5-DAY DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
A 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, taking you across the High Atlas mountains, historic kasbahs, spectacular valleys and imposing gorges before reaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Camel treks, unforgettable desert sunsets, nights under a starry sky and a memorable stay in a luxury camp in the Sahara await you. Immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of southern Morocco as you head into the heart of the desert, discovering breathtaking landscapes and the Saharan way of life.
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Departure: Marrakech
Arrival: Marrakech
Tour style: Private
ITINERARY: 5-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
DAY 1: MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS – AIT BEN HADDOU – DADES VALLEY
Your 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga begins with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation. Leaving Marrakech behind, we will cross the extraordinary High Atlas mountains via the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. Along the way, your expert guide/driver will stop at striking places and you can ask for stops as you need.
After enjoying a delicious lunch in Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate, our expedition will take us towards the Dades Gorge, passing through charming Skoura and the enchanting Valley of Roses. In the lush oasis of Skoura you will have the chance to explore the imposing Kasbah of Amridil, a remarkable fortified village. For those travelling in spring, we can make a special stop to admire the valley adorned with a delightful display of roses in full bloom.
Once we reach the Dades Gorge, get ready to be fascinated by the extraordinary rock formations, often called “monkey fingers”, while enjoying a panoramic view of the splendid gorges. Finally, we will head to your hotel for a relaxing evening, dinner and a well-deserved night’s rest.
Driving distance: about 353 km
Driving time: about 6 hours 30 min
DAY 2: DADES VALLEY – TODRA GORGE – MERZOUGA
Start the second day with a pleasant breakfast at your hotel in the Dades Valley. We will then set off for Tinghir, where you will have the opportunity to admire a splendid oasis and historic kasbahs, once inhabited side by side by Berber and Jewish communities. You will also be able to walk beneath the imposing 300-metre-high walls of the Todra Gorge before continuing towards the Sahara Desert.
We will stop along the way for a good lunch and, on arrival, your camel guide and the camels will be ready to take you across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to your desert camp. Along the way you will stop at the top of a high dune to watch a magnificent sunset and try your hand at sandboarding. As night falls, the camp staff will serve a tasty dinner and entertain you with fascinating Berber drum performances around the fire under a starry sky.
Driving distance: about 310 km
Driving time: about 5 hours
DAY 3: DESERT EXPLORATION DAY
Today we highly recommend getting up very early to watch a quiet sunrise from your camp. After a tasty breakfast, we will pick you up in a 4×4 vehicle to start our day exploring the Sahara:
We will head to the area where the nomads have settled. They will be happy to host you in one of their tents for tea. It is a great opportunity to discover how they live in a harsh environment far from civilisation.
We will visit an abandoned village hidden in the middle of nowhere! The village is home to the galena mines, which you will get to see.
We will move on to another village called Khamlia, where you will listen to Gnaoua music played by the local inhabitants, whose origins go back to southern African countries such as Sudan. Here you can also have lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we will head to a lake near the town of Merzouga, if it is full, before reaching your riad.
Driving distance: about 57 km
Driving time: about 1 hour 15 min
DAY 4: MERZOUGA – RISSANI – AGDEZ – OUARZAZATE
Today’s early wake-up is rewarded with another quiet sunrise from the terrace of your riad. Then we will start the journey. First we will stop in the ancient town of Rissani, where we will visit a traditional souk. We will then head to Ouarzazate through the fascinating Draa Valley, stopping in Agdez to admire some of the valley’s landscapes. Arrival at your riad in Ouarzazate in the afternoon.
Driving distance: about 370 km
Driving time: about 5 hours 20 min
DAY 5: OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU – TELOUET KASBAH – MARRAKECH
Our last morning begins with a tasty breakfast at your riad. Ouarzazate is known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert and the “Hollywood of Africa”. The city is home to the historic Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas Studios, which have made it a famous film location.
After soaking up the enchanting scenery of Ouarzazate, our journey continues to fascinating Ait Ben Haddou. Here we will have the chance to explore the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a site of great historical value protected by UNESCO since 1987. This extraordinary fortress has been the backdrop to many iconic films and TV series, including Gladiator, The Mummy and Game of Thrones, which adds even more to its charm.
After exploring the fascinating Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, our journey takes us to the lively city of Marrakech, across the majestic High Atlas mountains. On the way we will enjoy the view of the fascinating Kasbah of Telouet.
At the end of our 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, we will make sure you get back safely by taking you to your accommodation in Marrakech.
Driving distance: about 203 km
Driving time: about 3 hours 52 min
IMPORTANT!
Please note that this is a suggested itinerary. If it does not exactly match your needs, do not hesitate to contact us. We will organise a tailor-made itinerary based on your preferences and the length of your stay in Morocco. The programme includes two nights in Merzouga, one in a desert camp and the other in a riad; however, you can choose to spend both nights at the camp by letting us know when booking. You can also end the tour in Fes instead of returning to Marrakech.
