This Morocco itinerary 3 days journey is more than just a trip. It is a moment to change your mind and feel the real, quiet life far from the busy cities. You will see beautiful, big mountains and old, historical villages (Kasbahs) that have many stories to tell. The feeling you get when the sun sets on the big, orange sand dunes of Merzouga is something you will never forget. It is very special, and we hope you will love this experience a lot.
This 3 days desert tour from Marrakech takes you over the huge High Atlas Mountains. We stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a famous place that Hollywood loves. We drive through lovely valleys like Dades, where you sleep for the first night. The next day, we go through the big Todra Gorge and finally reach the Sahara Desert in Merzouga.
In the desert, you will ride a nice camel to your camp and sleep under a sky full of many stars. The last day is a long drive back, but you see many new views like the Draa Valley and Ouarzazate, before we return you safely to Marrakech.
Highlights of Morocco 3 Days Itinerary:
- Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road in the Atlas Mountains.
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a famous old Kasbah for movies.
- Walk and take photos in the stunning Todra Gorge canyon.
- Ride a camel over the big, golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Sleep in a comfortable tent in the Merzouga desert camp.
- Watch a beautiful sunrise over the Sahara.
- See the Draa Valley’s long line of palm trees.
- Stop in Ouarzazate, the Moroccan “Hollywood.”
Why Choose This Private 3 Days Morocco Itinerary From Marrakech?
Choosing this private Morocco 3 days itinerary means you get to travel only with your people, like family or friends. This is good because you can tell the driver where you want to stop or if you need a longer break for coffee or pictures. You are not forced to follow a fixed time like in big group tours. We think your vacation should be about you, so we keep the itinerary very flexible for a more relaxed and happy journey.
Also, we only use very good cars with air conditioning, so the long driving hours feel more comfortable and safe. Our drivers are local people who know all the roads and the best secret places to see. They speak good English and are happy to tell you about Moroccan culture. We want to give you a very good service that makes your 3 days desert tour from Marrakech the best memory you have from Morocco.
3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech Itinerary:
Please look below at the detailed plan for each day. We wrote everything about where we go and what we see. But remember, this is your private trip. If you see something you do not like or want to change one stop for another thing, just tell us! You can write an email or call us before you book, and we will make it perfect for you. We are ready to make a plan that fits your dream Morocco itinerary 3 days journey.
Day 1: Marrakech ⇢ High Atlas mountains ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ Dades Valley
We start our 3 days desert tour from Marrakech quite early, around 8:00 AM. This is because we have to drive a bit far. Our nice car will pick you up from your hotel or Riad. The first part is driving up the big High Atlas Mountains. We go through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which is very high, about 2,260 meters! We will stop at some good viewpoints up there. From these spots, you can take amazing photos of the Berber villages that look very small below in the valley. The view is really spectacular, so don’t forget your camera.
After we cross the mountains, we arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. This is a very old and beautiful mud-brick village called a Kasbah. It was an important stop for people traveling with salt and gold a long time ago. Also, many famous movies were filmed here, like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. We will walk through the small old streets of the village and see the architecture. We can eat lunch near here, and your driver will recommend a good place.
The journey continues after lunch, passing Ouarzazate—the “Hollywood of Morocco”—and then going through the Skoura palm trees. We arrive in the Dades Valley. The valley is known for its strange rock formations that look like monkey fingers. We will drive through some beautiful gorges and then arrive at your hotel or guesthouse for the night. You will have a warm dinner and a quiet night to rest for the big day tomorrow.
Day 2: Dades Valley ⇢ Tinghir Oasis ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Merzouga desert
After a delicious Moroccan breakfast in the Dades Valley hotel, we start the second day of your Morocco itinerary 3 days. We drive through the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” seeing many old, fortified houses and villages. Our first main stop is the Todra Gorge. This place is famous because the cliffs are very, very high, like big walls reaching up to 400 meters! The canyon is very narrow in some parts, and a river runs through it. You can walk around here, feel the cool air, and take impressive photos between the tall rock walls. It is a great place to stretch your legs before the desert.
From Todra Gorge, we drive to the desert. We pass through Rissani, which is an old market town and an important stop on the old trade routes. As we get closer to Merzouga, you will start to see the sand dunes getting bigger and bigger—it is very exciting! When we arrive in Merzouga, we stop at a hotel where you can drink some Moroccan mint tea and get ready for the desert camp. You can leave your big luggage here, and just take a small bag with what you need for the night.
In the late afternoon, your camel guide will meet you. You will ride your camel into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. This is the highlight of the 3 days desert tour from Marrakech! The camel ride takes about one hour as the sun starts to go down. The colors of the sand changing from gold to orange and then red are just unbelievable. When you arrive at the camp, you will have a nice dinner, and the local Berber people will play music around the campfire. It is a magical night under the stars.
Day 3: Merzouga desert ⇢ Draa River ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Marrakech
Today, you must wake up early! It is important because the sunrise over the Sahara dunes is one of the most beautiful things you will ever see. Climb up a nearby dune to watch the sun come up and make the whole desert glow gold. After this amazing start, you ride the camels back to Merzouga village, or if you prefer, you can take a 4×4 car. You will have breakfast and a chance to shower at the meeting point hotel before the long drive back to Marrakech.
