TEL:+212 618-893170
moroccoepicjourney@gmail.com
This three-day tour explores the desert area around Merzouga on the way from Errachidia to Marrakech, weaving in some of the country’s most striking settings: the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, Khamlia the Gnawa village, the Merzouga wildlife lake, an old eyeliner mine, the palm grove, Todgha Gorge, the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, and the High Atlas Mountains with the Tizi n’Tichka pass. You visit the nomadic Berber families in their tents, enjoy Gnaoua music and dance performances by the Khamlia people, take a look at an old eyeliner mine, stroll through a palm grove, ride camels, and enjoy the magical sunset and sunrise over the sand dunes. You spend a night in a camp located in the middle of the Sahara desert, then visit the Todra gorges and the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and cross the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka pass. The tour ends in Marrakech.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO ERRACHIDIA -> MERZOUGA
On the first day of your tour, we pick you up from Errachidia (ERH) Airport or your accommodation and drive south to the Sahara dunes of Merzouga. Overnight in Merzouga.
Flight option:
Domestic flights from Marrakech operate 3 days a week (Ryanair), arriving between 7am and 3pm.
Domestic flights from Casablanca operate 7 days a week (Royal Air Maroc), arriving at midnight.
(We can modify the itinerary to suit your arrival time.)
Approximate driving distance/time: 2 hours
DAY 2: EXPLORE MERZOUGA -> NOMADS -> KHAMLIA (GNAOUA VILLAGE) -> MERZOUGA LAKE -> ERG CHEBBI -> PALM GROVE
After breakfast, we dedicate the day to exploring the Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi). The area offers sand dunes, a seasonal wild lake, fossil sites, small mines, and beautiful oases — ideal for light outdoor activities.
We start with an off-road drive to an old kohl (eyeliner) mine, then visit nomads in their woven tents and learn about their way of life over a cup of Berber tea. Next, continue to Khamlia to enjoy Gnaoua music and dance; many residents have roots in Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Free time for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, stroll through a palm grove and drive a few kilometers to the wild lake of Merzouga (often called the flamingos’ lake).
Later, switch to camels to cross the dunes, stopping on a high dune for sunset, then continue to the luxury camp. Enjoy Berber drumming around the campfire under a sky full of stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp.
Approximate driving distance/time: 2 hours
DAY 3: MERZOUGA SAHARA -> AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH -> MARRAKECH
Wake up early to witness the beautiful sunrise in the heart of the desert. Enjoy breakfast, then return to Merzouga, meet your driver, and head west. We will stop for viewpoints and café breaks before reaching Ouarzazate, where you’ll have free time for lunch.
After lunch, continue toward Marrakech via the famous ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured in films such as Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as the series Game of Thrones. Cross the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains to arrive in Marrakech, then transfer to the airport or your accommodation. End of the desert tour.
Approximate driving distance/time: 9 hours
IMPORTANT NOTES
THE PRICE
The price varies depending on the number of travelers. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person can be. Transportation costs are fixed and shared between the travelers. The final price also depends on the accommodation category you choose, such as standard or luxury. Contact us for an exact quotation based on your group size, travel dates, and preferences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the tour private or shared?
The tour is a completely private experience. You will travel exclusively with the members of your own group, without joining other tourists. This gives you greater flexibility with the schedule, stops, pace, and overall experience.
How long is the camel ride? What is the alternative to camels?
The camel ride usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to reach the desert camp, depending on the camp location and conditions. If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can be transferred to the camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost. Quad biking and buggy excursions are also available at an extra cost.
Is the desert tent private? Does it have a private bathroom and shower?
Yes. Our luxury desert camp offers private tents equipped with private en-suite bathrooms, including a shower and hot running water.
What happens to our luggage during the camel ride?
During the camel ride, you only need to carry a small backpack with the essentials you need for the night. Your main luggage will be transported by the camp’s 4×4 vehicle and will be waiting for you at your tent when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best times to visit Morocco are generally spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when temperatures are usually pleasant across much of the country. Winter can also be an excellent time to travel, especially for exploring the southern desert regions.
What type of vehicles are used?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles:
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. We can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific requests. Please let us know when booking so we can arrange the included meals and stops along the route accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is suitable for travelers of different ages. Please note that the final day involves a long drive to reach Marrakech; if preferred, the tour can instead finish at Errachidia airport. Our vehicles are comfortable, and regular stops can be made during the journey.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Pick-up is available directly from Errachidia (ERH) Airport or your accommodation on the first day. The tour ends in Marrakech, with a drop-off at Marrakech Menara Airport or your accommodation on the final day. If preferred, the tour can also finish at Errachidia airport or in another city upon request.
Expenses and additional costs
Currency exchange: Euros and US Dollars can be exchanged for Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) at banks, airports, and exchange offices. ATMs are also widely available throughout Morocco.
Cost of meals: Lunches are not included in the tour price and generally cost around 5–20 EUR per person, depending on the restaurant and location.
Bargaining: Negotiating prices in souks and traditional markets is a normal part of shopping culture in Morocco.
BOOKING PROCESS
1. Contact us
Contact us through our contact form, email, or WhatsApp and provide the number of travelers, your approximate travel date, and your preferred accommodation category.
2. Confirm your booking
A small deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Payment can be made through PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash in EUR, USD, or MAD directly to the driver upon arrival.
WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE MOROCCO TOUR?
A private tour allows you to travel at your own pace, with greater flexibility over departure times, sightseeing stops, breaks, activities, and accommodation choices.
You will have an experienced private driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group, giving you more freedom and comfort throughout the journey. Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, group of friends, or a small private group, the itinerary can be adapted around your interests and travel preferences.
A fantastic experience with the whole family. This 3-day desert tour from Errachidia to Marrakech is varied and never dull. Well organized.
Packed with adventure for young and old. the Gnaoua music in Khamlia looked straight out of a film and Ait Ben Haddou was a unique thrill.
I traveled solo and felt looked after the whole time. This 3-day desert tour from Errachidia to Marrakech is varied and full of authentic experiences. Highly recommended.
An incredible 3-day desert tour from Errachidia to Marrakech. The night in the desert camp under the stars was pure magic, and the Erg Chebbi dunes was a highlight. Flawless organization.
Giorni perfetti in coppia. la musica Gnaoua a Khamlia e Ait Ben Haddou ci hanno lasciato ricordi preziosi. Consigliatissimo.
