5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

Experience an incredible 5-day tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Sahara Desert. This journey includes visits to the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate, and the stunning Todra and Dades gorges, along with an exploration of the Erg Chebbi dunes and nearby Berber villages.

At Morocco Tours Agency, we provide private, standard, and luxury tours lasting 5 days or longer.

Tour prices vary based on the number of travelers, accommodation type (Standard, Luxury, or Mixed), and the season. Contact us anytime for more details.

Highlights of 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

Spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains landscapes
Stop at the UNESCO world heritage of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Visit Taourirt Kasbah & Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate
Panoramic aspects of Erg Chebbi dunes
Experience Camel ride in Merzouga Sahara
Overnight Camping at Merzouga Desert Camp
Hearty dinner and party around campfire (Berber Drums)

5 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH ITINERARY

Day 1Marrakech » Telouet » Ait Benhaddou Kasbah » Ouarzazate [196 km]

You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech, whether it’s a hotel or Riad in the medina. The journey takes you through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi N Tichka pass at 2,260 meters, the highest in Morocco.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the landscapes and Berber villages as you arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. Here, you’ll take a walking tour to explore its history as a filming location for famous movies like Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Queen of the Desert, Gladiator (2000), and Game of Thrones (2013).

Your next stop is Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa, where you’ll spend the first night of your 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.

Day 2Ouarzazate » Draa Valley » Rissani » Erg Chebbi Dunes (Merzouga) [367 km]

After breakfast, your 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Sahara Desert begins. You’ll journey through the Draa Valley, crossing volcanic rock formations in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, stopping in Agdez and Tamnougalt. Next, you’ll visit Nkob, a small Berber town renowned for its numerous Kasbahs and access to Jabel Saghro treks leading to Dades.

As you head to Rissani, known as the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, you’ll explore its historic market, one of the largest and most significant in southeastern Morocco. This market attracts many nomads for shopping and selling, and it is the nearest major market to the Merzouga Desert and the surrounding Erg Chebbi villages.

Finally, you’ll reach Erg Chebbi, a prime desert destination, where you’ll enjoy a camel trek to your camp while watching the sunset over the dunes. Dinner will be served, followed by a Berber drum music party around the campfire, where you’ll spend the night in a well-equipped tent.

Day 3Explore Merzouga area & Visit nomad families [40 Km]

Experience a unique morning in the Sahara, waking up to breathtaking views of the sunrise over the sand dunes. After breakfast, refresh yourself and ride camels back to meet your driver.

Embark on an off-road adventure to discover nearby villages like Hassi Labied and Khamlia, home to talented dark-skinned musicians famous for their Gnawa music from Sub-Saharan Africa. Explore the abandoned town of Mefes, known for its lead mines, and visit a nomadic family living at the Erg Chebbi dunes.

In the afternoon, relax at your accommodation or revisit the dunes for a sunset. You can also opt for an hour of ATV quad biking (not included in the tour price). Spend the night at the hotel.

Day 4Merzouga » Erfoud » Todra Gorges » Dades Valley [255 km]

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, meet your driver for the journey back from the desert to Dades Valley, stopping in Erfoud, a small town famous for fossilized rocks and their artisans.

Next, explore the stunning Todra Gorges, a hidden gem for rock climbers. Enjoy a leisurely walk here before heading to your hotel in Dades Valley for the night.

Day 5Dades Valley » Ouarzazate » Marrakech [326 km]

After breakfast at your hotel in Dades, you’ll embark on a 5-day, 4-night Marrakech desert tour. Your journey will take you through Kelaa Mgouna, known as the city of roses, and Skoura palmary, before returning to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Enjoy breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains as you cross the Tichka Pass, concluding your tour with a drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.

Departure & Return Location

Depart:

Marrakech at around 8:30 am

Final destination:

Merzouga at around 8:00 pm

Price Includes

Pick-up & drop off at/from your accommodation
Transport by private modern vehicle with A/C
Experienced English speaking Driver/Guide
Car Fuel
Camel Trekking (Camel per person)
Sunset camel ride
Overnight at the Desert Camp (At your preferred tent type)
(Breakfast & Dinner) x 4
4x4 transfer from and to the camp (Alternative to Camels)

Price Excludes

Drinks
Lunches
Tipping (Optional)
Entrance to monuments (Optional)

FAQ

Is this a private tour or with a group?

Yes, it’s a shared tour. You will travel with a small group from around the world.

What should I pack for the tour?

Comfortable clothing and footwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are recommended.

Are bathrooms private in the second night hotel?

Yes, they are. Your hotel room will have private ensuite bathrooms.

How long id the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

It is roughly 1 hour for sunset and another hour for sunrise the following day. Time depends on season, Day light saving time, and sunset/sunrise time.

What if we want to skip the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

You can. a 4×4 will be offered to transfer you from Merzouga lodge to Erg Chebbi desert camp for an extra fee of 30 Euros ( Included in luxury tent option )

Is sand boarding is included?

There will be a few sand boards available at the camp operator’s lodge to use at leisure ( Availability not guaranteed ). You can ask for one to take to the camp with you. They are free of charge