5 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Merzouga

Ouarzazate
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Overview

  • Duration:5 days 4 nights
  • Travelers:15 guests
  • Tour Type:Desert, Morocco, Tours from Ouarzazate
  • Language:English, French, Spanish
Embark on a breathtaking 5-day desert tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech, a journey through the heart of southern Morocco’s most captivating landscapes. From the ancient kasbahs of Ouarzazate to the golden dunes of Merzouga and the majestic High Atlas Mountains, this route captures the essence of Morocco’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Along the way, discover the famous Kasbah Amridil in Skoura, the Valley of Roses, the dramatic Dades and Todra Gorges, and the vast Ziz and Dra’a Valleys. Enjoy the unforgettable experience of a camel ride in the Sahara Desert, watch the sunset over the dunes, and spend a night under a sky full of stars.

Your adventure continues through Berber villages, Anti-Atlas passes, and historic trading posts before reaching Marrakech, the vibrant “Red City.” This tour blends adventure, culture, and authentic Moroccan hospitality into one extraordinary experience.
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Highlights

  • Visit the Kasbah Amridil in Skoura Oasis.
  • Drive through the scenic Valley of Roses and explore the Dades Gorges.
  • Walk through the impressive Todra Gorges near Tinghir.
  • Ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes and enjoy a magical Sahara sunset.
  • Spend the night under the stars in a traditional desert camp.
  • Travel through Dra’a Valley, Nkob, and Agdez on your way back to Ouarzazate.
  • Visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and Atlas Studios before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Gorges – Tinghir

After breakfast, begin your 5-day desert tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech. The journey starts with a visit to the Kasbah Amridil in Skoura Oasis, a well-preserved example of traditional Moroccan architecture. Continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the Valley of Roses, famous for its fragrant products and annual Rose Festival.

Drive toward the Dades Valley, where stunning rock formations and lush fields await. Stop for photos and lunch, then head to Tinghir, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable local hotel or riad with dinner included.

Day 2: Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, explore the Todra Gorges, a natural wonder with cliffs rising nearly 300 meters high. Enjoy a walk through the gorge before continuing your journey through Tinjdad, Erfoud, and Rissani, where you’ll see fossil workshops and traditional markets.

Arrive at Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a cozy riad or hotel near the desert.

Day 3: Merzouga – Khamlia – Nomad Family – Camel Ride & Overnight in Desert Camp

After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the Merzouga region. Visit Lake Merzouga, home to migratory birds like flamingos (in season), and discover Khamlia village, where you can listen to the rhythmic Gnawa music played by local musicians of African heritage.

Continue your off-road adventure to visit nomadic Berber families living in the black desert and learn about their simple desert lifestyle.

In the afternoon, embark on a camel trekking adventure across the dunes to your desert camp. Watch the sunset over the Sahara, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend an unforgettable night in a Berber tent, with traditional music around the campfire.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Nkob – Agdez – Ouarzazate

Wake up early to witness a magical Sahara sunrise. After breakfast, return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4. The journey continues toward Rissani, home to one of the largest traditional markets in southern Morocco.

Travel through Alnif, Nkob, and Tazarine, stopping for lunch before following the scenic Dra’a Valley, lined with palm groves and ancient kasbahs. Cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains through Agdez and arrive in Ouarzazate by evening for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Atlas Studios – Ait Benhaddou – Telouet – Marrakech

After breakfast, visit Atlas Film Studios, where famous movies such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. Continue to the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks.

Drive through the picturesque Ounila Valley to reach Telouet Kasbah, once home to the influential El Glaoui family. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m).

Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon, marking the end of your 5-day desert adventure from Ouarzazate to Marrakech.

Includes/Excludes

  • Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with fuel.
  • Experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
  • 4 nights’ accommodation in hotels, riads, or desert camp.
  • 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners (vegetarian options available).
  • Visit to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and Atlas Studios.
  • Camel ride and overnight stay in Erg Chebbi desert camp.
  • Lunches during travel days.
  • Drinks and personal expenses.
  • Entrance fees to monuments or museums.
  • Tips and optional activities.
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Frequently asked questions

Is Morocco a safe and welcoming country for travelers?

Yes, Morocco is widely considered a safe and welcoming destination for travelers from around the world. Moroccans are renowned for their hospitality, especially toward guests. We prioritize your well-being, using only reliable, professional drivers and carefully vetted accommodations. Your dedicated driver and guide provide local knowledge, ensuring a safe and stress-free experience throughout your Morocco tours.

What is included in the price of your private Morocco tours?

Our comprehensive private Morocco tours packages typically include all transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, the services of a professional, English-speaking driver/guide, all accommodation (hotels, riads, and desert camps), daily breakfast and dinner, and activities like camel trekking in the Sahara. We clearly list all inclusions and exclusions on the individual tour page, ensuring complete transparency and peace of mind.
- Pets (assistance dogs allowed)

What is the accommodation like, particularly the Sahara desert camps?

We hand-select accommodations based on authenticity, comfort, and local charm, ranging from traditional riads in the cities to beautiful kasbahs in the mountains. For the desert, you will stay in high-quality camps (standard or luxury) featuring comfortable tents with proper beds and private or shared bathrooms, ensuring a magical, yet restful, night under the stars on your desert tour.
from$50.00 /person

Send us your inquiry and we’ll contact you with all the details to plan your experience.

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