly wrap a headscarf to wear – you can see that step-by-step action on my IG Highlight “Morocco Part 1” as well.

La Belle Vue de la Tannerie

Our final stop in Fes was at La Belle Vue de la Tannerie , where we got an up-close experience seeing (& smelling..) how the hides are made into various leather items (from jackets to shoes to decorative household poufs.) Morocco is a very sustainable country, so every single part of the animal is used as a means of human consumption (literally through its meat or figuratively through its hide.) Now I understand learning about this won’t excite several of you but at the end of the day, running tanneries in Morocco is part of the culture and serves as a means of livelihood for most families.

Two things I learned here: 1) The test of quality leather can be determined through a lighter. Real leather WON’T burn at the touch of the flame, whereas something not genuine will ignite within seconds. And 2) Tanneries smell really bad , but luckily mint leaves can help keep the fumes at bay. So make sure you get a bushel to hold right to your nose & I recommend avoiding a visit on a particularly hot day…

If you’d like to visit this beautiful Tannerie, right in the heart of the Fes Medina, please find the contact info below:

La belle vue de la tannerie | 64, derb sidi bouazza, blida chouara, fès medina, morocco | tel: +212 05 35 63 79 50, days 3 – 4, road trip to merzouga.

WHERE WE STOPPED ALONG THE WAY

Located in the Middle Atlas Mountains, the town of Ifrane is known for its alpine-style architecture & nearby ski slopes and forests. It reminded me of a place I’d see in Montréal & Switzerland with a touch of that quant downtown ski resort vibe. Although we didn’t stay longer than enjoying one cappuccino, it was so neat to see how vastly different parts of Morocco are as you travel outside the major cities (like Fes.) I would have never known the country of Morocco would transition from desert to pine forest to snowy mountain within a couple miles.

Barbary Apes of Azrou

Our other main stop, on our road trip to the desert, was visiting (& feeding) the Barbary Apes that live in the Cedar Forest of Azrou. Now I’ve had experience being surrounded by wild monkeys before when we were in Bali, which is a memory that briefly reminded me of how devilish they can be (from taking your sunglasses and only returning them if you provide two bananas, not one..) However, these Moroccan monkeys were surprisingly shy in comparison and shockingly gentle when taking a select piece of fruit out of our hands. There were tons of tourists when we stopped by the site to take a look, but there were plenty of monkeys (adults + babies) to feed and they couldn’t have been sweeter. I’m so glad we stopped by & got to experience this despite our initial hesitations, from previous monkey behavior.

THE SAHARA DESERT

WHERE WE STAYED & DINED

Merzouga luxury desert camp.

After 6+ long hours in the car, we finally arrived at our second Moroccan destination – The Sahara Desert. In order to get to our accommodations, we transferred from our tourist van into two 4WD vehicles that drove us off the main road & over the sand dunes from the village of Merzouga, located right outside the desert access entry point – Erg Chebbi. About 20 minutes later, we arrived at the site of our evening residence – Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp inside the Sahara Desert! And omg you guys, little did I know just how much these next 12 hours were going to be unlike ANYTHING I’ve ever experienced & more.

Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp offers 10 spacious luxury tents, complete with full-sized beds and private bathrooms (yes, running water!) Despite it feeling like true winter once the sun went down, there were still a handful of guests choosing to spend an intimate night in the desert; which made it super fun to converse with new people while sitting around the bonfire, sipping wine, and watching the moon rise over the dunes. Consider this the destination to escape, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of solitude amongst the stars – a truly spectacular nomadic experience.

Dinner was hosted in a large tent that welcomed all its guests with private tables for each party. We had a variety of delicious Moroccan cuisine plates and enjoyed listening to the gracious staff as they played live Moroccan music on drums following our meals.

Sunset + Sunrise Camel Rides

When we arrived the evening before, we made it just in time to catch the sunset on camelback but it felt somewhat rushed as our surroundings quickly became dark & cold. So we opted to wake up extra early to catch the sunrise on camelback as well. Honestly, nothing will ever compare to what I got to witness amongst the sand dunes in the Sahara Desert that morning, surrounded by my entire family & feeling incredibly grateful for everything and everyone my life. I used to think those sunrises on the beach back home were the definition of magical (and they still are) but on this particular morning, it was simply something else to see. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put my feelings & emotions into the right words to describe it, so it’ll remain a memory that makes my heart swell more frequently.

Phew – Part One is finished! I know there’s a lot to take in here and I won’t doubt that probably most of the information I shared isn’t useful to you at the moment, but I appreciate you taking the time to read my words & be educated through my experiences. My hope is that someone will be inspired to travel to Morocco after reading this, or someone who’s visiting for the first time will come across my post and feel better prepared for their trip of a lifetime. Even if neither happen, I’m thankful to be able to share what I’ve witnessed on a platform such as this.

Here’s an overview of part one’s road map.

If you’d like to see more of our (entire) trip, behind-the-scenes & video coverage,       check out all 4 on my Instagram Highlights!

 – here’s what they look like when visiting my ig profile –.

READY FOR MORE? CLICK TO READ PART TWO !

You May Also Like

Tips for Traveling With Twins (Under 2)

Tell me your thoughts.

Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment.

What an amazing trip! I loved reading about it – and appreciated the details. Looked so beautiful and interesting.

