5 Days Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga
An Unforgettable Sahara Adventure
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Overview
If you plan to experience Morocco’s raw nature within a few days, this 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is perfect for you. It isn’t just a trip; it’s a journey through history, landscapes, and culture that whispers ancient secrets under starry skies.
The shifting sands of Merzouga, the silent majesty of the Atlas Mountains, and the warmth of the Berber people make this five-day experience unforgettable. If Morocco is calling your name, this is the route to take; a route into the very soul of the Sahara.
| Duration | Departure Time & Location | Arrival Time & Location | Price Per Guest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Days and 4 Nights | 8:30 AM from Marrakech | 18:00 in Marrakech | From 250 EUR |
Top Highlights of 5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Tour
Here are the top highlights on the 5-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour:
- Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass: Scenic journey through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
- Ait Benhaddou – UNESCO World Heritage Site: Step back in time at the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou with its cinematic charm.
- Dades & Todra Gorges: Explore two of Morocco’s most spectacular natural wonders.
- Camel Trek in Merzouga at Sunset: Experience the Sahara in the most traditional way, on camelback.
- Overnight in a Sahara Desert Camp: Spend a night in a luxury tent with a traditional Moroccan dinner and live Berber drumming around the campfire.
- Nomadic Life & Desert Villages: Visit off-the-beaten-path villages like Khamlia and Hassilabied to know local culture.
- Draa Valley Drive: Return to Marrakech through the lush palm groves and volcanic landscapes of the Draa Valley.
Tour Gallery
Below is the tour itinerary for the 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga:
Day 1: Marrakech to Ouarzazate
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Marrakech ➜ Telouet ➜ Ait Benhaddou ➜ Ouarzazate
Distance: Approx. 196 km
Key Stops:
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Telouet Kasbah
- Ait Benhaddou
- Ouarzazate
Day Highlights & Experiences
Morning Hotel Pickup
We’ll begin the journey early with a pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech. As we leave the city, the landscape gradually shifts from urban sprawl to mountain scenery.
Passing through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)
We’ll climb into the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, following the winding pass of Tizi n’Tichka, the highest paved mountain pass in Morocco.
Optional Stop in Telouet Kasbah
A little off the main road lies Telouet, a quiet village with a powerful history. If you wish, we can make a stop here to explore the ruins of the Telouet Kasbah, home to the powerful Glaoui family.
Explore Ait Benhaddou
Next, we’ll reach the village of Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most famous ksars and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join us for a walking tour through its clay alleys, fortified towers, and granaries. The village has appeared in many blockbuster films and shows.
Arrival in Ouarzazate
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios and desert landscapes. After checking into your hotel or riad, enjoy a relaxed evening in this historic desert town.
Day 2: Ouarzazate to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Ouarzazate ➜ Agdez ➜ Draa Valley ➜ Nkob ➜ Rissani ➜ Merzouga
Distance: Approx. 367 km
Key Stops:
- Draa Valley
- Nkob Village
- Rissani Market
- Merzouga & Camel Trek
- Desert Camp Night
Day Highlights & Experiences
Morning in Draa Valley
After breakfast in Ouarzazate, we’ll begin our drive toward the vast Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s most beautiful and fertile valleys. Along the way, you’ll pass dramatic rock formations, palm groves, and small mud-brick villages.
This is the longest river valley in Morocco, supporting life for centuries in an otherwise arid landscape.
Stop at Nkob Village
We’ll stop for a short break in Nkob, a peaceful Berber village known for its cluster of historic kasbahs and as a gateway for treks into the nearby Jbel Saghro mountains.
Explore the Rissani Market
Next, we’ll arrive in Rissani, a desert town that was once the starting point for ancient trading caravans. It remains famous today for its bustling souks, where locals gather to purchase everything from spices and fabrics to livestock.
Arrival in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)
By late afternoon, we reach Merzouga. Here, your camel caravan will be waiting to take you on a scenic ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset.
Desert Camp Experience
After the camel ride, we’ll arrive at a luxury desert camp tucked among the dunes. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by live Berber drumming and a cozy night in your private tent.
Day 3: Merzouga – Desert Villages & Nomad Life
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Local desert excursion around Merzouga
Distance: Approx. 40 km
Key Stops:
- Khamlia Village
- Hassilabied
- Mefes Mines
- Nomadic Family Visit
Day Highlights & Experiences
Sunrise Camel Ride
We’ll begin the day early with a peaceful camel ride back from the camp. The sunrise over the dunes is a moment you’ll never forget.
Visit Hassilabied & Khamlia Village
Our morning continues with a visit to nearby desert villages. In Hassilabied, see how locals farm and live at the edge of the dunes. Then we’ll head to Khamlia, a village famous for its Gnawa musicians.
Explore Mefes Abandoned Mines
Next, we’ll drive through the desert to the old mines of Mefes. Once a source of lead and other minerals, the mines now stand as silent reminders of the region’s industrial past.
Nomad Family Visit
We’ll also visit a nomadic family living in tents on the desert outskirts. This is a rare opportunity to sit with a Berber nomad family, share tea, and hear their stories of daily life, traditions, and survival.
Optional Activity: ATV Quad Biking
For those seeking a bit more adventure, there’s an option to go quad biking through the sand dunes. This is not included in the tour price, but it’s a thrilling way to experience the vastness of the Sahara.
Overnight in Your Hotel in Merzouga
In the evening, return to your hotel or riad in Merzouga. Dinner will be served, and you’ll have time to relax after a full day of exploration.
Day 4: Merzouga to Dades Valley via Todra Gorges
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Merzouga ➜ Erfoud ➜ Tinghir ➜ Todra Gorges ➜ Dades Valley
Distance: Approx. 255 km
Key Stops:
- Erfoud
- Todra Gorges
- Dades Valley
Day Highlights & Experiences
Journey through Erfoud
We’ll begin the day with a drive through the desert toward Erfoud, a town famous for its ancient fossils. Here, you can visit local fossil workshops and see how prehistoric marine life is turned into beautiful decorative pieces.
Stop at the Beautiful Todra Gorge
Next, we’ll journey to the towering Todra Gorges near Tinghir. This natural wonder features cliffs that soar up to 300 meters high, carved by the Todra River.
Arrival at Dades Valley
Our day ends in the Dades Valley, often called the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” This green valley is surrounded by dramatic rock formations, winding roads, and traditional Berber villages.
Day 5: Dades Valley to Marrakech via Rose Valley
Route, Distance & Key Stops
Route: Dades Valley ➜ Kelaat M’Gouna ➜ Skoura ➜ Ouarzazate ➜ Ait Benhaddou ➜ Marrakech
Distance: Approx. 326 km
Key Stops:
- Kelaat M’Gouna
- Skoura Palm Grove
- Ouarzazate (Taourirt Kasbah)
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Marrakech
Day Highlights & Experiences
Explore Kelaat M’Gouna – Valley of Roses
We’ll begin the final day with a scenic drive through Kelaat M’Gouna, a charming town known for its fragrant Rose Valley. During the spring bloom, the valley bursts with pink flowers used to make perfumes, soaps, and oils.
Passing the Skoura Palm Grove
Next, we’ll pass through the lush palm groves of Skoura, a peaceful oasis scattered with historic kasbahs.
Ouarzazate – Taourirt Kasbah (Optional Stop)
Back in Ouarzazate, we’ll make an optional stop at the Taourirt Kasbah. This ksar is a beautiful example of southern Moroccan architecture.
Ait Benhaddou – Scenic Lunch or Revisit
Depending on the pace of the day, we may return to Ait Benhaddou for a scenic lunch or a quick revisit. Whether it’s a photo stop or a relaxed meal, it’s one more chance to soak in the view of Morocco’s most famous ksar.
Return via the High Atlas Mountains
We’ll then retrace our path through the mighty High Atlas Mountains, once again crossing the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Arrival in Marrakech
Your desert journey concludes as we reach Marrakech in the evening. You’ll be dropped off at your riad or hotel, marking the end of this unforgettable 5-day Moroccan adventure.
