Moroccan Desert Luxury Small-Group Tour with Private Stay
Recommended by 98% of travelers
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Marrakech, Morocco
- 3 days (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Mark a voyage to the Sahara Desert off your bucket list with this 3-day tour from Marrakech. Stop by the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, the city of Ouarzazate, and Atlas Studios, one of the largest movie studios in Africa. Along your way, experience life like locals do as you sip on traditional mint tea, hop on the back of a camel to trek across Erb Chebbi, and spend the night in a nomadic bivouac camp. Two nights of accommodations, as well as all transport and some meals are included with this tour.
- 3-day Sahara Desert voyage from Marrakech
- Trek across the Sahara on a camel to your desert camp
- Experience the nomadic lifestyle at a bivouac camp
- Small-group tour ensures personalized service
What's Included
- Driver/guide
- Scarf
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Dinner (2)Dinner
- Breakfast (2)Breakfast
- Gratuities
- Lunches and beverages
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- ArganaJ2H6+CPV Jamâa el-fnna, Number 18, Znikat Rahba, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Pick-Up Information: Your tour begins with a convenient pick-up in front of Café Argana, the famous café located in the main square of Jemaa el-Fna. The Mini bus will be waiting there to start your journey comfortably to the desert.
End point
- Koutoubia MinaretMosquée de la Koutoubia, 279 Av. Mohammed V, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Drop-Off Information: The tour will end in front of the Koutoubia Mosque, as vehicles cannot enter Jemaa el-Fna square at night. From there, you can easily walk back to your hotel or explore the square on foot.
Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech to Dades valley
1 Stop
1
Vallee Des Roses
6 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Riad Gabsi or similar
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Dades Valley to Erg Chebbi desert
1 Stop
1
Erg Chebbi Desert
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Mohayut Bivouac camp or similar
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3
Erg Chebbi Desert to Marrakech
1 Stop
1
Jemaa el-Fnaa
9 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infant seats available
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Small bag/back-pack with belongings for bivouac overnight suggested as will be carried on the camel. All luggage can travel with you on tour, and bulk of luggage will be stored and secured at hotel bordering desert.
- Vehicle travel on day 3 back to Marrakech is 9-10 hours with stops
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 290 reviews
Shenee_A, Oct 2023
Mohammed, our tour guide, was amazing! I highly recommend this excursion, as it allows for an incomparable and genuine experience of Moroccan culture. The accommodations were top notch, as well as the ability to customize our journey. Camel ride and luxury tent stay - incredible! Worth every penny, please ask for Mohammed, his knowledge and hospitality made all the difference in the world.
Tianlun_C, Dec 2022
It’s an incredible experience to be in the safari riding on the camel. Mustafa provided great care throughout the trip. The riad we stayed on the first night was awesome (great view, super clean, and spacey) and the tent on the second night was also good. Be sure to checkout the stars during the night in the safari.
Alison_F, Sep 2022
This trip was incredible! The drives through the High Atlas Mountains were breathtaking. We made frequent pit stops and the bathrooms were always clean. The Riad we stayed in the first evening had an incredible view and even better food. And, the trip to the Sahara was surreal, humbling and beautiful. Our trip was amazing in large part due to our guide, Ibrahim, and driver, Hassan. Ibrahim took us for the best food, showed us off the beaten path sights and ensured we were all happy and comfortable. I would do this again in a heartbeat!
