Morocco Marrakech

Activities in Marrakech

3-Day Sahara Desert Tour

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US$ 133.73

9.40 / 10

6,405 reviews | 55,317 travellers

Great, a unique experience

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Visit Aït Benhaddou, a filming location for movies

Stay at a standard camp in the Merzouga Desert

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Rest up in this room in the standard camp

Sleep in this double room in the standard camp

Spend time in this luxurious desert camp

Great, a unique experience

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Immerse yourself in the most surprising part of the Moroccan desert, and contemplate the contrasts offered by its different landscapes as you discover valleys, mountains, and historic towns.

Description
Immerse yourself in the most surprising part of the Moroccan desert, and contemplate the contrasts offered by its different landscapes as you discover valleys, mountains, and historic towns.
Tour Details

Day 1: Marrakech - Aït Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - The Dadès Valley

At the scheduled time, we'll leave Marrakech behind to hit the road towards Ouarzazate. On the way, we'll cross the striking Atlas Mountains, crossing through the stunning Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass, 7414 feet (2,260 meters) high.

At the midpoint of the journey, we'll arrive at the Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, a fortified city that has served as a filming location for movies such as Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. You'll have approximately 2.5 hours here to explore this spectacular desert city and to have lunch.

The route then continues to Ouarzazate, where you'll have approximately half an hour to admire and take photos of the impressive Taourirt Kasbah.

Taking “The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" towards Skoura, we'll then cross the Valley of the Roses to finally arrive at the Dadès Valley, where we'll spend the night.

Day 2: Dadès Valley - Todgha Gorges - Merzouga

After breakfast, we'll set off towards the incredible Todgha Gorges, where we'll stay for a bit to enjoy the impressive landscape. Next, we move on in the direction of Merzouga, passing through the Jorf palm grove (which produces the best dates) and we'll stop for lunch before arriving at Erfoud, a village famous for its fossil fragments.

Having arrived in Merzouga, we'll swap our motor vehicles for camels to immerse ourselves in the desert and search for the Bedouin camp where we'll spend the night.

Here, soundtracked by desert silence, we'll enjoy one of the most authentic dinners in all of Morocco.

Day 3: Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif -Tizi n'Tichka - Ouarzazate - Marrakesh

If there's one unmissable sight in the desert, it's sunrise. Having enjoyed this tranquil moment, then we'll have breakfast at the camp and gather our strength for our last day.

Passing through the Tafilalet palm grove and Rissani village (from where Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty comes) the tour continues through the acacia-covered plateaus and arrives at Alnif, where we take the road crossing the Anti-Atlas mountain range. Through the remarkable mountainous passages of Tizi n'Tichka, we'll arrive at Tinghir, (an important Amazigh village), and finally the Dades Valley.

Reaching Kalaat M'Gouna around midday, we'll stop for lunch and a well-earned rest, before we complete our return journey to Marrakesh via Ouarzazate, leaving you at your hotel or at the Marrakesh airport at around 8:30 pm.

Accommodation Options

When booking, you'll be asked to choose your preferred type of accommodation:

Standard Shared Accommodation: this is the best option if you want to live the experience in the purest desert style. In this case, you'll share the haima with up to 4 other tour participants who also choose this option. And if you're travelling alone, you'll avoid paying the single supplement for private accommodation, which is the cheapest option! Please note that, whenever possible, we try to separate men and women, and that children under the age of 18 are not allowed in this option.

Standard Private Accommodation: On the second night, you'll stay in a private room with shared bathrooms and showers. The haimas in this category can accommodate a maximum of 4 people.

Superior Private Accommodation: On the second night, you'll stay in a camp where each haima has a private bathroom and shower. This option also offers upgraded interior decor and a higher-quality dining experience compared to the standard camp. The haimas in this category can accommodate a maximum of 5 people.

