Marrakech to Merzouga

The road from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga is about 560 km and one of Morocco's great journeys, crossing the High Atlas and the valley of the kasbahs.

Route shown through the main stops; roads follow the valleys between them.

DistanceAbout 560 km
Driving time9–10 hours
Typical tour3 days, 2 nights
Highest pointTizi n'Tichka, ~2,260 m

The route

From Marrakech, the road climbs through the High Atlas to the Tizi n'Tichka pass, then descends to Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate. It continues east along the "road of a thousand kasbahs" through the Dades Valley and Tinghir, with side trips into the Dades and Todra gorges, before crossing the desert to Rissani and Merzouga.

Tours

The most popular option is a 3-day tour: day one to the Dades Valley, day two through the Todra Gorge to Merzouga and a camel ride to a desert camp, and day three back to Marrakech or on to Fes. Longer tours allow more time at each stop.

Bus or self-drive

Supratours runs buses from Marrakech to Merzouga, a long journey of most of a day. Driving yourself gives the most freedom; allow at least two days each way to enjoy the stops.

Plan Your Trip

🐪 3-day Sahara toursSmall-group and private tours⛺ Desert campsNights in the Erg Chebbi dunes

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?

About 9 to 10 hours without long stops. Most people split it over two days.

Is a 3-day Sahara tour from Marrakech worth it?

Yes, if you want to see the big Erg Chebbi dunes. Expect long days in the car, broken up by Aït Benhaddou, the gorges and a night in a desert camp.

Related Maps

Sahara DesertThe dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga and Erg Chigaga near M'Hamid.OuarzazateGateway to the desert, the kasbahs and Aït Benhaddou.Atlas MountainsMount Toubkal, Imlil, the Ourika Valley and the Tizi n'Tichka pass.Marrakech to FesBy train via Casablanca and Rabat, or by road through the Middle Atlas.