Overview: 3 days desert tour from Chefchaouen to Marrakech
3 days from Chefchaouen to Marrakech via Merzouga offers a unique and compact desert adventure. On this trip, you’ll explore the Sahara Desert and the stunning Erg Chebbi sand dunes. It’s designed for travelers who prefer to begin their journey in Chefchaouen rather than Fez. Many visitors land at Tangier Airport and make their way to the charming city of Chefchaouen before heading to the Sahara Desert, passing through Fez. At Gorgeous Morocco Tours, we offer this special 3 days tour for our valued guests.
Summary: 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Chefchaouen
Travel from Chefchaouen through Meknes and the Middle Atlas Mountains. Visit Azrou’s cedar forest to see Barbary apes, then continue to Midelt for an overnight stay.
Drive through the scenic Ziz Valley and stop in Erfoud, known for its fossils. Arrive in Merzouga, enjoy a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, and spend the night in a desert camp.
Return by camel to Merzouga, then travel through Rissani, Ouarzazate, and the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech by the evening.
Highlights: 3 Days Desert tour from Chefchaouen to Marrakech
- Explore historic Meknes and its ancient medina
- Visit Ifrane ( the switzerland of Morocco )
- Have fun with wild monkeys
- Explore Ziz Valley ( the second largest in Morocco )
- Experience Rissani’s lively weekly market
- Camel trek on Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga
- Sleep under the stars in a traditional desert camp
- Discover the dramatic Todra Gorge and Dades Valley
- Tour the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou
- Visit Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”
Full Program Itinerary: 3 Days desert tour from Chefchaouen to Marrakech
First Day: Chefchaouen → Midelt via Meknes & Middle Atlas
After breakfast, you’ll depart Chefchaouen and begin your journey southward. Along the way, you’ll pass through Meknes and the fertile plains before ascending into the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. A stop in Azrou allows you to stroll through its cedar forest and spot Barbary apes. By late afternoon, you’ll continue toward Midelt, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a peaceful mountain setting.
Second Day: Midelt - Ziz valley - Erfoud - Merzouga Desert
Following breakfast, your adventure continues through the dramatic Ziz Valley, offering sweeping views of palm groves and rocky gorges. You’ll pass through the fossil-rich town of Erfoud before reaching the edge of the golden Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a camel trek to watch the sunset over the Sahara. You’ll spend the night in a private Berber tent at a desert camp under a sky full of stars.
Third Day: Merzouga - Draa Valley - Anti Atlas - Ouarzazate - High Atlas - Marrakech
After an early wake-up and breakfast in the desert, you’ll return by camel to Merzouga village. Then, the journey resumes through Rissani and the cinematic town of Ouarzazate. As you cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoy panoramic views before descending into Marrakech. Arrival is expected by early evening, marking the end of your unforgettable desert tour.
Inclusion: 3 Days Morocco trip from blue city to Erg Chebbi Merzouga
- Private, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Hotel accommodation in Midelt
- Desert camp stay in Merzouga with private equipped tents
- One camel ride per person
- Dinner and breakfast included
- Sandboarding experience
- Music around campfire
- Visits to major attractions along the route
- Drop off at your hotel in Marrakech
Exclusion: 3 Days Chefchaouen to Merzouga
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Other optional activities ( Quad, buggy )
Booking Details: 3 days trip from Chefchaouen to Erg chebbi Merzouga
- Starting point: Chefchaouen
- Ending point: Marrakech
- Destination: Merzouga Desert
- Departure: 8:30 am
- Availability: Daily
- Confirmaion: You'll receive it at the booking time
Useful Map: Morocco desert trip from Chefchaouen
Places to see during this 3 days desert trip to Marrakech:
Ifrane – "The Little Switzerland of Morocco"
Nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane is known for its clean streets, European-style architecture, and alpine climate. Unlike the typical Moroccan cities, it offers a surprising resemblance to a Swiss village. With snow in winter and lush green parks in summer, it’s a popular stop for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Cedar Forest & Barbary Monkeys (Azrou Region)
Located near Azrou, the majestic cedar forest is home to centuries-old trees and Morocco’s famous Barbary macaques. These playful monkeys are often seen along the roadside or in the forest canopy. The fresh mountain air and serene woodland make it a relaxing and photogenic stop during your journey through the Middle Atlas.
Ziz Valley – The Gateway to the Desert
Stretching along the Ziz River, this lush valley is known for its endless palm groves, fortified villages (ksars), and dramatic rock formations. The drive through the Ziz Gorge offers panoramic views and a sense of transitio from green valleys to the golden Sahara. It’s a perfect place to admire Morocco’s changing landscapes.
Erg Chebbi – The Great Sahara Dunes
Located near Merzouga, Erg Chebbi features some of the tallest and most stunning sand dunes in Morocco, reaching up to 150 meters high. These golden dunes offer a breathtaking setting for camel trekking, sandboarding, and overnight desert camping. At sunrise and sunset, the dunes shift color, creating magical photo opportunities.
Draa Valley – Morocco’s Longest River Oasis
Flowing from the High Atlas toward the Sahara, the Draa Valley is a ribbon of life cutting through the arid south. It’s lined with ancient kasbahs, mudbrick villages, and palm groves that stretch for miles. The valley is rich in Berber culture and history, offering a glimpse into traditional desert life.
Ait Benhaddou – UNESCO World Heritage Site
This ancient ksar (fortified village) is one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks. Built from red mudbrick, Ait Benhaddou has served as the backdrop for many films, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Walking through its narrow alleys feels like stepping back in time, with stunning views from the top over the desert plains.
Camel Trekking Experience: What It’s Like in the Sahara Desert
Note:
This 3-day tour includes long driving hours, especially on the last day. If you have more time available, we highly recommend choosing a 4-day option for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Alternatively, you can start the tour from Fes instead of Chefchaouen to shorten the drive and reduce travel time.
If you need more details or would like a customized itinerary, feel free to contact us we’re happy to help you plan the perfect trip!