2-Day Sahara Escape: Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
A thrilling express journey from the heart of Marrakech to the magic of the Merzouga dunes — ideal for adventurous travelers short on time!
2-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga - Tour Overview:
This 2-day, 1-night private desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is crafted for those who want to witness the awe-inspiring Sahara without a long break from their itinerary. From bustling Marrakech to the sweeping dunes of Erg Chebbi, this journey offers a fast-paced yet unforgettable taste of Morocco’s desert magic.
You’ll cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains, pass through the Draa Valley, and explore scenic villages and kasbahs along the way. In the late afternoon, reach Merzouga, where your camel awaits for a sunset trek into the golden dunes. Spend the night in a desert camp, enjoying local cuisine, traditional music, and stargazing under the open sky.
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Starting Point: Marrakech
Ending Point: Marrakech or Fes (upon request)
Availability: Daily departures
Tour Type: Private or small group (on request)
Accommodation: Desert camp (standard or luxury options available)
Transportation: Comfortable 4x4 or air-conditioned minibus
Pick-up Time: Around 7:00 AM from your hotel/riad in Marrakech
Drop-off Time: Around 7:00 PM on Day 2 (if returning to Marrakech)
Journey through the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Photo stops in Ait Ben Haddou or quick visits to Ouarzazate (depending on timing)
Drive through the stunning Draa Valley oasis
Camel ride at sunset across the Erg Chebbi dunes
Overnight in a Berber or luxury desert camp
Enjoy local music, hearty Moroccan meals, and spectacular stargazing
Note: This is a fast-paced tour covering a long distance in a short time (around 9–10 hours driving each day), recommended for travelers who want to experience the Sahara in just 2 days. For a more relaxed pace, a 3-day itinerary is often preferred.
Choosing the right travel partner makes all the difference — and we're here to give you more than just a ride to the desert.
Locally Rooted, Expertly Guided
We’re a local team with deep roots in the Sahara and southern Morocco. Our guides don’t just know the roads — they know the stories, culture, and hidden gems that make this journey unforgettable.
Time-Efficient Itinerary
Short on time? No problem. Our 2-day itinerary is designed to give you the most authentic desert experience — camel rides, music, stargazing — without wasting a moment.
Authentic Desert Camps
Whether you choose standard or luxury, all our camps offer a warm Berber welcome, private tents, local cuisine, and music around the fire under a sky full of stars.
Comfortable, Safe Transport
Travel in style in a private 4x4 or air-conditioned minibus with a professional driver — clean, comfortable, and safe for long desert drives.
Customizable & Flexible
Need a pickup from the airport? Want to end the tour in Fes? Traveling with kids or a special occasion? We’ll tailor the experience to your needs.
Real Hospitality
We treat our guests like family — it’s not just about the destination, but the experience along the way. Expect genuine smiles, tea stops with locals, and memories that last a lifetime.
Tour Itinerary: Marrakech to Merzouga: 2 Days / 1 Night Desert Escape
Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
We’ll pick you up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech at 7:00 AM, and begin our journey toward the Sahara. We’ll drive across the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying panoramic views and passing through traditional Berber villages along the way.
Our first major stop will be at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, a stunning fortified village famous for its traditional mudbrick architecture and role in many films.
After visiting Ait Benhaddou, we’ll continue to Ouarzazate, where you’ll have the option to enjoy lunch and explore Kasbah Taourirt and the famous Atlas Studios.
From there, we head east through the Valley of Roses and Boumalne Dades, then continue through the dramatic landscapes of Todra Gorge, and pass through towns like Tinghir, Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud — where the Tafilalet Oasis begins and the Sahara starts to reveal itself.
We arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. After a short rest at the hotel (where you can leave your main luggage), you’ll pack an overnight bag with the essentials for the night in the desert.
Then, the real adventure begins: you’ll ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset — an unforgettable experience and a perfect time to take stunning photos.
Upon arrival at the desert camp, we’ll climb the nearby dunes to try sandboarding and enjoy the sunset view. Spend the night in a traditional or luxury nomad camp, enjoy a delicious Berber dinner, and listen to local music under a blanket of stars.
Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Tazarine – N’Kob – Ouarzazate – Atlas Mountains – Return to Marrakech
We’ll wake you early to watch the magical sunrise over the dunes of Merzouga. After a camel ride back to the village, you'll enjoy breakfast and a refreshing shower at the camp or hotel.
Then, we begin the journey back to Marrakech, taking a different scenic route. We’ll pass through Rissani, Alnif, Tazarine, and N’Kob, driving through beautiful Berber villages and dramatic desert landscapes.
We’ll stop in Ouarzazate for a short break before continuing through the High Atlas Mountains. We expect to arrive back in Marrakech by evening or night, where the tour ends.
Hotel/riad pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
Private or shared transportation in an air-conditioned 4x4 or minibus
English/French/Spanish-speaking driver-guide
Fuel, tolls, and all road expenses
Visit to Ait Benhaddou and other scenic stops along the route
Sunset camel trek to the desert camp
Overnight stay in a desert camp (standard or luxury option)
Private tent at the camp
Dinner and breakfast at the camp
Traditional music and campfire entertainment
Sandboarding (free and optional)
Sunrise camel ride
Lunches and drinks
Entrance fees (e.g., Kasbahs, studios if you choose to visit)
Extra activities (e.g., quad biking or buggy rides in Merzouga – available upon request)
What Our Guests Say
🐪 FAQ – 2-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
Is 2 days enough to see the Sahara Desert?
Yes, it’s a fast-paced tour but designed to give you the full desert experience — camel trek, sunset/sunrise, overnight in a camp — in just 2 days. Perfect for travelers with limited time!
How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?
It’s a long drive — around 9–10 hours each way, with several scenic stops. We start early and include breaks for meals, sightseeing, and rest.
Can I bring my luggage to the desert?
You can leave your main luggage at the hotel in Merzouga and take only what you need for the night to the camp. This makes the camel ride more comfortable.
Is the camel ride mandatory?
No — if you prefer not to ride camels, we can arrange 4x4 transport to and from the desert camp instead.
Are vegetarian or special meals available?
Yes! Just let us know your dietary preferences in advance, and we’ll make sure the camp prepares meals to suit your needs.
Can the tour end in Fes instead of returning to Marrakech?
Yes, we offer custom extensions. Let us know if you’d like to continue to Fes or another destination instead of returning to Marrakech.
Tour Photo Gallery:
Quick Desert Getaway: Marrakech to Merzouga – Map Overview:
Ready for a 2-Day Adventure from Marrakech to the Sahara?
Leave the noise of the city behind and journey deep into Morocco’s soul.
Start in vibrant Marrakech and cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains, wander through ancient kasbahs, and ride camels into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Watch the sunset over the Sahara, dine under the stars, and sleep in a desert camp surrounded by silence and starlight.
It’s fast, it’s magical, and it’s the perfect short escape into the wild beauty of southern Morocco.
Berber culture, endless dunes, and unforgettable memories await.
Contact us now to book your private 2-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour.
Your Sahara story begins here.