Wow! These photos are awesome!!! Definitely in my bucket list!! xo, Kari

https://www.styleandcafe.com/

OMG! What an amazing trip, and wonderful family memories! Your photos are amazing, they look like they are out of a magazine. I can’t wait to read pt. 2!

xoxo Lisa | @occasionallyluxe http://www.occasionallyluxe.com

Wow Morocco looks like a dream! I hope I can visit there someday as well! Thank you for all the details!

https://sundaydahlias.com

Tilden, these photos are absolutely breathtaking! What an amazing experience and how fun that you got to do it with your sisters. You will cherish these memories forever. Morocco really has quite the romantic appeal in so many ways! If I ever get the chance to travel like this, I believe Morocco is now at the top of my list.

Shelbee http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

Wow, these pictures are stunning! It looks like and amazing trip! Thank you for sharing!

XOXO, Nikki

My family of 4 and i we visit Morocco last October 2021, i booked 4 days Sahara Desert Tour with Morocco Authentic Tours everything was amazing we had a driver guide Hicham his funny guy highly recommended http://www.moroccoauthentictours.com

This trip sounds incredible and the photos taken are gorgeous! Love the detail and all you’ve shared about this memorable trip! Thank you for sharing!!

lovely destinations. Morocco is a great destination for honeymoon trips

Nice article… Thanks for sharing with us.

Wow that looks awesome, really love and hope see you again in Morocco in other different adventure and different places

Hi- I am going to Morocco with my family in June. Did Casablanca Tours plan this whole trip for you or they only gave the guide and driver.

Hi! We had a US-Based travel agent who got us in touch with Casablanca Tours/handled all the booking on our behalf after we gave them where we’d like to go (city-wise.) From my understanding, you can shoot Casablanca Tours a message on their site and inquire about what kind of trip you’re hoping to have – how long you’ll be traveling, how many family members, must-see places etc. If you want to link my blog post in your message and ask about a similar trip – regarding planning &/or just guide + driver, that might help!

Solaris Traveller

The World at Your Fingertips

Driving from Fes to Merzouga in Morocco by Car

30th December 2016

Driving from Fes to Merzouga by car has to be one of the most scenic drives in the world. The drive will take you from Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital to Merzouga, Morocco’s desert sand dunes . Taking the road by car will save you time and will allow you take in the scenery at your own pace.

According to Google Maps, it takes 7 hours solid via Midelt, the Atlas Mountains and the Ziz Valley . However, with the regular breaks and sight seeing, plan at least one full day, leaving Fes early in the morning and arriving in Merzouga by car late in the evening.

How to Get to Merzouga from Fes

Take highway N13 south from Fes towards Ifran, Azrou and Midelt and carry on through Errachidia and Erfoud until you reach Merzouga. It is basically a straight road, taking between 8-9 hours.

Related: One week driving itinerary in Morocco

Ifran – Morocco’s Ski Resort

This drive will take you across Morocco, starting in Ifran, a beautiful hilltop town. As you leave Fes you will slowly ascend to Ifran, a university town surrounded by pine forests.

In the winter it caters for Moroccan ski enthusiasts, while in the summer it cools down people looking to escape the heat in Fes.

After the hussle and bustle of Fes it does feel good to spend an hour or two here. Park up at the town center and walk around the parks and lakes. The only real sight is the lion, carved by a German prisoner of war during WWII. Click images to enlarge.

Azrou Market Town

Driving further on by car, you will reach Azrou, a market town. The main market day is on Tuesday so try and plan your road trip across Morocco to visit that day. Everything is cheaper here than in Fes and the locals also sell tasty fruits and veg.

After Azrou the drive becomes more desert like and there will be no vegetation in sight except for dry bushes. Nonetheless, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, more like deserted areas of Texas. 

The Ziz Valley in Morocco

Once you pass Midelt the scenery changes again. The region after Midelt is another arid landscape, but passing Er-rich palm trees and oasis will begin to line the side of the road where it meets the river. 

Not far from Er-Rich is the Tunnel du Légionnaire , a tunnel built by the French in 1928. A short drive away from Er-Rich is Er-Rachidia, a desert garrison town.

Nothing fascinating here, but the chicken restaurant at the town center is worth a visit. I cannot remember the name now, but it is easy to recognise: there are two massive chicken grills on the terrace and everyone is eating there. Wifi is also free here and the toilet was clean.

The most spectacular sight after Er-Rachidia is the Vallee de Ziz (Ziz Valley). Imagine driving in the desert for hours with nothing on either side of the road.

Then all of a sudden you reach the edge of a cliff and below is the most fascinating sight on earth: a palm tree oasis lining both sides of the river between the canyon walls.

Much of the scenery here resembles the Grand Canyon, with the River Ziz running between the hills. The Ziz carved out some huge canyons and the people here started growing date palms and other fruits centuries ago.

Arriving in Hassi Labied / Merzouga

I visited in September and I left Fes early in the morning but I also stopped in quite a few places so by this time the sun was about to set. My arrival in Erfoud was just before sunset, at around 6-7pm.

Originally I planned to stay here for the night but a couple of teenagers started chasing me on their scooters offering to take me to a hotel. I told them to get lost but they kept following me around.

So I parked my car in front of the police station and started reading until they disappeared.

Instead of sticking around I decided to drive further on to Merzouga but I took the wrong turn and ended up in Hassi Labied. I have never made a better mistake in my life!