On the first night, all guests will stay in Dades, with accommodation at Dar Essyaha, Hotel Babylon, Hotel Le Vieux Chateau, Kasbah Tifawen, or similar.

The second night will be spent in a haima camp in Merzouga, where the standard and superior camps are completely separate. In addition to the difference in bathroom facilities, the superior camp also offers enhanced meals and interior decor.

On the third day, both categories will have breakfast and access to showers at the camp before departure.

Hotel Pickup

If you're staying in the Medina, you must go to the meeting point. If you're staying outside the Medina, we'll pick you up free of charge at your hotel or riad. If the hotel is outside of Marrakech, the pickup will have a supplement of € 10 (US$ 11.23) to € 40 (US$ 44.95), depending on the distance.

Private Tours

If you wish to do a 4-day private day trip with your partner, family or friends, check out our 4-Day Merzouga Desert Private Tour.
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Details
More Information

Duration

3 days.

Language

The activity takes place with a driver that speaks in English, although it may occasionally be done in two languages.

Included

Transport by 8 seater vehicle, minibus or bus

English–speaking driver

2 nights accommodation (hotel and Amazigh tent)

Breakfast and dinner

Sunrise and sunset camel rides

Pickup and drop–off hotels outside the historic centre

Towels in the accommodation

Shampoo (only in the Luxury category)

Wifi (only in the Luxury category)

Not included

Entrance fee for the Taourirt Kasbah: approx. € 7 (US$ 7.86)

Guide at Aït Benhaddou: € 2 (US$ 2.24) per person

Lunch and drinks

Air conditioning: € 30 (US$ 33.71) per haima

Mineral water: between € 1 (US$ 1.12) and € 1.50 (US$ 1.68) per bottle of 1.5 liters

When to book?

You can book up until 12 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

Provide a safe and satisfying experience.

Reduce, reuse, recycle.

Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.

Uphold fair employment standards.

Foster the growth of local communities.

Preserve the integrity of local culture.

Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.

Ensure ethical treatment of animals.

Operate with honesty and transparency.

Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

No printing of documentation required.

Has a gender equality policy.

Has a carbon footprint offset policy.

Promotes local employment.
Provider
Maroc Expedition Show more

Maroc Expedition

Corporate name: Maroc Expedition Travel S.A.R.L

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Pets

Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
Q - Can children ride the camels?

A - Yes, although children under 10 must ride with their parent or guardian.

Q - Can we do one way by camel and return by quad bike?

A - Yes, it costs 50 EUR (also payable in Dirhams) for drivers and 20 EUR for passengers to hire quad bikes.

Q - What clothes should I bring?

A - We recommend wearing comfortable, lightweight clothing during the day, as temperatures are pleasant. At night, warm clothing is advisable, as it gets cold in the Dades Valley and the desert. Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended

Q - How many people can stay in a haima?

A - The standard camp haimas can accommodate up to 4 people, while the upper camp haimas allow up to 5 people.

Q - How much is the additional sandboarding activity?

A - The price is €15 per person, although, for customers who book the quad activity, sandboarding is free of charge.

Q - Is there WiFi available in the campsite?

A - WiFi is available in the luxury category, but you should be aware that it only works for receiving and sending messages. Therefore, we recommend that you purchase a SIM card for Internet access. Please be aware that Wifi isn't available at all campsites.

Q - Are there plugs in the haimas in the standard camp?

A - No, only in the restaurant.

Q - Is the transport air-conditioned?

A - Yes

Q - Is it possible to be picked up form our hotel and dropped off at a different destination?

A - Yes, as long as the hotel is outside the medina.

Q - Is there soap and shampoo?

A - No.

Q - Is there hot water at the Haimas camp?

A - There is hot water but it takes a while to heat up, as it uses solar energy.

Q - Are there towels in the standard haimas

A - Yes.

Q - How many people are in a group?

A - It depends on how many people book this tour, but the groups tend to be between 6 and 16 people.

Q - Is it possible to pay by card in the places visited?

