3-Day Shared Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
This 3-day shared desert tour from Marrakech is our best-value way to reach the great dunes of Erg Chebbi. Travel with a small group of fellow travellers in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus, see the kasbahs and gorges of the south, and spend a night in the Sahara after a camel ride at sunset.
Highlights
- Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou
- Dadès and Todra gorges
- Camel ride into Erg Chebbi
- Night in a desert camp
- Sunrise over the Sahara
Itinerary
Marrakech – Aït Benhaddou – Dadès
Pick-up at 7:00 from the closest point to your riad or hotel that a car can reach. Atlas crossing, Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate. Night in a hotel in the Dadès Valley.
Todra Gorge – Merzouga
Visit the Todra Gorge, then continue to Merzouga. Camel ride to camp for sunset, dinner and the night under the stars.
Merzouga – Marrakech
Sunrise in the dunes, breakfast, and the drive back to Marrakech, arriving in the evening.
Included
- Shared A/C minibus and driver
- Pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
- 2 nights: hotel + desert camp
- 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts
- Camel ride
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Local guides at monuments (optional)
- Tips
Is the shared Merzouga tour right for you?
This tour is made for travellers who want to see the big dunes of Erg Chebbi without paying for a private vehicle. Solo travellers, couples and small groups of friends join other guests in the minibus, so the cost of the trip is shared. The route and timetable are fixed, which keeps things simple: you don’t need to plan anything, and you just need to be ready at your pick-up point in the morning.
If you would rather set your own pace, add stops, or change the route, the private 3-day Merzouga tour is the better choice.
What to expect on the road
Merzouga is on the far side of the Atlas, around 550 km from Marrakech, so days 1 and 3 have long drives. We break them up with regular stops for photos, coffee and lunch. The road over the Tizi n’Tichka pass is one of the most scenic drives in Morocco, with views of Berber villages and terraced valleys on the way down to Ouarzazate.
On day 2 you leave the minibus and ride camels into the dunes at the end of the afternoon, timed to arrive for sunset. Pack a small overnight bag for the camp so you don’t need to carry your main luggage. Desert nights can be cool, and cold in winter, so bring a warm layer. Wake early on day 3 to watch the sun rise over Erg Chebbi before breakfast and the drive back to Marrakech.
Driving times
Times below are driving only. Stops for photos, visits and meals come on top.
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech to the Dadès Valley | about 320 km | about 6 hours |
| Day 2 | Dadès Valley to Merzouga, via the Todra Gorge | about 270 km | about 5 hours |
| Day 3 | Merzouga back to Marrakech | about 560 km | about 9 to 10 hours |
Best time to go
The best months for this desert tour are March to May and September to November, when days are warm and nights at the camp are cool. In summer (June to August) midday in the Sahara is very hot, so camel rides are planned for sunset and sunrise. In winter (December to February) days are sunny and mild, but desert nights are cold, so bring a warm jacket.
Your 3-day Merzouga shared tour route
- Marrakech
- Aït Benhaddou
- Boumalne Dades
- Tinghir
- Merzouga
- Marrakech
Shared Merzouga tour FAQ
How many people are in a shared group?
Shared tours travel in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus with a small group of fellow travellers. Ask us for the size of your departure when you book.
Does the shared tour leave every day?
Yes, there are daily departures from Marrakech. Send your date and we confirm your seat and pick-up time.
What is the difference with the private Merzouga tour?
The shared tour runs on a fixed route and timetable with a small group of travellers, and costs less per person. On the private tour you have your own vehicle and driver, you choose your start time, and you can stop wherever you like or adjust the route.
Is the drive long?
Yes. Merzouga is around 550 km from Marrakech, so the first and last days have long drives. We break them up with regular stops for photos, coffee and lunch, and the scenery over the Atlas and through the gorges is part of the trip.
What should I pack for the desert night?
Bring a small overnight bag for the camp, a warm layer for the evening, a torch or your phone light, and sun protection for the camel ride. In winter the desert gets cold at night, so pack an extra jumper.
Can I join this shared tour if I am travelling alone?
Yes. Shared tours are a good choice for solo travellers, as you join a small group of other travellers and share the minibus, the driver and the camp.
When is the best time for this shared desert tour?
March to May and September to November are the most comfortable months, with warm days and cool nights in the desert. Summer is very hot at midday, and winter nights at the camp are cold, so bring warm clothes.
