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Candlelit desert camp in the Merzouga dunes seen from above at night

Planning · 10 min read

How Much Does a Merzouga Desert Trip Cost? Budget vs Luxury

A line-by-line Merzouga budget: transport, desert camps, tours, activities, tips and hidden extras, with budget, mid-range and luxury totals.

Published 1 November 2026

Quick answer

Budget
≈ €40–70 / day
Bus, basic camp, shared tour
Mid-range
≈ €120–220 / day
Rental car or small-group tour
Luxury
≈ €250–450+ / day
Private driver, luxury tent
Our camp
€70 per person
All-inclusive, AC/heating, ensuite

Need a driver? We can arrange your transfer — message us on WhatsApp.

A Merzouga desert trip costs roughly €40 to €70 per person per day on a tight budget, €120 to €220 mid-range, and €250 to €450 or more for a private, luxury trip. The biggest differences come from three choices: how you get there, where you sleep and whether you travel privately or in a group.

This guide breaks the bill into each line item so you can build your own budget. Market figures are indicative ranges per person unless stated, and change with season, group size and exchange rates. Our own camp rates are exact: €70 per person per night all-inclusive, or €85 in a private single tent.

Merzouga trip cost at a glance

ExpenseBudgetMid-rangeLuxury
Transport (one way from Marrakech)€25–35 bus€60–120 rental car + fuel€300–500 private driver, per vehicle
Desert camp (per night, half board)€25–45 basic tent€60–100 ensuite tent€100–250+ luxury tent
Camel rideOften includedIncluded or €15–30Included or private
4x4 dune tourShared, €20–40€80–150 per vehiclePrivate full day
Food outside the camp€8–15 / day€15–30 / day€30–60 / day
Tips€3–5 / day€5–10 / day€10–20 / day

Indicative ranges per person unless stated. Always compare what is included before comparing prices.

Getting to Merzouga: the biggest variable

Merzouga is a long way from the main cities: around 9 to 10 hours’ driving from Marrakech and 7 to 8 hours from Fes. Your transport choice can change the total cost more than the camp itself.

The bus is the cheapest option but the slowest, and you still need to reach the camp from Merzouga village. A rental car is good value for two to four people who are comfortable driving long distances. A private driver costs the most per vehicle, but split between four travellers it can be close to a mid-range tour.

OptionIndicative costBest for
Supratours / CTM bus≈ €18–30 per person, one waySolo travellers on a budget
Shared group tour (3 days)≈ €80–160 per person, all inLow cost with no planning
Rental car≈ €25–45 per day + €60–90 fuel each wayCouples, families, independent travellers
Private driver or tour (3 days)≈ €250–450 per person (party of 2)Comfort, flexible stops, families
Silver private minibus used for desert transfers in Morocco
A private minibus costs more per vehicle, but splits well between a family or small group.

Desert camp prices: what you really pay for

Camp prices in Erg Chebbi range from basic shared-bathroom tents to large luxury tents. Most rates include dinner and breakfast; the difference is in the bathroom, the bed, climate control, food quality and how many guests share the camp.

The cheapest tents can be cold on winter nights and very hot on summer afternoons. If you are travelling outside spring and autumn, air conditioning and heating are worth more than any other upgrade.

Camp levelIndicative priceWhat is usually included
Basic camp€25–45 per personShared toilets, simple bed, dinner and breakfast
Standard ensuite€60–100 per personPrivate bathroom, dinner and breakfast
Merzouga Glamping€70 per person (single tent €85)AC/heating all day and night, ensuite, dinner, breakfast, camel ride, sandboarding, music, Wi-Fi
High-end luxury€100–250+ per personLarger tents, premium service; check what is extra
White desert tents around a candlelit circle in the Merzouga dunes at night
Candlelit evenings feel similar from above, but camp prices and inclusions vary widely in Erg Chebbi. Compare what is included, not just photos.

Activity costs: camel, 4x4, sandboarding and horse riding

Many camps include a short camel ride and sandboarding. Longer or private activities cost extra. Ask whether prices are per person or per vehicle, and how long the activity really lasts.

ActivityIndicative costNotes
Camel ride (sunset or sunrise)Included at our camp; €15–30 elsewhere1 to 2 hours; longer treks cost more
SandboardingUsually free at campsBoards provided at Merzouga Glamping
4x4 dune and nomad tour≈ €80–150 per vehicleHalf day or full day; up to 4–6 guests
Horse riding≈ €20–40 per hourAsk about experience level

Things to do in Merzouga

Partner links: if you book through GetYourGuide we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Tours are run by independent operators.

