3 Days Sahara Desert Tour From Ouarzazate

3 Days Sahara Desert Tour From Ouarzazate

Overview of 3 days Sahara desert tour from Ouarzazate:

Discover the beauty of Morocco with this exciting three-day itinerary. Begin in Ouarzazate and end in Fez, visiting the rocky peaks of the High Atlas mountains and the colossal dunes of the Sahara. You’ll wander Berber villages and souks, marvel at oases and gorges, and explore ancient kasbahs and desert towns.

Highlights of Sahara desert tour:

Is this 3-day tour from Ouarzazate right for you?

This private Ouarzazate to Merzouga 3 days desert trip is suited to adventurous travelers who in a short space of time wish to focus on and maximize their experience of the Moroccan Sahara and decide at the last minute to incorporate a stay in the desert. This Sahara desert journey is convenient for travelers determined to escape to the tranquility of the desert while enjoying their Moroccan trip. As a desert country, Morocco can have extreme weather. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. Prefer to the section of Essential Travel Info for more details. This desert adventure includes a quite long journey on the last day. from Sahara desert to Fes. If you’re not familiar with the long driving distance, it’s simply possible to customize this Sahara desert itinerary and break the way in a certain town. We highly recommend you do this desert journey in 4 days instead of 3 days.

Why you’ll like this Morocco tour!

This Moroccan excursion from Ouarzazate to Merzouga allows you to experience and enjoy the Berber culture, unforgettable nights in the desert, and ancient kasbahs in the south. Travel with a local knowledge leader who will share the magic and the real of Morocco with you on this bespoke journey from Ouarzazate to Fes. Admire the landscapes along the way, especially panoramic with some breathtaking views. Explore the valleys full of rose trees, and take a gentle walk under the canyon of Todra Gorge (320 m). Spend the night in a luxury camp staring at the shiny stars. Join a traditional local band after dinner to have some fun with their music dancing around and open fire. Marvel at iconic sights during visits to the remarkable Sahara Desert, the timeless Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the tranquil oasis of Skoura, and the charming alleyways of Fes.

Brief itinerary of desert adventure:

Day

Highlights

Overnights

Day 1

Travel to Toudra Gorge via Rose Valley and Boutghrar(Nomad families)

Tinghir

Day 2

Todra Gorge, Erfoud Sahara desert (Gnaoua family & Camel Ride)

Merzouga

Day 3

Rissani Market, Ziz Valley, National Park of Ifrane and Fes

 

Detailed itinerary desert trip in 3 days:

Day 01: Ouarzazate - Rose Valley - Boutghrar - Dades Gorge - Tinghir

Join your driver this morning and leave the Hollywood of Africa behind as you head east toward the desert, tailoring the Road of a thousand kasbahs. See if you can spot Amridil Kasbah, the 17th-century kasbah in the oasis of Skoura. Along the way, you’ll pass many Berber villages made up of traditional mud-brick buildings. Stop for lunch in Kalaat M’gouna and tour the local Rose Water Cooperative to discover how the local women extract this precious water, then follow the winding road to the Rose Valley and stop to appreciate the panoramic view.

Continue northeast on an off-road to the edge of the Atlas Mountains to visit the nomad families in their caves. Join them for a cup of tea while enjoying a chat with them which will allow us to know more information about their customs and their way of life. Continue along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs toward Boumalne Dades, passing many small towns where you’ll see traditional farming methods in use. Be on the lookout for nomads tending to their animals as you make your way through fragrant Dades Valley, the “Valley of landscapes.” You’ll eventually arrive in Tinghir, a major town bridging the Toudra River.

ACCOMMODATION
  • Splurge
  • Mid-range
  • Don’t break the bank (Standard)
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
  • Ait Ben Haddou – Kasbah walking tour
  • Kalaat M’gouna – Female’s cooperative of rose water
 OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
  • Ouarzazate – Atlas Studio & museum visit – MAD80
MEALS INCLUDED
  • Dinner
SPECIAL INFORMATION

Today’s total driving time is approximately 2 hours. 30 minutes
Today’s total driving distance is approximately 172 km

Day 02: Todra Gorge - Erfoud - Merzouga (Khamliya Village & Camel ride)

Today you will drive farther east to your final destination: the sand sea of Erg Chebbi outside of Merzouga. Along the way, stop in Touroug to admire the Saharan oasis to try the Berber and Sahara desert outfit. The surrounding desert landscape reveals impressive buttes, mesas, and plateaus.