Tour Itinerary Map
Tour Includes & Excludes
Price Includes:
- Transportation: Private transport in A/C vehicles, pick-up and drop-off service
- Guide/Driver: English-speaking, experienced driver and guide
- Accommodation: 4 nights of accommodation (1 in desert camp, 3 in hotels/riads)
- Desert Activities: Camel ride during sunset and sunrise, plus a 4×4 transfer option
- Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner
- Guided Tours: Guided tour in Ait Benhaddou
- Water: Bottled water during travel
Price Excludes:
- Meals: Lunches and drinks
- Personal Expenses: Tips, souvenirs, and any other optional purchases
- Optional Activities: Excursions or experiences not included in the itinerary
Available Tour Options
5 Experiences to Enjoy on a 5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Tour
5 Experiences to Enjoy on a 5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Tour
Here are five standout experiences that make this 5-day journey through Morocco’s heartland truly unforgettable.
Camel Trekking Across the Erg Chebbi Dunes
One of the most iconic moments of the tour is the camel trek across the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. As you ride across the golden sands during sunset, the shifting light paints the desert in rich colors. This is also a great photo opportunity.
Sleeping Under the Stars in a Sahara Desert Camp
Along with the camel ride, another unforgettable experience is spending the night in a desert camp nestled deep within the dunes. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, listen to live Berber music, and gaze up at a star-filled sky.
Exploring the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
Step into history at the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features clay architecture, maze-like alleys, and stunning views.
Crossing the Scenic High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
The Tizi n’Tichka Pass offers breathtaking views, winding roads, and small Berber villages tucked into hillsides. It’s the perfect way to take in Morocco’s dramatic terrain.
Visiting Traditional Berber Villages and Meeting Nomadic Families
Small desert villages like Khamlia and Hassilabied are highlights of the desert part of the tour. You can meet with Gnawa musicians and sit with nomadic families for a taste of authentic desert life.
Getting Ready for a 5-Day Marrakech Desert Tour
Getting Ready for a 5-Day Marrakech Desert Tour
- Book Early: Reserve your spot in advance to secure your preferred accommodations and ensure availability.
- Pack Smart for the Desert: Bring layered clothing, a scarf or shemagh for sand and sun protection.
- Bring Comfortable Footwear: Wear closed shoes or light hiking boots for your comfort.
- Charge Your Devices: Bring a power bank, as some desert camps have limited electricity.
- Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks: Carry an extra bottle of water and some snacks for safety.
- Cash is King: Carry small denominations of Moroccan Dirhams for tipping, souvenirs, or snacks.
- Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when passing through villages, especially rural Berber areas.
- Pro Tip: Take motion sickness medication if you’re prone to car sickness, as the mountain roads through the High Atlas are winding.
FAQs Answered
The best time to travel is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and ideal for desert travel.
You’ll stay in carefully selected traditional guesthouses and riads in Dades and Merzouga, with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms. In the Sahara, accommodation is in a desert camp, either standard (shared facilities) or luxury (private tents with bathrooms), depending on your booking.
Camel trekking is a gentle ride, but it may not be comfortable for everyone, especially those with back or joint issues. However, support vehicles are often available if you prefer not to ride the camel.
Yes, you can request changes such as extending your stay, starting the tour from Fes instead of Marrakech, or choosing upgraded accommodations. Just let us know in advance to make the necessary arrangements.
Pack light, breathable clothing for the day and warm layers for the evening, as desert temperatures drop at night. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf or head wrap, a flashlight, and sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended. Don’t forget your camera and a power bank for overnight in the camp.
Booking a tour with us is straightforward. Just reach out to us, pick your preferred tour, and secure your reservation with a small deposit. Be sure to review our booking policies for all the details.
Our Customers Reviews
A Great Tour From Marrakech
From the beginning, communication with Said was always very agile and informative.
We hired the services and it was a great 5 days with our guide/driver Ahmed.
Always very humorous and friendly, he showed us all the interesting places. The night in the desert was wonderful, including the campfire with Sahara Camp staff playing traditional Berber music.
Everyone at Morocco Tours Agency was very attentive and helpful. Super recommend !!
Best experience I ever had!
All the scheduling and planning were done by email and WhatsApp, and Said answered us very quickly and took all my doubts.
We waived the camel tour and arrived at the desert camp by car, and it was very quiet.
The van that we did the whole tour accommodated 6 people comfortably, and the driver Youssef was very friendly and helpful throughout the journey.
We recommend this tour!
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