Hidden costs most budgets forget

  • Bottled water and snacks for the long drive: €3–8 per day.
  • Lunches on the road, usually not included in tours: €8–15 per meal.
  • Tips for drivers, guides and camp staff: around 100–200 MAD per day for the group.
  • Fuel and occasional parking if you drive yourself.
  • Drinks at camp: check whether soft drinks are included.
  • Single supplements on tours and in tents.
  • Cash withdrawal fees: the nearest ATMs are in Rissani and Erfoud.
Travellers sharing a Moroccan lunch at a roadside restaurant with mountain views
Lunch stops on the road are rarely included in tour prices. Budget around €8–15 per meal.

Three sample budgets for 3 days from Marrakech

  1. 1

    Budget: ≈ €150–220 per person

    Shared 3-day group tour with a basic camp, lunches and tips. Long days, little control, but the lowest total.

  2. 2

    Mid-range: ≈ €350–600 per person

    Rental car shared by two, a night at Merzouga Glamping (€70 all-inclusive), a guesthouse stop on the way, fuel, food and one 4x4 tour.

  3. 3

    Luxury: ≈ €750–1,400+ per person

    Private driver for three days, boutique stopovers and a luxury tent, with private activities and flexible stops.

Winding mountain road through red gorges in southern Morocco
The scenic mountain roads add hours to the journey. Overnight stops increase the budget but make the drive easier.

Compare multi-day tour prices

If you prefer a ready-made package, these hand-picked tours from Marrakech show the current price range for 3-day and 4-day trips. Open each listing and select your dates: prices depend on the season and group size.

3-day and 4-day desert tours from Marrakech

Partner links: if you book through GetYourGuide we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Tours are run by independent operators.

How to save money without ruining the trip

  • Travel as a group of three or four: private cars and 4x4s are priced per vehicle.
  • Choose an all-inclusive camp so camel rides and sandboarding are not added later.
  • Stay two nights: the desert is calmer after day-trippers leave, and you avoid another long drive.
  • Book directly with the camp to know exactly what is included.
  • Avoid peak holiday weeks if dates are flexible.

Our all-inclusive price, without surprises

At Merzouga Glamping, the price is €70 per person per night, or €85 in a private single tent. It includes your private tent with AC and heating running all day and all night, an ensuite bathroom, dinner in our air-conditioned restaurant, breakfast, a camel ride, sandboarding, live Berber music and Wi-Fi. Quad, buggy and 4x4 tours are optional.

Send us your dates and group size. We will confirm the total price for your stay before you book.

Get my exact price

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Merzouga desert trip cost?+

Roughly €40–70 per person per day on a budget, €120–220 mid-range and €250–450+ for private luxury travel. Transport and camp level make the biggest difference.

How much is a night in a Merzouga desert camp?+

Basic camps start around €25–45 per person with dinner and breakfast. Merzouga Glamping costs €70 per person all-inclusive, or €85 in a private single tent.

How much is a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech?+

Shared group tours usually cost about €80–160 per person. Private 3-day tours are often €250–450 per person for two, less per person for larger groups.

Is the camel ride included in the camp price?+

At Merzouga Glamping, yes: one camel ride per stay, at sunset or sunrise. At other camps, check before booking.

How much does a 4x4 tour in Merzouga cost?+

Expect around €80–150 per vehicle, depending on the duration and route. Shared seats on group tours can be cheaper.

How much should I tip in the Sahara?+

Around 100–200 MAD per day for the group is common for drivers and guides, plus a small tip for camp staff if you are happy with the service.

Is it cheaper to drive or take a tour?+

For one person, a shared tour is usually cheaper. For two to four people, a rental car often costs less and gives more freedom.

Do I need cash in Merzouga?+

Bring some dirhams for tips, snacks and small purchases. The nearest ATMs are in Rissani and Erfoud.

Stay with us in Merzouga

Private ensuite tents with air conditioning and heating, dinner and breakfast, the sunset camel ride and sandboarding — all included.

Request availability

Book your stay

Ready to sleep under the Sahara sky?

Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply personally, usually within a few hours, with availability and a plan for your stay.