3-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech: 2025 Honest Review

So, you’re thinking about that three-day trip from Marrakech out to the Sahara desert, right? I get it. The idea of seeing those huge, golden dunes is pretty much what travel dreams are made of. At the end of the day, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Morocco, and for a really good reason. But, to be honest, it’s a whole lot more than just a quick camel ride. This is actually a massive road trip across a huge part of the country. I mean, we’re talking about long hours in a minibus or a 4×4, you know? Anyway, I wanted to give you a really straight-up look at what this trip is actually like for 2025. We’ll talk about the good parts, the not-so-great parts, and help you figure out if it’s the right kind of adventure for your own trip. Basically, this is the review I wish I had read before I went.

Day 1: Winding Roads and Clay Castles

Okay, so your first day typically starts very early in Marrakech. You’re still kind of sleepy, and then you’re whisked away in a van, more or less leaving the city’s pink walls behind you. The first big part of the day is driving up and over the High Atlas Mountains, which is seriously impressive. You’re going through the Tizi n’Tichka pass, which is almost like a snake, a really winding road that climbs super high up. The views are pretty incredible, and drivers usually stop a few times so you can snap some pictures, you know? Honestly, the air up there feels so different, a bit crisp and clean compared to the city. It’s a good moment to just sort of take it all in.

Then, after the mountains, you’ll almost certainly stop at Aït Benhaddou. This place is literally amazing. It’s a huge fortified village made completely of earthen clay, and it looks like something straight out of a movie. As a matter of fact, a lot of movies and shows like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed here. You kind of feel like you’re walking back in time. The color of the buildings, under the strong sun, is just this really warm, reddish-brown. After wandering around there, the trip continues to Ouarzazate, a city that’s often called the ‘door to the desert’. Frankly, it’s mostly a lunch stop and maybe a quick photo-op at a film studio, nothing too crazy. From there, you just drive through some really interesting, rocky landscapes toward the Dadès Valley. The day ends at a hotel or a riad tucked into the Dadès Gorges, which are these beautiful red cliffs. At the end of the day, you’re pretty tired from all the driving, but what you’ve seen is completely worth it.

Day 2: Canyons, Camels, and a Night Under the Stars

Day two starts with a nice little breakfast in the Dadès Valley. The morning light on the red rocks is seriously beautiful. Next, you usually head over to the Todra Gorge. This place is absolutely wild. I mean, you’re literally walking on the floor of a massive canyon with towering rock walls on both sides. In some spots, it feels like the cliffs are almost touching, and there’s a small, clear river running through it. The air is so cool in there, a really nice break from the sun. People are just walking around, and it’s all very relaxed. You spend a bit of time there, and then it’s back in the van for the final push toward the main event: the Sahara.

The drive itself is kind of cool, as you see the scenery change completely. You go from rocky areas to these amazing green palm groves that pop up out of nowhere. Then, in the afternoon, you finally arrive in Merzouga. And there they are. The Erg Chebbi dunes. Honestly, they are so much bigger and more orange than you can ever imagine. It’s just a sea of sand, and it’s totally quiet. This is where you meet your camel. Getting on one is a bit of a funny, clumsy experience, but then you’re off, trekking into the dunes. The ride itself is pretty peaceful, just the soft sound of camel feet on the sand. The best part, obviously, is the sunset. Watching the sun go down over the dunes and seeing all the colors change is a truly unforgettable moment. Finally, you get to your desert camp. The camps are typically a circle of tents around a central area with a fire. You have a tagine dinner, listen to some Berber drumming, and just look up. Seriously, the stars are just… wow. With no city lights, you can see everything. It’s a really special feeling.

Day 3: A Sahara Sunrise and the Long Journey Home

Alright, so day three begins before the sun is even up. Someone from the camp will gently wake you, and you basically stumble out of your tent into the chilly desert air. You’ll probably want to climb up a nearby dune to get a good spot. To be honest, it’s totally worth the early start. Watching the sunrise over the vast expanse of the Erg Chebbi dunes is a sight that is very hard to put into words. The sky slowly turns from deep purple and blue to pink and orange as the sun appears, casting these really long, dramatic shadows across the sand. The world is just completely silent except for maybe the wind. It’s a peaceful, almost magical kind of experience that you just have to see for yourself.

