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This three-day tour explores the desert area around Merzouga, weaving in some of southeastern Morocco’s most striking settings: the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, Khamlia the Gnawa village, the Merzouga wildlife lake, an old eyeliner mine, the palm grove, Rissani, and Erfoud the fossils town. You visit the nomads 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, and finally visit the traditional souk of Rissani and Erfoud the fossils town. The tour ends in Errachidia.
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 -> RISSANI -> ERFOUD -> ERRACHIDIA AIRPORT
Sunrise is highly recommended. After breakfast, return by camels or a 4×4 ride to where your driver awaits. (Some of these places can be visited on the first day, or entirely skipped based on your flight timing.) We visit Rissani — the former capital of Tafilalet and a lively market town on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays — then continue to Erfoud to see a fossil workshop. Drive north toward Errachidia with scenic stops, including a panoramic viewpoint over the Ziz Valley. Drop-off at Errachidia Airport, early morning or at midday. End of the desert tour.
Approximate driving distance/time: 2 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. The distances are short and comfortable, with regular stops that 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 also ends in Errachidia, with a drop-off at the airport or your accommodation on the final day. If preferred, the itinerary can also start or finish 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.
Everything perfectly organized. the flamingo lake was thrilling and the driver was punctual and professional.
A great experience for a solo traveler. the flamingo lake was the highlight of the whole tour.
Giorni indimenticabili insieme. le dune dell’Erg Chebbi e la musica Gnaoua a Khamlia hanno regalato ai bambini un’esperienza che raccontano ancora.
A perfect family trip. The kids loved the Erg Chebbi dunes and the night in the desert camp. Patient driver with everyone.
Una experiencia fantástica con toda la familia. Este tour de 3 días por el desierto de Merzouga desde Errachidia es variado y nunca aburrido. Bien organizado.
