3-Day Sahara tour from Marrakech: what it’s really like
At a glance
3-day desert tour from Marrakech
A classic loop through southern Morocco, with a night in the Dades Valley and a second night in a Sahara desert camp before returning to Marrakech.
Travellers who want to experience the Sahara in a short time and don’t mind long driving days. This is not a slow trip, but it’s a memorable one.
Three days, 1200 kilometers: from Marrakech to Merzouga
Ever wondered what it’s like to spend three days zig-zagging across Morocco, swapping the buzz of Marrakech for movie sets, ancient kasbahs, dramatic gorges, and finally the quiet sweep of the Sahara, where a camel may give you a look that says, “We’re doing this,” whether you like it or not? That was our adventure: full of epic views, winding roads, and a few moments that tested both nerves and tailbones.
On the way, we wandered through an actual film studio (apparently half of Hollywood has been there), explored the iconic Aït Ben Haddou, gazed up at Todra Gorge, and wound our way through the curves of Dades Valley. And of course, we had some mint tea along the way.
You may be asking yourself the question: Should anyone who’s not a twenty-something backpacker do this too? Absolutely; if you’re up for a bit of adventure, and don’t mind discovering that camels have very strong opinions about pace and direction.
This article is part of our Morocco for comfort-minded travellers series, where we share honest, experience-based advice about whether Morocco is the right choice for people who still want to have adventures, just with fewer night buses and hostel rooms.
If you’re curious, this is the exact 3-day Marrakech–Sahara tour we booked (affiliate link: I may earn a small commission if you book)
Day one: through the Atlas Mountains to Boulmane Dades
First stop of the day: Atlas Mountains
An early pick-up after another lovely breakfast in the riad. Our driver Mohammed showed up bright and early for a long day of sightseeing. We’d booked a shared tour instead of a private one because of the costs, but since it was low season there were no other bookings. This meant we had Mohammed and the minivan all to ourselves. We got comfortable in the back seat, Mohammed braved the traffic and the incessant honking of horns and before we knew it we were out of the city with the high Atlas mountains ahead of us. They are, indeed, high. The highest peak is well over 4000 meters. We didn’t climb that high: we wound our way over the passes and through the valleys, with an occasional stop along the way to take photos, see small traditional villages and smell the fresh mountain air. It was beautiful. It was also quite cold, so I was glad I was wearing layers. The more I travel, the more I realise that layers are the answer to almost everything.
Second stop of the day: Aït Ben Haddou
We made a quick stop at a women’s only argan oil cooperation. We learnt a bit about the process of refining the oil and of course we did not leave empty-handed. Souvenirs for the children sorted! The next stop was a longer one: Aït Ben Haddou, an ancient earthen fortress village. It’s been a film backdrop more than a few times and it was easy to see why. We made our way across the river – by bridge, not over stepping stones. I could see that going wrong too easily.
We climbed the narrow, steep alleys through the kasbah, then the (numerous) steps up to the very top and stood there for a while to admire the view. We quickly realised we weren’t alone. Busloads of tourists had just arrived, and for a while we had to elbow our way through the crowds. Then, almost as suddenly, they were herded back onto their buses and peace returned — more or less. A word to the wise: it’s a beautiful spot, but you’ll want steady feet to reach it, and the final climb to the top is steep. Then again, I had no problem whatsoever getting there so it’s not too hard.
Third stop of the day: the Atlas film studios
Now I have to say this one was absolutely hilarious. Not because of the tour of the studios itself, because that was fun but not particularly funny. We saw the sets for films like The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy (the nice one with Brendan Fraser), and lots of other films with bright sunshine and enormous amounts of sand. There was a huge Egyptian temple ready to use for whatever new sand-filled story anyone could come up with. There were little villages and roman temple squares and lots of painted columns everywhere.
The hilarious part was when our guide (from the studio, not Mohammed who had wisely stayed behind) made us record a mini-feature film. It was so incredibly corny that it doesn’t deserve to see the light of day. Think doors opening creakily, people waving at you and a blonde woman welcoming you all to her palace. I don’t think it’s going to win any awards any time soon but it was a fun (and funny) experience.
After this highlight it was time to head to our hotel in Boulmane Dades.
In case you’re wondering, entrance to the studios was not included in the tour price.
Day two: through Todra Gorge and Dades Valley to the Sahara
Breakfast, and how I almost didn’t recognise Mohammed
After a good night’s sleep and a lovely breakfast we checked out and waited for Mohammed to pick us up for day two. He walked in wearing traditional Amazigh (Berber) attire, and I nearly made a complete fool of myself—I was about to ask where our original driver had gone. I recognised him just in time – by his voice. Our bags went in the back again and off we went.
