5 Days from Marrakech Morocco Desert Tour

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

Your adventure begins with a private pick-up from Marrakech. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering breathtaking views of valleys, Berber villages, and rugged landscapes.

Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous kasbah featured in numerous films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore its ancient mudbrick architecture, narrow streets, and panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” and visit the Taourirt Kasbah, and Atlas Film Studios.

  Accommodation: Hotel in Ouarzazate
  Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Merzouga desert

After breakfast, We cross the Anti Atlas into the fertile Draa Valley . This valley is defined by its massive, winding stream of date palm groves and historic mud-brick kasbahs .

Stop for lunch in Alnif. The landscape shifts dramatically as you approach Rissani , the gateway to the desert. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the village of Merzouga, where you will trade your vehicle for a camel.

The highlight of the day is the scenic camel trek (approximately 1.5 hours) deep into the orange sands of Erg Chebbi , allowing you to witness the magnificent sunset over the towering dunes before reaching your nomadic desert camp for a traditional dinner and an evening of Berber drumming under the celestial Sahara sky.

  Overnight: Desert camp
  Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 3: Explore Merzouga Desert & Erg Chebbi area

Today is dedicated to experiencing the local life and natural wonders surrounding the Erg Chebbi dunes. The day starts with an optional early rise to witness the breathtaking desert sunrise over the dunes.

After returning from the camp, you will embark on a 4×4 excursion to explore the area. we will visit the village of Khamliya, renowned for its preservation of traditional Gnawa music, where you will enjoy a captivating live performance and traditional tea.

Continuing the desert circuit, you will drive across the vast stony plains to visit local nomadic Berber families living in their traditional tents, offering a humbling insight into their simple, enduring lifestyle. The tour also includes visits to areas rich in volcanic rock and a potential stop at old graphite or fossil mining sites .

After lunch, there is an opportunity to try sandboarding on the slopes of the big dunes or visit the seasonal Dayet Srij lake, if filled with water. The evening concludes with relaxation and dinner, either back at the desert camp or a comfortable Riad/Hotel in Merzouga.

  Overnight: Hotel or riad
  Meals: Dinner & Breakfast

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

After breakfast at your hotel we Leave the desert behind, and embark on a comfortable a journey westward through a landscape of ancient trade routes and stunning canyons.

Your first stop is Rissani , where you can explore its historic souk (market) that was once a major hub for desert caravans. Next, you will arrive in Erfoud , the “Fossil Capital,” to visit a local workshop where skilled artisans extract and polish millions-of-years-old marine fossils into decorative pieces.

The drive continues into the breathtaking Todra Valley , a lush oasis of palm groves and fortified settlements, before entering the famous Todra Gorge . Here, you will take a walk between the sheer, massive cliff walls that narrow to only a few meters apart, a truly awe-inspiring geological feature.

After lunch, the final leg of the day takes you to the neighboring Dades Valley (Boumalne Dades). Upon arrival, you will check into your guesthouse and have the option of taking a short scenic drive to explore the unique “monkey fingers” rock formations and the famously winding road of the upper Dades Gorges before settling in for the night.

  Overnight: Hotel in Dades Valley
  Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 5: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

After breakfast at your hotel in Dades Valley , we’ll descend from the gorge area and drive along the scenic route towards the west. The first notable stop is the famous “Rose Town” (El Kelaâ M’Gouna) , the heart of the Valley of Roses. This town is renowned for its annual Rose Festival and its thriving industry of rosewater and rose-based cosmetic products. we will make a stop for a brief visit to a local cooperative to see the products and perhaps purchase a souvenir “optional visit”.

Continuing west, we will pass through the Skoura Oasis with its ancient palm groves and impressive, yet often crumbling, Kasbahs. Shortly after,On the final day, drive back to Marrakech via Ouarzazate. Depending on your schedule, you may visit local markets or kasbahs along the route. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass once more, enjoying breathtaking mountain views, and arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon or evening, concluding your 5 Days Morocco Desert Tour.

Tour Highlights

• Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass

• Explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Visit Ouarzazate and optional Atlas Film Studios

• Discover Dades Valley and Todra Gorge

• Camel trek and overnight in Merzouga Desert with traditional Berber music

• Witness sunrise and sunset over the Sahara dunes

Included in the Tour

• Private air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver/guide

• 3 nights accommodation in hotels including dinner and breakfast

• Camel trekking experience in Erg Chebbi

• Overnight at luxury camp with dinner and breakfast

• Pick-up and drop-off from your Marrakech accommodation

• 4WD excursion to explore the desert area

Not Included

• Lunches and drinks

• Entrance fees to attractions (optional)

• Personal expenses and tips