Overview
This 12-day journey from Marrakech takes you along the coast to the charming city of Essaouira. On your way to the Merzouga camel trek, you pass authentic fishing towns, argan trees, deserted beaches, and rocky cliff tops.
With the sea as your constant companion, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and the sound of the Atlantic waves. Our experienced local guides lead your camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes, keeping the journey safe and enjoyable, with our cook and camp team in support and camels carrying the luggage in convoy.
The trip winds down with relaxed time in Chefchaouen and the enchanting Marrakech.
Visit the souks — traditional markets full of handmade crafts and delicious regional treats that give you a glimpse of local life. You stay in riads, traditional old Moroccan houses, for a unique and authentic experience.
Morocco is famous for camel treks along the Atlantic coast and the Atlas Mountains, a vibrant culture blending Arab and Berber traditions, and the lively souks of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate.
Less well known — and just as stunning — are the Atlantic coastline and the Merzouga desert, the heart of this 12-day trip and its camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Highlights of 12-Day Trip from Marrakech
- Atlas Mountains landscapes
- The UNESCO world heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Ouarzazate Film Studio & Taourirt Kasbah
- Panoramic views from Erg Chebbi dunes
- Camel ride in Merzouga Sahara
- Watch Sunset from the dunes of sand
- Sand Boarding activity
- Overnight at Merzouga Desert Camp
- Delicious dinner and celebration around the fire pits (Berber Drums)
- Sightseeing tour of Fes & Marrakech with local guide
- Visit the family of Namad at the midst of Erg Chebbi dunes
Program Itinerary of the 12 Days Marrakech Sahara Desert Trip
Welcome to Marrakech : transfer to your Hotel / Riad
We meet you at the airport and take you to your riad or hotel.
Marrakech guided sightseeing tour with a local guide
Start with a local guide who leads you on a walking tour of the medina, then have lunch in the heart of the old town. Afterwards, head to the Majorelle Garden. You spend the night in Marrakech.
Marrakech » Ait Ben Haddou » Ouarzazate [195 km]
Explore the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and the film studios. You spend the night in Ouarzazate.
Ouarzazate » Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) [367 km]
Head towards Merzouga: cross the Rose Valley, visit the Todgha Gorge, and stay the night in Merzouga.
Explore Merzouga area (Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert) [40km]
Explore the Merzouga region and listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia village. Then return to the hotel, where your camels wait to carry you into the Sahara for a night in a Berber tent. Enjoy the stars filling the night sky.
Merzouga Camel trek & Overnight in desert camp
Today your journey continues into the desert. You ride camels to the highest dunes in Morocco, Erg Chebbi, visit the home of a Berber family, and stop in Khamlia village to listen to Gnawa music.
We also visit Berber nomads and the local palm oasis. In the afternoon, after lunch in Merzouga, you ride camels through the dunes to the desert camp.
At night, Berber drums echo through the Sahara camp — and the sunrises and sunsets over the sands are unforgettable. After a traditional Moroccan dinner, you sleep in a desert tent.
Merzouga » Rissani » Erfoud » Ziz Valley » Errachidia » Midelt [263 km]
Travel towards Midelt: visit Rissani and the Ziz Valley, cross Errachidia, and stay overnight in Midelt.
Midlet » Atlas Mountains » Azrou (Cedar Forest) » Fes Imperial City [204 km]
Depart for Fes across the Middle Atlas Mountains. Watch the monkeys in the majestic cedar woods of Azrou, cross Ifrane, and spend the night in Fes.
Fes Sightseeing tour with a local guide
Let an expert local guide show you Fes’s medieval medina. Visit the town’s tanneries and ceramics workshops. You spend the night in a traditional riad.
Fes » Volubilis » Meknes » Rabat [205 km]
Leave Fes to visit Volubilis and its Roman ruins. Have lunch in Meknes and stay the night at a hotel in Rabat.
Rabat » Casablanca » Marrakech [323 km]
Explore Rabat’s historic sights, then head to Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque and enjoy a drink or lunch at Rick’s Café by the Atlantic. Then we drive on to Marrakech.
Free day in Marrakech
Enjoy some last-minute shopping in Marrakech and pack your bags. We drive you to the airport — the end of your 12-day journey from Marrakech.
Price Includes and Excludes
What’s included
- Drop-off and pick-up at/from your place of accommodation
- Transport via private, modern vehicles equipped with air conditioning
- Experienced English driver/guide
- Car Fuel
- Camel Trekking (Camel per person)
- Sunset camel ride
- 10 nights in a private room at the hotel (At your preference of room type)
- 1 night in Desert Camp (At your preferred tent style)
- (Breakfast & Dinner) x 11
- Transfer of 4x4s from and back to the camp (Alternative alternative Camels)
Not included
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Tipping
Check the 12-Day trip from Marrakech on the Map
Good to know
FAQ of the 12-Day Trip from Marrakech
What is the difference between a comfortable tent and a luxury upgraded option?
A luxury private tent has a private ensuite bathroom and shower, with towels and toiletries provided. A comfort tent has shared bathrooms and hot showers outside the tent — bring your own towel and toiletries.
Are the tents private?
Yes — on a private tour, every tent is private.
Are there any showers in the desert camp?
If you choose a luxury tent, you get a private ensuite shower with towels and toiletries. A comfort tent has shared hot showers outside the tent, so bring your own towel and toiletries.
Can we leave our luggage in the car overnight?
Yes — you can safely leave your big luggage in the car overnight.
Are there any sand boarding opportunities?
There’s no sandboarding in Zagora, but you can sandboard in Merzouga.
Are there any quad bikes available in the desert?
There are no quad bikes in Zagora, but you can ride them in Merzouga.
How long is the camel ride?
The sunset camel ride takes about 1 hour, and the sunrise trek about 40 minutes.
Can we skip the camel ride?
Yes — you can skip the camel ride and take a 4×4 instead.
How is the weather in the desert?
In winter, temperatures drop sharply and nights can be freezing — please bring warm clothes to sleep in.
What is the minimum number of participant to run the tour?
Just one person is enough — we run the private tour even for a single traveler.
Reviews about our 12 days Morocco Tour from Marrakech
100% Suggested My flights were scheduled two days in advance, and I appreciate that Mohamed got back to me and tailored a schedule that included everything I wanted to see and do in Morocco! Morocco has captured my heart, and I will return for further tours! Mohamed became my part-time photographer in addition to being an excellent driver! His service had a significant positive impact on my experience. What occurs when you travel alone. I only have wonderful things to say and have made some really special memories. Gratitude for everything, Morocco Day Tour.
Traveler
What happens after you send your details
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01
A real person reads it
Your message reaches our team in Merzouga — not a call centre or a booking robot.
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02
You get a tailored plan
We send a route, hotel and camp suggestions, and a clear price for your group and dates.
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03
You adjust until it fits
Change the pace, the cities, the camp style. Nothing is booked until you say yes.
Request this tour
Tell us your dates and group size — we’ll confirm availability and send a price for exactly this route.
