2-Day Merzouga Express (The Long Haul)
The fast-track, small-group shared adventure for travelers tight on schedule who absolute must see the massive sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Max 7 guests.
Tour Highlights
- Small-group size strictly limited to 7 travelers
- Cross the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains
- Guided walk at UNESCO Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
- Sunset camel ride over golden Erg Chebbi dunes
- Campfire drumming in Merzouga Glamping
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Ait Benhaddou - Merzouga Dunes (Erg Chebbi)
We pick you up from your Marrakech hotel early at 07:00 AM. We begin our ascent over the dramatic High Atlas Mountains via the panoramic Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m). After driving through Berber villages, we descend to the spectacular clay Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site featured in films like Gladiator. Following a local lunch, we embark on a long but highly scenic drive through Ouarzazate, the Rose Valley, and the palm oasis of Draa Valley. Late afternoon, we arrive at the majestic Merzouga Dunes. Change over to camels for a sunset trek into the heart of Erg Chebbi dunes. Dinner, campfire drumming, and sleep in our comfortable camp.
Driving Time: approx 9-10 hours | Included meals: Dinner
Merzouga Dunes - Rissani - Ouarzazate - Marrakech
Wake up early to witness a magical desert sunrise over the high dunes of Erg Chebbi. Ride your camel back for a traditional breakfast and a quick hot shower. We then board our comfortable 7-seater group vehicle. Our return journey takes us through the historic town of Rissani, the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, followed by Alnif and Tazarin. We break for lunch in Ouarzazate (popularly called Africa's Hollywood). Afternoon is spent crossing the spectacular High Atlas Mountains once more. Arrive back in Marrakech by approximately 08:30 PM, where we drop you off at your hotel.
Driving Time: approx 9 hours | Included meals: Breakfast
Route Map
Explore our direct, express travel route from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi Dunes in Merzouga and back using Google Maps.
Tour Accommodations
We stay at handpicked comfortable desert glamping spots.
Merzouga Glamping
A magnificent glamping site nestled quietly right at the golden boundaries of Erg Chebbi dunes. Features spacious, private canvas tents decorated with traditional Berber wool carpets, proper metal beds with premium mattresses, and clean, hot shared/private shower cabins.
Good To Know
We restrict our shared groups strictly to 7 travelers maximum per vehicle, allowing more room, faster stops, and personalized assistance.
Bring a small overnight bag to the desert camp. Your main luggage stays safe and locked inside our minivan at the base hotel.
No ATM access in the dunes. Please bring enough Moroccan Dirhams for lunches, drinks, and tips for drivers and guides.
The desert fluctuates extremely. Extremely warm in daytime, cold at night. Dress in layers!
Traveler Reviews
Perfect organization, very professional
"Every single detail was perfectly sorted. Inquiries went straight to deserttourgroup@gmail.com and we got a reply in under 1 hour. The camel ride during sunset was breathtaking."
Stunning desert glamping experience!
"The absolute highlight of our trip! Staying at Merzouga Glamping was magical—it was clean, comfortable, and had premium bedding. With only 6 people in our group, it felt incredibly intimate and peaceful."
Incredible driver-guide and comfortable vehicle
"Our driver Ibrahim was friendly and knew the winding mountain passes so well. The 7-seater vehicle was spacious and had excellent AC. Staying at Riad Gabsi Du Dades was also fantastic, with great food."
Beautiful scenes, seamless transfers
"We did the transfer and it was highly seamless. Dropped off right at our Riad gate. The route map Google placeholder on the website matched our actual travel coordinates perfectly. Excellent!"
Highly recommended small group travel
"I was traveling solo and was worried about massive buses. Having a maximum of 7 people made it so easy to make friends and feel at home. Ibrahim went out of his way to explain Berber culture."
Boutique standard stays exceed expectations
"For a group tour, the standard of hotels was awesome. Hotel Chems in Marrakech was great for cooling off by the pool. Merzouga Glamping felt like a luxury stay under the Saharan stars."
Tour Gallery
What's Included
- Shared AC 7-Seater group vehicle transport
- Professional native Saharawi driver-guide
- Pick-up & Drop-off from Marrakech hotel
- Overnight stay in Merzouga Glamping private tent
- Dinner at desert camp & Breakfast at hotel
- Sunset camel ride in the high dunes
What's Excluded
- Mid-day Lunches & cold drinks
- Entrance fees to historical monuments
- Tips and personal purchases
Request Group Booking
Guaranteed maximum of 7 guests per vehicle. No immediate payment is charged.