Sahara Tour from Marrakech: My 3-Day Merzouga Review 2025

So, I think everyone sort of has this picture in their mind of the Sahara Desert. You know, you see it in films, with these giant, rolling sand dunes and just this feeling of immense open space. Honestly, I’d been dreaming of seeing it for myself for a very long time. When I was looking at things to do in Morocco, this three-day group tour from Marrakech out to the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga just kept popping up. To be honest, it seemed almost too good to be true. It promised, you know, a camel trek, a night in a Berber camp, and a road trip through some of Morocco’s most amazing scenery. As a matter of fact, I booked it for my 2025 trip, and I really want to share what it was actually like. It’s a pretty intense three days, and there are definitely things you should know before you go.

Day 1: Through the High Atlas Mountains to Dades Valley

Okay, so the first day starts really early, you have to be ready before the sun is even thinking about coming up. Our group met in a central spot in Marrakech, and frankly, there’s a kind of nervous energy as everyone finds their spot in the minibus. That feeling of leaving a chaotic city like Marrakech behind is just a little strange; one minute you are in this maze of sounds and smells, and the next, you’re on an open road, watching the landscape slowly begin to change. The drive itself is pretty much a main event. We went up and up through the High Atlas Mountains on this road called the Tizi n’Tichka pass, which is actually quite stunning. Seriously, the views from up there are the kind that make you feel very small in the best way possible. Our driver was really good, and he stopped at a few viewpoints so we could, like, get out and take pictures and just breathe the mountain air.

The main stop of the day is, of course, the famous Ksar of Aït Benhaddou. You’ve definitely seen this place before, even if you don’t know its name, as it’s been in so many movies and TV shows. I mean, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. Basically, it’s an ancient fortified village made of mud and straw, and it just looks incredible clinging to the side of a hill. We had a local guide show us around, and honestly, walking through its narrow passages felt like stepping back in time. You can sort of picture the trading caravans that used to stop here. After that, we had lunch at a spot with a pretty good view of the kasbah. Then it was back in the van for a bit more driving. The scenery starts to change again, getting more rocky and severe. By late afternoon, we reached the Dades Valley, which is famous for its weird rock formations people call “monkey fingers.” Our stop for the night was a little hotel built right into the side of the gorge. It was actually quite cozy and the dinner they served was a simple, tasty tagine. To be honest, after a long day of travel, it was just what we all needed.

Day 2: Todra Gorges and the Camel Ride to the Desert Camp

Alright, so day two began with a nice breakfast overlooking the valley, which was a really great way to start. We then drove a short distance to the Todra Gorges. I mean, this place is just unbelievable. The road goes right through a massive canyon with cliffs that are hundreds of feet high on both sides. We got to get out and walk along the little river at the bottom, and you know, it’s one of those places where you just have to crane your neck all the way back to see the top. Some people were actually rock climbing on the canyon walls, which was frankly a little wild to watch. There are local Berber families who live in the area, and you can sort of see them going about their day, which is a pretty humbling sight to see.

From there, the landscape became very, very dry and flat as we got closer to the Sahara. You just knew you were getting close. By the late afternoon, we finally arrived at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, right near the little town of Merzouga. And this, right, is the moment everyone was waiting for. We left our big bags, just took a small overnight bag, and then we met our camels. I have to say, getting on a camel is a rather clumsy experience, but it’s all part of the fun. Then we set off, and seriously, words can’t totally do it justice. The dunes are just this ocean of golden-red sand, and they are so much bigger than you imagine. Our camel guide led our little caravan into the desert as the sun started to set. The way the light hit the sand, creating these long, dramatic shadows, was absolutely beautiful. It’s incredibly quiet out there, with only the soft padding of the camels’ feet. We eventually arrived at our Berber camp, a collection of tents set up in a hollow between the dunes. The evening was just amazing. We had a really good dinner, and then the local guys who run the camp played traditional drums and sang around a campfire. Later, once the fire died down, we just lay back and looked at the stars. With no light pollution, you could literally see the Milky Way so clearly. It was absolutely one of the best nights of my life.

Day 3: Sunrise Over the Dunes and the Long Ride Back

So, someone from the camp wakes you up extremely early on the last day, like, well before dawn. To be honest, crawling out of your warm tent into the chilly desert air is a bit of a shock to the system. But then you climb up one of the big dunes nearby, and you wait. Watching the sunrise over the Sahara is a completely different experience from the sunset. The colors are somehow softer, you know, with these pinks and purples slowly appearing on the horizon before the sun finally peeks over the dunes. It’s so quiet and still. It’s arguably one of the most peaceful moments of the whole trip. After the sun was up, it was time to get back on the camels for the ride back to the starting point in Merzouga. That ride back in the morning light gives you a whole new appreciation for the size of the dunes.

Once we were back, we had breakfast and the chance for a quick shower, which, you know, felt like the greatest luxury at that point. Then, frankly, you have to prepare yourself for the long haul back. Day three is almost all driving, a journey of about ten hours back to Marrakech. The route back is slightly different in some parts, going through different valleys and towns, so you do get to see some new scenery. Still, it is a very long time to be in a minibus. A lot of people in our group just slept for most of it. We made a few stops for food and breaks, of course. We eventually pulled back into the hustle and chaos of Marrakech in the evening. At the end of the day, you’re completely exhausted, a bit dusty, but honestly just full of these incredible new memories.

What to Pack and Practical Tips

I mean, packing right for this trip can pretty much make or break your comfort. It’s kind of a game of opposites. You need clothes for hot days and surprisingly cold nights. Here’s a little list of what I think is really useful:

• A Scarf or Headwrap: Honestly, this is probably the most useful thing. You can use it to block the sun during the day and, like, wrap it around your face to keep sand out if it gets windy on the camel trek.
• Sunscreen and a Hat: The sun out there is obviously very strong. You will definitely need good protection.
• Warm Layers: A fleece or a good jacket is actually essential for the desert night and early morning. It gets a lot colder than you might think.
• Comfortable Trousers: You will want something comfortable for the long van rides and, of course, for sitting on a camel.
• Cash: Basically, you’ll need some dirhams for lunches, which usually aren’t included, and for tipping your driver and the desert guides.
• Portable Charger: For instance, power sources can be limited, especially at the desert camp, so having a power bank for your phone is a really smart idea.

Is This Tour Right for You?

So, you should really think about whether this kind of trip fits your travel style. As a matter of fact, it’s perfect for a certain type of person. If you’re looking for a big adventure, and you want to see a huge amount of Morocco in a short time without any planning stress, then this is absolutely for you. You get to see the mountains, ancient kasbahs, and, of course, the Sahara. It’s pretty much an incredible value for everything that is included. You just show up, and they take care of everything else.

On the other hand, if you hate long car rides, this might be a little tough. We spent a lot of time in that minibus. It’s also a group tour, so you are, you know, with the same people for three days. The accommodation is more or less clean and comfortable but definitely not luxurious, especially the desert camp. It’s more about the experience than the five-star treatment. At the end of the day, it’s about what you’re looking for.

You know, the main thing is to just go in with an open mind. Be ready for the long drives and just focus on the amazing things you are going to see. It’s really not about luxury; it’s about the adventure.

Read our full review: The Magical Sahara Desert Marrakech to Merzouga 3-Day Tour Full Review and Details

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