5 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley – Over the High Atlas Mountains

Scenic Drive via Tizi n’Tichka Pass

Your journey begins with a morning departure from Marrakech. Travel through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), a breathtaking road that winds through the High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy panoramic views, small villages clinging to cliffs, and countless photo opportunities.

Aït Benhaddou – Morocco’s Most Famous Ksar

Arrive at the stunning Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a filming location for numerous films and series including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore its fortified alleys, clay-brick houses, and hillside granary.

Ouarzazate and Skoura Oasis

Continue to Ouarzazate, known as “The Hollywood of Africa,” and visit the iconic Taourirt Kasbah or Atlas Studios. Drive through the lush Skoura Oasis, dotted with palm trees and hidden kasbahs.

Overnight in Dades Valley

Travel through the scenic Valley of Roses and reach Dades Valley, where you will spend the night in a charming guesthouse. Enjoy dinner with panoramic views of the canyon.

Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga – Through Todgha Gorge and Desert Villages

Exploration of Todgha Gorge

After breakfast, continue to the magnificent Todgha Gorge, a narrow canyon flanked by towering limestone cliffs reaching up to 300 meters. Walk through the gorge or relax by the clear river as you soak in the natural beauty.

Desert Towns and Fossils

Travel through desert towns such as Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, renowned for fossil discoveries and date palms. This area marks the transition from the Atlas Mountains to the arid Sahara Desert.

Sunset Camel Ride into Erg Chebbi

Upon arrival in Merzouga, mount your camel for a sunset trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, some of the tallest in Morocco. Enjoy the ever-changing colors of the sand as the sun dips below the horizon.

Traditional Berber Camp Experience

Reach your desert camp in the heart of the dunes. Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine, music by the campfire, and sleep under the star-filled sky in your nomadic-style tent (standard or luxury options available).

Day 3: Explore the Sahara Desert – Culture, Music, and Nomadic Life

Sunrise and Breakfast in the Dunes

Wake up early to experience a magical sunrise over the sand dunes. After breakfast, embark on a 4×4 tour to explore the area around Merzouga.

Khamlia Village – Gnawa Music and Culture

Visit Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people, descendants of sub-Saharan African slaves. Enjoy their sacred, hypnotic music, and learn about their cultural heritage.

Nomadic Families and Desert Oases

Drive off-road to meet nomadic families living in tents beyond the dunes. Discover their simple lifestyle and the traditions they’ve preserved for generations. Stop at the Hassi Labied oasis, an essential part of desert agriculture.

Second Night in the Desert

Return to the camp or stay in a hotel at the edge of the dunes for another peaceful night in the desert. Enjoy a relaxed evening and the silence of the Sahara.

Day 4: Merzouga to Agdez – Through Rissani, Draa Valley & Ancient Caravan Routes

Visit Rissani and the Traditional Market

After breakfast, depart for Rissani, the birthplace of Morocco’s ruling dynasty. Wander through its vibrant souk, famous for dates, spices, and traditional crafts.

Draa Valley – Morocco’s Longest River Oasis

Drive through the stunning Draa Valley, known for its endless date palms and ancient kasbahs. This valley once served as a vital caravan route connecting the Sahara to the north.

Overnight in Agdez or Tamnougalt

Spend the night in Agdez or the ancient village of Tamnougalt, where history and nature blend seamlessly. Enjoy a relaxing dinner in a peaceful oasis setting.

Day 5: Agdez to Marrakech – Return Through the Atlas

Ouarzazate to Marrakech

After breakfast, head back to Marrakech via Ouarzazate. Enjoy a final stop for photos or shopping, then continue through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, reflecting on the breathtaking journey you’ve experienced.

Arrival in Marrakech

Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. Drop-off at your hotel or riad, where your unforgettable 5-day desert adventure concludes.

What’s Included in the 5-Day Desert Tour

• Comfortable transportation in private 4×4 or minibus

• Experienced English-speaking driver/guide

• 4 nights’ accommodation (guesthouses and desert camp)

• 2 camel rides (sunset and sunrise)

• All dinners and breakfasts

• Entry to major sites: Aït Benhaddou, Todgha Gorge, Draa Valley

• 4×4 Sahara excursion

• Live Gnawa music performance

Top Highlights of the Tour

• Breathtaking High Atlas mountain pass

• Historical treasures like Aït Benhaddou and Rissani

• Walking tours through gorges and oases

• Riding camels into golden dunes

• Sleeping beneath millions of desert stars

• Real cultural encounters with Berber nomads and Gnawa musicians