🌵 Merzouga Desert – 3-Day / 2-Night Sahara Adventure

Overview

• Destination: Merzouga Desert, bordering the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes in southeast Morocco—dunes reaching up to 150 m high over a 28 km stretch  .

• Tour Duration: 3 days / 2 nights.

• Starting Price: from €130 per person on Karma Dir Travel  .

🧭 Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech → Dades Valley

• Depart early via Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains.

• Stop at the UNESCO‑listed Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah and optionally visit Ouarzazate film studios.

• Journey through Oasis of Skoura and Roses Valley (Kalaat M’Gouna) toward Dades Valley, with overnight in a hotel or kasbah  .

Day 2: Dades Valley → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

• Travel via Tinghir, passing through Todra Gorges, Erfoud, and Rissani before reaching Merzouga.

• At sunset, embark on a camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes.

• Overnight in a traditional desert bivouac, with Berber dinner, live music, cultural experiences under the stars  .

Day 3: Merzouga → Marrakech

• Optional camel ride at sunrise followed by breakfast in camp.

• Return via Erfoud, Ouarzazate, passing again Aït Ben Haddou.

• Arrival in Marrakech in the evening (around 7 PM)  .

🔥 Main Highlights & Experiences

• Camel Treks: Ride into the desert dunes at sunset and sunrise.

• Desert Camp: Stay in a Berber tent with dinner, breakfast, and traditional Tam-Tam music.

• Sandboarding and Optional Quad‑bike: Enjoy free sandboarding; quad rentals available (~€50/hour)  .

• Scenic Stops & Heritage Sites: Visit iconic spots like Aït Ben Haddou, Draas Valley, Todra Gorges, Roses Valley and Erfoud.

• Cultural Exchange: Meet local Berber communities, wrap turbans, and enjoy authentic desert evenings  .

🎁 What’s Included & Not Included

Included:

• Hotel/Riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech.

• 1-night accommodation in Dades Valley (hotel or kasbah).

• 1-night desert camp stay.

• 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts.

• Camel trek with turban provided.

• Sandboarding, English-speaking driver-guide, scenic route via High Atlas.

Not Included:

• Lunches, drinks unless specified.

• Optional extras: quad ride, deluxe camp upgrades (~€20‑35 cash on site).

• Travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses  .

🌍 Why This Trip Is Special

• Unforgettable Landscapes: Golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, dramatic mountain passes, lush valleys and historic kasbahs  .

• Memorable Desert Nights: Under starry skies in traditional Berber camp, complete with cultural show and cuisine.

• Balanced & Varied Route: Heritage sites, dramatic scenery, stargazing, and active experiences in one cohesive itinerary.

• Flexible Options & Exceptional Value: Shared or private tours, standard-to-luxury camps, adventure add-ons—all starting from around €130 per person 

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📝 Traveler Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Ideal seasons are spring, autumn, and winter to avoid extreme heat; summer daytime may exceed 40 °C, while winter desert nights can drop to near 0 °C.

• What to Pack: Light daywear, warm layers for night, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, closed shoes, scarf, reusable water bottle.

• Cash Matters: Few ATMs outside major towns—carry Moroccan dirhams for optional extras and personal needs.

• Respect the Desert: Avoid littering, follow local customs when photographing locals, and opt for eco‑friendly practices.