Our 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga takes you to the real Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi in the shortest possible time. You cross the High Atlas, follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and ride a camel into the golden sand. Then you spend the night in a desert camp, wake up for the sunrise and drive back to Marrakech the next day, with a stop at the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou.

This Marrakech desert tour of 2 days runs as a private trip. You travel only with your own group, in an air-conditioned vehicle, with one driver-guide. However, please note that the drive is long: about 9 to 10 hours on each day. We explain it clearly below, so you can choose the right tour.

Highlights of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

• Crossing the High Atlas on the Tizi n’Tichka pass, one of the highest road passes in Morocco.
• Driving along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, between Ouarzazate and the Dades Valley.
• Seeing the palm grove of Tinghir from a viewpoint.
• Riding a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes, which rise up to 150 m.
• Spending the night in a desert camp with dinner, drums and a sky full of stars.
• Watching the Sahara sunrise from the top of a dune.
• Stopping at the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

Why choose a private Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour?

On a two-day trip, every hour counts. On a private 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, you decide when to stop for photos, coffee or lunch. Your driver-guide adapts the pace to your group, and nobody waits for other passengers.

In addition, you choose your camp. You can sleep in a standard Berber tent or in a luxury tent with a private bathroom. If you are still comparing formats, read our guide to private vs group tours in Morocco.

Erg Chebbi or Zagora: which desert in 2 days?

Many 2-day tours from Marrakech go to Zagora, not to Merzouga. Zagora is closer, so the drive is shorter, but its dunes are small. By contrast, Erg Chebbi is a real sea of sand, about 28 km long, with dunes up to 150 m high.

So the choice is simple. If you want the big dunes, choose this 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and accept two long driving days. If you prefer less time in the car, our 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora is the easier option. For more details, read Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga.

Itinerary of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

The route below is our standard plan for the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. Driving distances and times are approximate and do not include stops.

Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley – Tinghir – Erfoud – Merzouga (camel trek)

Your driver picks you up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech at around 7:00 am. First, the road climbs into the High Atlas through Berber villages and red terraces. Soon, you reach the Tizi n’Tichka pass. The sign at the top reads 2,260 m, although GPS measurements place it at about 2,205 m.

Next, you drive down to Ouarzazate, often called the door of the desert, for a short break. Then you follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. On the way, you pass the palm grove of Skoura, the Rose Valley around Kelaat M’Gouna and the town of Boumalne Dades. Around midday, you stop for lunch near Tinghir, where a viewpoint looks over a long green palm grove.

In the afternoon, the road crosses desert plains through Tinejdad and Erfoud, a town known for fossils and dates. Finally, you arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. There, you meet your camels and ride into the sand as the light turns golden. In the evening, you enjoy a Berber dinner, drums around the fire and a sky full of stars.

• Driving distance: about 560 km
• Driving time: about 9 hours
• Camel ride: about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes to the camp
• Overnight: desert camp in Erg Chebbi (standard or luxury)
• Meals: dinner

Day 2: Merzouga – Erfoud – Tinghir – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Wake up early and climb a dune to watch the sunrise over the Sahara. Then you have breakfast at the camp. Afterwards, you ride your camel back to Merzouga, or you go back by 4×4 on request. After a shower, the drive back to Marrakech begins.

First, you head west through Erfoud, Tinghir and the Dades Valley towards Ouarzazate. Then you make a short detour to the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. This fortified earthen village sits above the Ounila river and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1987. Moreover, you may recognise it from films and series such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Finally, you cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass again and descend to Marrakech. Your driver drops you at your riad or hotel in the evening.

• Driving distance: about 580 km
• Driving time: about 9 hours 30 minutes
• Overnight: not included (end of the tour in Marrakech)
• Meals: breakfast

On request, the driver can return by the quieter southern road through Alnif, N’Kob and Agdz, in the Draa Valley, for different landscapes. Ask us about it when you book.

What is included in the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Included

• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel.
• English-speaking driver-guide (other languages on request).
• 1 night in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi (standard or luxury).
• Camel ride in Merzouga (one camel per person).
• 1 dinner and 1 breakfast.

Not included

• Lunches and drinks.
• Entrance fees and local guides (for example in Ait Ben Haddou).
• Extra activities such as sandboarding, quad or 4×4 rides.
• Tips and personal expenses.
• Travel insurance.

Route of the tour

The 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga follows this route: Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka → Ouarzazate → Skoura → Kelaat M’Gouna → Boumalne Dades → Tinghir → Tinejdad → Erfoud → Merzouga, then back through Tinghir and Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou and Marrakech. You can open the route on Google Maps.

