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5 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Tour Details

Experience the Sahara desert in its entirety with our comprehensive 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. This itinerary provides the ideal amount of time to go beyond the surface, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the landscapes and culture without feeling rushed.

You will journey by camel into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes, spend unforgettable nights stargazing in a desert camp with the locals, and discover the Berber local life in southern Morocco. For travelers seeking a deep and authentic connection with the desert’s breathtaking beauty and rich traditions, this 5-day adventure is the perfect choice.

Gallery

Highlights of the Tour

5 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Dramatic High Atlas Mountain crossing
UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou
Ouarzazate film studios & kasbahs
Overnight stay in the scenic Dades Valley
Awe-inspiring Todra Gorge canyon walk
Iconic sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi
Vibrant desert sunrises & sunsets
Incredible Sahara stargazing experience
Private luxury desert camp accommodation
Off-road adventure to meet desert nomads
Authentic Moroccan souk visit

Itinerary

5 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Day 1: Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

We start our 5 days desert tour from Marrakech passing through the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). We will make some stops to enjoy the landscapes in the mountains. Our main stop of the day is the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones and many others. After, we continue to Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Sahara,” where you can visit the Atlas Studios, the biggest one in Africa (optional).

The journey then takes us through the Valley of Roses, known for growing the roses, before arriving to the Dades Valley, where we spend the night in a traditional Riad with dinner.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todgha Gorge → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we drive via the Todra valley toward the stunning Todgha Gorge. A canyon of 300m-high cliffs tower above a winding river. Where you can enjoy a perfect short walk. We then journey toward the Sahara, passing through Erfoud, known for its fossil facturies.

By afternoon, we reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you’ll mount a camel and trek into the golden sands, watching the sunset over the desert. At night, we stay in a luxury desert camp, enjoying traditional Berber music, a delicious dinner, and endless stars.

Day 3: Day of Desert Exploration: Nomads and Landscapes

An early start is recommended to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise from a nearby dune. After a delicious breakfast at the camp, your deep exploration of the Merzouga region begins. Boarding our 4×4 vehicle, we will venture off-road to meet a nomadic Berber family who still live in old tents. This is an authentic experience in which we have a cup of tea to learn about their resilient lifestyle, and gain a unique insight into their rich culture.

The expedition continues to the historic mining village of Mefis where the frenchs used to live. Then we heah to Khamlia village to experience the powerful, spiritual rhythms of Gnawa music played by Gnawa people who are originlly brought from Mali and Sudan as refugees. For lunch you will have the chance to try the typical dish of the area called the Berber pizza.

Depending on the season, we may also visit the Lake of Merzouga, a temporary haven for migratory birds. We will proceed to your Riad at the edge of the dunes for check-in and a free afternoon. You can relax by the pool or you can do some desert activities such as Atv quads or Buggies. Later, dinner will be served at the Riad.

For travellers who want the option to spend another magical night at the desert camp is also available.

Day 4: Merzouga → Rissani → Agdez → Ouarzazate

After enjoying breakfast at the Riad. We start our Morocco desert tour toward Rissani or Sijlmassa, the ancient cradle of Morocco’s ruling dynasty and a historic crossroads for Saharan trade caravans. If we come a cross Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday which are the market days in the city. We will explore one of the oldest authentic traditional souk in Morocco. Where you can see a local atmosphere.

From Rissani, we travel onward through the stunning Draa Valley, following the river of palms through Agdez. This beautiful route leads us to Ouarzazate, where we will arrive in the afternoon and check into our accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah → Telouet Kasbah → Marrakech

Following a final breakfast at your riad, our last day of the 5 days desert tour from Marrakech begins with an exploration of Ouarzazate, named also as the ‘Hollywood of Africa’. We will discover the city’s cinematic landmarks, including the historic Taourirt Kasbah.

From there our return to Marrakech takes us on a final breathtaking drive through the High Atlas Mountains. Along this scenic route, we will make a fascinating stop to admire the historic Telouet Kasbah. Your unforgettable 5-day desert adventure concludes as we drop you off at your accommodation in Marrakech.

