Short on time in Marrakech but set on sleeping in the Sahara? This private 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and back is the express route to the great Erg Chebbi dunes a sunset camel trek, a night under a sky full of stars, and the warm welcome of a Berber desert camp, all in 48 hours.
Along the way you’ll cross the dramatic High Atlas Mountains and stop at UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most photographed kasbahs. It’s fully private, and you can add sandboarding or upgrade to a luxury camp.
Your Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour begins with an early pickup from your hotel or riad. Leaving Marrakech, you’ll climb through the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, pausing to take in the views before a scenic lunch stop on the way to Merzouga.
In the afternoon, camels are waiting to lead you into the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll pause atop a high dune for a mesmerising sunset, then ride on to your desert camp and your private tent. After freshening up, enjoy a hearty dinner and gather around a campfire for drumming and Berber songs.
Wake early for a magnificent sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast you’ll leave camp by 4×4 for the town of Merzouga, then begin the journey back to Marrakech with several scenic stops and a lunch break.
A memorable highlight is the panoramic viewpoint over the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and a favourite filming location for productions including Kingdom of Heaven, Prince of Persia and Game of Thrones. You’ll arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, dropped at your riad — the end of your 2-day desert tour.
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Please If the itineraries we offer do not meet your needs, contact us. and tell us about your ideas, and one of our experts will contact you to help you create a one-of-a-kind trip…
This 2-day desert tour from Marrakech is perfect for travellers who want the essential Sahara experience — camel trek, desert camp, dune sunrise and Ait Ben Haddou — in the shortest possible time. It transports you from the buzz of Marrakech to the serenity of the desert and back.
Everything is private and flexible, and if you decide you want more, the same route easily extends into a 3- or 4-day trip. Just tell us your dates and preferences.
Yes — every tour is 100% private by default. It’s just your group, your driver-guide and your own vehicle, so you experience Morocco entirely at your own pace. Stop whenever you like for photos, a mint tea or a closer look at a village or viewpoint.
Prefer to share costs? We also run small-group departures on popular routes — just contact us and we’ll match you to the right option.
Absolutely. This is your trip — we can adjust the pace, swap or upgrade accommodation, add nights, and build in extra stops or activities. For the smoothest planning, let us know any changes at least two weeks before departure, though we’ll always do our best with last-minute requests too.
The per-person price goes down as your group grows, because the private vehicle and driver-guide are shared across more travellers. Send us your exact numbers and dates and we’ll send back a clear, all-in quote per person.
Usually not — if anything the opposite. We hand-pick the best riads and desert camps, and the good ones fill up fast, especially in high season (spring and autumn). Booking early secures the best accommodation and a smoother trip.
That said, we do take last-minute bookings when availability allows — message us with your dates and we’ll tell you honestly what’s possible.
Yes. Morocco is one of the most welcoming and stable countries in the region, and tourism is central to its economy, so visitor safety is taken seriously — including dedicated tourist police and government-accredited guides.
On a private tour you’re looked after door to door by a driver-guide who knows the routes and the local etiquette. Serious crime is rare and comparable to many European destinations; normal travel common sense is all that’s needed. Morocco is a great choice for couples, families and solo travellers alike.
Once we’ve agreed an itinerary that works for you, a small deposit secures your dates with Let’s Visit Morocco (every tour on the site can be tailored to your needs). You simply pay the remaining balance at the start of your tour in Morocco — no large upfront payment required.