Charlotte_N, Sep 2022
Thank you to our driver and guide Khalid for a brilliant three day trip to the Sahara . Khalid was friendly and knowledgable of the different areas in the country side and explained about the different cultures and way of life. He spoke perfect English and completely made our experience. He was a very safe driver and made us feel comfortable throughout. The trip to the desert was great. Although it is a long trip there are lots of different stops along the way and the chance to see different areas and what they are famous for and learn more about the culture. The night camping in the desert was incredible! Camel safaris have the best reviews and we can see why. We would recommend this tour and company to others! We hope to return to Morocco in the future and book more tours with camel safaris . Thank you again
Ashden_P, Sep 2022
The most incredible tour we have done, ever! And we’ve travelled all over. Honestly Ibrahim was incredible - so friendly, knowledgeable, generous - and Hassan drove us around the country with such care. Don’t look anywhere else - this is THE tour for the Sahara and the sights of Morocco
Sonja_F, Apr 2022
My charming and very sweet driver and very informative guide Kahlil picked me up in Marrakesch. We drove through the Atlas Mountains, passed villages, oasis, gorges, world heritage sites and nomads. We had plenty of stops and Kahlils good and very kind company made the drive effortless. The first night we spend with Hassan and his family in a lovely cosy guest house, I was showered with food and kindness. A very comfortable warm room and bed sheltered from the cold mountain air in April. On the second day we arrived in a Kasbah to get on the camels to take us to by sunset to our desert camp. Would I do it again? Absolutely … the silence, the vastness … only now for much longer with the real Nomads.
Giacomo_B, Apr 2022
This was an absolutely amazing trip! We spent three lovely days with our driver Mohamed and our guide Moha, who took us to all the touristic spots but also to the core of Morocco. We had two traditional meals at places we would never find by ourselves that provided the true Moroccan vibe we wanted to have. The time we spent in the desert was a once in a lifetime experience we will never forget.
We had a lot of fun with Mohamed and Moha, we only wished the trip with them was longer! They were professional, kind and passionate.
We totally recommend this trip!
Timothy_H, Jul 2021
Everything about this tour was great. It started off with Khalid arriving at the hotel in Marrakesh in a very nice and clean SUV. There is a lot of driving involved in this tour but Khalid was very knowledgeable about everything along the way and kept it very interesting. The accommodations were good and the camel ride to the desert camp was really cool. I highly recommend this tour for people looking to experience Morocco outside of the major cities. Its a great value.
Response from Host, Jul 2021
Thank you for your kind comments. We appreciate your feedback and we hope to see you back again inshallah!!
Jenifer_P, Mar 2020
Mohamed and Youssef were wonderful to spend 3 days with. Youssef is a wonderful, safe driver and very friendly and nice to be around. Mohamed seemed to know everything and everyone, always had very interesting and thorough answers to any questions no matter the topic (plants, geography, culture, history or something in between). They took us to wonderful places to eat and stay that weren't filled with tourists. That combined with the very small group, we always felt like we could ask questions or take a break or get what we needed/ wanted out of the trip any time. We were so sorry when the trip was over, everything was so beautiful and interesting and clearly carefully planned. They both went above and beyond and our experience with them was the highlight of our entire time in Morocco.
JennB, Feb 2020
The tour was amazing and I love how it is family-owned and operated. Driver was Hassan and guide was Mohamed. From staying you first night in a Kazbah and second night under the stars in the Sahara Desert, it is truly spectacular. Most importantly, Mohamed was very concerned about me enjoying my stay in Marrakech and would not even let me take a taxi back to my Riad on the last night due to concerns (I am a solo young, woman traveler) - he contacted the Riad and set up a meeting point so I would not have to walk alone back at 2000 hours. I cannot wait to return a do a longer itinerary! Thank you, thank you! Afrikaaaa!
Response from Host, Feb 2020
Thank you so much for your kind review. I am very happy to hear you enjoyed your tour, and Camel Safaries guiding staff. Looking forward to seeing you back in Morocco very soon, Inshallah. Thank you again, Africa Mama!
ikratynski, Feb 2020
This was an amazing, unforgettable experience. A small group, this was essentially a private tour. The driver Youssef made the journey very pleasant, sharing his knowledge of the sites as well as about Berber culture generally. Stops along the way included Ksar Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO site) and Kasbah Amridil, where there were guides to show us around. Because no one was interested, we did not spend significant time at Atlas Studios. Accommodations the first night were very comfortable with a gorgeous view, and the lamb tajine was one of my favourite meals of my trip. The next day we enjoyed a walk at the breathtaking Todra Gorge.
My least favourite part of the trip was at the shop where we picked up our scarves for the desert. We had our pictures taken wearing traditional Berber garb – it felt awkward and fake. Some tourists may enjoy this, but it's not for me.
And then we went into the Sahara...
