This private Merzouga day trip from Errachidia is the shortest way to see the Sahara desert in Morocco. Errachidia sits only about 130 km from the Erg Chebbi dunes, so instead of the nine hour drive from Marrakech or six and a half hours from Fes, you reach the dunes in around two hours.
Ideal if you are flying in and out of Errachidia airport, travelling on a tight schedule or staying in the Tafilalet region, it combines the Ziz Valley palm oasis, the fossil town of Erfoud, the caravan town of Rissani and a camel ride into the golden dunes of Merzouga.
Pickup in the morning at your hotel in Errachidia or at Moulay Ali Cherif Airport. Drive south through the Ziz Valley, with a stop at the Meski Blue Spring and the panoramic viewpoints above the palm groves. Visit a fossil workshop in Erfoud, where the black marble is full of ammonites and trilobites, and walk through the old ksar of Rissani.
Reach Merzouga at the foot of Erg Chebbi for a relaxed lunch in a desert auberge. In the afternoon take a camel ride into the dunes, climb a dune to see the sea of sand stretch towards the Algerian border, and visit a nomad family for mint tea. Drive back to Errachidia in the early evening, arriving at your hotel or in time for a late flight.
~260 km / 162 mi · approx. 4h drive
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Errachidia to Errachidia via Merzouga | 260 km / 162 mi | approx. 4h |
Distances are approximate road distances. Driving times are without stops for sightseeing, photos and meals.
Good to know: This is a private tour: dates, pace and stops are adjusted to you, and the itinerary can be customised before you book. Prices are per person, based on two travellers sharing a double room or tent. Families and larger parties pay less per person. Arriving on a later flight? We adapt the timing so you still reach the dunes for the camel ride.
| Duration | 1 days |
|---|---|
| Price from | US$198 per person, based on 2 travellers sharing a double room (US$396 total for 2) |
| Starts | Errachidia |
| Ends | Errachidia (round trip) |
| Tour type | Private tour, only you and your travelling companions |
| Total driving | about 260 km / 162 mi |
| Transport | Private air-conditioned vehicle |
| Languages | English, French, Spanish, Arabic |
| Availability | Year-round, on your dates |
This tour runs for 1 days, covering Merzouga.
The tour price includes: Private air conditioned vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser or Ford Tourneo) for your party only; The same English, French, Spanish or Italian speaking driver guide from start to finish; Pickup at Errachidia Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (ERH) or your hotel in Errachidia; Camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes (one camel per person); Mint tea with a nomad family; Stops at the Meski Blue Spring, Ziz Valley, Erfoud and Rissani. Flights, travel insurance and personal expenses are not included. Ask us if you want anything confirmed before you book.
Many nationalities, including the US, Canada, UK and most EU countries, can enter Morocco visa-free for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Requirements vary, so confirm what applies to you before booking.
Most of our tours suit travellers with a reasonable level of general fitness — expect walking on uneven terrain, some early starts, and on Sahara itineraries a camel trek. Tell us about any concerns when you inquire.
Yes. This itinerary can be adapted to your travel dates, pace and interests — use the inquiry form on this page to tell us what you would like to change.
Yes. Every Escorted Morocco Tours trip is private: the vehicle, driver guide and itinerary are for you and the people you travel with, whether that is a couple, a family or friends. We do not run shared departures and never add other travellers. Prices are per person based on 2 travellers; ask us for a quote for your own party size.
The tour covers about 260 km (162 miles) of driving over 1 day. The longest is Day 1, Errachidia to Errachidia via Merzouga: about 260 km (162 miles), roughly 4h of driving before stops for sightseeing, photos and meals. You travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle and can ask your driver to stop whenever you like.
Layered clothing for big day-to-night temperature swings, sun protection, a scarf for sand and wind, and closed shoes for the camel trek are the essentials. See our full desert packing list.
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