THE PRICE
starts from 249 EUR per person and varies according to the number of participants, the accommodation chosen and the travel date. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person. The cost of transport is fixed and is shared among the travellers. Contact us through the contact form for an exact quote tailored to your group.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 5-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
What does a standard 5-day desert package from Marrakech include? A standard 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga usually includes private transport with an experienced driver, 4 nights of accommodation with breakfast, dinner at the selected accommodation, a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, a night in a desert camp and time to explore the Atlas mountains, kasbahs, valleys and gorges along the way. We can also tailor the itinerary to the pace and interests you prefer.
Are there luxury options for a five-day desert excursion from Marrakech? Yes. We offer luxury options for our 5-day tours from Marrakech to Merzouga, including private transport, carefully selected boutique accommodation and a luxury desert camp with a private tent and en-suite facilities. You can also customise the itinerary, the pace and the level of accommodation to create an even more exclusive and comfortable Sahara experience.
How do I book a 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga online? Booking is easy: choose your preferred itinerary and accommodation option on our website, then send us your travel dates and details through the booking form, by email or on WhatsApp. We will confirm availability, finalise all the details and guide you through the secure booking process.
What should I pack for a 5-day desert trip from Marrakech? We recommend bringing light, comfortable clothing, a warm layer for the cool desert evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, personal toiletries and a camera. A small backpack is useful for carrying your essentials during excursions and the camel ride.
How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga? The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga takes about 9 hours. That is why our 5-day itinerary includes a night in the Dades Valley before reaching the desert and another night in Ouarzazate before returning to Marrakech. These stops make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Can I skip the camel ride to the camp? Of course! If you are not keen on riding the camels, we have an alternative for you. You can relax in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost and we will take you to the camp with complete peace of mind. Your satisfaction is our priority!
Are there bathrooms at the camp? Absolutely: all the camps in our selection are classified as luxury camps and guarantee your comfort with the added convenience of en-suite private bathrooms.
What kind of vehicles are used on the tour? Great question! The type of vehicle depends on the number of participants in the group. Several vehicles are available, such as the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, the 8-seater Ford van and the Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus (suitable for groups of eight to seventeen passengers), as well as other comfortable options.
How far in advance should I book this tour? We recommend booking 1–3 weeks in advance, especially in high season, to secure your preferred dates, accommodation and desert camp.
How do I pay for the tour? Our payment process is simple and hassle-free. To confirm the booking we ask for a small deposit, which can easily be paid by PayPal, bank transfer or Wise when booking. The remaining balance can be paid in cash on the first day of the tour directly to our driver/guide. You have the flexibility to pay in euros, US dollars or the equivalent in dirhams.
What is the cancellation policy for the tour? The cancellation policy for the 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga depends on the travel season. Cancellations made within the applicable period may be entitled to a full refund of the deposit or a travel credit, while late cancellations are non-refundable. Please see the Cancellation Policy page for the full terms and deadlines.
BOOKING PROCESS:
Contact us through the contact form, by email or on WhatsApp, telling us the number of travellers, your approximate departure date and the accommodation category you would like.
Booking: we ask for a small deposit to confirm the booking (via PayPal, Wise or bank transfer). The remaining balance can be paid in cash (in EUR, USD or MAD) directly to the driver on arrival.
WHY CHOOSE PRIVATE TOURS IN MOROCCO?
A private tour lets you travel at your own pace, with maximum flexibility in timings, stops and choice of accommodation. You will have an expert driver and vehicles for your exclusive use at your complete disposal, for a trip in total comfort and safety.
The tour lasts 5 days / 4 nights. It departs from Marrakech and ends in Marrakech.
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley. Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga. Day 3: Desert Exploration Day. Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Agdez – Ouarzazate. Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet Kasbah – Marrakech.
Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech; Modern air-conditioned 4×4 SUV, van or minibus; English-speaking driver, or English-speaking driver and tour guide (if you prefer another language, please let us know in advance); Accommodation for the first, second, third and fourth night; Meals: 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts; Camel trek; Sandboarding.
Lunches; Drinks; Entrance tickets, when required; Tips (optional).
The price depends on the number of travellers, the time of year and the accommodation category you choose. As it is a private tour, you only pay for your own group. Contact us with your dates and group size for a free, no-obligation quote.
Yes, the tour style is: Private. You travel only with your own group, with a dedicated driver/guide. The itinerary is a suggested route: we can adjust it or create a tailor-made trip to suit you.
Camel treks, unforgettable desert sunsets, nights under a starry sky and a memorable stay in a luxury camp in the Sahara await you.
