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.
"The 2-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert was absolutely magical. Crossing the Atlas Mountains and riding camels at sunset among the dunes was unforgettable. The desert camp was cozy and the staff very welcoming."
"An intense and beautiful experience in just two days. The long drive from Marrakech was worth it — golden dunes, camel trekking, traditional dinner, and Berber music under the stars."
"The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga was well organized and comfortable. Riding camels to the desert camp and sleeping among the dunes was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
"Two days full of amazing landscapes and emotions. Sunrise and sunset over the Merzouga dunes were breathtaking, and everything was perfectly arranged from start to finish."
"This 2-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour exceeded our expectations. The camel trek, the night in a Berber tent, and the peaceful silence of the Sahara were unforgettable."
"A perfect short desert escape from Marrakech. Long drive, but totally worth it. Incredible views, friendly guide, and a magical night under the stars in Merzouga."
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)
Frequently Asked Questions – 2 Day Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert
This is a 2-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert. It includes one night in the desert camp, camel trekking at sunset, and scenic stops along the Atlas Mountains.
The price includes transportation from Marrakech, an English-speaking driver/guide, camel trekking in Merzouga, one night in a desert camp, dinner, breakfast, and accommodation during the tour.
Yes! No previous camel-riding experience is required. The camel trek is easy and guided, making it suitable for first-time visitors.
We recommend comfortable clothing, warm layers for the desert night, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small backpack for personal items.
Yes, vegetarian and special dietary meals are available. Please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children. Camel rides and activities can be adjusted to ensure comfort and safety.
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.