Nearby, you will have the opportunity to explore the desert town of Erfoud, Known for its figs and fossils, visit a craft workshop, and discover how the fossil-rich rocks are skillfully transformed into practical and decorative objects. It’s a good idea to buy fresh figs here, as well!

As you near Merzouga, Head south to Khemliya, a traditional Saharan village (with its people originally from Mali). Here you can enjoy traditional music, drumming, and dancing before taking a casual walk around the village and its farmed plots in the sand.

Upon reaching Merzouga, switch gears and transfer to your personal camel to begin your trek over the sands and to your Berber-style camp. Hike to the top of a nearby dune to watch the setting sun before enjoying a warm meal by the fire.

ACCOMMODATION
  • Splurge
  • Mid-range
  • Don’t break the bank (Standard)
MEALS INCLUDED
  • Breakfast & Dinner
MEALS NOT INCLUDED
  • Lunch
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
  • Tinghir – Todra Gorge walking tour
  • Sahara Desert -Camel trekking
  • Sahara Desert – Sandboarding
  • Khamliya – Gnaoua Museum
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
  • Sahara Desert – ATVing, buggy
  • Sahara Desert – Horseback riding
SPECIAL INFORMATION

Today’s total driving time is approximately 2 hours. 58 minutes
Today’s total driving distance is approximately 196 km

The camel rides are really romantic activities to explore and enjoy the Sahara desert. But if you’d prefer, it’s simply possible to do another activity instead with a few extra fees or to be driven to and from the camp. Please let us know.

Day 03: Merzouga - Ziz Valley - Midelt - Cedar Forest - Ifrane - Fes

Wake early to appreciate a desert sunrise before traveling toward Fes City and for the last walk on the sand dunes. Optionally, camel trek back to the village of Merzouga, meet your driver then enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Merzouga to your accommodation in Fes Medina. which takes about seven and a half hours.  Along the way, we’ll stop in Rissani—the town closest to the Sahara—stop in the market town of Rissani and be sure to visit the livestock auction as well as the “donkey parking lot.”

Head north to Ziz Valley, known for its hidden oases and palm tree clusters. Along the road, you will see many fortified houses known as ksars—built to protect precious wares, including gold, salt, and spices. Continue toward Midelt for lunch, crossing the High Atlas Mountains.

Afterward, Continue our journey toward Fes City. Along the way, stop in Cedar Forest to enjoy sightings of the local Barbary Macaque monkeys before stopping for a short walk in the National Park of Irane. Arrive Fes in the late afternoon and drop you off at your preferred location.

MEALS INCLUDED
  • Breakfast 
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
  • Sahara Desert -Camel trekking
  • Sahara Desert – Sandboarding
  • Riisani – Traditional Market walking tour
  • Ifrane – National Park walking tour
  • Atlas Mountains – Cedar Forest walking tour 
SPECIAL INFORMATION

Today’s total driving time is approximately 8 hours. 50 minutes
Today’s total driving distance is approximately 557 km

Inclusive & Exclusive

Desert Adventure Accommodations

We select the best accommodations carefully to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Hospitality and everything makes you feel like home.

 

Standard 3 star

Mid-range 4 star

Splurge 5 star

Tinghir

Panorama Dades

Dar Ayour

Xaluca Dades

Merzouga

Dune Merzouga Camp

Ideal Desert Camp

Desert Luxury Camp

* If those accommodations above are not available at the time of booking. You’ll be staying at similar ones and we will let you in advance. If you have preferred ones in mind to stay at and not mentioned above, let us know and we’re happy to book it for you.

* April and December are peak travel times! Make sure you book in advance to get preferred accommodations.

* Please keep in mind that there is no 5 star hotel in Tinghir, But you’ll be staying in a luxury hotel that has the atmosphere of 5-star.

Price & Booking

 

1 person

2 person

4 person

8 person

10 – 16 person

First option

$ 780

$ 450

$ 235

$ 235

$ 220

Second option

$ 1050

$ 620

$ 365

$ 365

$ 360

Third option

$ 1520

$ 692

$ 550

$ 550

$ 545

The prices of our tours depend on the packages you select(Splurge, Mid-range, or Don’t break the bank accommodations), the number of travelers on your journey, and the season of your travel.

* All prices are in Euro, US Dollars, Pounds, or Moroccan Dirhams, per person. There is additional 10% fee for tours including the dates between Dec.20 – Jan.5(Peak Season). For single rooms, a single supplement fee will be applied. Those prices mentioned above are with a discount of 15 %.

For the bookings of our tours, we kindly request a small deposit of 20% of the total price to be sent to our bank account, Paypal or Wise account. The balance is to be paid to your driver/guide at the meeting.