Hassi Labied is literally next to Merzouga – the difference is that here nobody will bother you. It was here that I met Ibrahim, the owner of Riad Aicha, a berber bed and breakfast in the middle of the desert. His house overlooks the sand dunes and offers the most amazing holiday experience ever.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
• Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Siti fatimah says

1st January 2019 at 2:13 am

I like this article. Thanks.

solaristraveller says

1st January 2019 at 5:05 am

Cheers, let me know how your drive went!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Flight Reviews
• Hotel Reviews
• Car Hire Reviews
• Rail Journeys

• +212668662320
• [email protected]

5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

• ACCOMMODATIONS
• BEFORE YOU GO

Join us on a 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga , where you can explore the Sahara desert. Enjoy camel rides, spend your nights under the starry sky, and take in the breathtaking views of the sand dunes.

Immerse yourself in southern Morocco’s unique culture and traditions as you venture deep into the desert on this 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga . Discover the stunning landscapes and learn about the way of life in the Sahara desert.

• Duration: 5 days/4 nights
• Start: Marrakech
• End: Marrakech
• Accommodations: Various options (See below)
• Tour Style: Private
• Price: Check it below

Highlights of the 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Driving over the High Atlas Mountains and through the fantastic Tizi-N-Tichka pass

Getting to see many wonderful traditional Berber villages

Exploring the World Heritage Site Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou

Visiting the most prominent film studio in Africa and a historical Kasbah in Ouarzazate

Spending a night in a gorgeous riad in the Dades Valley

Marching under the narrow canyon of Todra in Tinghir

Traversing the Erg Chebbi dunes by camels

Watching the peaceful sunsets & sunrises of the Merzouga desert

Gazing at the stars in the desert

Sleeping in your private, comfortable desert camp tent in the middle of nowhere

Driving off-road to visit a Nomadic family

Discovering a traditional Moroccan souk

Why a private 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?

Opt for our private 5-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour to unlock the beauty of southern Morocco. From exploring historic Kasbahs to experiencing camel rides in the desert, you will have the opportunity to savor it all. Spend an entire day exploring the Merzouga desert, including a visit to a nomadic family. The best part is that this itinerary minimizes the time spent driving, allowing you to focus on experiencing the wonders of the Sahara desert.

5 day Marrakech to Merzouga tour itinerary

Check out the 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga itinerary below to know what to expect from the trip. You can personalize the program to your interests.

Day 1: Marrakech ⇢ High Atlas Mountains ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ Dades Valley

Commence your 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with a hassle-free pickup from your accommodation. As we leave Marrakech behind, we will traverse the awe-inspiring High Atlas mountains via the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. During the drive, your knowledgeable guide and driver will make stops at picturesque locations, and you are welcome to request stops at your convenience.

After relishing a delicious lunch in Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate, our expedition will lead us towards the Dades Gorge, passing through the captivating Skoura and the enchanting Rose Valley. In Skoura’s lush oasis, you will have the option to explore the impressive Amridil Kasbah, a remarkable fortified village. For those traveling in the spring, we can make a special stop to witness the valley adorned with a captivating display of roses in full bloom.

Upon reaching the Dades Gorge, prepare to be captivated by the fantastic rock formations, often referred to as “monkey fingers,” while also savoring a panoramic view of the stunning Gorge. Finally, we will make our way to your hotel for an evening of relaxation, dinner, and a well-deserved overnight stay.

Driving distance : Approximately 353 km

Driving time : Approximately 6 hr 30 min

Day 2: Dades Valley ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Merzouga

Start your second day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel in the Dades Valley. We will then set off for Tinghir, where you will have the opportunity to marvel at a stunning oasis and historical kasbahs, which once housed Berber and Jewish communities side by side. You will also have the chance to walk beneath the towering 300-meter cliffs of the Todra Gorge before proceeding to the Sahara desert.

We will pause for a satisfying lunch en route, and upon arrival, your camel guide and our camels will be ready to lead you across the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi to your desert camp. On the way, you will stop atop a high dune, soaking in a magnificent sunset and partaking in sandboarding activities. As night falls, our camp staff will serve a tasty dinner and entertain you with mesmerizing Berber drum performances around a campfire beneath a starry night sky.

Driving distance : Approximately 275 km

Driving time : Approximately 4 hr

Day 3: Explorative day of the desert

An early morning today is highly recommended to watch a quiet sunrise from your camp. After a tasty breakfast here, we will pick you up by a 4×4 vehicle and start our explorative day of the Sahara:

• Drive to the area where the nomads are settling in. They will happily host you in one of their tents for tea. It is an excellent opportunity to know how they live in a harsh environment away from civilization.
• Visit a hidden abandoned village in the middle of nowhere! The town is home to the Galena mines. You will get to see them too.
• Drive to another village called Khamlia, where you will listen to Gnaoua music played by the locals. Their origin is from southern African countries like Sudan. Here, you can also have lunch in a local restaurant.
•  After lunch, we drive to a lake near the town of Merzouga if it is full before we head to your riad.

Driving distance : Approximately 57 km

Driving time : Approximately 1 hr 15 min

Day 4: Merzouga ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Agdez ⇢ Ouarzazate

An early morning today is rewarded with another peaceful sunrise from the terrace of your riad. Then, we start our journey. First, we will stop in the old city of Rissani, where we will visit a traditional souk. Then, head to Ouarzazate via the fascinating Draa Valley and stop in Agdez to see some valley landscapes. Arrive at your riad in Ouarzazate in the afternoon.

