3 Days From Ouarzazate To Merzouga Sahara Desert

Our 3 Days From Ouarzazate to Merzouga Sahara Desert tour is a private journey from the “gate of the desert” deep into the heart of the Sahara, going well beyond the dunes of Erg Chebbi to explore some of the most remote corners of the Eastern desert. Departing early from Ouarzazate, we cross a changing landscape of oases, valleys and dunes before reaching scenery that few travelers get to see.

Along the way you will pass through the palm oasis of Skoura and its Kasbah Amridil, the fragrant Valley of Roses, and the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge, before riding a camel into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi for an overnight stay in a Sahara camp. On day two, we venture further into the desert by 4×4 to visit the Berber-Gnawa village of Khamlia, the rock carvings near Taouz, and the secluded dunes of Ouzina.

This tour runs privately, with your own driver-guide and vehicle throughout. If you are looking for a shorter, one-way version of this same route, take a look at our 2 Days Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert Tour, which covers the first day of this itinerary before ending in Merzouga.

Tour Highlights: 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Merzouga Sahara Desert

Cross the palm groves and historic kasbahs of Skoura Oasis
Drive through the fragrant Valley of Roses around El Kelaa M’Gouna
Walk beneath the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge
Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and overnight in a Sahara camp
Venture deep into the desert by 4×4 to the Gnawa village of Khamlia
Discover ancient rock carvings near Taouz, along the old Paris-Dakar rally route
Experience the remote, hidden dunes of Ouzina, far from the usual tourist trail
Share a traditional Berber pizza with a local family in a desert village
Pass through the historic souk of Rissani and the palm-filled Draa Valley

Itinerary: Private 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Merzouga Sahara Desert :

At Morocco On Tour, we’re passionate about crafting personalized experiences tailored to your preferences. If you have special requests or would like to adjust the itinerary, simply share your details with us via the contact form below. We’re here to make your journey unforgettable!

Day 1: Ouarzazate → Skoura → Valley of Roses → Todra Gorges → Merzouga Desert

Your driver-guide picks you up early from your hotel or riad in Ouarzazate for the start of this 3 days / 2 nights journey into the Sahara. We first head to the palm oasis of Skoura, where we’ll stop to explore the impressive Kasbah Amridil, a well-preserved fortress showcasing traditional Berber architecture.

We continue through the fragrant Valley of Roses, admiring the scenery as we pass mudbrick kasbahs along the famous Route of the Thousand Kasbahs. We’ll stop for lunch at the spectacular Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs rise on either side of the canyon.

In the afternoon, the road leads to the mesmerizing dunes of Merzouga. Here, you’ll climb aboard a camel for roughly an hour, riding across the golden sands of Erg Chebbi (250m dunes). From the top of the dunes, watch the sun set over the desert — an unforgettable sight. In the evening, settle into your Erg Chebbi camp for a traditional dinner under the stars, accompanied by live Berber music. Overnight in a comfortable desert camp.

Driving Distance: 350 km | Duration: ~6 hours

Accommodation: Berber camp in the Erg Chebbi desert
Meals: Dinner and breakfast included

Day 2: Merzouga – Khamlia – Taouz – Ouzina

The second day of our 3 Days From Ouarzazate to Merzouga Sahara Desert tour is dedicated to the wildest and most remote part of the Eastern Sahara. We’ll switch to a 4×4 for a deeper exploration of the desert, driving out to visit scattered nomadic villages along the way.

We’ll follow the route to the small town of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa community, descendants of sub-Saharan slaves, and enjoy a short live performance of their distinctive folk music. From there, we continue along the old Paris–Dakar rally route, stopping to see the ancient rock carvings near Taouz.

We end the day in the hidden desert of Ouzina, a secluded pocket of dunes rarely visited by tourists, where we’ll once again climb to the top of the dunes to watch the sunset. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to share a traditional Berber pizza with a local family in a small desert village.

Accommodation: Kasbah lodge in the desert of Ouzina
Meals: Dinner and breakfast included

Day 3: Ouzina – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we set off for Rissani, the ancient Sijilmassa and former supply hub for the trans-Saharan caravans. It’s one of the most historic towns in the Merzouga region, and its souk was once among the busiest stops along the caravan routes.

We continue towards Ouarzazate via Alnif, Tazarine, Nkob and Agdez, driving through the beautiful Draa Valley, lined with hundreds of Berber kasbahs and millions of palm trees.

We finish the day back in Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, bringing this 3 Days From Ouarzazate to Merzouga Sahara Desert tour to a close.

Accommodation: –
Meals: Breakfast included

What is included in this 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Merzouga Sahara Desert:

Private 4×4/minivan vehicle with heating/air conditioning
English-speaking driver-guide at your disposal throughout the tour
Fuel
Accommodation in a Berber camp in the desert of Erg Chebbi on half board (dinner and breakfast)
Accommodation in a Kasbah Hotel in Ouzina on half board (dinner and breakfast)
Camel ride to and from the desert camp
Pick up and transfer at any point in Ouarzazate that you indicate to us

What is not included:

Drinks
Meals not mentioned in the previous section
Entrance fees to monuments and personal expenses

Tour Gallery: 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Merzouga Sahara Desert

Frequently Asked Questions: 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Merzouga Sahara Desert

How long is the drive from Ouarzazate to Merzouga?

The first day covers roughly 350 km, about 6 hours of driving via Skoura, the Valley of Roses and Todra Gorge, before reaching the dunes of Merzouga in the late afternoon.

Is this tour private or shared?

This tour is available only as a private option, with your own driver-guide and vehicle throughout. Contact us for pricing and more details.

What will we see in Khamlia and Ouzina?

Khamlia is home to the Gnawa community, known for their traditional music, while Ouzina is a remote, little-visited pocket of desert dunes. Both are highlights of the second day, well off the usual tourist route.

Where does this tour end?

Unlike our shorter 2 Days Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert Tour, which ends in Merzouga, this 3-day version is a loop that brings you back to Ouarzazate on day 3, via Rissani and the Draa Valley.

Can this tour be shortened or extended?

Yes. If you would prefer a shorter, one-way version ending in Merzouga, take a look at our 2 Days Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert Tour. This 3-day loop can also be extended or adjusted to include additional stops — just let us know your preferences when you contact us.

Contact & Booking:

How can I book the 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Merzouga Sahara Desert?

You can book the tour by contacting us. It is not possible to book directly for different reasons. First, we are specialized in private tours; therefore, we need to check if you would like to book the tour as it is or you have special requirements. Second, the price varies from one situation to another. Consequently, we need to give you the full details before you book. These are the main reasons why we like to contact us first.

Why is there no one price for the 3 Days From Ouarzazate To Merzouga Sahara Desert?

There is no one price because the tour is not a shared tour. The price varies based on the number of travelers, the type of accommodations, the itinerary…etc. For example, the price for 4 people traveling together will be cheaper per person than for two people, since the group shares the car, the driver, and the guide. Normally, we calculate the cost of each service before we deliver your quotation.