3-Day Sahara Desert To Merzouga From Marrakech

A three day expedition to the Sahara is an enriching way to get a taste of southern Morocco and is one of great ways to escape Marrakech for a few days. Bright and early we wandered into the square, red light glowing from a mini bus and Hicham Alsa readily waiting for us. 

For the next three days we wandered the High Atlas Mountains, stopping off at cultural and heritage points of interest. Be ready to tip a few guides. Sometimes it gets annoying, but you don’t have to dig too deep in your pockets to make sure locals benefit from tourism. 

The first nights hotel is really chill, and a good place to catch up on sleep after a long day. Stuff yourself during breakfast and be ready for a day of real adventure. 

Lots of beautiful stops, photo ops and socializing with locals before getting your butt up on a camel. Let yourself wander once you get onto the dunes. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the sand while the guides watch over your camels. 

Back for tea and supper, then a night of drumming and dancing. We brought some champagne to drink under the stars, grab a blanket from the camp and spend time soaking in the setting before calling it a night. 

You’ll be up bright and early for the sunrise, make sure to bundle up to enjoy the cool morning air and Hicham Alsa‘a camel guides will take you to a lookout hard to forget. 

Pro Tips: 
Pack extra snacks for the bus ride. 
Eat lots of breakfast to save $$$ at lunches. 
Don’t feel pressured to shop, but be prepared to be marketed to.

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – Tinghir City

Stop At: High Atlas Mountains, 40000 Morocco
Take pictures
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Ait Ben Haddou, Ait Ben Haddou, Souss-Massa-Draa Region
Visit Kasbah of Ait ben hadou
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate, Souss-Massa-Draa Region
Visit optional ( Kasbah of taourirte , studios of cinema )
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Tinerhir, Tinerhir, Souss-Massa-Draa Region
Overnight at Tinghir city
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: hotel 4¤ : Hotel Bougafer or Similar

Day 2: Tinghir City – Merzouga

Stop At: Tinghir, Morocco
Visit Tinghir Ouasis with local guide
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Gargantas del Todra, Tinghir, Tinerhir 45800 Morocco
Visit Todra gorges with local guide
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Erg Chebbi, Erg Chebbi, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
Camel ride in the sunset , Dinner , Ambiance music , overnight in Merzouga
Duration: 14 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at La Source Camp or Similar

Day 3: Merzouga – Marrakech

Stop At: Erg Chebbi, Erg Chebbi, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
Camel ride in the sunrise , Breakfast in the auberge
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate, Souss-Massa-Draa Region
Stop in Ouarzazte
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.

Published by Josh Nelson

Just a Canadian guy captivated by the world, obsessed with architecture, and exploring the great outdoors.

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