Driving distance : Approximately 370 km

Driving time : Approximately 5 hr 20 min

Day 5: Ouarzazate ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah ⇢ Telouet Kasbah ⇢ Marrakech

Our final morning starts with a tasty breakfast in your riad. Ouarzazate is known as the gateway to the Sahara desert and the Hollywood of Africa. The city is home to the historical Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas studio, which made it a famous film-making location.

After immersing ourselves in the enchanting sights of Ouarzazate, our journey proceeds to the captivating Ait Ben Haddou. Here, we are granted the opportunity to explore the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a site of significant historical value protected by UNESCO since 1987. This remarkable fortress has served as a backdrop for numerous iconic films and television series, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones, which only adds to its allure.

As we conclude our exploration of the mesmerizing Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, our journey takes us onwards to the vibrant city of Marrakech, leading us through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. During the trip, we will enjoy admiring the fascinating Telouet Kasbah.

As our 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga ends, we will ensure your safe return by dropping you off at your accommodation in Marrakech.

Driving distance : Approximately 203 km

Driving time : Approximately 3 hr 52 min

Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour

• Pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Marrakech
• A/C modern 4×4 SUV, a van, or a minibus
• English-speaking driver or a driver and an English-speaking tour guide (If you prefer another language, kindly inform us in advance)
• First, second, third, and fourth-night accommodations
• Meals: 4 dinners & 4 breakfasts
• Camel trekking experience
• Sandboarding
• Entrance fees, when needed
• Tips (optional)

Map of the tour

Accommodations

Every accommodation during the 5 days Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour offers clean and comfortable rooms with your choice of double, twin, or single beds, each equipped with a private bathroom. Before finalizing your reservation, we would appreciate you letting us know your preferred accommodation type. Here are three options to help you make your selection:

Tailor your accommodations to match your personal preferences and requirements. You have the freedom to pick from a range of choices. For example, you could kick off your journey with a delightful stay at Hotel Babylon Dades on on the first night, indulge in the luxury of Desert Luxury Camp on the second night, savor the authentic charm of Riad Serai on the third night, and enjoy your stay at Dar Chamaa on the fourth night. The decision is entirely up to you, and you can mix and match as you see fit.

5 days desert tour from Marrakech price

The 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga starts at €249 per person. It is important to keep in mind that the total cost can vary depending on factors such as the size of your group, your accommodation preferences, and your chosen travel dates. The larger your group, the more cost-effective it becomes per person.

For exact and personalized pricing information that aligns with your group’s specific requirements, we recommend getting in touch with us using the contact form below. Our experienced team will promptly provide pricing details tailored to your needs.

Please use the below form to email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you do not hear back from us within 24 hours, please send us a WhatsApp message or call us at +212668662320 . We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Know Before You Go

When you book your tour, kindly let us know about your dietary preferences or any special food requirements, like if you are a vegetarian or vegan. This way, we can make sure your meals during the trip are tailored to your specific needs.

Our guides pick restaurants known for serving fresh and high-quality meals to make sure you enjoy a great dining experience during the trip. If you have a particular restaurant in mind that you would like to dine at, please let your guide know. They will be more than happy to arrange it for you. Your comfort and dining satisfaction are of utmost importance to us.

The schedule mentioned above includes two nights in Merzouga, with one night in a camp and the other in a riad. However, you also have the option to spend both nights in the camp instead of just one. If you are interested in this, please inform us when making your booking.

If you have less than 5 days available for the desert tour, there are shorter alternatives to consider. You can explore the 4 days desert tour from Marrakech , the 3 days desert tour from Marrakech , or the 2 days Marrakech desert tour .

Extra activities

In addition to booking your 5-day Marrakech desert tour, you can make your experience even better with extra activities and tours that are available before, during, or after your main desert tour. If any of these activities match your interests, please inform us when you make your booking, and we will be happy to help you arrange them.

Read more reviews on Tripadvisor .

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the marrakech to merzouga drive.

The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga takes approximately 9 hours. This is why our 5-day Marrakech to Merzouga itinerary includes one night in the Dades Valley before reaching the desert and another night in Ouarzazate before returning to Marrakech. These stopovers make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

Can I skip the camel ride to the desert camp?

Of course! If you are not keen on riding camels, we have covered you with an alternative. You can relax in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost, and we will transport you to the camp hassle-free. Your satisfaction is our priority!

Are there bathrooms in the camp?

Absolutely, all the camps in our selection are classified as luxury camps, guaranteeing your comfort with the added convenience of private en-suite bathrooms.

What type of vehicles are used for the 5 days tour from Marrakech?

Great question! Our vehicle type depends on how many people are in your group. Different vehicles are available, like the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, Ford 8-seater van, and Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus (suitable for groups ranging from eight to seventeen passengers), in addition to other comfortable car options.

How far in advance should we book this tour?

The early bird catches the worm, it is recommended to book the trip as soon as possible.

How to pay for the tour?

Our payment procedure is simple and hassle-free. To confirm your reservation, we kindly ask for a small deposit. This deposit can be easily paid via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise when you make your booking. The outstanding balance is due in cash on the first day of your tour directly to our knowledgeable driver/guide. You have the flexibility to pay in euros, US dollars, or an equivalent sum in dirhams.