I rode a dromedary! I went sandboarding! I watched the sun set and rise over the dunes! I smoked shisha and waited for the moon to go down to better see the stars! It was a magical night! The tent was comfortable, the food was great. The team of guides at the camp were friendly, welcoming, and talented – we enjoyed their music, singing and dancing around the campfire.
The way back to Marrakech, I had a different driver, Amar, who's extremely knowledgeable about the language, history, politics and more of the region. It was a lively trip that passed quickly.
Morocco's landscape is spectacular, and this is a great way to see a lot of it if your time is limited. The tour was well-organized but also very flexible, with staff who were friendly and helpful in arranging both meeting and drop-off points.
Marijke_B, Jan 2020
We had a fantastic trip. After spending two full and interesting days in the crowded city of Marrakech, we were very happy to see more of the beautiful landscape of the Atlas mountains and the Sahara desert. We had a very good driver (Ibrahim) and an excellent tour guide (Mohammed) who shared a lot of information with us about both the islamic and the Berber culture and who was happy to answer every possible question we could have. If you can, book three nights - you won't regret it! Bring warm clothes for the desert and gloves for the camel safari (early in the morning it is really very cold) and also enough coins for the restroom stops!
Marta_M, Dec 2019
The guide didn't speak a good english, he never explained well the plan or what were we going to do, too far from marrakesh, we spent three days in the car, we arrived late in the desert and left too early to enjoy our time there.
Response from Host, Dec 2019
In reading your review, it was quite surprising to hear that Moha didn't speak English. He does not speak your language, Italian, however, he certainly speaks fluent English. Please take the time time to read about Moha in previous reviews from our guests that traveled with him. We do feel so sorry about your experience, and now understand that the date you traveled, the weather was very difficult on the Tichka Pass with snow, and the authorities closed the road to ensure safety. You spent most of the day in the car on the first day due to the snow and unfortunately, did not have the opportunity to visit Ait Benhaddou. You and the others traveling in the group on this shared tour, spent hours waiting to get through the road to the destination. Also, the last day is a long drive to get back to Marrakech from the desert. 3 days is the minimum time for a tour to the Erg Chebbi Desert. It is unfortunate that you did not understand the time it takes driving to that southern area from Marrakech. Morocco is a long country and takes time traveling, particularly, through the mountain passes. Road and weather conditions also come into play which is unpredictable and clearly, you experienced that. Our small group, shared tour which you participated in, offers a way for our guests to be able to enjoy the desert experience in a short time at a very cost effective way.
Lisa H, Nov 2019
I took the trip with Moha (guide) and Ibrahim (driver). It far surpassed my expectations. I initially thought I would take a short trip, and maybe 3 days was too long. I also thought maybe it was a bit overpriced. I was wrong. Everything was wonderfully planned and authentic and I really feel like I got a taste of real Morocco. The guide really put his heart and soul into the experience and his love for his country and its people was so clear and infectious. Plus, the desert was a dream. . . something I had always wanted to do but until you really experience the desert you have no idea how magical it truly is. Lastly, I was traveling solo and I had wonderful accommodations and always felt at ease. 5 stars!
HameemRaees_C, Oct 2019
We spent a fantastic 3-days with our tour guide, Khaled, across Morocco ending with a desert experience in the Sahara. The experience exceeded our expectations - we had a small group of 3 people total in a modern 4x4 car. Khaled, our tour guide, made the tour - he was extremely nice, had fantastic stories to share as a local and was very accommodating for our requests (e.g. buying fossils, meeting nomads). He truly made the experience for us - alongside the amazing landscapes and sites we visited. Hotels and camps were also of a good quality - all in all a great experience. Thank you, Khaled
marta24072019, Oct 2019
The experience was amazing. In a few days you have a full immersion in the Moroccan culture. Travelling by car you can see different landscapes and the stops are all interesting. The camel ride in the desert is magic
Andrea_J, Oct 2019
This is physically challenging travel--there is no way around that. However, it also is the experience of a lifetime. Your guide, Mohan, is a delightful man who invites you into his culture and his heart. Take this trip.
jason_m, Oct 2019
It was the best tour ever! Moha was a great guide and was really knowledgeable about everything. He took the time to explain the rich history of Morocco on our tour as well. Would definitely recommend him to anyone doing the tour. By the way... prepare yourself for a LONG drive out to the desert.
