Signature trip
Three days from Marrakech: the High Atlas, the kasbahs of the south and a night among the Erg Chebbi dunes, with the local team.
Trip overview
Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi Desert
Three days from Marrakech to the Sahara and back. You cross the High Atlas over Tizi n'Tichka, stop at Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate and head south through the Dadès valley and the Todra gorges to Erg Chebbi, the sea of dunes beside Merzouga, with a night in a desert camp and sunrise over the sand. All with the local team, with departures at your own pace. It is the short desert trip: lots of road and scenery, with no trekking and no altitude.
The character of the trip
How much adventure, culture and nature you'll experience.
Who will be with you on this trip
The trip is led by a driver-guide from the local team, who drives the kasbah and Merzouga route all year round. They know every stop, every gorge and the camp in the dunes. No additional Spanish coordinator.
In the desert the pace is set by daylight and heat: you set off early, stop during the middle of the day and make the most of sunset and sunrise.
Flexible dates
This experience runs with our partner team on the ground, who organise and sell the trip's services directly. At Ecotour we design the itinerary, explain how it works, answer your questions and put you in touch with the organising team when you're ready to go ahead.
Local team on the ground
You travel through Morocco with the local team, who organise and guide the trip on the ground. Ecotour helps you decide.
Start day
Pick your start day: the 3 days of the trip are marked automatically.
We explain how the trip works, answer your questions and put you in touch with the organising team when you want to go ahead.
We design the itinerary and support you throughout your decision. Sending the form is not a booking or a payment.
Flexible dates: get in touch and we'll tell you about the next departure windows and how the trip is organised.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll contact you personally. It isn't a booking or a payment, just a request for information.
Complete freedom
A route just for you and your group, with the freedom to adapt the dates, pace and priorities of the trip.
We tailor the itinerary and pace, and shape the proposal with you. No commitment until every detail is settled.
2026
Choose a month and we'll tell you the availability and price for those dates. The price varies with dates, group size and available accommodation.
Leave Marrakech and cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m). Stop at Aït Ben Haddou, the best-known earthen kasbah in Morocco, and at Ouarzazate. Continue east through the Dadès valley to your accommodation, between rock walls and palm groves.
Dadès valley
Follow the route through the Todra gorges (walls up to 300 m high), then drive south-east to Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The transfer to the camp is by 4x4. Free afternoon to climb a dune, go sandboarding and watch the sun set over the desert. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Sunrise over the dunes, then back west through Rissani and Erfoud, the Dadès valley and Ouarzazate, crossing the High Atlas again over Tizi n'Tichka to Marrakech. It is a long day on the road; arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening.
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1
Leave Marrakech and cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m). Stop at Aït Ben Haddou, the best-known earthen kasbah in Morocco, and at Ouarzazate. Continue east through the Dadès valley to your accommodation, between rock walls and palm groves.
DAY 2
Follow the route through the Todra gorges (walls up to 300 m high), then drive south-east to Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The transfer to the camp is by 4x4. Free afternoon to climb a dune, go sandboarding and watch the sun set over the desert. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
DAY 3
Sunrise over the dunes, then back west through Rissani and Erfoud, the Dadès valley and Ouarzazate, crossing the High Atlas again over Tizi n'Tichka to Marrakech. It is a long day on the road; arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening.
Trip highlights
The High Atlas and Aït Ben Haddou
On the road to the desert you cross the High Atlas over Tizi n'Tichka (2,260 m) and stop at Aït Ben Haddou, the most famous earthen kasbah in Morocco, a World Heritage Site and the set of dozens of films, and at Ouarzazate, the "gateway to the Sahara".
The Todra and Dadès gorges
The Dadès valley and its rock formations, the "monkey fingers", and the Todra gorges, a cleft with walls of red limestone up to 300 metres high, with the river running through it.
The Erg Chebbi dunes
Erg Chebbi, the largest sea of dunes in Morocco: ridges of sand up to 150 metres high that change colour with the light, beside the village of Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara.
A night in the desert camp
A camp among the dunes: tents with beds, a Berber dinner around the fire, drums and a starry sky without a single light around. Then sunrise, with the dunes turning orange.
A driver-guide who knows the kasbah route, the south and Merzouga. A Spanish-speaking guide is available.
Local teamAll road transfers from Marrakech: Tizi n'Tichka, Aït Ben Haddou, Dadès, Todra, Merzouga and the return, by private vehicle, plus 4x4 access to the camp.
Transport on the groundOne night in accommodation in the Dadès valley and one night in the desert camp, with the dinners and breakfasts shown in the itinerary.
Accommodation and meals as per the programmeRoute organisation and a camp set up among the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Desert logisticsFlights to and from Marrakech, travel insurance (compulsory), lunches on all three days and dinner on the last day, drinks and personal expenses, entrance fees to monuments, tips and optional activities.