Have a question about our 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga that's not covered here?

We will get back to you within 24 hours. However, please send us a WhatsApp message or call us at +212668662320 if you do not hear back from us soon.

Who we are?

Morocco Fabulous Travel is a specialist tour operator offering the best Morocco Sahara desert tours . We have unique and full programs of Morocco tours, all at incredible prices.

Moroccofabuloustravel.com team is made of an enthusiastic group of people all sharing a deep feeling for the Sahara desert and Morocco in general. We offer our customers the best tours in Morocco , Our crew has first-hand and excellent knowledge of Morocco.

Our services are tailored to fit any budget.

Why book with MFT?

⇢ Booking through a local expert saves time, money, and stress and assures that your itinerary is co-ordinated perfectly.

⇢ We work with individuals who are highly motivated and totally in love with their country. Individuals who never tire of learning more about Morocco, who are capable of tailoring their tours to their interests. Individuals who will not rest until your tours are excellent.

⇢ Every day we find the best offers for our customers, so they can keep visiting our fabulous Morocco again and again.

Popular desert tours

★ 3 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour

★ 3 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour

★ Marrakech desert tour 3 days

★ 4 days desert tour from Marrakech

★ Morocco itinerary 7 days

★ Morocco itinerary 10 days

★ Activities in Merzouga desert

Morocco Tours

➤ Morocco Itineraries

➤ Marrakech One Day Trips

➤ Marrakech Desert Tours

➤ Fes Desert Tours

➤ Casablanca Desert Tours

➤ Tangier Tours

➤ Ouarzazate Tours

➤ Errachidia Desert Tours

Awards & Praise

Contact us 24/7.

• Marrakech, Morocco

Follow us on

© 2024 Morocco Fabulous Travel . All rights reserved

We ♥ influencers |  Cancellation Policy

• Middle East
• North America
• Travel Resources
• Work with me

A Road Trip to Morocco Travel Itinerary (2024) - The Call Of The Desert

Morocco is magical and it can be fully experienced only via a road trip. this morocco road trip travel itinerary has info on road safety, the best places to visit in the east of morocco with detailed info on what to do at each place.

After my first visit to the Thar desert in India, I knew I had to return somehow. Although I always crave for beaches, the desert somehow seemed more peaceful, maybe it’s because there’s hardly a ‘secluded’ beach left anymore in India especially in Goa !

Beaches are still dear to me – but maybe getting to a desert isn’t easy and that’s what makes it worthwhile. I did know before I left, that ‘The Mummy’ and the ‘Gladiator’ was filmed in several locations in Morocco, and I had intentions to visit them, especially Ait Ben Haddou.

A visit to the Sahara – literally ‘desert’ in Arabic was turning into a road trip through Morocco and I couldn’t have been more pleased.

Mubarak was to be our driver on our tour as we had to sort our international licenses, and I was glad to have a local accompany us along the way as we started on our Morocco road trip starting from Marrakech.

A Morocco Road Trip

Day 1-2: Marrakech

Day 3: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou/Ouarzazate

Day 4: Ouarzazate to Merzouga

Day 5-6: Merzouga

Day 6: Merzouga to Todra Gorge/Boumalne de Dades

Day 7: Todra Gorge to Marrakech via the Valley of Roses and Dades Gorge

A road trip to Morocco travel itinerary for a week

Is it easy to drive in morocco.

Morocco may not be the most hassle-free country in terms of planning a road trip, but it is very worth it. It can definitely be tricky to find a reliable car rental company in Morocco.

Auto Europe is a UK based aggregator for car rental and is one of the few reliable platforms through which you can book a car and have it delivered without a lot of hassle. Discover Car’s is yet another reliable platform to try out.

Once your car rental is sorted, it is important to remember that roads in Morocco are known for their potholes. And if you’re road tripping through the Atlas Mountains like we did, expect a lot of hairpin bends and blind curves.

So it helps if you’re an experienced driver in Morocco. Camels and donkeys are also known to wander around the roads in Morocco, so it’s good to expect the unexpected and always be aware while driving.

Do keep in mind that driving in Morocco is on the right hand side of the road.

How much does it cost to go on a road trip in Morocco?

Going on a road trip in Morocco is actually much cheaper than most road trips across Europe. Depending on whether you rent a self-drive or get a car with a driver, costs for a road trip through Morocco can vary. Typically, you should be able to rent a small car for around 60 GBP for a week which includes basic insurance.

Fuel in Morocco is cheaper than most European countries, and closer to the global average. Usually, the price fluctuates somewhere around 1 GBP per litre. Toll taxes are much cheaper than in Europe as well and must always be paid in cash. However, most motorways around South Morocco don’t have toll taxes at all.

Morocco trip from India

The best way to get on a Morocco trip from India would be to first fly to Marrakech. There are many direct flights from major cities in India. Once in Marrakech, either hire a self-drive car or you can also hire a car with a driver.

You could also opt for a private tour or pick one of many tour options available here that depart from Marrakech, with or without stay options.

If you’d rather not organise your own tour/drive here’s a budget friendly 3 days Merzouga tour from Marrakech

There’s quite a few things to do in Marrakech! I’d highly suggest you check this post that has a detailed one week itinerary for Morocco , where it contains details for what to do Marrakech for 3 days.

There’s info on numerous places to visit in Marrakech like Jardin Majorelle, El Badi Palace, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs and the Tanneries to name a few.

