Sahara — Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
2-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech
The fast track to the big dunes — one long push, one magical night.
- Duration
- 2 days / 1 night
- Price
- From 75 EUR / 800 MAD
- Group size
- Private or shared minibus (2–16)
- Difficulty
- Moderate — very long driving days
Reply within 2 hours · Private or shared · Pay after we confirm your spot
Overview
If your heart is set on the towering Erg Chebbi dunes but you only have two days, this is the trip — a fast, long-driving dash to Merzouga and back, with the essential magic kept intact: the sunset camel trek into the sand, a night at a desert camp under the stars, and sunrise over the dunes. You'll spend serious hours in the vehicle, but you'll stand on the real Sahara.
The compromise is honest: to reach the big dunes and return in two days you cover a lot of ground fast. Day one is a long haul over the Atlas via Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, then east past the Dades and Todra areas (often admired from the road rather than explored in depth) to Merzouga by late afternoon.
There, the day pays off: you mount a camel and ride into Erg Chebbi as the sun sets, reaching your camp for dinner, drums and a night beneath the Milky Way. Day two opens with sunrise over the dunes, a camel ride back, breakfast, and the long return drive to Marrakech.
It is the most efficient way to see Morocco's iconic dunes, but it is intense — best for confident travellers who don't mind big driving days. If you can spare a third day, the 3-day version is far more relaxed and lets you properly explore the gorges and kasbahs along the way.
Highlights
- The great Erg Chebbi dunes reached in a single push
- A sunset camel trek and a night at a desert camp
- Sunrise over the Sahara before the drive back
- Aït Ben Haddou and Atlas scenery en route
Your itinerary
This is a 2 days / 1 night trip. Exact timings and overnight stops flex with the season, road conditions and whether you travel private or shared — here is the shape of the journey:
- Day 1
Marrakech → Merzouga
A long drive over the Tizi n'Tichka via Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate to Erg Chebbi; sunset camel trek to the desert camp for dinner and music.
- Day 2
Sunrise → back to Marrakech
Sunrise over the dunes and camel ride out, breakfast, then the long drive back across the Atlas, arriving late.
What's included & what's not
Included
- Air-conditioned 4x4 or minibus with driver
- 1 night at a desert camp in Erg Chebbi
- Sunset and sunrise camel trek
- Dinner and breakfast at the camp
- Hotel/riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees and local guides
- Tips for driver and camp staff
- Camp upgrades
What to bring
- A small overnight bag only
- Warm layers for the cold desert night
- A scarf for sun and sand
- Sun protection, sunglasses and a headlamp
- Cash for meals, drinks and tips
Who this tour suits
- Travellers determined to see Erg Chebbi on a tight schedule
- Confident travellers who don't mind long driving days
- Couples and friends after the dune-night experience
- Anyone who can't spare a third day
Maybe not for you if: Those who want a relaxed pace or to explore the gorges and kasbahs — choose the 3-day tour or Zagora instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 2-day Merzouga tour too rushed?
It is intense — two very long driving days for one desert night — but it delivers the essentials: the camel trek, a night on the Erg Chebbi dunes and sunrise over the sand. If you can add a third day, the 3-day tour is much more comfortable and sees more en route.
How many hours of driving on a 2-day tour?
Around 9–10 hours each way, so roughly 18–20 hours of driving over the two days. Sights like Aït Ben Haddou are seen fairly quickly. Confident travellers manage it well; if long car days tire you, consider Zagora or an Agafay overnight.
Is 2 days enough to reach the big dunes?
Yes — the great Erg Chebbi dunes are reachable in a single (long) day, which is what makes the 2-day tour possible. You genuinely reach the classic Sahara; you simply spend more of the trip driving than on the 3-day version.
Should I choose Merzouga or Zagora for a short trip?
For the tallest, most classic dunes, Merzouga — even on a rushed 2-day. If you want less driving, Zagora's smaller dunes are closer and work as a gentler 2-day or a very long single day. It is a trade-off between dune drama and time in the car.