This last day of the Morocco 3 days itinerary is long, but it is still full of beautiful scenery. We drive through the Draa Valley. This valley is very different from the rest of the desert because it has many kilometers of beautiful green palm trees along the river. It is a great sight to see this long, green oasis in the dry land. We stop for lunch in Ouarzazate, where you can maybe visit a film studio quickly if we have time.
Finally, we cross the High Atlas Mountains one more time, enjoying the views from a different side. We will arrive back in the busy city of Marrakech in the evening, usually around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM. We will drop you off right at your Riad or hotel. You will be tired but happy from your big 3 days desert tour from Marrakech adventure!
Tour Includes & Excludes:
Includes:
- Private, comfortable car (4×4 or minivan) with A/C and fuel.
- Your own English-speaking, experienced driver/guide for three days.
- Pick-up and drop-off service from your accommodation in Marrakech.
- One night in a comfortable hotel/guesthouse in the Dades Valley (dinner and breakfast included).
- One night in the Merzouga Desert Camp (dinner and breakfast included).
- A camel ride tour for sunset and sunrise in Erg Chebbi.
Excludes:
- Lunches and all drinks (water, soft drinks, etc.).
- Local guide in Ait Ben Haddou (this is an optional small cost, usually around 3-5 Euros).
- Entrance fees to any sites or monuments.
- Tips for the driver and camp staff.
3 Days Tour From marrakerch Price:
The cost for your private 3 days desert tour from Marrakech is not the same for everyone. It changes based on some things you choose. For example, the price depends on the kind of place you want to sleep (standard or luxury tent in the desert, basic or comfortable hotel in Dades), and also how many people are in your group. The more people you have, the less money it costs per person. Also, the time of year you book can change the price. If you are a big group of 17 people or more, the price is good, only 150 Euros per person. But for a smaller group of two people, the cost starts at 215 Euros per person. Contact us, and we will make a price just for you!
Book or Ask Us Anything!
We are very happy that you thought about us for your 3 days desert tour from Marrakech. If you are ready to book, or if you still have any little question about the trip or the price, please use the contact form below. We will write back to you very quickly, and we promise to help you plan your perfect desert trip!
Know Before You Go:
- Tell Us About Allergies: If you have an allergy to food or you need special food (like vegetarian or gluten-free), please tell us when you book. We want to make sure the hotels and camp prepare the correct meals for you safely.
- Small Bag for the Camp: You do not need your big suitcase on the camel. Please pack a small backpack with things you need for the desert night—like clean clothes, toothbrush, and water—and your main luggage can stay safe in the car.
- Warm Clothes in the Desert: Even if the desert is hot in the day, it gets very cold at night, especially from November to March. You should bring a warm jacket, socks, and maybe a hat to wear inside your tent so you can sleep well.
- Comfortable Shoes are Best: You will walk a lot, especially in Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge, and you will climb the dunes for the sunrise. So, please wear good, closed shoes, not sandals, to make walking easy and keep the sand out.
- Wear Long Trousers for the Camel: The camel saddle can hurt your legs if you wear shorts. It is much more comfortable for the ride if you wear long pants or jeans. Also, a scarf is good for the sun and the sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the total driving time on this tour?
The drive is long because Merzouga is far from Marrakech. Day 1 is around 6–7 hours of driving, and Day 3 is the longest, about 9–10 hours, but we stop many times to rest, take photos, and eat lunch. Day 2 is shorter, maybe 4–5 hours. The drive is part of the adventure!
Can I skip the camel ride and take a 4×4 car to the camp instead?
Yes, of course, you can. If you do not like camels, or if you have a health problem, we can arrange a 4×4 vehicle to take you and your luggage to the camp. Just tell us when you make the booking, so we can arrange it before you come.
What kind of accommodation is in the desert camp? Do I get a shower?
Our standard camps are comfortable, and our luxury camps are even better. Many camps now have private bathrooms inside the tent, with a toilet and a shower. But sometimes, the water for the shower might not be very hot, you know, because it is the middle of the desert!
What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara desert?
The best time is usually from October to April. The weather is warm in the day and nice at night. If you come in the summer (May to September), it is very, very hot, and the drive can be less fun.
Where do we stop to eat lunch? Is it included in the price?
Lunches are not included in the price. Our driver will stop in small towns like Ouarzazate or near the Gorges where there are good, clean restaurants. You can choose what you want to eat, and pay for yourself.
Is it safe to bring my big luggage on the tour?
Yes, your luggage is safe in the car while you are doing the activities or at the desert camp. Our cars are locked, and the driver is responsible. You should only take a small bag for the night in the desert.
Can we try sandboarding in the Merzouga dunes?
Yes, sandboarding is a very fun extra activity. If you ask your guide in the camp, they usually have sandboards ready for you to use on the dunes near the camp, which is great fun!
