Merzouga Desert Trek
A trek among the great dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga, walking between the sand mountains and a desert oasis, visiting a Gnaoua musical village and camping in the erg, with the Dades and Todra gorges crossed on the journey out.
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights · Difficulty: Moderate · Max altitude: 1,600 m · Distance: 18 km · Group size: 1–12 · From: €495 per person
Highlights
- Trek among the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Desert oasis and Gnaoua music village
- Camel caravan into the sand sea
- Camp beneath the Sahara stars
- Dades and Todra gorges en route
Itinerary
Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades
Cross the Tizi n’Tichka, visit Aït Ben Haddou and overnight in the Dades valley.
Marrakech → Dades gorge · Drive + walk · 4 km · gain +200 m · Meals: Dinner · Sleep: Kasbah hotel
Day 2 — Todra to the dunes
Walk the Todra gorge, then trek and ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes to camp for sunset and dinner.
Dades → Erg Chebbi camp · Walk + camel · 10 km · gain 0 · Meals: All · Sleep: Desert camp
Day 3 — Sunrise & return
Sunrise dune walk, breakfast, and the return drive to Marrakech.
Erg Chebbi → Marrakech · Walk + drive · 4 km · gain 0 · Meals: Breakfast · Sleep: End
What’s included
- Private vehicle & driver
- Camp & kasbah accommodation
- Camel ride
- Meals as listed
- Desert guide
Why choose this trek
Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi holds the tallest, most photogenic dunes in Morocco; walking among them at sunrise is unforgettable.
Fitness & preparation
Moderate; dune walking in soft sand with long drives between.
Photos
Related destination
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Related guides
- Photographing the Atlas & Sahara: A Field Guide
- Mount Toubkal Complete Guide: North Africa's Highest Peak
- Atlas Mountains Hiking & Trekking Guide: Complete Guide to Morocco's Premier Mountain Range