First stop of the day: Todra Gorge
After a quick photo overlooking the Dades Valley, Mohammed drove us to the entrance of the Todra Gorge, dropped us off and told us to take a walk and he’d pick us up on the other side. We did not need encouragement: what a gorgeous place! We walked in the river bed for a while. I realised this is where my brother and his family once nearly drove off the road because the river was flowing over it. Nothing of the sort today: the river was calm, the sky was blue, no need to fear. Still, not the most easy path to walk so after a while we went back onto the road and strolled through the gorge, marvelling at the colour of the rocks and the birds flying above.
When we’d passed the parking lot at the other side of the gorge we walked on for a bit because it was so peaceful and so beautiful. And also because we weren’t quite sure where Mohammed was going to pick us up. After about three kilometers we saw him headed our way so we got back in, drove back through the gorge and into the Rose Valley.
Second stop of the day: Rose Valley
Now it was the wrong time of the year for all the roses to be in bloom. This did not stop us from going into one of the small shops and sampling some of their rose tea. The perfumes and lotions made for more great souvenirs – for myself this time.
Next door to the shop there was another one. This was a shop with traditional clothing where you could dress up in full Amarigh style, including headscarf and jewelry. Now I’m Dutch and under normal circumstances I wouldn’t be found dead in one of the traditional costumes. Google Volendam Klederdracht or Zeeuwse Klederdracht if you’re wondering why. But this was an opportunity I could not pass up, even if the mirror suggested I reconsider. Obviously, there are no pictures of this moment. Or at least, none to show the whole world. After this fashion moment I bought a head scarf and had a friendly young woman paint a henna tattoo on my hand. After that: back in the car and off to the desert.
The third and final stop of the day: Merzouga Desert Camp
Now we’d already seen the lush trees and the pretty houses make way for sand and rocks and not much else. But it still took a while before we got that real desert feel: at about three in the afternoon we saw our first sand dune and our first camel. There was about an hour’s wait before we’d be riding the camels into the desert, so Mohammed dropped us at his family’s house, handed us a cup of tea, a pillow, and a couple of blankets, and told us to rest. I usually only sleep during the day when I’m ill, but the peace and quiet were hard to resist. And I’m fairly sure Marc nodded off.
The camel ride that didn’t go ahead – yet.
Now – the plan was to ride camels into the Sahara at sunset like seasoned adventurers. The reality? A sandstorm that made the idea of sitting on a tall, wobbly animal feel… unwise. As I was still a bit apprehensive about getting (and staying) on a camel I did not mind terribly. We sensibly took a 4×4 to camp instead. This meant arriving looking less “Lawrence of Arabia” and more “survivors of a tumble dryer.” It was a fun ride though!
Evening meals and music sessions
In the camp we were shown to our tent, which looked very authentic and, more importantly, comfortable. The wind was picking up more and more. We did climb up to the top of one of the sand dunes though to watch the sunset. The last few meters on hands and knees but I got there! With all the sand there was nothing to see so I was glad I was wearing my headscarf and could wrap it around my nose and mouth.
We went back down and went to the dinner tent. Friendly staff welcomed us with mint tea (of course). They showed us to a table and within a few minutes we were enjoying more lovely food. After dinner we got to join in the traditional music making and then went to bed.
Day three: camel ride and back to Marrakech (by car)
Sunrise over the sand dunes
By the next morning, the desert had calmed down, the dunes were glowing… and before I was even fully awake, I found myself being marched toward a camel. Not quite the slow start I’d hoped for. Did I have to get on that? Yes, I did. We climbed aboard and wobbled into the sunrise – a view beautiful beyond compare, even if the ride itself was equal parts scary, awkward, and uncomfortable. I imagine the camel wasn’t overly impressed either. You can read the full desert-camp tale in my Sleep Somewhere Amazing category, but this sunrise shuffle on camelback definitely earns its spot in the three-day adventure.
The drive back to Marrakech
After a hearty breakfast -and leaving my phone charger somewhere in a heap of woolen blankets – it was time for the long drive back to Marrakech. And I mean long. We had been warned it was long in the tour information but still – it was really long. Unlike on the way in, where we took two days for the way to the desert and stopped at every corner, this was driving, driving and still more driving.
