Day 1: Ouarzazate – Erfoud – Merzouga
Your 3-day desert journey begins in Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara.” After breakfast, we set off towards Merzouga, home to the tallest dunes in North Africa. The famous Erg Chebbi dunes stretch over 20 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide, creating one of Morocco’s most mesmerizing desert landscapes.
As we leave Ouarzazate, the scenery changes from rocky desert plateaus to lush oases surrounded by palm trees. We’ll pass through the oasis of Tinejdad and several small Berber towns, including Mellab and Touroug, where time seems to move slowly and traditional life continues undisturbed. Along the way, we stop to explore the town of Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and as a gateway to the Sahara.
We then continue to Rissani, an ancient town once home to the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco’s current royal family. You’ll have time to visit the bustling Rissani Market, a true experience of southern Moroccan culture where locals trade spices, dates, and handcrafted goods.
From there, we cross the green oasis of Ziz–Tafilalt and the vast black desert of Hamada before arriving in Merzouga. Dinner and overnight stay will be in a traditional riad or hotel near the dunes, where you can enjoy your first taste of the desert’s tranquility under a starry sky.
Day 2: Desert Exploration by 4×4, Camel Trek & Night in the Sahara
After breakfast, we set out for a full-day exploration around the Erg Chebbi dunes by 4×4. This adventure allows you to discover the culture, nature, and hidden treasures of the Sahara.
Our first stop is at a local Berber family’s home, where you’ll be warmly welcomed with Moroccan mint tea. We then continue to the village of Khamlia, known for its traditional Gnawa music — spiritual rhythms brought by descendants of African traders from Ghana and Sudan. You’ll have the chance to enjoy a live performance of this ancient musical heritage.
Next, we visit some abandoned mines and meet Berber nomads who live in tents scattered around the desert. Their hospitality and simple way of life offer a fascinating glimpse into traditional desert culture. We’ll also stop at a small palm oasis hidden among the dunes before returning to Merzouga for lunch.
In the afternoon, the real adventure begins — a camel trek through the golden sands of the Sahara. As you ride across the dunes, the silence of the desert surrounds you, broken only by the soft footsteps of the camels. We’ll stop atop one of the high dunes to watch the stunning sunset over the Sahara, a truly magical sight.
After sunset, we arrive at your Berber desert camp, where you’ll be greeted with mint tea and Moroccan hospitality. Dinner will be served around the campfire, followed by traditional drumming and singing under a canopy of stars. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable nomad tent, experiencing the peaceful beauty of the desert night.
Day 3: Merzouga – Ouarzazate
Rise early to witness an unforgettable Sahara sunrise from the top of the dunes. After breakfast and a refreshing shower at the camp or back in Merzouga, we begin our journey back to Ouarzazate.
The return drive takes us once again through the breathtaking desert scenery, passing Berber villages and oasis valleys. You’ll have opportunities to stop for photos and short breaks to enjoy the tranquil desert environment one last time.
By afternoon, we arrive in Ouarzazate, where your 3-day Sahara experience comes to an end — full of memories of camel treks, desert sunsets, Berber music, and the serene silence of the dunes.
Price Includes:
✅ 2 nights in hotels/riads with dinner & breakfast
✅ 1 night in a Berber desert camp with dinner & breakfast
✅ 3-day tour in a comfortable air-conditioned 4×4 Land Cruiser
✅ Professional English-speaking driver/guide
✅ Fuel throughout the journey
✅ 2-hour camel trekking experience
✅ 4×4 desert excursion around Erg Chebbi
