Travelling from Marrakech to Merzouga means crossing the High Atlas to reach the Erg Chebbi dunes, on the edge of the Sahara. The distance is roughly 550 km and takes around 9 to 10 hours of driving, so the journey is best split over at least three days with private stops along the way. With a private driver, the road itself becomes one of the highlights of a trip to Morocco.
The classic route crosses the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m), visits the kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then continues through Ouarzazate and the Dades and Todra gorges before reaching Merzouga.
Short on time? Consider the 2-day tour to the Zagora desert, closer to Marrakech.
Merzouga is roughly 550 km from Marrakech, around 9 to 10 hours of driving without stops.
We recommend at least 3 days (2 nights): one night in the Dades Valley and one night in a desert camp in Merzouga. With 4 days or more, the pace is more relaxed.
Yes. Many travellers go from Marrakech to Merzouga and then continue to Fes, which avoids driving the same road twice.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant. Winter nights in the desert are cold and summer days are very hot.
Yes. All our tours are private: only you and your travel companions, with your own driver.