A - We recommend that you bring cash, not all of the places will accept card.

Q - What is the average price of meals not included in the tour?

A - Meals usually cost between 7 and 12 EUR depending on the menu.

Q - Is it possible to end the tour in Ouarzazate?

A - Yes, but please indicate so when making your reservation and let your guide know on the day.

Q - In which hotels is free pick up available?

A - We will contact you to specify the exact pick up time and place.

Q - Is there WiFi in the camp?

A - No. If you need an internet connection we recommend that you buy a local sim card, to have 3G in the camp.

Q - Does this excursion visit Erg Chebbi?

A - Yes, Erg Chebbi and the Merzouga desert are two names for the same desert.

Q - Does the menu include gluten free and vegetarian options?

A - Yes, please indicate this special requirement in the comment section when making the reservation on the first day of the excursion.

Q - Is there an alternative way to do the desert excursion, without riding the camel?

A - Yes, you can do the journey by car instead of by camel. Please advise the chauffer in the moening of the second day of the excursion.

Q - How long will we have in Ourzazate and the Dadès Gorges?

A - Half an hour in each of the two.

Q - Is there heating in the hotel/haima?

A - The hotel on the first night has heating. In the camp there is no heating, but there are plenty of blankets and duvets, so you won't get cold.

Q - How many hours in the car are included in this excursion?

A - On the first and second day there are approximately 8 hours of driving. On the last day approximately 10.

Q - What time do the activities begin in the morning?

A - Around 8 am.

Q - Is it possible to do a desert quad bike tour during the excursion, and how long does it last?

A - Yes, you can contract this, and other, activities in the destination. The guide will take you to the quad rental place so you can enjoy this activity. The activity lasts around an hour.

Q - How long is the camel ride?

A - The camel ride to get to the camp takes about an hour. The next day you'll make the same journey back.

Q - Can you bring luggage on the excursion?

A - Yes. The luggage will always be in the vehicle or back at the hotel. When you're travelling by camel you can only bring a backpack.

Q - Is there a weight restriction for the camel ride?

A - For the safety and wellbeing of the camels, weights over 100 kg (220 lbs) are not recommended. If you weigh more than that, we'll offer you a journey in an off-roading vehicle as an alternative.

Q - How many people can ride on one camel?

A - 1 person per camel.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

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If you have any other questions please contact us.
Cancellations

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 3 days before the day of the activity. Any cancellations after this time or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.
Meeting point

Meeting point

Café de France, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

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Reviews
Our customers' reviews
These are genuine reviews written by our customers.

5 out of 6,405 reviews

9.4 / 10

 9.3903512880562 6,405 reviews | 55,317 travellers

3739 traveler-submitted photos
 10

Feb / 13 / 2024

N

Natalia

Barcelona, Spain

Experiencia inolvidable y obligatoria en una visita a Marruecos. Nuestro guía Ali hizo que fuera aún más especial, con una energía inagotable, un sentido del humor increíble y una mente privilegiada. Pudimos conocer con él un montón de la cultura del país. Omar fue nuestro conductor y a pesar de ser un viaje muuy largo nos sentimos súper seguros en todo momento. También mencionar al equipo de personas que nos recibieron en cada alojamiento, en especial la noche del desierto. Marruecos mágico Translate this opinion into English.

Unforgettable and obligatory experience on a visit to Morocco. Our guide Ali made it even more special, with endless energy, an incredible sense of humor and a privileged mind. We were able to learn a lot about the country's culture with him. Omar was our driver and despite it being a very long trip we felt super safe at all times. Also mention the team of people who welcomed us in each accommodation, especially the night of the desert. Magical Morocco Opinion translated. Show original.

