3-Day Tour from Rabat to Merzouga Desert

From Imperial Majesty to Sahara Magic — A Journey Through Morocco’s Heartland

3‑Day Rabat → Merzouga Desert Tour: Tour Overview:

Set off from Morocco’s regal capital and venture deep into the soul of the country on this unforgettable 3-day road trip to the mesmerizing Merzouga Desert. Travel through scenic Middle Atlas landscapes, cedar forests, and traditional Berber villages before reaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Experience a camel trek at sunset, dine under a starlit sky, and sleep in a nomadic-style desert camp. This journey offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure — from the elegant streets of Rabat to the timeless silence of the Sahara.

Tour Itinerary: 3-Day Sahara Desert Adventure: Rabat to Merzouga

Day 1: Rabat – Midelt – Merzouga Desert

We’ll pick you up from your hotel or riad in Rabat and begin our journey south toward Midelt, passing through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop at a lush palm grove to admire the wild palm trees.

We’ll continue through the Tizi N'Talghamt Pass and the impressive Ziz Gorge, carved into volcanic rock. As we travel, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Middle Atlas Plateau. The landscape gradually shifts, revealing the first signs of the Sahara as we approach Errachidia.

After a local lunch, we follow the Ziz Valley toward Erfoud and Rissani, finally arriving in Merzouga. Here, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing glass of mint tea. You’ll leave your luggage in a secure room before beginning your camel trek into the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes—home to the highest dunes in North Africa.

The camel ride takes about 1.5 hours and leads to a Berber desert camp nestled among the dunes. Your private tent is equipped with comfortable mattresses, blankets, and cushions. After dinner, gather around the campfire for traditional Berber music and stargazing beneath a sky full of stars—a magical end to your first day.

Day 2: Merzouga Desert – Boumalne Dades – Marrakech

After breakfast at the camp, we depart Merzouga and travel through the Dades Valley toward Kalaat M’Gouna and Ouarzazate. This stretch, known as the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” is filled with photo opportunities of ancient fortresses and dramatic landscapes.

We’ll visit the Valley of Roses and the palm-filled oasis of Skoura before continuing to Ouarzazate, famously known as the "Hollywood of Africa." Lunch is served near the iconic Kasbah Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for numerous movies.

After exploring the kasbah, we continue across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters altitude). Along the way, we’ll stop to admire panoramic views and visit an Argan oil cooperative. By late afternoon or early evening, we’ll arrive in Marrakech, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation.

Day 3: Marrakech – Rabat

On our final day, we travel back to Rabat. This journey offers the opportunity to discover Morocco’s capital and its twin city, Salé.

Enjoy a guided city tour that includes:

• The Royal Palace (the King’s official residence)

• The Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum

• The historic Kasbah of the Udayas

We aim to make your final day both enriching and relaxing, providing a comfortable private transfer and insightful local guidance. After your Rabat visit, we’ll drop you off at your hotel, airport, or location of choice—marking the end of your 3-day adventure from the desert back to the coast.

Tour Photo Gallery:

Across Morocco: A 3-Day Desert Experience from Rabat – Map Overview: