5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

Your 5-day Marrakech desert tour begins with a morning pickup from your riad or hotel in Marrakech. As you leave the bustling city behind, your journey takes you over the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka Pass (2,260 meters). This mountain pass offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, terraced valleys, and traditional Berber villages. Along the route, your expert driver-guide will stop at scenic viewpoints for photos and to explain local Berber traditions, architecture, and daily life in the mountains.

Midway, you will arrive in Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic kasbahs. This ancient fortified village has been the backdrop of many Hollywood films, including Gladiator and The Mummy. Explore its narrow alleyways, earthen architecture, and historic granaries while learning about the local Berber culture. Afterward, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in Ouarzazate.

Continue your journey through the Draa and Skoura Valleys, passing the lush oasis of Skoura. Here, you can optionally visit Kasbah Amridil, a beautifully preserved fortress surrounded by palm groves. In spring, the Rose Valley blooms with vibrant pink flowers, offering stunning photo opportunities.

Arrive in the Dades Valley late afternoon, known for its dramatic rock formations called “monkey fingers”. Check into your riad or hotel, enjoy a Moroccan dinner, and relax for the night.

Distance: 353 km | Time: 6 hr 30 min

Begin your day with breakfast in the Dades Valley, then set off for Tinghir, home to the spectacular Todra Gorge. Walk through the narrow canyon flanked by 300-meter cliffs, and learn about the traditional Berber and historical Jewish communities that once thrived here.

Continue south toward the Sahara Desert, driving past arid plains, date palm oases, and traditional mud-brick villages. Stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Moroccan tagine or couscous.

Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, your camel caravan awaits to take you on a scenic trek across the golden sands. Stop atop the dunes to watch the sunset over the Sahara, and enjoy optional sandboarding. After the camel ride, settle into your luxury desert camp, featuring private tents, traditional Moroccan décor, comfortable bedding, and en-suite bathrooms. Savor dinner under a star-studded sky while listening to Berber drum performances around the campfire—a truly magical experience.

Distance: 310 km | Time: 5 hr

Wake up early to witness the peaceful desert sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, a perfect opportunity for photography. After breakfast at the camp, embark on a full-day exploration of the surrounding Sahara desert by 4×4 and camel.

• Visit a nomadic family, share tea, and learn about life in the harsh desert environment.

• Explore a hidden abandoned village in the desert, including old Galena mines, and discover traces of ancient life.

• Drive to Khamlia village, the home of the Gnawa people, originally from sub-Saharan Africa. Enjoy live Gnawa music, experience the spiritual rhythms, and have lunch in a local restaurant.

• Visit seasonal desert salt lakes or small oases, observing the unique desert flora and fauna.

• Optional sunset camel ride across the dunes for a serene desert experience.

Return to your luxury desert camp for dinner, relaxation, and a night under the stars.

Distance: Approx. 57 km | Time: 1 hr 15 min driving + desert exploration

After breakfast, enjoy one last desert sunrise view. Begin your journey back toward Ouarzazate, stopping in Rissani to explore a traditional Moroccan souk, where you can shop for spices, local crafts, and souvenirs.

Continue through the Draa Valley, a lush stretch of date palms, kasbahs, and traditional Berber villages. Stop in Agdez for panoramic views of the valley landscapes and learn about the local irrigation systems that sustain agriculture in this arid region.

Arrive in Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa.” Here, check into a comfortable riad or hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Optional visits include Kasbah Taourirt and the Atlas Film Studios, where you can explore movie sets and learn about Morocco’s film industry.

Distance: 370 km | Time: 5 hr 20 min

After breakfast, visit Ouarzazate’s Kasbah Taourirt and explore the Atlas Film Studios. Continue to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through its ancient lanes while learning about its history and cinematic significance.

Drive through the Ounila Valley with its olive and almond groves, and make a stop at Telouet Kasbah, once the seat of the powerful Pasha of Marrakech. Continue your descent through the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying final panoramic views of the valleys below.

Arrive back in Marrakech in the late afternoon for drop-off at your riad or hotel, concluding your 5-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour.

Distance: 203 km | Time: 3 hr 52 min