5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

Discover the Sahara Desert on this private 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and back. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, explore historic kasbahs and admire the spectacular landscapes of southern Morocco. Visit the Dades and Todra Gorges, discover the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga and enjoy a camel ride at sunset. Spend a night in a desert camp before returning to Marrakech through the Draa Valley.

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Depart from Marrakech in the morning and travel towards southern Morocco. Cross the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying beautiful views of the valleys and traditional Berber villages. Stop along the way to take photographs and admire the mountain scenery.

Continue to the famous ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this fortified village, known for its traditional earthen houses and historic architecture. After the visit, travel to Ouarzazate, where you can discover the Taourirt Kasbah.

Continue through the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses before reaching the Dades Valley. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at a hotel in the area.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast, travel through the landscapes of the Dades Valley towards the Todra Gorges. Enjoy a walk between the impressive rock cliffs and take in the beauty of this natural setting.

Continue towards Tinghir and its palm groves, then cross the desert landscapes to Erfoud, known for its fossils and stone workshops. From there, travel to Merzouga, at the gateway to the Sahara Desert.

On arrival, enjoy a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset. Reach your desert camp, enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the evening under the stars. Overnight in the desert.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Excursion

Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, enjoy a day exploring the desert and its surroundings.

Visit the village of Khamlia, famous for its traditional Gnawa music. Meet local residents and discover their cultural traditions. Continue through the desert landscapes and the old tracks surrounding Merzouga.

Depending on weather conditions, you may also discover the surroundings of the seasonal Merzouga Lake and nearby villages. Return to your accommodation at the end of the day. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Merzouga.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Agdz – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, leave Merzouga and travel towards Rissani, a town known for its traditional market and historical heritage. Continue across the arid landscapes of southern Morocco, passing through Alnif and Nkob.

Travel through the Draa Valley, famous for its extensive palm groves, earthen kasbahs and traditional villages. Enjoy beautiful views of the oases stretching along the valley.

After a stop in Agdz, continue towards Ouarzazate. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in at your accommodation and spend the night there.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, depart from Ouarzazate towards Marrakech. Cross the High Atlas Mountains again through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and enjoy the mountain scenery and traditional villages along the way.

Several stops can be arranged during the journey to admire the views and take photographs. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon or early evening.

Your driver will drop you off at your accommodation or at the airport, depending on your plans. This marks the end of your 5-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour and return journey to Marrakech.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 5-day tour private?

Yes, the tour is private and includes a professional driver.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends in Marrakech.

How many nights do we spend in Merzouga?

Two nights are planned in the Merzouga area, including one night in a desert camp.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes, the camel ride takes place at sunset among the Erg Chebbi dunes.