3 Days Merzouga Desert Tour And Camel Trek
Erg Chebbi is a dune field of about 22 Km from north to south Among the dunes there are several oasis .
The trip to the oasis starts with a long route by road which is an experience itself geographically speaking, and also because of the numerous stops to cool down and get in contact with the people
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
We depart from Marrakech at 8:30am in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle.
We travel over the Atlas Mountains, enjoying the magnificent views of the surrounding countryside below and we visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. This journey takes approx 3 hours.
From there, after our break, we continue to Ouarzazate (approximately 1 hour or so) for lunch break and sightseeing.
Lunch is available in the local cafes. After lunch, we continue along the route of the Dades Valley to reach our guesthouse where we will stay for the night.
The guesthouse offers private ensuite rooms and an evening meal and breakfast are included.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
The next morning we continue along the Dades Valley, visiting Dades Gorge, Todra, Todra Gorge and other interesting sites, making our way to Merzouga.
In Merzouga we explore the village and meet our camels who will take us for a 1 and a half hour trip into the Dunes to reach our desert camp at Erg Chebbi.
Each person will ride their own camel.
The camel trek is usually just prior to sunset, so that you may enjoy the sun setting over the landscape from the top of the dunes. Once we arrive at the desert camp, we are greeted with a cup of delicious mint tea and we spend the evening under the stars, on the dunes and beside the warmth of the fireside.
We enjoy a locally cooked meal of Tagine or couscous (vegetarians are catered for with vegetable tagine), a drum party and story swapping. The camp has toilet facilities.
Those that wish to can sleep directly under the stars, but there are Bivouacs for everyone.
The stars in the desert are a great opportunity to see as there are no artificial lights around and you can fully appreciate the glory of the skies above.
Day 3: Erg Chebbi – Merzouga – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
To depart, we’ll wake up early, just prior to sunrise, to take a 1h camel ride at sunrise to explore the area further and we head back to Merzouga on our camels.
When we reach Merzouga, we’ll have breakfast and have the opportunity to shower and then we begin our journey through the stony desert and over the Atlas Mountains, with plenty of stops for photos, exploring and lunch as we return to Marrakech.
The usual arrival time in Marrakech is between 17:00hrs and 18:00hrs.
More info
Period
Year round
Duration
4 days/3 nights
Grade
Easy