Guy M, Sep 2019
I really enjoyed this tour. There's a fair bit of driving involved, but there were regular stops to take photos, have lunch and get refreshments. Our driver/guide "Moha" was great. He drove really well and shared his knowledge of the history and culture of the places we visited. The journey on camel to stay overnight in the desert was definitely a highlight. Overall the quality of the vehicle, driver and places that we stayed at was very good and I have no hesitation in recommending this tour.
Jenna_K, Sep 2019
This 3 day camel safari was so much fun - I wish I booked the 4 day (or longer!!) tour!
Many highlights from this trip. Of course the camel ride was super fun and it lasted a good 90 minutes each way - although I would have ridden longer because it was pretty magical.
The trip was fun from the start. We had a guide named Moha - be sure to ask for him if you book this tour! He was wonderful and always willing to share fun facts, stop for plenty of pictures (or keep driving if we were pictured-out), and happily answered all of our questions about the local culture. We learned about each city, history, and the Berber culture. He also answered any other weird questions we had.
The van was comfortable and air conditioned. Plenty of space for our group. I get very car sick so I knew the drive through the High Atlas Mountains would rough for me - but Moha checked in frequently to make sure I was ok and my new friends in the car made sure I road up front to help.
I was also impressed with how safely Moha drove. Others on the road can be a bit wild compared to American driving laws. Moha was so very safe, driving slow, watching for other unpredictable cars, and always making by sure we were well cared for.
Driving through the small villages also gave such insight into "real life" versus our time I'm Marrakech.
We had a small group of 5 people, which was really fun because we became fast friends for the 3 days we were out. I think if your idea of a fun vacation is riding camels through the Sahara, then you are bound to meet fellow adventurers on this trip. We have all connected on WhatsApp since the trip to share pics and memories!
We also had a wonderful camel guide named Ali. He stayed up until after midnight talking with us - we learned SO much about growing up in the Berber culture from him! And with a 5am wake-up call, it was incredibly kind of him to humor us so late into the night. A big thanks to Ali as well, and best wishes to such an intelligent young man with a bright future.
Cant say enough about the beauty of the desert, the camels, the mountains, the small villages, the people, and particularly Moha and Ali.
Tha is so much to all, I'd live to come back!! Yalla!!
Kellee_B, Aug 2019
This trip was everything. From beginning to end, Brahim (our guide) and Mohommad (our driver), were terrific! They made sure that any request big or small was accomplished, and knew a ton of stuff about our tour and Marrakesh in general. We were able to stop from time to time at many different scenic locations to and from the desert. From the High Atlas Mountains to the Atlas Studios and little towns in between our travel to the desert, and seeing the Sahara at dusk and sunrise, it was amazing! As an apprehensive solo female traveler from the States, I was happy to have had them guiding our journey! They were super, and I had a lot of fun on my trip with them and the rest of the group!
Lodging was taken care of from beginning to end, and we were given great options for lunch, too along the way. For our accommodation the first night, we stayed in Kasbah Itran in Rose Valley. Such a neat place that had access to private bathrooms, including warm showers and toilets with toilet paper and outlets for charging your electronics. My room even had a cute balcony and extra bed! When in the desert, we stayed in a tent with a slide bolt to fasten the door. There is also no electricity for charging things. However, even for someone who isn't an outdoorsy person at all, I survived. There is a bathroom in the middle of the camp with a sink. You'll be given access to showers the next day at the hotel where your belongings are stored. Prepare too to be using pain relievers, as riding camels may cause some discomfort. There was always a ton of food for breakfast and dinner.
Bring toilet paper and sanitizer with you as some of the rest stops DO NOT have toilet paper!!!! I repeat. Many stops along the way do not have toilet paper. Portable chargers also will come in handy when in the desert. Sunscreen & hats are a +.
I had the best travel companions EVER, from different parts of the US and Europe for the trip (aka the Sahara Squad). Only 2/4 guests came together and knew each other beforehand. We enjoyed each other so much that we saw each other several times during the week after.
