The Ultimate experience

3 Days Errachidia to Marrakech Desert Tour

Duration

3 Days

Starting Location

Errachidia

Ending Location

Marrakech

Errachidiato Merzouga Desert Tour

Our 3 days Errachidia to Marrakech desert tour is a private trip with a local driver-guide and a flexible pace. This trip suits those with limited time but want to see the Sahara, without driving all the way from Marrakech to get there. Instead, this tour starts in Errachidia and arrives at the Merzouga dunes on day one, before heading through Todra Gorge, Dades Gorge and Ait Ben Haddou before concluding in Marrakech. No double-driving on the same road.

Why this way

A round trip to the desert from Marrakech involves driving the same road there and back. That is a time difference from the desert itself. Starting in Errachidia skips that — you get to the dunes in a few hours, not a whole day. Then the route goes through the gorges and kasbahs to Marrakech.

Errachidia to Marrakech Tour Highlights

  • Ziz Valley palm oasis on the road to Merzouga
  • Camel trekking into the dunes of Erg Chebbi and spend the night under the star
  • Todra Gorge, high walls
  • Weird rock shapes and Dades Gorge
  • Film studios of Ouarzazate and Rose Valley
  • Ait Ben Haddou's fortified kasbah and the Tizi n'Tichka pass into Marrakech

3-Day itinerary Fes to Merzouga

Day 1: Errachidia → Ziz Valley → Merzouga

Morning:
Your driver from Bahma Tours will pick you up from Errachidia airport or your accommodation. Then the drive follows the Ziz River southward into the Ziz Valley, a long stretch of date palms between dry, reddish hills. Small villages of compacted earth build right along the road and it’s worth stopping once or twice just to have a good look around.

Midday:
The valley opens out and the road continues to Erfoud, a market town which is the door to the true desert. This is where lunch usually takes place. The air here becomes drier, the light more pointed – an unmistakable sign that the desert is near.

Afternoon:
Past Erfoud the green disappears rapidly, replaced by flat gravel plains. Then the first dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon — tall and bright orange. When you arrive in Merzouga, there is still time to enjoy the afternoon. After a short stop and a glass of mint tea at camp you will ride a camel out towards the dunes. The pace is easy and unhurried, so you get time to soak it all up. The timing of the ride is such that you arrive at the dunes just as the sun starts to set, turning the sand gold then pink then a deep red. Back at camp, dinner turns to music around the fire, and on a clear night a sky full of stars.

Day 2: Merzouga → Erfoud → Todra Gorge → Dades Gorge

Morning:
The sunrise over the dunes is worth waking up early for – the air is cool and the light is soft. A short camel ride or walk to a nearby dune will do to get a proper view before heading back to camp for breakfast. Then you pack up and head north again passing through Erfoud with only a short stop this time as today the road turns westward toward the mountains.

Noon:
The landscape changes quickly as the road climbs. Flat desert turns into steep canyon walls. This is Todra Gorge. A small river has cut a deep narrow canyon through the rock. In places the road, the river and the cliffs all come close together. Good place to get out and walk for a bit. Todra is also a popular spot for climbers, with routes bolted right up the cliff face.

Afternoon:
The road from Todra runs through the valley to Dades Gorge, famous for the winding switchback road which loops up the hillside, and for strange rock shapes along the way, nicknamed “monkey fingers” by locals. Here small villages and kasbahs are built into the hillside. The guesthouse for the night is generally right on the gorge, a fine place to watch the colours change as the sun goes down.

Day 3: Dades Gorge → Rose Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech

Morning:
The drive out of Dades Gorge meets the road more popularly known as the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”. It snakes through the Rose Valley, known for its rose production, which are picked primarily in spring for rosewater and cosmetics sold across Morocco.

Noon:
The road continues to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert and also a centre for Morocco’s film industry. Thanks to the desert scenery and the old kasbah architecture many international films and TV shows have been filmed here at the Atlas Film Studios. Here lunch is usually taken.

Afternoon:
A short drive from Ouarzazate leads you to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most well-preserved fortified villages in Morocco. The clay towers loom over the Ounila River, and a stroll through it offers a close-up of ancient building techniques that have stood the test of time. From there, the road climbs up into the High Atlas mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass – one of the highest paved roads in North Africa – before descending into Marrakech by evening.

What’s Included & Excluded

What’s Included

  • Private transport in a [ air-conditioned 4x4 / minivan]
  • Professional English speaking driver
  • Fuel, road charges
  • Collection from your accommodation or airport
  • Drop off at your accommodation in Marrakech
  • Camel ride to Erg Chebbi at sunset (one camel/person)
  • 1 night in a private tent at a desert camp
  • Daily breakfast and dinner

Not Included

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Optional activities (quad biking, 4x4 excursions)
  • Tips (optional but appreciated)
  • Individual expenses

Know Before You Go:

  • Fitness / mobility: No specific fitness needed.
  • The camel excursion is roughly 45–60 minutes each way at a walking pace.
  • Weather: Desert days warm to hot depending on season; nights cold year-round, especially Nov–Feb. Pack them in layers.
  • Don’t want to go camel riding? 4x4 or quads to the big duns for the sunset can be arranged.
  • Please mention any dietary needs when you book or just tell your driver on day one.
  • Bring cash. small village stops and local lunch spots don’t take cards.

Booking

Ready for an unforgettable trip?  Book now and pay later with ease! If you don’t hear from us soon, please feel free to contact us on WhatsApp at @@   we’re always here to help make your dream trip a reality.

 
 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why begin in Errachidia and not Marrakech?

Starting in Errachidia also means you avoid the long drive to and from Marrakech that is required for a round trip desert tour. So you’ll spend more of your three days in the desert, the gorges and Ait Ben Haddou and less time driving.

Yes. As this is a private tour the itinerary can be reversed or altered – just inform Bahma Tours at the time of booking.

One night @ Merzouga with sunset camel trek arrival and sunrise trek morning after before heading to Todra Gorge.

 Yes, Day 3 is the most driving of the three days, as you will cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass on your way into Marrakech.

No. The trek itself is easy and guided all the way. If riding is not an option for you, a 4×4 transfer to the dunes can be arranged instead.

 You’ll sleep in a traditional Berber tent with real beds.[Standard/Superior/Luxury] camps have [shared/private] bathroom facilities – please advise your operator of your preference when booking.

Light layers for the day, warm layer for cold desert nights, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat…

Yes – just say so when booking or tell your driver/guide on the first day.

No – the camps have full bedding, even in the standard tents.

Your booking is secured with a small deposit, the balance will be paid in cash at pickup (euros, US dollars or dirhams) Full PayPal payment available with a 5% fee.

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