What is not includedYou must travel with insurance that covers medical assistance and cancellation. It is not included in the price.
This is a 3-day trip with a lot of driving: the first day is about 7 to 8 hours in the vehicle including stops, and on the third you drive the whole way back to Marrakech in one day. If you get travel sick on mountain roads, bear this in mind.
The desert has a big difference between day and night. Even in spring and autumn the nights at the camp are cool; in winter they are cold. Bring warm clothes even if it is hot during the day.
Frequently asked questions
No. This trip does not include a camel ride: access to the camp is by 4x4 and you enjoy the sunset on foot, walking on the dunes.
It is mostly road, with stops to visit the sights and short walks. There are quite a few hours in the vehicle, especially on the first and third days. There is no trekking and no altitude: anyone with normal fitness can do it.
This trip is organised and booked by a partner team on the ground. At Ecotour we explain how it works, answer your questions and put you in touch with them when you want to go ahead. No booking or payment is made through Ecotour.
It is a trip at your own pace: you choose the dates. It runs almost all year; the best time is October to April, with mild days. In July and August the desert goes above 42 degrees during the day and it is not recommended.
Tents with beds and bed linen, a shared area for dinner and shared toilets. There is no mains electricity: light comes from solar panels and lanterns. Nights are quite cool even in spring and autumn; in winter they are cold.
Travel insurance that covers medical assistance and cancellation. It is not included in the price and it is compulsory in order to take part.
Gallery
Reviews
Sara Rojas3 months ago
Morocco
Just back from spending a few days in Morocco with Ecotour, all I can say is that the experience was wonderful, the kind that leaves unforgettable memories and makes life even more beautiful!!! Thank you
Hector Rus2 years ago
Morocco
I went on a trip to Morocco with Ecotour and Javi: 4 people and two specialists in snake spotting and rescue. Honestly, the number of different species we saw was surprising, from cobras to vipers and grass snakes, very big desert lizards, geckos and so on. It was non-stop, including getting into Western Sahara, with a group that from minute one felt like we'd known each other all our lives, great vibes and lots and lots of passion for animals and sharing. I learned a ton of things and was able to handle these animals in complete safety. I'd also say that I never felt we were going through tourist spots, quite the opposite. The places we passed through hadn't seen outsiders for days. That means that, besides everything being cheaper, you feel you've really got into the heart of a trip. One hundred percent adventure; more than a tour, it was a trip among friends passionate about animals. Thanks for everything, Javi, and for being there looking out for everyone. A big hug, and I'll do it again as soon as I can, no doubt. 🫂🙌
Sergio Gonzalez Yagüe2 years ago
Morocco
The trip to Morocco was one of the best moments of my life, 10/10, nothing more to add.
Lara Redondo González2 years ago
Morocco
How lovely it is when things are done with passion! A truly authentic trip with Javi in Morocco. If I were you, I'd rush to grab the next place :)
Juan Pablo Bernalte Toledo2 years ago
Morocco
This trip to Morocco was magical, the organisation and the guides super professional, every day an adventure. 100% recommended.
Carlos Buil3 years ago
High mountain
As always, it's an unforgettable experience to do high mountain climbing safely with Javier. Climbing two 3,000-metre peaks and enjoying the scenery in an educational and passionate way. Looking forward to doing it again 💪💪💪
ines piazuelo3 years ago
Vallibierna
Very professional and fun guiding on the Vallibierna. With guides like this, it seems possible to climb any peak. Thanks for the encouragement during the ascent, Javi, we'll surely see each other again 🏔️🥾👏🏻…
Adrian Romero Fernandez2 years ago
Patagonia
I set off on a trip to the southernmost point in the world with Eco Tour and the experience couldn't have been better. Without a doubt, I'd do it again a thousand times!
Veronica Bimba2 years ago
Patagonia
I went on a trip to Chilean Patagonia with Javi last Christmas and it was impressive!! Besides the scenery, which is truly incredible, Javi's management and organisation were great. Before the trip he advises you on everything you need, and during the trip he was one more companion and friend. A good person and a good professional, I'd definitely travel with him again.
rajae azelmad3 months ago
Honest and good experience
Rut V2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
A wonderful experience in a luxury setting. We got in touch with Javi after finding him online and it was a great decision. He's a young guy, passionate about his work and about nature, and it shows. He explained so many things about the rut and the surroundings, and brought samples to show us how animals are tracked, always with respect and without disturbing their habitat. He also took loads of souvenir photos, both of us and of the animals, which we really appreciated. I loved the equipment he uses: he has a screen that attaches to the camera, so we could all enjoy the views without needing telescopes. Thank you so much, Javi, for the experience. You're a truly lovely person.
M. Villar (Proska)2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
Without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Several companies offer the rut, but not like this one: his knowledge of the subject, together with the technology he uses, guarantees a complete outing and lets you enjoy the activity to the fullest. 100% recommended
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