Merzouga Desert Tours & Sahara Trips
Private Merzouga desert tours with your own driver: ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, sleep in a Sahara desert camp and travel through the High Atlas, Dades Valley and Todra Gorge on the way.
Why Merzouga is the Sahara trip to take
Merzouga sits at the edge of Erg Chebbi, the tallest sand dunes in Morocco. It is where most travellers go to see the real Sahara: orange dunes rising up to 150 metres, a camel trek at sunset, a night under the stars in a desert camp and sunrise over the sand the next morning.
Because Merzouga is far from the big cities, the best way to get there is a private desert tour. Your driver handles the long road, stops wherever you want for photos, and the journey itself becomes part of the trip: kasbahs, palm groves, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge.
Marrakech to Merzouga desert tours
The most popular way to reach the Sahara. Choose a round trip back to Marrakech, or finish in Fes and continue your Morocco trip from there.
Sahara desert tours from Fes
Fes is the closest imperial city to Merzouga. Go to the desert and back to Fes, or cross the Sahara and finish in Marrakech.
Your night in a Merzouga desert camp
Every desert tour includes a camel trek into the dunes and a night in a camp at Erg Chebbi, with dinner, Berber music around the fire and a sky full of stars.
Traditional Berber camp
The classic Sahara experience: nomad-style tents, a shared fire and a simple, authentic night in the dunes.
Luxury desert camp
Prefer more comfort? Ask for a luxury desert camp in Merzouga and we will include it in your quote.
Sunset and sunrise
Ride out on camels as the dunes turn red at sunset, then wake early to watch the sun rise over the Sahara.
What a private desert tour includes
- Your own air-conditioned vehicle and driver for the whole tour, with fuel and tolls
- Pickup from your hotel or riad (or from the airport, depending on the tour)
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night in a Merzouga desert camp
- Accommodation in hotels, riads or kasbahs along the route
- Stops at Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
The exact inclusions are listed on each tour page. Every tour is private and can be adjusted to your dates, pace and budget.
Best time for a Sahara desert trip
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable months, with warm days and mild nights. Winter days are pleasant but desert nights get cold, so bring a warm layer. Summer is very hot, so tours start early and rest during the afternoon.
Merzouga desert tour questions
How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?
About 560 km, around 9 to 10 hours of driving. That is why we recommend at least 3 days for a Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour, so the drive is split into comfortable stages with stops along the way.
How far is Merzouga from Fes?
About 470 km, roughly 7 to 8 hours by road. A 3-day Sahara desert tour from Fes gives you time in the dunes without rushing.
Can I visit the Sahara in 2 days from Marrakech?
Merzouga is too far for 2 days, but our 2-day Marrakech to Zagora desert tour takes you to the nearer desert near Zagora, with a camel ride and a night in a camp.
Are the tours private?
Yes. All our tours are private: just you, your travel companions and your own driver. You decide when to stop and how long to stay.
How much does a Merzouga desert tour cost?
Prices depend on the number of travellers, the season and the type of desert camp you choose. Send us your dates on WhatsApp and we will reply with a free quote within 24 hours.
Plan your Sahara desert trip
Tell us your dates, starting city and how many travellers. We reply within 24 hours with a route and a free quote.