Sahara Express
A 4x4 escape from Marrakech to the dunes of Merzouga
A packed itinerary that takes you to the Sahara and back in three days from Marrakech. After the High Atlas, Télouet and the ksar of Aït Benhaddou, you spend the night in the Dadès valley, then head for the Merzouga dunes via the Todgha gorges and Erfoud. A camel ride takes you to a comfort desert camp, before the return journey across vast Saharan plains and the Drâa valley.
- Duration
- 3 days / 2 nights
- Departure
- Marrakech
- Transport
- 4x4
- Price
- Price on request
- 3 days / 2 nights
- Meet your 4x4 driver at 8am
- Comfort desert camp with private showers and toilets
Highlights
- The canyon of the Ounila valley
- The ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a backdrop to many international films
- A walk in the Todgha (Toudra) gorges
- Arriving at the desert camp by camel in the Merzouga dunes
- Sunrise over the dunes
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Marrakech – Télouet – Aït Benhaddou – Dadès
Meet our 4x4 driver at 8am and set off for the Dadès valley. You cross the High Atlas and its breathtaking scenery, then descend through Berber villages to Télouet for a lunch break in the old village. The road continues through the Ounila valley, a true canyon that never fails to impress.
On arrival in Aït Benhaddou, a visit to the ksar is a must: this fortified village has served as a set for many international films, and some of its scenes may well look familiar. In the late afternoon the journey continues to the Dadès for the night in a guesthouse (auberge).
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Day 2
Dadès – Erfoud – Merzouga
Departure at 9am towards Tinghir. The day begins with the Todgha (Toudra) gorges, a lush valley that draws climbers from all over the world, where you enjoy a walk. We then continue to Erfoud, renowned for its fossils, at the edge of the dunes.
On arrival in Merzouga, you meet the camel drivers for a camel ride to the evening camp. Dinner and overnight in a comfort desert camp with private showers and toilets.
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Day 3
Merzouga – Rissani – Agdz – Marrakech
At daybreak, the light is perfect for photographs. After a local breakfast, we set off on a long stage that is just as rich in scenery: we cross vast Saharan plains, known as regs, and acacia forests to reach the famous Drâa valley, where we stop for lunch.
In the afternoon we return to Marrakech over the High Atlas, arriving at your riad in the early evening.
Included in the programme
- 4x4 driver
- Visit of the ksar of Aït Benhaddou
- Overnight in a guesthouse (auberge) in the Dadès valley
- Walk in the Todgha gorges
- Camel ride to the camp
- Dinner and overnight in a comfort desert camp (private showers and toilets)
- Local breakfast at the camp
- Return to your riad in Marrakech
As described in the itinerary. Final details are confirmed in your quote.
Accommodation
Guesthouse in the Dadès, then a comfort desert camp in Merzouga.
Places on this trip
Sahara Express
3 days / 2 nights · From Marrakech
Request this trip
Answers before you even ask
1.How do I book a trip?
Contact us by phone, WhatsApp, email or through our forms. Once the programme is agreed, you can place an option, valid for 8 days. Your booking only becomes effective once we receive your signed booking form with a 30% deposit and have confirmed it, subject to availability.
2.When is the balance due?
The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before departure; failure to pay it may lead to automatic cancellation of the booking. If you book less than 30 days before departure, the full price is payable on booking.
3.What are the cancellation charges?
If you cancel, the following amounts are retained: more than 30 days before departure, a flat fee of €50 per person; between 30 and 21 days, 35% of the trip price; between 20 and 14 days, 50%; between 13 and 7 days, 75%; less than 7 days, 90% of the trip price.
4.How do I make a complaint?
Any complaint about a trip must be sent to Atlas Experience by registered post or by email, with the original supporting documents, within one month of your return date.
5.What facilities does the desert camp have?
It depends on the tour. In Merzouga, some programmes include a comfort camp with private showers and toilets, others comfort tents. At Erg Chegaga, you sleep in nomad tents or comfort tents, with separate or shared showers and toilets. Details are given in each programme.
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