5 days 4 nights desert tour from Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate (192 km)
Your 5-day desert adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. Travel through the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), the highest road pass in Morocco. Enjoy breathtaking views of Berber villages and rugged landscapes along the way.

The journey continues to the historic Kasbah of Telouet, followed by a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. This iconic ksar is famous as a filming location for international productions such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Gladiator (2000), Queen of the Desert, and Game of Thrones (2013). You’ll enjoy a guided walking tour to learn about its architecture and cinematic legacy.

The day concludes in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its prominent film studios. Overnight stay in a local hotel.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Rissani – Erg Chebbi Dunes (350 km)
After breakfast, the tour heads southeast through the dramatic landscapes of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, passing Agdez and the historic Tamnougalt Kasbah. Continue through the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley lined with palm groves and ancient ksour.

Next, travel through Nkob, a Berber village known for its traditional kasbahs and its proximity to Jebel Saghro, before reaching Rissani. This desert town is known as the birthplace of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty and is home to one of the largest traditional markets in the region, where nomads trade goods and livestock.

In the late afternoon, arrive at the edge of the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Enjoy a camel trek across the golden sands at sunset to reach your luxury desert camp. Experience a traditional Berber dinner followed by live music around the campfire. Overnight in a well-equipped tent under the stars.

Day 3: Merzouga Region Exploration & Visit to Nomadic Families
Rise early to witness a stunning sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, return by camel to the edge of the desert and rejoin your driver for a cultural exploration of the Merzouga region.

Visit the village of Hassi Labied and continue to Khamlia, home to descendants of Sub-Saharan slaves who perform traditional Gnawa music. Explore the abandoned mining village of Mefes, known for its lead mines, and then meet a nomadic family living near the dunes to learn about their lifestyle and traditions.

In the afternoon, relax at your desert accommodation or take another walk in the dunes to enjoy the sunset. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Merzouga.

Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley (260 km)
After breakfast, leave Merzouga and drive through the town of Erfoud, renowned for its fossil workshops and local fossil products. The journey continues through the scenic landscapes of southern Morocco to reach the dramatic Todra Gorges.

These impressive canyons, carved by the Todra River, are a haven for climbers and hikers. Enjoy a short walk to admire the towering rock walls before heading to the lush Dades Valley, known for its striking rock formations and rose-colored kasbahs. Overnight in a charming hotel overlooking the valley.

Day 5: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Marrakech (330 km)
On the final day of your Marrakech to Merzouga tour, depart Dades Valley after breakfast and travel through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura Oasis, famous for its kasbahs and palm groves.

Continue to Ouarzazate and revisit Ait Ben Haddou for a quick photo stop or optional visit, then cross the High Atlas Mountains once again via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Enjoy panoramic views before arriving in Marrakech, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day Morocco desert tour.