5 Days Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech ➝ High Atlas Mountains ➝ Ait Ben Haddou ➝ Ouarzazate

Depart Marrakech early in the morning and travel through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters) with its panoramic views.

Stop at Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous filming location featured in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore the ancient alleyways and admire the impressive architecture.

Continue to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” and visit the Taourirt Kasbah or local film studios.

Overnight: Hotel or Riad in Ouarzazate (Dinner included)

Day 2: Ouarzazate ➝ Skoura ➝ Dades Valley

After breakfast, drive through the Skoura Oasis, known for its beautiful palm groves and traditional kasbahs. Continue to the Valley of Roses, famous for its fragrant rose fields during spring.

Proceed to Dades Valley, renowned for its dramatic rock formations and winding roads. Enjoy free time to walk along the valley and take in the stunning landscapes.

Overnight: Hotel or Riad in Dades Valley (Dinner & Breakfast included)

Day 3: Dades Valley ➝ Todra Gorge ➝ Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, visit the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering cliffs ideal for walking and photography.

Drive through Berber villages and desert landscapes to reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Embark on a sunset camel trek across the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes.

Arrive at your desert camp, enjoy traditional Berber music, a delicious Moroccan dinner, and spend the night under the starry Sahara sky.

Overnight: Berber Desert Camp (Dinner & Breakfast included)

Day 4: Merzouga Desert ➝ Rissani ➝ Erfoud ➝ Ziz Valley ➝ Midelt

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels back to Merzouga for breakfast.

Depart for Rissani, a historic caravan town, and continue through Erfoud, famous for its fossils. Travel through the scenic Ziz Valley, dotted with palm groves and traditional Berber villages, and continue to Midelt in the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Overnight: Hotel or Riad in Midelt (Dinner & Breakfast included)

Day 5: Midelt ➝ Ifrane ➝ Cedar Forests ➝ Marrakech

After breakfast, travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains toward Marrakech. Stop in Ifrane, a charming town known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Continue through the cedar forests, home to Barbary macaque monkeys.

Arrive back in Marrakech in the evening. Your 5-day adventure concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s landscapes, culture, and desert magic.

What’s Included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver

• English-speaking driver/guide

• 1 night in Ouarzazate hotel/riad (Dinner & Breakfast included)

• 1 night in Dades Valley hotel/riad (Dinner & Breakfast included)

• 1 night in Merzouga desert camp (Dinner & Breakfast included)

• 1 night in Midelt hotel/riad (Dinner & Breakfast included)

• Camel trek in Merzouga desert (one camel per person)

• Pickup and drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation

What’s Not Included

• Lunches and drinks

• Entrance fees to attractions

• Tips (optional)

Who This Tour is For

This 5-day tour is ideal for travelers who want:

• A full Sahara Desert experience with sunset and sunrise in the dunes

• Cultural exploration of mountains, valleys, kasbahs, and historic towns

• Immersive Berber desert life and traditions

• Photography opportunities in varied landscapes

• A balanced combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery