The distance
From Marrakech to Merzouga (the dunes of Erg Chebbi) it's about 560 km and 8 to 9 hours by car. That's why it isn't a journey to do in one go: the ideal is to spread it over 2 or 3 days, stopping at the incredible places along the way. The road crosses the High Atlas and the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs — it's a journey worth taking for its own sake.
Your options
1. Organised tour (the most comfortable)
The most popular option. Private transport, a guide, planned stops and a night in a camp are all included. Our 3-day tour from Marrakech to the desert is the classic route, and the 5-day experience is the full, unhurried version.
2. Self-drive in a rental car
Possible, but it means driving many hours on winding mountain roads with checkpoints. You miss the guide's context and you'll have to arrange the camp yourself.
3. Flight to Errachidia
If you're short on time, there are domestic flights to Errachidia (about 1 hour from Merzouga). It's the fast way, but you skip all the scenery along the route.
The must-see stops along the way
- Tizi n'Tichka pass: the High Atlas crossing at 2,260 m, with dizzying views.
- Ait Ben Haddou: the UNESCO World Heritage mud-brick kasbah, the set of dozens of films.
- Ouarzazate: the "African Hollywood", with its film studios.
- Todra and Dadès Gorges: spectacular canyons with red walls.
- Dadès Valley: the road of hairpin bends and Berber villages.
Our recommendation
Do the journey on an organised tour of at least 3 days: you enjoy the scenery, sleep in the desert and arrive rested. Discover all our Sahara routes and choose the one that best fits your days.