Trip preparation

Know Before You Go

Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones.

  • During the booking process please let us know if you have any food restrictions or allergies.

  • Since lunches are not included, your guide will suggest restaurants where the food is tasty and fresh in order not to get sick. However, if you have a particular restaurant in mind. Inform your guide to accommodate your choices. On the other hand, based on his experiences, he will be glad to assist you whether their service and meals are marvelous.

  • Alternatively, your driver will make frequent stops along the way, especially in breathtaking places. This tour is flexible, if you recognize a worthy place to stop in, feel free to ask your gently driver.

  • Respect tour departures times to avoid delay and loss of sightseeing opportunities. If necessary, let your guide and driver know.

    For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:

  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. If you’re coming with your drone, let us know in advance to schedule the time for it.

  • Ramadan may make your trip excruciating, due to most of the restaurants and shops would be closed. And alcohol beverages will not be served in restaurants and hard to find.
  • Our guides are fluent in languages, and they are happy to share all what they have known so far, if you’d like skip or add an activity to your daily itinerary feel free to ask your guide.
  • During your stay in Sahara Desert (desert camp) your luggage will be transferred directly and safely to your camp.
  • Children under 5 years old are free of charge. 6 – 8 (- 70 %). 10 years old is considered as an adult.

Reviews

Dian M.
Dian M.@Dianmm
Read More
A great success! I'm ready to turn around my bags and return to enchanting Morocco. The 3 days Marrakech trip was well organized, and our tour manager, Moha, was the consummate professional. He tended to the needs of individuals in our group as they arose and managed unforeseen circumstances with skill and a sense of humor. He also shared the culture, history, and natural history of the country with us as we traveled keeping us transfixed by what we were seeing. In a very helpful gesture, he also provided us with a written summary of the places we'd visited. I've already recommended this trip to others, and one of my friends has signed up for a December tour.
	 JILL MORRISON
JILL MORRISON@Morrisonjil
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Absolutely phenomenal! This was our very first group tour and Morocco Vacation Travel exceeded our expectations! We did not expect such phenomenal hotels, restaurants, tour sites, and more. So, thank you to MVT. But most importantly, we can not exclaim enough about Mohammed, our tour manager. He is knowledgeable, kind, organized, understanding, and patient. The perfect representative for MVT.
Marilyn D
Marilyn D@Marilynd
Read More
It was a very wonderful experience. The sites that we've come to see and visit were all great! Our guide Abdel was very knowledgeable, understanding, kind, considerate, attentive to our needs and very patient with all of us. The camp and food in the desert were all great! The driver and the assistant were also very helpful.
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FAQ

Yes! Absolutely, this 3 day Sahara desert tour from Ouarzazate is available every day, except summer the temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius – 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

The early bird catches the warm! As soon as you know your exact dates of your desert trip, contact us. 

It depends on the period you’d like to experience Sahara Desert. The tents are well-equipped (enough blankets, hot water, and extra pillows).

  • Summer: (end of June – Augusts) light and soft clothes, such as scarf, skirts, slippers, skin protection, sunglasses.
  • Winter: (October – end of March) warm clothes, sneakers, extra jacket or coat.

The best time to do this 3-day Morocco desert excursion is all seasons of the year except summer. You might feel overwhelmed by sandstorms and high temperatures.

The best way to experience Sahara desert is by camel ride. To enjoy this ancient transport, put comfortable clothes on, loose pants, sneakers and a small bag where you can put some stuff in, like a bottle of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera if you have any.

So many Sahara desert adventures get confused between Sahara Desert of Erg Chigaga and Sahara Desert of Erg Chebbi. Both of them would take your breath away! But here is one thing to keep in mind, if you’re looking for a typical lifestyle and would like to stay away from touristy places, then Sahara Desert of Erg Chigaga means you. On the other hand, Sahara Desert of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga attracts tons of visitors all over the world, due to its high clean oragned-sand dunes and luxury camps.

Talk To Us Today:

“We don’t believe that one size fits all! We’d love to work with you to create a customized trip that is perfect for you and your group. Let’s start planning your adventure of a lifetime today!”

Send Us An Inquiry!

If you didn’t get any reply from us within 24h. Please contact us via WhatsApp: +212 662 140 4059

⚠️Note: If you are not enable to find any activity you are looking for, or to modify anything in this itinerary,  we are available 24/7 for any questions or requests. do not hesitate to contact us, we are more than happy to customize your itinerary according to your exact needs and requirements.

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