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Camel caravan in the Merzouga dunes at sunset, Sahara desert Morocco Rooftop terrace of Riad Vendôme in the Marrakech medina Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech at dusk Traditional hammam at Riad Vendôme Spa Marrakech

Excursion in the Desert of Merzouga: 4 Days / 3 Nights

The Merzouga 4-day / 3-night excursion from Marrakech costs €250 per person in a group or €490 for 2 in a private 4×4. The circuit crosses the High Atlas, the Todra Gorges and the Erg Chebbi dunes, with a night in a bivouac under the Sahara stars.

Four days to experience the Sahara. Leave Marrakech and plunge into another world: the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas, the vertiginous Todra Gorges, then the golden immensity of the Erg Chebbi — 22 km of dunes rising up to 150 metres. At dusk, your camel takes you to the bivouac. The silence is total. The sky is covered with stars. This is the trip of a lifetime.

Day 1 — The High Atlas and the Dades Gorges

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A gentle start at Riad Vendôme. After Moroccan breakfast in the patio, your driver awaits. The road climbs towards the Tichka Pass (2,260m), where switchbacks cross breathtaking landscapes: Berber villages clinging to mountainsides, almond tree terraces in bloom in spring, eternal snows in the distance. After Ouarzazate, the road plunges into the Valley of Roses — in April, kilometres of rose bushes perfume the air. The day ends in the Dades Gorges, where ochre kasbahs stand like sentinels beside the river. Dinner and night in Tineghir.

Day 2 — Todra Gorges and Arrival in the Sahara

In morning, a walk through the Todra Gorges: a 300-metre deep canyon so narrow the sun only enters for a few hours per day. The ochre and pink walls seem to touch the sky. Then the road crosses the Tafilalet oasis, the villages of Tinejdad and Goulmima, to Erfoud and its fossil workshops dating back 350 million years. In the late afternoon, the Erg Chebbi dunes appear on the horizon — an ocean of golden sand that seems unreal. You climb aboard a camel to reach the bivouac. The sunset paints the dunes red, gold, violet. Berber dinner is served under the tent, to the sound of the bendir drum. Night under the Sahara stars.

Day 3 — Sunrise Over the Dunes and the Draa Valley

Waking before dawn. In the darkness, you climb back on your camel to reach the top of a dune. Then, slowly, the sun rises. The dunes shift from blue to pink, then to pure gold. This is the moment nobody forgets. After breakfast at the bivouac, departure southward. Crossing the Tafilalet, through Alnif and Tazzarine. The road then follows the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest palm grove — a ribbon of green in the arid landscape. Nuit to the hotel.

Day 4 — The Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou and the return

Last full day, one last wonder: the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This rammed-earth fortress served as a backdrop for Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia. Return to Riad Vendôme in the late afternoon, where the oriental hammam awaits you for a resetting up beauty after 4 days of adventure.

Rates

PackageDescriptionPrice
GroupMerzouga 4 days/3 nights by minibus air-conditioned250 € / pers.
PrivateMerzouga 4 days/3 nights by 4×4 Land Cruiser490 € / 2 guests
All included7 days/6 nights — Riad + circuit Merzouga 4 days450 € / pers.

Book your excursion

Contact Eric by WhatsApp at +212 600 608 608. Quote personalised within 3 hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the journey Marrakech-Merzouga?

The journey covers approximately 560 km and crosses spectacular landscapes. We do it in 2 stages (with a night in Tineghir) to enjoy each stop: Tichka Pass, Todra Gorges, Tafilalet oasis. It's a journey, not a simple trip.

What do you need to bring for a night in a bivouac?

Warm clothing for the night (even in summer, the desert can drop to 10°C), a head torch, sunscreen, a hat and a scarf against the sand. The desert camp provides mattresses, blankets and meals. Don't forget your camera for the sunrise.

Are the Todra gorges included?

Yes, the Todra Gorges are an unmissable stop on all our Merzouga circuits. This 300-metre-deep canyon is one of Morocco's most impressive natural sites.

Can you personnaliser the itinerary?

Absolutely. Ajoutez of the quad in the dunes, of the sandboarding, a visit of the fossils of Erfoud or a night additional in the desert. Contact us and we adapt all to your preferences.

Your 4-Day Merzouga Excursion — Day by Day

Day 1 — Marrakech → Aït Benhaddou → Ouarzazate
Early departure after breakfast. High Atlas crossing via Tizi n'Tichka (2,260m). Guided visit of Aït Benhaddou ksar (UNESCO). Lunch in Ouarzazate. Visit the film studios. Night in Ouarzazate.
Day 2 — Ouarzazate → Todra Gorges → Merzouga
Drive through the Dades Valley. Stop at the Todra Gorges — 300m canyon walls. Lunch near Tinghir. Afternoon drive to Merzouga. Camel trek at sunset to the luxury bivouac in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Traditional dinner with live music.
Day 3 — Free Day at Merzouga
Sunrise on the dunes (150m). Full day at Merzouga: quad biking (€35), sandboarding, visit a nomad family, explore the Khamlia village (Gnaoua music). Second night at the bivouac or a luxury desert camp.
Day 4 — Return to Marrakech
Early departure. Option: drive via the Draa Valley palm grove (200km of date palms) and Zagora. Lunch en route. Arrival Marrakech in the evening.

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The Riad Vendôme is classified by the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism.

Can Riad Vendôme arrange a short 2-day desert excursion to the Sahara (Merzouga or Zagora)?

Yes — Riad Vendôme arranges short Sahara excursions for guests who don't have time for a full 4-day circuit. The 2-day Zagora trip (closer, easier route) departs early morning Day 1, includes overnight in a luxury Berber camp with camel sunset and starlit dinner, returns Day 2 afternoon. From 195 EUR/person all-in (private 4x4, English-speaking guide, full board in desert, camel ride). Less rushed than 1-day attempts to Merzouga (too far). Bookable 7-10 days in advance via WhatsApp Eric.

What is the most flexible Sahara desert booking option from Riad Vendôme?

The most flexible option is the private 4x4 customisable circuit: choose duration (2/3/4 days), destination (Zagora closer / Merzouga authentic), accommodation level (basic Berber tent vs luxury desert camp), departure date (modify up to 7 days before). From 195 EUR/person (2 days basic) to 850 EUR/person (4 days luxury). Eric coordinates with trusted local guides since 2011. Cancellation flexible up to 14 days before. Single contact for the entire round trip (Marrakech ↔ desert ↔ Marrakech).

How do I reach Marrakech from the US and Canada to start the desert circuit?

Desert circuits start from Marrakech, so you first fly into Marrakech-Menara and base yourself at the riad. There are no non-stop flights from the United States; from New York allow about 8 to 9 hours via Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc, which hubs there. From Canada, Royal Air Maroc runs a seasonal non-stop from Montreal to Casablanca, then a short connection. Most North American guests spend a few days at the riad in the medina before setting off on the desert circuit.