There’s also places to eat in Marrakech like Cafe Clock and Amal.

However, the best way to take in Marrakech is to walk through the Medina and then head to Jemaa E Fna Square and watch the locals go about their daily lives. Then head for some shopping in the souks in one of the most colorful markets in the world!

STAY: We stayed at the Riad Merzouga and I would highly recommend it!

Here are other options to stay in Marrakech –

Riad et SPA Misria Les Orangers

Address :  17, derb Anboub. Quartier Barroudyine. Médina Marrakech 40008

Riad Kheirredine

Address : 2, Derb Chelligui, Sidi Ben Slimane, Marrakech 40000

Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou/Ouarzazate – 193 kilometers, 5 hours

We set off early in the morning and started our drive through the Atlas mountains. Winter was late to arrive in December in Morocco last year and the peaks of the Atlas mountains had tiny specs of snow, insufficient for all the skiers that had skipped visiting that year.

Skiing in Morocco might not be the exact image that most people have, given the way the country is mostly portrayed in the media. But the High Atlas Mountains make for some great ski opportunities, where people from all over the world come to test the fresh white powder!

This is also where Africa’s highest ski resort is located. Of all skiing spots in Morocco, the Oukaimeden Mountain is the most sought after. At 3000 metres above sea level, this mountain has 10 kilometres of varying ski slopes with both local and tourists skiers thronging the place.

If you end up doing this Morocco road trip between December to March, consider making a ski stop for sure.

The Atlas mountains engulfed us in every direction. We wound our way through snaking roads and dangerous turns. I did ensure to stop every so often to check the knick-knacks on offer by the roadside.

Word of advice: If you did check out my article on haggling in the souks of Marrakech , ensure you haggle excellently if you wish to buy stuff from roadside vendors! The vendor asked for 200 MAD for a stone he claimed to be pure Amethyst.

It seemed fishy but I purchased the rock for 20 MAD to support the local vendor.

My intuitions were right as Mubarak informed me later. They’re white stones, painted from inside!

After a couple of hours on the road, I realised how heavily dependent the locals are on tourism. Another realisation that dawned: People are hard-working with limited opportunities, due to which many youngsters are found to stand aimlessly by the road for hours – or in Mubarak’s words – watch live television.

The rugged countryside in varied shades of brown spread infinitely in all directions. After a couple of hours, after we had passed Tizi Ntichka port, the highest point in the country , we stopped for some mint tea and to watch women engrossed in extracting Argan oil, at 1 of the many women co-operative societies.

In a traditionally male-dominated society, this provides Berber women with equal opportunities and helps in reforestation initiatives. It is fascinating to note that Berber women tribes have exclusive rights to manufacture and sell Argan products, as it is part of their heritage.

Moroccan argan oil is very well known in the cosmetic industry across the world. Argan oil has been traditionally used over the years for medicinal, cosmetic and culinary purposes.

This native, staple oil of Morocco has the fatty acids and Vitamin E needed for the health of your eyes, skin and hair. Drizzling some argan oil over freshly made couscous can enhance the flavour as well.

So picking up some locally sourced and produced 100% argan oil can not only be the perfect souvenir for you to pick up during the Morocco road trip, but also the right way to support the local economy!

It was a 5-hour journey to Ouarzazate, our first pit-stop during this road trip to Morocco. The whole experience was a unique one, but what had me excited was visiting Ait Ben Haddou. Ait means ‘family’ so we were in other words, visiting the family of Ben Haddou! Although the whole road was dotted with Kasbahs and Berber villages, none were as massive as the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou – A World Heritage site .

We proceeded to take a leisurely walk through the narrow alleys. The kasbah was almost in ruins and conservation projects were ongoing.

Apparently, there are upcoming plans to convert the kasbah into a luxurious hotel, in turn saving the kasbah – and drawing hordes of tourists. So if you’re planning to visit, now is a great time!

This ksar – or a fortified village as it is called in North Africa – is believed to be dating back to the 11th century, during the Almoravid period. Among the many reasons, Ait Ben Haddou is the most famous of all ksars is because of its prime location.

It was strategically important as it fell on the old trade route from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains. Today, however, only very few families still live here.

Most of its original inhabitants have moved to the other side of the river in the modern village in search of better job opportunities. Locals of the modern village make a living mostly through agriculture and tourism. There is also a footpath connecting the original kasbah to the modern village so make sure to check that out as well!

After spending a few hours, we were off to Ouarzazate to spend the night.

Entrance Fee: Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou entrance fee for adults is 10 MAD ($1) and for children it is 5 MAD ($0.50)

Note: You cannot stay at Ait Ben Haddou as there are no hotels here. The closest place is Ouarzazate.

STAY: Opt for a one night stay at Riad Bouchedor, where we stayed as well. The food is fantastic and ensure you opt for a stay with meals. It gets quiet in the villages at night, and restaurants are sparsely available. Stays inclusive of meals are priced reasonably.

Another option would be to try Dar Chamaa. The lobby looks great.

Riad Bouchedor 

Address : 123456789, Tarmigte 45000

Ouarzazate to Merzouga – 375 kilometers, 8 hours

We continued our journey to the Sahara on the final leg of the Marrakech to Merzouga road trip. The journey involved admiring the Atlas mountains yet again and noticing details that we could have missed if we were not accompanied by Mubarak.

