Camel Ride Trips4-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
The same highlights as our 3-day tour, with one more night to make the drive easier. Cross the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou, sleep in the Dades Valley, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a night in a desert camp, then break the return journey with a night in Ouarzazate before crossing the mountains back to Marrakech.
Why choose the 4-day tour instead of the 3-day?
Because the drive back is split in two. On the 3-day tour you return from Merzouga to Marrakech in one long day; here you stop for the night in Ouarzazate and cross the High Atlas the next morning, rested. It is a better choice for families, seniors and anyone who wants time for photos. For two nights in the desert, see the 5-day round trip.
- 1 night Dades Valley
- 1 night Sahara desert camp
- 1 night Ouarzazate
How much driving is there on the 4-day slow-pace Marrakech to Merzouga tour?
The whole route covers about 1,200 km by road. Times below are approximate and include short stops for photos, lunch and visits.
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley | about 340 km | 5–6 hours with stops |
| Day 2 | Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Erfoud → Merzouga | about 280 km | 4–5 hours with stops |
| Day 3 | Merzouga → Rissani → Agdez → Ouarzazate | about 360 km | 6–7 hours with stops |
| Day 4 | Ouarzazate → Tizi n'Tichka → Marrakech | about 200 km | 3–4 hours with stops |
Local desert team
We are based in Rissani, next to Merzouga, so the camels and camp are run by our own people.
Private vehicle
Air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan with your own English-speaking driver-guide.
Your pace
Stop for photos, tea and short walks whenever you like.
Three comfort levels
Basic, Mid-Range or Luxury hotels and desert tents.
4-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Itinerary
- Day 1
Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
Pickup at your riad or hotel. Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass and visit Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed ksar. In Ouarzazate, see the Taourirt Kasbah, then drive through the Valley of Roses and Skoura to the Dades Valley.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in the Dades Valley, dinner included
- Day 2
Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Erfoud → Merzouga
Drive to Tinghir and take a walk in the Todra Gorge. Continue past the palm groves of Erfoud and Rissani to Merzouga, then ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset and a night in a desert camp.
Overnight: Desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, dinner included
- Day 3
Merzouga → Rissani → Agdez → Ouarzazate
Watch the sunrise over the dunes and ride back by camel for breakfast. Drive west through Rissani, the Draa Valley region and Agdez to Ouarzazate, known for its film studios.
Overnight: Hotel in Ouarzazate, dinner included
- Day 4
Ouarzazate → Tizi n'Tichka → Marrakech
A relaxed morning drive back over the High Atlas to Marrakech, with stops for photos along the way.
Tour ends at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
Choose Your Comfort Level
Choose the level that suits you. The route and guides stay the same; only the hotels, riads and desert camp change.
Basic
- Clean 2–3 star hotels and guesthouses
- Simple traditional riads
- Standard tent in a desert camp
- Private rooms, breakfast included
Mid-Range
- Selected 3–4 star hotels
- Traditional riads with character
- Comfort desert tent with private bathroom
- Private rooms, breakfast included
Luxury
- Premium 4–5 star hotels and boutique riads
- Suites available on request
- Luxury desert tent with en-suite bathroom
- Breakfast included, selected dinners
Included & Not Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotels in the Dades Valley and Ouarzazate
- Night in a desert camp (Basic, Mid-Range or Luxury tent)
- Camel ride in Merzouga
- 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Activities not listed in the itinerary
Questions About the 4-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Tour
What is the difference between the 3-day and 4-day tours?
The route is almost the same, but the 4-day tour adds a night in Ouarzazate, so you do not drive from Merzouga back to Marrakech in one day.
Where do we sleep?
Dades Valley, a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, and Ouarzazate.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner every night. Lunches and drinks are not included.
Is this tour good for families and seniors?
Yes. The shorter driving days make it one of our most comfortable desert tours.
Can I choose a different hotel level?
Yes. This tour is available in Basic, Mid-Range and Luxury. The route, driver-guide and local guides stay the same; only the hotels, riads and desert camp change, along with the price.
How much driving is there on the 4-day slow-pace Marrakech to Merzouga tour?
The whole route covers about 1,200 km by road. The longest day is Day 3, Merzouga → Rissani → Agdez → Ouarzazate: about 360 km, 6–7 hours with stops. All times are approximate and include short stops.
How much does the 4-Day Marrakech to Merzouga, Slow Pace tour cost?
The 4-Day Marrakech to Merzouga, Slow Pace tour starts from €555 per person at Mid-Range level, based on 2 travelers sharing. The price depends on your group size and comfort level (Basic, Mid-Range or Luxury). Message us on WhatsApp at +212 669 576 091 for an exact quote.
How do I pay for this tour?
Send a 20% deposit by PayPal, Payoneer or international bank transfer (SWIFT) and your tour is confirmed automatically. Pay the remaining 80% on the first day of the tour, in cash (EUR, USD or MAD) or online. Cancel 11 days or more before the tour for a full refund of your deposit. See our booking terms.
Other tours from Marrakech: 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga, 5-day round trip and 7-day Marrakech to Fes.
Your Journey, Your Pace, Your Morocco
Tell us your dates and we'll prepare this private tour around you, with clear pricing and no obligation.