Map

5 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Departure & Return Location

Pickup: Anywhere in Marrakech
Drop-off: Anywhere in Marrakech

Departure Time

Approx. 9:30 AM (flexible based on your location/season)

Price Includes

Private 4×4 or minivan with A/C
Professional driver/guide in your preferred language
4 nights’ accommodation (Riads + desert camp)
Meals: 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
Camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes
Sand boarding in the Sahara desert
Sunset & sunrise desert experience

Price Excludes

Lunches & Drinks
Entrance fees to optional sites
Personal expenses

Important

Notes about the tour

5 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is only a suggested itinerary and can be fully customized to match your intersts, travel style, and schedule. If it does not fit your preferences, simply contact us and we will design a personalized itinerary created just for you.
The price of the 5 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga may vary depending on several factors, including the number of the travellers, the travel season high or low, and your preferred accommodation category please refer to the accommodation table below.
If you want more authentic and local experience with the same duration, you may prefer our 5-day local tour, which includes an extra overnight stay on the way to Marrakech for a more relaxed journey.
If this 5-day tour feels to0 short or long, be sure to explore our other tours from Marrakech to enjoy a suitable Morocco experience.

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Accommodation

We have carefully selected a range of accommodations for your 5-day journey to ensure a restful and authentic experience. Every hotel, riad, and desert camp features clean, comfortable rooms with private en-suite bathrooms, available in double, twin, or single occupancy.

To help us personalize your tour, please choose your preferred accommodation style from the three tiers listed below and let us know your selection when you book.

Let us know if you are interested to spend two nights in the desert camp instead of the Riad.

Nights	Option 1	Option 2	Option 3
1	Riad Gabsi Dades	Riad Dades Paradise	Eden Boutique Hotel
2	Africa Luxury Camp	Caravanserai Luxury Camp	Antares Desert Camp
3	Riad Azawad	Riad Dar Morocco	Riad Caravan Serai
4	Riad Bouchedor	Riad Dar Chamaa	Oz Palace Ouarzazate

FAQs

How do I get to and from the desert camp?

Your private driver will take you to the desert area, where you will meet the camel team or take a 4×4 transfer to the camp crossing the dunes with a stop a long the way to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

The following day, you will have again two included options for the way back, either camels or Jeep. Also you have alternative options with extra charge which are Atv quads or Dune buggy.

What is the plan once we get to the desert camp?

After enjoying the camel ride or 4×4 and the sunset over the dunes, You will check into your tent, have dinner, and spending the evening around the bonfire with traditional music played by the local under starry skies.

The following morning, you can watch the sunrise from the nearby dunes to the camp, have breakfast, and then leave the camp by camel ride or Jeep to continue your Morocco tour.

What activities can we do during this tour?

Beside the activities that you have already included in the tour, you can enjoy extra activities as Atv quads, Dune buggy, or horse ride in the Sahara desert. A cooking class can be arranged too in the Sahara desrert with a local family to learn how to prepare the Berber pizza.

Also you can enjoy a Hike in Dades or Todra Gorges. These activities can be requested during the booking process or during the trip too.

When is the best time to book this tour?

The best time to book this tour as it includes the Sahara desert is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to January) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and desert tours.

Spring: Green landscapes, comfortable temperatures
Autumn: Perfect for Sahara Desert trips
Summer: Hot in inland cities, but good for coastal areas
Winter: Mild in cities, cold nights in the desert

How do I find restaurants for lunch during the tour?

Lunch is generally flexible and is usually not included unless specifically stated in the tour details. Your driver can recommend good local restaurants along the route and stop at suitable places based on your preferences, dietary requirements, and schedule.

Note that if you have restaurants that you like. Inform your driver and he will be happy to take you there.

Is one night enough in the Sahara Desert?

For most travelers, one night in the Sahara is enough to experience the highlights, including the desert sunset, camel ride or 4×4 transfer, dinner at the camp, traditional music, and sunrise the following morning.

However, if you prefer a slower experience, we can arrange an additional night in the desert. This gives you more time to relax and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed.

Can I choose different accommodation options?

We offer different accommodation categories depending on the tour, your budget, and your travel preferences. You can choose from the available options shown in the accommodation table. However, If you have other places where you wish to stay just inform us and we will do our best to book them.

Are these tours safe for women or solo female travelers?

Yes, our Morocco tours are safe for women and solo female travelers. Morocco is a popular destination for solo travelers, including women, and millions visit every year without issues.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Please let us know about any dietary requirements or food allergies when booking, and we will do our best to accommodate them. Morocco has many options for vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary preferences.

Can I skip stops along the way?

Since our tours are private and customizable, you can request to skip certain stops or spend less time at places that are not of interest to you. We can also use that time to add another destination, activity depending on the route and available time, or simply make the day more relaxed.