After the sunrise spectacle, it’s time for the camel ride back to the edge of the desert. The dunes look so different in the morning light, you know? Once you get back to the main outpost in Merzouga, there’s usually time for breakfast and maybe even a quick shower, which feels like the best shower of your life. And then, well, it’s time for the long haul back to Marrakech. I’m not going to lie, this day is basically all driving. You’re looking at something like 9 or 10 hours in the van. The route is more or less the same one you took to get there, so you’ll see the High Atlas Mountains again from a different perspective. It’s a good time to maybe nap, listen to music, or just reflect on the past couple of days. You’ll get dropped off back at your hotel or riad in Marrakech sometime in the evening, completely exhausted but also, like, full of these amazing new memories.

Is This Trip Actually for You? An Honest Perspective

So, the big question is whether this three-day marathon is the right choice for you, right? Let’s break it down, honestly. This trip is pretty much perfect if you are a bit short on time but really want that iconic Sahara desert experience. In just three days, you see a gigantic slice of Morocco, from the mountains to kasbahs to the desert. It is an incredibly efficient way to cover a lot of ground. It’s also really good for solo travelers because you get to meet other people in your group, which can be super fun. And, for the most part, these tours are extremely budget-friendly. You get transport, two nights of accommodation, some meals, and that bucket-list camel trek all in one package.

On the other hand, you have to be okay with a lot of time in a vehicle. Like, a *lot* of time. I mean, we are talking about roughly 20 hours of driving over three days. The pace can feel a little rushed, with quick stops for photos and not a lot of time to just linger in one spot. For instance, you see Aït Benhaddou, but you don’t get to spend half a day just exploring every little corner, you know? Also, the standard accommodations are fairly basic. They are clean and they do the job, but don’t expect five-star luxury unless you book a specific upgrade. So, if you are someone who gets car sick easily, or if you prefer to travel slowly and really soak in a place, this trip might feel a bit too frantic for you. At the end of the day, it’s an amazing highlights reel, not a deep cultural study.

Packing List & Final Thoughts for Your 2025 Tour

Okay, so if you’ve decided to go for it, what should you actually pack? Getting your bag right can make the trip a lot more comfortable. Here are some things you should definitely consider bringing, you know?

• Layers of clothing: This is probably the most important thing. You need light clothes for the hot daytime driving, but also a really warm sweater, fleece, or jacket for the desert night. Seriously, it gets surprisingly cold once the sun goes down.
• A scarf or shesh: You can buy these everywhere, and they are so useful. You can wrap it around your head and face to protect from the sun and sand. Plus, you’ll look the part, which is kind of fun.
• Sun protection: Obviously, you’ll need sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The sun is really strong, especially in the desert.
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a bit of walking at the kasbahs and gorges, so sneakers or other sturdy shoes are a good idea.
• Cash: Most of the lunches on the road are not included, and neither are drinks. It’s also good to have small bills for tipping your driver and guides. So, definitely bring some Dirhams with you.
• Portable charger: A power bank is a lifesaver. You can’t always count on finding a free outlet in your room or at the desert camp, and you’ll want your phone for pictures.
• A small bag: You’ll likely leave your main suitcase in the van and just take a small overnight bag with you on the camel to the desert camp. So, pack a small backpack with just your essentials for that night.

When you book for 2025, just be aware that these tours are super popular. It’s a really good idea to read recent reviews and choose a company that people speak highly of. Also, think about whether you want a shared group tour or a private one. The shared tour is more affordable and social, but a private tour offers a lot more flexibility with your schedule and stops. You can pretty much tell the driver where you want to linger. Either way, it’s a pretty incredible adventure that gives you a glimpse into a whole different side of Morocco, one that is completely different from the busy medinas. It’s an experience that will likely stick with you for a very, very long time.

I honestly feel that the long hours in the van are a small price to pay for the feeling of waking up to a Sahara sunrise. At the end of the day, that memory alone is what makes the whole trip worthwhile.

Read our full review: [3-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech Full Review and Details]
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