5

5

I travelled with my partner

 10

Feb / 13 / 2024

N

Núria

Lleida, Spain

Ha sido genial, una pasada! El guía Ali súper majo, divertido y con muchas ganas de que todos nos encontramos a gusto y bien, Omar también muy simpático y muy buen conductor, un encanto los dos. Las excursiones y paradas geniales, el desierto mágico, magestuoso y espectacular, la comida muy bien. Al desierto hicimos la ida en quad y vuelta en dromedario. Todo, todo genial i con muchas ganas de repetir. Nos volvemos a ver pronto! Translate this opinion into English.

It was great, amazing! The guide Ali is super nice, fun and eager to make sure we all feel comfortable and well, Omar is also very friendly and a very good driver, both of them are charming. The excursions and great stops, the magical, majestic and spectacular desert, the food very good. We went to the desert by quad and back by camel. Everything, everything great and I really want to repeat. We'll see you again soon! Opinion translated. Show original.

 10

Feb / 12 / 2024

L

Laura

Pamplona, Spain

Gran acierto. Horas de coche, pero merece la pena. Salir del loco Marrakech y ver un Marruecos distinto, tranquilo y con paisajes de ensueño. Las haimas del campamento superior están genial, como una habitación de hotel. Y si como nosotros tienes suerte y te tocan buenos compañeros de viaje, mejor que mejor. Queremos hacer una mención especial a nuestro chófer, Ali: lo más grande que ha salido de Merzouga! Siempre alegre y atento, te ayuda a conseguir cualquier cosa que necesites. Profesional!! Translate this opinion into English.

Great success. Hours of driving, but it's worth it. Get out of crazy Marrakech and see a different, calm Morocco with dream landscapes. The haimas in the upper camp are great, like a hotel room. And if, like us, you are lucky and have good travel companions, even better. We want to make a special mention of our driver, Ali: the greatest thing that has come out of Merzouga! Always cheerful and attentive, he helps you get anything you need. Professional!! Opinion translated. Show original.

5

5

I travelled with my partner

 10

Feb / 13 / 2024

L

Lara

Spain

Sin duda, la mejor experiencia en Marruecos. Omar al volante y Alí a los mandos de los corazones, ha hecho que este viaje sea inolvidable. No dudéis en coger esta excursión y compartir experiencia, corta pero intensa, con los berebers. Ellos han hecho de este viaje una historia inolvidable. GRACIAS ALI, ahora a ver “cómo vivimos sin ti” Translate this opinion into English.

Without a doubt, the best experience in Morocco. Omar at the wheel and Ali at the controls of the hearts, has made this trip unforgettable. Do not hesitate to take this excursion and share a short but intense experience with the Berbers. They have made this trip an unforgettable story. THANK YOU ALI, now let's see “how we live without you” Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with friends

 10

Mar / 17 / 2025

A

Alfonso

Santander, Spain

Los viajes, tanto de ida como de vuelta a Marrakech fueron agradables. Lamine fue un guía excelente que supo explicarnos todo lo que era interesante y respondió con toda claridad a nuestras dudas en un excelente español. La música que nos puso de grupos del país ha pasado a formar parte de mi lista de favoritos. La estancia en el hotel a mitad de camino fue fantástica, y el viaje en dromedario hasta el campamento una gran experiencia. La fiesta y la estancia en la jaima, genial. Translate this opinion into English.

The trips to and from Marrakech were enjoyable. Lamine was an excellent guide who explained everything interesting and answered our questions clearly in excellent Spanish. The music he played for us by local bands has become one of my favorites. The hotel stay halfway there was fantastic, and the camel ride to the camp was a great experience. The party and the stay in the tent were fantastic. Opinion translated. Show original.

I travelled with my partner

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3-Day Sahara Desert Tour

Tour Details

Day 1: Marrakech - Aït Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - The Dadès Valley

Day 2: Dadès Valley - Todgha Gorges - Merzouga

Day 3: Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif -Tizi n'Tichka - Ouarzazate - Marrakesh

Accommodation Options

Hotel Pickup

Private Tours

Free cancellation

Meeting point

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