I keep raving about how this was indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience because it was! This tour is perfect for solo travelers (both male and female- as I was a solo female traveler and was fine), families, or small groups. Keep and open mind, bring something to take photos with, and have a great time! - Sahara Desert Squad Member K :)
Andrs_S, Aug 2019
The dunes, the kasbah, the gorges etc. are beautiful places and really worth it, even if it takes three days. If you have the chance don't miss it!
The staff and the whole tour was simply excellent: Abdul, our guide, was amazing. The whole 3 days was fun and we get know a lot more about Morocco because of him. We are truly grateful to met him. Youssef the driver was also great, he drove very safe. And this is an important thing on the roads of the Atlas. :) Everything was well-organized: There were no tourist traps along the way (you could buy things of IF you want to). Lunch were not cheap but ok, the hotel (Kasbah Itran) on the first day was amazing also with a great stuff. And the desert camp was also ok.
We get a lot of Moroccan kindness and hospitality in this three days. Shukran!
R W, Jul 2019
This was a once in a life time opportunity that we couldn't pass up - the tour was absolutely amazing from start to finish.
Many opportunities to stop and take pictures and the lunches and overnight stay were great
Of course the best part of the tour was the camel ride to the desert camp - the Sahara desert is breath-taking and the sunsets and sunrises are spectacular.
Our tour guide Yacob and driver Hassan were excellent - very accommodating and sharing many jokes along the way
I would highly recommend this tour it was well worth it - a bucket list check for sure :)
KerstinH15, May 2019
Our guide abdul was increadible nice, funny and very knowledgable, he told us many details about the country and traditions. Our driver took us safely from one spot to the next one.
The sahara experience us absolutely recommandable. Although we had a cloudy sunset snd sunrise- we git an increadible stary night. The people at the camp side welcomed us very warm.
Shokran for this beautiful experience!
Paradise05172339625, Apr 2019
Wonderful experience! Great guide (Mohammed) and fantastic driver (Hassan). Our guide was very entertaining and caring and his english was very good (he was also able to speak chinese which I found quiet impressive;)). Also the driver was very friendly and he did not drive like hell (big plus!).
After our first stay in the Valley of the rose in the fantastic „Kasbah itran“, we went to a canyon and afterwards to the desert near mezouhga. Even if the weather was not optimal (cloudy and rainy), we had lots of fun. Camel ride was amazing. Going back on the last day was also okay. Yeah it’s long but the environment is changing all the time from desert to stone desert to canyons and the greenish Atlas Mountains.
Would highly recommend doing it!
Steven_H, Mar 2019
Mohamed (Guide) and Yousef (Driver) were fantastic for the full trip. It's a long road trip but if your comfortable with that its a great way to see a lot of Morocco in a few days.
Journey61074138741, Jan 2019
This was an absolutely incredible experience. Khalid was so knowledgeable and helpful. He truly changed the trip for us. The Sahara is beautiful and the Atlas Mountains were surprising in size. Pack extra if you’re headed out during the winter months- it’s quite cold in the dunes.
Ellen_H, Jan 2019
Morocco is a must country to visit!!! It was an amazing experience being in the Sahara Desert and riding camels during the sunset and sunrise. Ismail our tour guide was very informative, progressive and willing to answer all my questions regarding the culture and norms of Morocco. It's a must tour if you would like to visit the Sahara Desert.
Megan_S, Jun 2018
Long drive but definitely worth it to see the desert. Our guide Khalid was great and answered all of our questions and made the trip more pleasant. Wouldn't miss if you're spending time in Morocco.
Karen S, Jun 2018
I recently went on this tour with a friend, we booked everything last minute, but didn't regret a thing. This tour was a highlight of our trip. Our tour guide Khalid was a super calm, friendly, a can do person. His English is superb!! We had a very mixed International group of 8 people who were also very cool, so we had a good crowd to spend our 3 days with :-
Khalid was informative, assertive and did everything in his power to make sure we had a great time bear in mind it was Ramadan.
We stayed in an Authentic accommodation on both evenings, had good quality food, all in all an authentic and great sight seeing trip.
The Camel ride and night in the dessert under the stars with local music group is a night to remember.
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