We stopped for a cup of coffee and we stopped for lunch, and the rest of it was driving. Well, Mohammed driving. Don’t get me wrong, the car was cool and comfortable, the roads were mostly smooth and the views were exceptional – it’s just far. We did take another route, which took us between the Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountains (I’m not making this up) and over some spectacular mountain passes so I wasn’t bored for a second, but I was surprisingly tired after a day of just sitting and staring.
Luckily, our next stop, where Mohammed dropped us off in the courtyard before bowing out, was the superbly relaxing Villa Dinari. It’s in the outskirts of Marrakech, it’s calm, it’s beautiful and it deserves its spot in Sleep Somewhere Amazing.
FAQ before booking this tour
Absolutely. It’s a long journey, but very doable with frequent stops, a comfortable car and a good driver. It mainly consists of sitting in a car, getting out of the car to walk for a bit (nothing too strenuous) and take some photos, and getting back in. Expect 6-7 hours of driving on the first two days, with frequent stops to go out and stretch your legs. The final day is a lot longer and has fewer breaks. The views are spectacular though and your driver will make an extra stop if you need one. Plenty of travellers 55+ choose this route.
It’s not physically demanding, but it can feel wobbly and a bit tough on knees, hips, or lower backs. Mounting and dismounting is the trickiest part. Follow the handler’s instructions to lean back or forward. That is, unless you’ve always wondered what it feels like to somersault off a camel.
If it doesn’t feel right for you, most tours can take you to the camp by 4×4 and offer a short, optional ride the next morning. You don’t even have to do that. Take the 4×4 both ways and sit the camel ride out with a mint tea.
Most of the tour is accessible to anyone with average mobility, but Aït Ben Haddou is the least accessible stop. The village has uneven ground, steps, and slopes, and requires a bit of climbing to explore properly. Everything else – viewpoints, cafés, kasbahs, the Todra gorge and the desert camp – is easy to manage. Your driver will be happy to lend a helping hand when needed.
Yes. Mid-range and luxury camps usually have proper beds, hot showers, clean toilets, and surprisingly good food. If comfort is important, book a “luxury” or “superior” option.
We did, and we had a spacious tent, a comfortable bed, a seating area and a private bathroom and toilet.
Layers. The answer is always layers. Bring sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat or scarf, and something warm for the chilly desert evening. There’s no need to dress up for dinner, so the evening frocks can stay at home. Of course, bring any personal items and toiletries you need and don’t leave your charger behind when you leave.
Yes, it’s safe. The Marrakech–Merzouga route is one of Morocco’s most travelled itineraries. The drivers who run it every day could probably do it blindfolded (don’t worry, they don’t). You’ll meet other travellers at viewpoints, friendly locals at cafés, and more mint tea than you thought existed.
This is one of those things everyone worries about — and really doesn’t need to.
For the driver, who spends three long days navigating mountain roads, desert stretches, and tea stops, we tipped 600–900 MAD total for the whole tour (from both of us together). That felt generous without being over the top, and we gave it in cash at the end with a thank-you.
For the camel guide, where the sunrise ride was really just a quick ten-minute stroll up a dune, we tipped 50–80 MAD total. Short ride, big views — no need to make it complicated.
For the luxury desert camp staff, who handled everything from mint tea to dinner, breakfast, and the evening atmosphere, we left 150–250 MAD total, handed to the camp manager and meant for the whole team.
The short version: cash is best, dirhams are ideal, and a smile goes a long way. For two people, 600–900 MAD for the driver, 50–80 MAD for the camel guide, and 150–250 MAD for camp staff sits comfortably in the “thoughtful and appreciated” zone in Morocco.
No. There are some stops along the way where you can buy things, but if you want to skip those that’s fine. Mohammed asked us whether we wanted to go to these places every time. Once we were inside shops we didn’t feel any pressure to buy.
Wrapping it all up (and shaking off the sand)
After three days of mountains, kasbahs, gorges and one very unimpressed camel, this Marrakech–to–Merzouga trip turned out to be unforgettable in all the right ways. If you’re tempted to try it yourself, here’s the exact three-day tour we booked and happily recommend.(affiliate link)
Want to know what it’s really like to sleep in the desert? Check out our desert camp review. Yes, it’s as magical as it sounds.
Read about the beautiful riad in Marrakech where we stayed before going on this trip.
This post is part of our extensive collection of Morocco travel posts . This country page lets you browse experiences, planning advice and general tips.
If you enjoy road-trip-style travel, you might also like my Iceland winter itinerary.