Many years ago, locals who were not keen on building kasbahs, used caves and carved windows for ventilation. I would have disregarded the windows as holes in the mountainous terrain, but I couldn’t have been more wrong!

These caves have also long provided shelters to the nomadic Berbers who would traverse the Atlas Mountains on foot. These Berber Caves would often get occupied by the Berbers during the winter months when they would bring their herds down from the higher peaks to lower regions of the mountains, away from the snow and closer to greener patches for grazing.

Most of these caves formed naturally over time, with simple modifications by the Berbers to suit their needs.

As we finally reached the outskirts of the Sahara on our desert trip, Mubarak pointed out the region was stacked with fossils. These fossils play an important part in the Sahara’s ecology, and also give insight into the deserts’ geological history.

These fossils belong to the smallest of amphibians to even dinosaurs! Many million years ago, a massive river used to flow through what today is known as the Sahara Desert where these creatures flourished. Some of the most common fossils found in the Sahara include catfish, whale and arthropod fossils.

A few minutes were spent collecting some and then the highlight of the journey awaited us – a night in the Sahara! We reached the village of Merzouga which is the most popular base for any camping trip to the Sahara.

This is because of its proximity to one of Morocco’s several ergs, Erg Chebbi. Ergs are essentially large areas of a desert where tall dunes get formed because of blowing winds. There is almost no vegetation found in these ergs. The word erg comes from the Arabic word arq which literally means ‘dune field’.

After dropping our belongings at the hotel in Merzouga and collecting only essentials, we headed off to experience 1 of my most memorable adventures ever. From Merzouga, we were taken to our camping spot in the middle of Erg Chebbi on camelback – a journey that took about an hour/ hour and a half to complete.

Slowly treading through the desert, swaying gently with the camel’s movement, with a beautiful silence all around, is a memory I will always hold dearly.

The tent was comfortable but the excitement to awaken the next morning, the cold and my fear of scorpions, kept me awake. The night was full of stars and was accompanied by local Berbers playing folk music on their traditional percussion instruments.

The sunrise was breathtaking, the next day. It sometimes does pay off to awaken early morning!

There are a host of different activities you can choose to do on your camping trip to Erg Chebbi. This could include dune bashing – which is essentially driving through the sand dunes in 4×4 vehicles.

Another exciting activity to try out here is sandboarding which is a lot like snowboarding…but on the sand! Admiring the milky way over the dark night sky and the sunrise and sunset here are some peaceful things to do as well.

However, if you do not have enough time on your itinerary to spend a full night in Erg Chebbi, you can also choose to do day trips on camelback or in a 4×4.

Important tips:

Ensure you carry a backpack – to carry only essentials required for the night, as luggage is left back at the hotel

The camps are not luxurious so bathrooms are usually shared

Best to carry things like mouthwash etc and avoid usage of water as much as possible

Wear warm clothing as it can get quite freezing in the desert especially when visiting Morocco in December

Do not forget to carry your medications and keep some snacks and water

Food and stay are covered by your hotel, there are no entrance fees to the Sahara desert

STAY: You can book the stay in the desert through a hotel. We booked our stay through Kasbah Mohayut . The buffet breakfast we had here was the best in Morocco!

EAT: Meals are included in your Merzouga/Sahara stay as there are no restaurants in the Sahara!

Prefer to do something unique? Here’s an overnight camel trek over the dunes!

Merzouga to Todra Gorge / Boumalne de Dades – 280 kilometres, 6 hours

A hearty breakfast later, it was time to bid adieu to the desert and take a detour to return to Marrakech. We proceeded via the magnificent Todra Gorge towards Dades valley. It was a long road and Mubarak politely answered all the questions I had about Moroccan food, customs and traditions.

Todra Gorge is located in the High Atlas mountains. These gorges are essentially deep canyons carved from the mountains through water erosion by the Todra River that gushes through these regions.

The gorges contain canyons of varying heights, but some of these can go as high as 400 metres! The last 600 metres of the Todra – or Todgha – Gorge area is definitely the most enchanting.

It opens up into a narrow walkway which makes for a perfect hike with the high, steep cliffs flanked on both sides. However, in the monsoon months, this pathway becomes the route for gushing streams so a hike is only possible in the drier months.

The Tinghir Oasis in the Todra Gorge is yet another spectacular place to visit while here. Though mostly dry and uninhabited, Tinghir feels like a whole other world with its big green patch and a population of almost 44,000!

The road to Todra Gorge is a short detour from the way to the Dades Valley but the stunning views make it all worth it.

It’s amusing to notice many road hazards exist in Morocco, beyond donkeys laden with mint. These include camels, and Berber taxi’s that transport humans and animals alike. The animals get the privilege of traversing on the upper deck!

Dades Valley is a whole beautiful experience in its own right. Amidst vast trees of argan, palm, poplar, almond and walnut are massive high scaling canyons best known for the many adventure activities they have on offer.

Before reaching our final destination for the night at Boumalne De Dades, we decided to make another short detour at Erfoud , to look at a fossilised marble furniture store. Villagers ensure locally available commodities are put to their maximum use, thus ensuring occupation for them. It was interesting to note: tables, chairs and any furniture that could be made of marble was being exported from the store!

These fossils date back to many hundred million years ago when the Saharan Desert was under water. Fossils of all kinds – from trilobites to ammonites can be found here filled with marble and converted into beautiful furniture!

