3-Day Sahara Desert Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Sahara Desert tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaSahara Desert travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Morocco Desert, incl. Marrakech and Merzouga

  Sahara's wonders unfold over three days from Erg Chebbi's towering dunes to Todgha Gorges' dramatic cliffs. Luxury camping, traditional Berber entertainment, and guided camel treks complement the perfect 5.0 food rating.

  

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  • Day 1

    Marrakech to Dades Valley

    Leave Marrakech at 7 AM to avoid traffic through the Atlas Mountains. The journey to Ait Ben Haddou takes about 4 hours with stops. If you get carsick on winding roads bring motion sickness medication. Plan to reach the UNESCO site by 11 AM before large tour groups arrive. A recent visitor shared: "The drive was long but our driver made frequent stops at amazing viewpoints. Just remember to wear good walking shoes - the climb up to the old kasbah is steep with loose stones." Stop for lunch in Ouarzazate at Restaurant Douyria where you can try authentic local tagine. From there it's another 2.5 hours to Boumalne Dades. Book a room facing the gorge at your hotel for beautiful views when you wake up.

    
  • Day 2

    Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert Camp

    After breakfast head to Todgha Gorges. Get there before 10 AM to see the canyon in perfect morning light. The drive to Merzouga takes 4 hours. You'll meet your camel guides around 5 PM to ride into the desert at sunset. Pack only what you need in a small backpack for the overnight stay. The camel trek usually takes 1-1.5 hours. Your luxury desert camp includes a traditional Moroccan dinner under the night sky. A previous guest noted: "The camp was surprisingly comfortable with proper beds and bathrooms. The local drummers after dinner created such an authentic atmosphere - definitely worth upgrading to the luxury option."

    
  • Day 3

    Merzouga to Marrakech

    Get up at 5:30 AM if you want to see the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast begin the 8-9 hour drive back to Marrakech. Your driver will schedule regular breaks including lunch in Ouarzazate. You'll see the landscape change completely from desert to mountains. Plan to arrive in Marrakech around 8 PM.

    

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• 3 Days High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Adventure

  The majestic Sahara unfolds before you at Erg Chebbi's towering dunes near Merzouga. Traditional nomadic life comes alive through camel treks, sandboarding, and overnight camping under vast starlit skies. Guests savor authentic Berber music and cuisine around the campfire.

  

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  • Marrakesh Morocco

    65 mi

  • Ait Benhaddou Morocco

    16 mi

  • Ouarzazate Morocco

    62 mi

  • Boumalne Dades Morocco

    27 mi

  • Todra Gorge Morocco

    80 mi

  • Erfoud Morocco

    28 mi

  • Merzouga Morocco

    125 mi

  • Kalaat M'Gouna Morocco

    50 mi

  • Ouarzazate Morocco

    81 mi

  • Marrakesh Morocco

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• 3 Day Morocco Desert Tour Itinerary, incl. Marrakech and Fes

  Golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, Todgha Gorges, and Ziz Valley oasis highlight this desert tour. Stars shine over desert camps, camels trek at sunset, and traditional ksours welcome visitors. Stays include Kasbah Amazigh and authentic desert camp experiences.

  

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  • Day 1

    Marrakech to Boumalne Dades

    Your journey begins with a 7:30 AM hotel pickup in Marrakech. You'll cross the High Atlas Mountains to reach the UNESCO site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. Take a guided tour of this historic mud-brick fortress before having lunch in the village. The journey continues to Boumalne Dades through Ouarzazate along the "Road of 1000 Kasbahs." You'll arrive in time to photograph the sunset over the pink-hued Dades Valley. Spend the night at Kasbah Amazigh where dinner is included.

    
  • Day 2

    Dades to Merzouga Desert Camp

    Start your day with breakfast before visiting Tinghir oasis. You'll spend an hour walking along the Todgha Gorge riverbank. In the afternoon you'll reach Merzouga where your desert adventure starts. Take a sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. One guest's useful tip: "The desert is really HOT at night, so I recommend getting an AC tent or avoid doing it in August." Your evening includes a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars with local nomads performing drumming by the campfire.

    
  • Day 3

    Merzouga to Fes

    You can start your day watching the sunrise over the dunes. The journey to Fes takes about 10 hours through the Ziz Valley with its palm oases and ancient ksour fortresses. Stop for lunch in Midelt before continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains. You'll see the landscape change from desert to cedar forests and snow-topped peaks. Your driver can stop for photos whenever you like. You'll reach Fes in early evening.

    

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