Tours From Marrakech Compared: Dunes and a Decent Bed
A comparison of tours out of Marrakech which balance adventure and comfort
Marrakech is an excellent base for exploring Morocco further — once you’ve worked out which way is up, down, and where all the motorbikes are coming from. There is so much to choose from that picking a tour can become as confusing as Marrakech itself.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. I’ve found some tours that make seeing more of the country far simpler, especially if you’d rather enjoy the scenery than drive on winding roads, find the nearest toilet or decide where to stop next.
I’ve focused on options that are especially appealing to those of us who’ve got a bit more mileage on the clock. People who still want to see and do plenty without the fear of having to be airlifted off a sand dune by the second day. Explorers who appreciate plenty of breaks for mint tea and a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Read on for my picks!
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them — at no extra cost to you.
Tours to valleys and waterfalls
Seen enough souks and sand and would like to go out into the mountains? There are beautiful valleys, villages and waterfalls just a few hours from Marrakech.
Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Day Trip
This is a lovely day trip to Morocco’s iconic falls. Ideal if you love nature, views, and easy adventure. There’s moderate walking, a chance to hop on a little boat near the cascade, and plenty of scenic stops. Perfect if you want adventure without needing trekking boots or an oxygen tank. It is however not wheelchair-accessible and you should wear sturdy shoes. Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation. You will spend quite a lot of time in the car, but there are enough breaks along the way.
Check here for information if you’d like to see the waterfalls.
Atlas Mountains & Ourika Valley, waterfalls and lunch
This is an easy, refreshing escape from Marrakech into the Atlas Mountains. A driver will pick you up from your accommodation and drive you through the scenic Ourika Valley, passing rivers, small villages, and mountain views along the way. The highlight is a short walk to the Setti Fatma waterfalls, where the cooler air and rushing water feel worlds away from the city. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a relaxed riverside lunch. There is quite a bit of driving involved, in an airconditioned minivan or car. Plenty of stops along the way. Lunch is included in the price. Again, this tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
See prices and availability for this tour.
Desert tours
A trip to the Sahara is one of those things that sounds wildly adventurous until you start wondering about the driving time, the bathrooms, and whether you’ll really have to get on that camel.(Spoiler: no, you don’t. The alternative is taking a 4X4 into camp and then struggling up the dune yourself to see the sunrise.)
The tours below are ones that take a sensible approach — spreading the journey over three or four days, stopping often, or choosing a desert experience closer to Marrakech – not the Sahara, but still a desert. Just without the full days of driving.
3-Day Sahara Desert Tour (Merzouga) – Cross the High Atlas, ride camels, watch the sunset over the dunes, and sleep in comfortable desert camps. This is a classic desert adventure that still guarantees all the creature comforts.
There is a lot of driving involved, especially on the way back as that day has fewer stops. A camel ride is included in your stay. The camel ride can be from Merzouga to the camp if the weather permits it, or up one of the dunes at sunrise. The camel ride is always optional so if you don’t feel comfortable riding a camel, just take the 4X4.
This is the desert tour we did so find out what it was like!
4-Day Marrakech → Merzouga – A more leisurely version of the above. Extra days mean more stops, more tea breaks, and plenty of time to soak up the desert without rushing. However, the extra time you spend is in Merzouga; the last day is still a lot of driving. Even though all you do is stare out the window, it’s still tiring. You spend two nights near Merzouga on this tour, but only one of them is in a desert camp. As always, the camel ride is optional, the tents are comfortable and the food is excellent.
Got time for this tour? You can book it here
2-Day Zagora Desert Tour – Short and sweet desert highlights: dunes, camels, and cozy lodgings. Perfect if you like the idea of the Sahara without spending half your life on the road. Be aware that this is not the type of desert with golden sand dunes and thus may lack the real Sahara-vibe. You’ll still be sitting around a fire, staring up at the stars, making music, eating traditional food and riding a camel (if you want – it’s optional and not included in the tour price). But it won’t be against the backdrop of the golden sand dunes of the other tours.
A driver will pick you up and drive you out to a camp under the stars, where mint tea greets you and you can relax or watch the sunset. The dinner around the campfire is a highlight — think a multi‑course Moroccan feast with live music and traditional performances — and the whole vibe under the desert sky is unforgettable. The camel ride isn’t included by default — you can book it as an optional extra.
If you want the desert but not the driving, check prices and availability
Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fez – If it fits your itinerary, you can book a three-day tour which takes you from Marrakech to Fez. The first two days are pretty much the same as on the Marrakech-Merzouga-Marrakech tours but instead of driving the same way back, you get to visit more stops on the last day and finish in the beautiful city of Fez.
You can read more about it and book it here.
There is also a four-day version of this one where you spend an extra night in a hotel in Merzouga and have more time to explore the desert.
Coastal tours, balloon rides, desert shows and quad tours
Now it only takes a quick search to find numerous day trips, evening excursions, half-day trips and luxury coastal stays. Quad riding, camel trekking, fire shows, traditional dancing, balloon rides, beach walks – you name it, you can book it. But because we didn’t do any of those things (I still regret not doing the balloon ride) I’m not including them here. If there’s anyone who did and would like to share their experiences with the rest of us, drop me a line!
Quick answers to common questions
Before you choose a tour and click “Book Now,” there are a few things worth thinking about — especially if, like me, you enjoy adventure but also value a comfortable bed and a sensible itinerary.
Some tours involve short, easy walks; others may include climbing stairs, exploring uneven terrain, or even hopping on a camel. Most of the options here are gentle enough for older travelers, but it’s worth checking if you’re happy with the amount of physical activity. A private tour will give you more room to adapt the tour to your needs than a group tour.
Morocco is bigger than it looks! Some tours to the Atlas Mountains, Ourika Valley, or Ouzoud Waterfalls can involve 2–3 hours each way. Consider if you’re comfortable with long drives. The Agafay desert is only an hour from Marrakech, but in order to get to the Erg Chebbi dunes (you know, the picture we all see when we hear “Sahara”) you’ll have a full day of driving ahead of you. Two, if you stop at all the beautiful sights along the way.
Most tours are not wheelchair-friendly and may have steep steps or rocky trails. Ask in advance if the tour can accommodate mobility needs.
Not in all the tours. Some of the tours include lunch; mostly your guide will stop along the way so you can have lunch or buy snacks. On the longer tours, dinner is in the hotels but not included. Stays in the desert camps include dinner and breakfast. Bring water and snacks to be safe.
All tours have comfortable, airconditioned cars or vans with experienced drivers. Some of the roads through the Atlas may cause motion sickness. If you’re prone to that, it’s wise to take some medicine before departure. Hotels are comfortable, with good beds and separate bathrooms. In a desert camp, it depends on which option you choose. Regular camps may have less luxury and shared bathrooms. If you want to be sure you don’t have to share, book a luxury camp.
Layers. Always layers. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a headscarf or hat, comfortable shoes, camera and all your personal items.
Yes — popular tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Booking early ensures you get a tour that fits your preferences and energy levels. Most tours have free cancellation up until 24 hours before the tour. Check this before booking.
