Cross the High Atlas Mountains

2 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Highlights
Travel through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Pass through the landscapes of southern Morocco
Reach the Merzouga Desert and Erg Chebbi dunes
Ride a camel across the Sahara dunes
Watch sunset over Erg Chebbi
Spend one night in a desert camp
2 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech Overview
The 2 day desert tour from Marrakech is intended for travelers who want to reach the Sahara despite having only two days available. The route crosses the High Atlas Mountains and continues through southern Morocco toward Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Unlike longer desert itineraries, Marrakech desert tours 2 days in duration require long sections of driving. The schedule therefore begins early in Marrakech and keeps sightseeing stops focused so that you can reach the Sahara before evening.
The Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour continues toward the edge of the Sahara, where the road finishes near the large Erg Chebbi dunes. On arrival, you transfer from the vehicle to camels for the ride toward the desert camp.
The main experience takes place in the Merzouga Desert, with time for sunset, dinner, an overnight stay and sunrise the following morning. After breakfast, the return journey to Marrakech begins.
This 2 day desert tour from Marrakech is best suited to travelers who accept the long driving distances in exchange for reaching Merzouga within a short travel schedule.
2 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech Itinerary
Day 1 — Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Merzouga Desert
Your 2 day desert tour from Marrakech begins with an early pickup from your hotel, riad or the nearest vehicle-accessible meeting point in Marrakech.
Travel across the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Short stops can be made along the route for photographs, refreshments and rest while continuing toward southern Morocco.
The Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour covers a considerable distance on the first day, so stops are kept practical in order to reach Merzouga before evening.
After crossing the changing landscapes of southern Morocco, arrive near the Merzouga Desert and the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Meet the camel team and ride across the dunes as the temperature becomes cooler later in the day. Stop for sunset before continuing toward the desert camp.
Dinner and overnight accommodation are provided at the camp near Erg Chebbi.
Day 2 — Merzouga Desert → Southern Morocco → Marrakech
Wake early for the opportunity to watch sunrise over the Merzouga Desert. After breakfast at the camp, leave the dunes and meet your driver for the return journey.
The second part of this 2 day desert tour from Marrakech follows the long road back through southern Morocco and across the High Atlas Mountains.
Several short breaks are made for rest and meals. Because Marrakech desert tours 2 days in length cover a substantial distance, most of the second day is spent traveling back toward Marrakech.
Arrival in Marrakech is expected in the evening. The exact time depends on traffic, road conditions, weather and the duration of scheduled stops.
What Is Included
- Pickup and drop-off in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned transportation
- Professional driver
- Selected scenic and rest stops
- Camel trek in Merzouga
- 1 night desert camp near Erg Chebbi
- Dinner at the desert camp
- Breakfast at the desert camp
- Sunset and sunrise desert experience
What Is Not Included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance tickets when required
- Local guides
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional accommodation upgrades
Route and Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this day trip, transportation, schedules and booking.
The 2 day desert tour from Marrakech lasts two days and one night. It includes the journey to Merzouga, a camel trek, one night at a desert camp and the return to Marrakech on the second day.
Two days is possible, but it involves long driving distances. Travelers choosing Marrakech desert tours 2 days in length should expect an early departure and substantial time on the road.
The Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour includes private transportation, selected stops, camel trekking, sunset and sunrise at Erg Chebbi, one night in a desert camp, dinner and breakfast.
The Merzouga Desert is located far southeast of Marrakech. The road journey takes many hours and crosses the High Atlas Mountains and a large section of southern Morocco.
Yes. A camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes is included after arrival in Merzouga. Travelers who prefer not to ride should mention this before departure so an alternative can be discussed.
The overnight stay takes place at a desert camp near the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Merzouga Desert .
Yes. This 2 day desert tour from Marrakech is organized as a private tour, which provides greater flexibility for departure time, rest stops and travel arrangements.
An early departure is necessary because of the distance between Marrakech and Merzouga. The exact pickup time is confirmed before departure.
Return is generally expected in the evening on the second day. Arrival time may change depending on traffic, mountain roads, weather and scheduled breaks.
Dinner on the first evening and breakfast on the second morning are included. Lunches and drinks are paid separately.
Families can join the tour, but parents should consider the long driving distances. Children’s ages should be provided before booking so suitable transport arrangements can be confirmed.
Bring comfortable clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, drinking water and a warmer layer for the evening. Temperatures in the Merzouga Desert can fall considerably after sunset, particularly during cooler months.
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