PRIVATE TOUR — 2-DAY PRIVATE DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH
OVERVIEW
Two days is the minimum time needed to reach the Erg Chebbi dunes from Marrakech and return. Both days involve approximately 9 hours of driving — a long journey, but one that crosses some of the most extraordinary landscapes in Morocco: the High Atlas Mountains, the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the pre-Saharan gateway to Merzouga. The reward is a camel ride at sunset over the dunes, a private desert camp under the stars, Berber music around the fire, and a sunrise before heading back.
If you have three days available, the 3-day version of this tour is significantly more comfortable. This 2-day option is designed for travelers with limited time who still wish to experience the Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi.
DURATION: 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
START: MARRAKECH
END: MARRAKECH
TOUR TYPE: PRIVATE
- Montanas del Alto Atlas y paso del Tizi n’Tichka
- Kasbah de Ait Ben Haddou (Patrimonio de la Humanidad, parada panoramica)
- Paseo en camello al atardecer por las dunas de Erg Chebbi
- Noche en campamento de lujo: carpa privada, bano privado, agua caliente
- Musica bereber y hoguera bajo el cielo estrellado del desierto
- Amanecer en el desierto
DAY 1: MARRAKECH → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → AIT BEN HADDOU → MERZOUGA → LUXURY CAMP (approx. 9 hours driving)
Early morning pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech. The route immediately heads south, entering the foothills of the mountains and gradually climbing through the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass — the highest paved mountain road in Morocco — with stops at panoramic viewpoints as the red rooftops of Marrakech fade behind the peaks.
Next is a stop at Ait Ben Haddou: the UNESCO World Heritage ksar since 1987, whose earthen towers have served as a filming location for Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones. Lunch at a local restaurant along the route, followed by a drive through Ouarzazate and into the vast pre-Saharan landscapes.
The orange dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon by late afternoon. Camels await at the edge of the sand. The ride to the luxury camp takes place during the most dramatic light of the day — golden, then copper, then the deep blue of sunset. A private tent, a hot shower, dinner by the fire, and a sky full of stars await you.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga.
DAY 2: MERZOUGA → AIT BEN HADDOU → HIGH ATLAS → MARRAKECH (approx. 9 hours driving)
Waking up early is worth it to witness sunrise in the desert — the Erg Chebbi dunes shift from grey to amber and gold within minutes. Breakfast at the camp, followed by a 4×4 transfer back to Merzouga village. The return journey to Marrakech retraces the southern route with a lunch stop in Ouarzazate and a crossing of the High Atlas back to the city. Arrival at your accommodation in the evening.
End of the 2-day desert tour from Marrakech.
IMPORTANT NOTES
– Each day involves approximately 9 hours of driving — consider the 3-day version for a more relaxed pace.
– Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when booking.
– Travelers who prefer not to ride camels can take a 4×4 transfer to the camp at no extra cost.
– All camps included in this tour are luxury with private en-suite facilities.
– Vehicles: Toyota Prado Land Cruiser, Ford van, or Mercedes Sprinter minibus (for larger groups).
– Best travel seasons: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (4×4 SUV, van, or minibus)
- Spanish or English-speaking driver/guide
- 1 night in a luxury desert camp (private tent, private bathroom, hot shower)
- 1 dinner + 1 breakfast
- Camel ride
- Sandboarding at the camp
- Lunches and drinks
- Tips (optional)