Other things to do in Erfoud include hiking up to the Borj-Est during sunset for marvellous views of the adjacent wadis. The Maadid Ancient Ksar (South Morocco’s biggest fortified village), the Erfoud’s Souq and the Royal Palace (Morocco’s only royal palace in the Sahara) are all worth visiting.

Stopping at a village called Talamte for its rocky outcrops popularly known as ‘monkey fingers’ can make for a picture-perfect pit stop. We reached here by evening. Thinking about movements that happened in the Earth’s terrain, years ago, that caused such marvellous and enthralling natural wonders to appear, is intriguing!

On the other side of the oued or stream from here, is also an ancient kasbah in ruins which can be explored as well. This spot is also the beginning of a three and a half hour hike to the village of Ait Oudinar through the stunning landscapes of the wadi. Apart from many other hikes through the gorges, rafting and rock climbing are also popular adventure activities to keep a lookout for here.

Berber’s are fond of music and that night at the Babylon Dades Hotel, the staff at the hotel put up a wonderful performance, as they sang Berber tunes accompanied with percussion instruments.

There are no entrance fees to any of these natural wonders

STAY : I highly recommend Babylon Dades . The Chez Pierre is another good hotel, although Babylon is closer to the Dades Valley.

Address : A 28km De, 704 Route, Boumalne Dades 45150

Auberge Chez Pierre 

Address : Douar Ait Ouffi ASJS Km 26 Les Gorges du Dadès Boumalne Dades، Boumalne Dades 45150

Todra Gorge to Marrakech via the Valley of Roses and Dades Gorge – 315 kilometres, 6 hours

The road trip through Morocco was finally nearing its end. It was time to explore Marrakech next! But to get to Marrakech, we first drove from Boumalne De Dades through the ‘Road of a Thousand Kasbahs’.

To have the Road of 1000 Kasbahs as the last journey of our leg was enthralling. This is a winding road through the lower High Atlas Mountains, heading towards a cluster of Berber villages before finally reaching Marrakech.

This is one of the most beautiful roads in Morocco, flanked by palm groves and villages every now and then. The name may sound like an exaggeration, but in fact, it’s actually true! This route is home to more than one thousand kasbahs, each at varying levels of conservation – and ultimately ends at the much famed Ait Ben Haddou, the kasbah to beat all kasbahs!

But the true showstopper on this route for me was the breathtaking landscapes of Jebel Sarhro . Jebel Sarhro, or Djebel Sahro or Jbel Saghro is the driest mountain in the entire Atlas Mountains.

This mountain is also a temporary home for many nomadic Berbers who come to spend the winters here. There are multi-day treks that go to this mountain. If you’re an adventure-loving human, maybe check this one out on your road trip to Morocco.

As we were driving along the ‘One thousand kasbah road’, I realised the people in the villages were disconnected from the world and were content. A lot of them did not own a cellphone and were happy about it. Women spent their spare time in the evenings, catching up with their friends and neighbours, after chores were complete.

One school was being shared between villages in most cases and the lengths that children went to, to get an education was very touching.

As we were finally nearing Marrakech, I finally realised the night in the Sahara was not the only pinnacle of my trip, the whole journey was!

FAQs for a Morocco Road Trip

Is Morocco a left-hand drive?

Driving in Morocco is on the right-hand side of the road.

Can I drive in Morocco with a UK licence?

You don’t need an international driver’s license to drive in Morocco. So yes, you can drive in Morocco with a UK license – or a license from any other country. Your passport will also be a requirement while renting a car so keep that handy.

When is the best time for a Morocco road trip?

The best time to visit Morocco, or go on a road trip in Morocco is either during spring (February to April) or autumn (September to November). The weather during these months is pleasant and neither too hot nor too cold.

Can you do a day trip to Morocco from Spain?

A Spain to Morocco day trip is definitely doable. The two countries are only about 15 kilometres apart. The easiest way to cover this distance is to take a ferry to cross the Strait of Gibraltar. There are plenty of ferries running from Tarifa, Malaga and Algeria to Nador, Melilla, Ceuta and Tangier which can take anywhere between 60 to 90 minutes.

What side of the road does morocco drive on?

Driving in Morocco is on the right hand side of the road.

Morocco is in which continent?

Morocco is located in Africa in the North.

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.

PIN FOR LATER!

Morocco Game of Thrones Locations (2024) : Real-Life GOT Filming Locations

Is Morocco Safe for Women (2024) – Solo Travel to Morocco as a Woman

Marrakech 3 Day Itinerary (2024) – How to Spend 3 days in Morocco

Is Marrakech Safe? (2024) – Tips For Safety in Marrakech

3 Days Tour From Marrakech to Merzouga – To The Sahara! (2024)

Morocco in Winter (2024) – December in Morocco – All Essential Info

ONLY Marrakech Souk Guide you Need that’s Definitive- with PRICES! (2024)

Foods From Morocco (2024) – 20 Traditional items you shouldn’t miss!

Jemaa El Fna Square Marrakech (2024) – Tips for Visiting a Chaotic and Mystical Market Square

Itinerary for Morocco – 7 days – Exotic Kasbahs, Food and Fun (2024)

Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. These do not cost you extra to use, but will help provide Continent Hop with a small commission if/when you purchase through them, to recover some of the costs of running this website and providing free content to help you plan your travel. I appreciate your support!

Add comment Cancel reply