5 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech
Overview
Enjoy a 5 day desert tour from Marrakech and discover the beauty of Morocco’s mountains, valleys, and Sahara desert. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains, visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou, and explore beautiful places like Skoura, Dades Valley, and Todra Canyon.
Continue to the Merzouga Desert where you will ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, watch the sunset, and spend a magical night in a desert camp. Discover local culture, visit Rissani market, explore the Draa Valley, and see Telouet Kasbah before returning to Marrakech.
Highlights
- Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas.
- Visit UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou.
- Explore Amridil Kasbah in Skoura.
- Walk through Todra Canyon.
- Watch the sunset over Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Stay in a Sahara desert camp with music.
- Discover Gnawa music and nomadic culture.
- Try medfouna in Rissani’s market.
- Admire the scenic Draa Valley.
- See the historic Telouet Kasbah.
- Enjoy quad biking or sandboarding.
- End in Marrakech via the High Atlas.
5 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech ⇢ High Atlas Mountains ⇢ Skoura ⇢ Dades Valley.
We start the tour at 8 AM from Marrakech, then drive to the magnificent High Atlas Mountains. While crossing over the highest point, Tizi n’Tichka pass, the altitude grows higher. Stop to see panoramic views and visit some local Berber villages.
We will arrive in Ait Ben Haddou at noon, the UNESCO World Heritage Site nowadays famous for ancient kasbahs but also film shootings, such as, for example, Gladiator. After exploration, enjoy a tasty lunch here or in nearby Ouarzazate.
We will pass by Skoura, catching sight of the Amridil Kasbah set amidst an ocean of palm trees. Further ahead, cross Rose Valley and end the day in Dades Gorges. Enjoy the curious “Monkey Fingers” rock formation and then take dinner at your hotel in relaxation, having a nice sleep.
Day 2: Dades Valley ⇢ Todra Canyon ⇢ Merzouga Desert.
From Dades, we drive after breakfast for the dramatic Todra Canyon, the deepest in Morocco, and have time for a short walk in this towering gorge. This indeed is a good place to stretch one’s legs and enjoy the serenity of the place.
We’ll continue through small towns like Tinejdad and Erfoud, known for fossils and dates. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, swap your car for a camel and trek into the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the sunset over the sands before reaching your desert camp.
Dinner of typical Moroccan cuisine under the stars, then music and tales around the campfire. Retire for the night in a comfortable tent under the serenity of the desert.
Day 3: Full-Day Excursion in Merzouga.
Wake up early to catch the magical sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we’ll explore the Merzouga area. Visit the seasonal Lake Dayet Srij, a peaceful spot that attracts migratory birds. Next, stop at Khamlia, a village known for its traditional Gnawa music.
We will also visit the old mines of Mifis meet the local nomadic families and learn about their way of life. Return to your riad for lunch. You will have a laid-back afternoon. You can take a walk in the nearby dunes or go on a quad bike or try sandboarding.
Alternatively, you may remain for another night at the bivouac camp if you so wish. Dinner and overnight in Merzouga.
Day 4: Merzouga Desert ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Nkoub ⇢ Agdz ⇢ Ouarzazate.
This morning, after breakfast in Merzouga, we will leave the hotel en route to the old market town of Rissani. It is famous for local food as well, especially medfouna-a kind of Berber pizza. We will leave the Draa Valley this day and will pass through prosperous palm groves with their kasbahs.
We will also drive through Nkoub and Agdz to Ouarzazate, arriving in the late afternoon. Have a nice, relaxing evening here in this charming city that is very often called “Hollywood of Africa.”
Day 5: Ouarzazate ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ Telouet Kasbah ⇢ Marrakech.
On our final day, we’ll visit Ait Ben Haddou once more to delve deeper into its history and stunning architecture. This kasbah has been the setting for films like Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy.
Later, we will get the opportunity to see the well-kept secret that is the Telouet Kasbah. Then, cross over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, which we will reach later at 6 PM. Your fantastic Moroccan adventure ends with a drop-off at your accommodation.
Gallery
Price Include And Exclude
Include
- Convenient Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off.
- Private, air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable journey.
- Car fuel.
- Experienced, professional driver and tour guide to enhance your experience.
- Camel ride per person.
- Sanboarding.
- Overnight camping.
- 3 Night stay in Dades Valley, Merzouga & Ouarzazate.
- Transfer either by car or camels from the camp.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner x4
Not Included
- Lunches.
- Drinks.
- Entrance fee to monuments.
- Tipping (Optional)
Booking
- If this itinerary doesn't align with your needs, we can adjust and tailor it to suit your preferences. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for customization.