5-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga & Back to Marrakech
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, crossing the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains and discovering the beauty of southern Morocco.
This tour takes you through traditional Berber villages, dramatic valleys, and historic kasbahs, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. Explore Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” visit palm groves and the Valley of Roses, and experience the magic of the Merzouga Desert with a camel trek and an overnight stay in a desert camp.
Return to Marrakech via a different route, passing through authentic Berber towns and the stunning Draa Valley.
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
After meeting you at the agreed location in Marrakech, we begin our journey to the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), with stops to enjoy panoramic views and visit an argan oil cooperative. After lunch, we visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then continue to Ouarzazate, with optional stops at the Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah. In the afternoon, we drive through the Valley of Roses to reach Dades Valley, where you will have dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or riad.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Tinghir – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast, we explore the Dades Valley, including the famous rock formations known as “Monkey Fingers.” We continue towards Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorges, where you can walk beneath towering canyon walls reaching up to 300 meters. After lunch, we drive through Erfoud and Rissani before arriving in Merzouga. You will be welcomed with a glass of mint tea and check in to your hotel near the dunes.
Day 3: Merzouga Exploration – Camel Trek & Desert Camp
After breakfast, we explore the Merzouga area. Visit Khamlia village, known for its traditional Gnawa music, meet nomadic families, and discover the unique desert lifestyle. You may also visit the seasonal lake of Merzouga (if available). In the afternoon, enjoy a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Admire the sunset and arrive at your desert camp, where you will spend the night in a Berber tent. Dinner, traditional music, and overnight under the stars.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Nkob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
Wake up early to witness a magical sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we leave the desert and travel through Rissani and Berber villages such as Alnif, Tazarine, and Nkob. We continue along the beautiful Draa Valley, lined with palm groves and ancient kasbahs, before arriving in Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel or riad.
Day 5: Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains once again via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Enjoy scenic stops along the way before arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon. End of the tour.
What’s Included
- Private air-conditioned transport
- Professional driver/guide
- Fuel
- 3 nights in hotel or riad (dinner & breakfast included)
- 1 night in desert camp (dinner & breakfast included)
- Camel trekking experience in the Sahara Desert
- Excursion around Merzouga (nomads, Khamlia, etc.)
- Sandboarding in the dunes
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Flight tickets
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Accommodation in Marrakech
- Optional activities (quad, buggy, etc.)
Looking for a different 5-day adventure? Discover our other carefully crafted itineraries. 5 Days from Marrakech to Fes, 5 Days tour from Marrakech to zagora and Merzouga And 5 days from Errachidia to Marrakech.