Accommodation options

All options include the same route, vehicle and driver-guide. Only the camp changes. We confirm the exact camp name when you book, depending on availability.

2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga price

The price of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is on request, because every private tour is quoted for your group. Four things change the price:

• Group size: the price per person goes down when more people share the vehicle.
• Camp level: standard, superior or luxury.
• Season: Christmas, New Year and Easter are the busiest periods.
• Extras: local guides, sandboarding, quad or 4×4 rides.

Send us your dates and the number of travellers through our contact page, and we will reply with a clear quote.

How to book the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

1. Send your travel dates, number of people and preferred camp level through the contact form, by email at favoritesmoroccotours@gmail.com or on WhatsApp (+212 786 278 943).
2. We reply with a personalised itinerary and price.
3. You confirm the tour. Payment by PayPal is accepted.
4. Your driver-guide picks you up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech on the first day.

Favorites Morocco Tours vs other Marrakech desert tour companies

Some agencies sell a “2-day Sahara tour” that actually goes to Zagora or to the Agafay stone desert near Marrakech. Before you book, always check the name of the desert. With us, this tour goes to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, and we say so clearly.

Furthermore, we are a local team based in Marrakech. We give you the real driving times before you book, and we tell you honestly when a longer tour would suit you better. For most travellers, the 3 days tour from Marrakech to the desert is more relaxed, because it adds a night in the Dades Valley.

Know before you go

• Both days of the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga include about 9 to 10 hours of driving. If you can, add one day and choose the 3 days tour from Marrakech to the desert or the 4 days tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert.
• Continuing north after the desert? The 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes ends in Fes instead of Marrakech.
• In winter, the sun sets early. The camel ride may start close to dusk, and the drive back can end after dark.
• From December to February, snow or ice is possible on the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Your driver adapts the timing to the road conditions.
• Desert nights are cold from November to March. Pack a warm layer; our guide on what to wear in Morocco helps you prepare.
• Tell us about any food allergy or diet before the tour. Camps can prepare vegetarian meals.
• Bring some cash in dirhams. You will find ATMs in Ouarzazate, Tinghir and Erfoud, but not at the camp.
• Pack a small overnight bag for the camp. Your main luggage can stay in the vehicle.

Extra activities

These activities are optional and available on request, at an extra cost.

Reviews

Our travellers share their experience after each trip. Read our reviews on TripAdvisor.

Frequently asked questions

Is 2 days enough to visit the Sahara from Marrakech?

Yes, a 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is enough to ride a camel, sleep in the dunes and see the sunrise. However, you spend most of both days in the car. If you have more time, a 3-day tour is much more comfortable.

How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?

Merzouga is about 560 km from Marrakech. The drive takes about 9 to 10 hours without long stops, over the High Atlas and through Ouarzazate and Tinghir.

What is the difference between Merzouga and Zagora?

Merzouga sits next to Erg Chebbi, a large field of dunes up to 150 m high. Zagora is closer to Marrakech, but its dunes are much smaller. Read more in our guide to the Sahara Desert in Morocco.

How long is the camel ride?

The ride to the camp takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. If you prefer not to ride, you can reach the camp by 4×4.

Do the desert camps have bathrooms?

Yes. Standard camps have shared or private bathrooms, depending on the camp. Superior and luxury tents have a private bathroom with a shower.

What type of vehicle do you use?

We use a private, air-conditioned vehicle adapted to the size of your group. We confirm the vehicle when you book.

What should I pack for the desert?

• A warm jacket for the night, especially in winter.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat or scarf.
• Comfortable shoes or sandals for the sand.
• A small bag for the night at the camp.
• A power bank and some cash in dirhams.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead. For Christmas, New Year and Easter, book as early as possible because the best camps fill up quickly. See also the best time to visit Morocco.

How do I pay for the tour?

We accept payment by PayPal. We explain the payment details when you confirm your booking.

Have another question about the 2 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?

Write to us through our contact page or on WhatsApp.

Who we are

Favorites Morocco Tours is a local travel agency based in Marrakech. We design private tours across Morocco, from the Sahara to the imperial cities. Our drivers and guides grew up on these roads, so they share the culture, the history and the small places that visitors often miss. Learn more about us.

Popular desert tours

• 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora
• 3 days tour from Marrakech to the desert
• 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
• 4 days tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert
• 5 days tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert
• 3 days tour from Fes to Merzouga

More Morocco tours

• Tours from Marrakech
• Day trips from Merzouga
• Tours from Fes
• Tours from Casablanca
• Day trips from Marrakech
• Merzouga camel trekking guide

Contact us

• Phone / WhatsApp: +212 786 278 943
• Email: favoritesmoroccotours@gmail.com
• Office: Marrakech, Morocco