5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech
5 Days desert tour from Marrakech to the Sahara desert. Join us on an unforgettable Morocco Desert Tours with Berber natives and experience the desert in a way you’ve never seen before.
5 days desert tour from Marrakech Details
- The cost of the 5 days desert tour from Marrakech is based on the number of people in your group and the kind of accommodation you stay in during the trip.
- A 4×4 vehicle can easily seat up to four adult guests. However, if your tour has more than five individuals, a van will be used.
- Local guides and (if applicable) entrance fees are not included. You make direct payments to suppliers for those.
- The pick-up time for your desert tour is negotiable. Between 07:30 and 08:00 AM is the best time.
- The 5 days desert tour from Marrakech can be customized to be a 5 days tour from marrakech with an additional night in Ouarzazate, a halfway between Merzouga and Marrakech.
5 days tour from Marrakech Overview
A 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara desert is an excellent and relaxing way to travel between the two imperial capitals (Marrakech and Fes).
In these 5 day desert tour from Marrakech, you will explore and visit a variety of stunning locations and viewpoints: the high Atlas Mountains, the Valley of Ounila in Telouet, the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses, the Todra valley, the Todra gorges, and the Ziz valley; and, of course, we will not miss the magical Sahara desert of Erg-Chebbi dunes, the Middle Atlas Mountains, The Cedar Forest, and Ifrane City come to an end in Fes.
5 days Morocco desert tour Highlights
- Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Explore the historic Kasbah Amridil in the lush Skoura Oasis
- Visit Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa and home to famous film studios
- Drive through the spectacular Dades Valley, known for its red rock formations
- Walk between the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge
- Ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset
- Sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga
- Visit nomadic Berber families and fossil-rich desert sites
- Visit authentic souks and ksars in Rissani and Alnif
- Travel through the stunning Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river oasis
- Discover the hidden beauty of Kasbah Telouet in the High Atlas
- Journey through the peaceful landscapes of the Anti-Atlas Mountains
- End the tour in the vibrant city of Marrakech
Includes
- Pick up and drop off at your accommodation.
- AC private fueled transportation (4WD vehicle, van, minibus).
- Driver Guide
- 3 Overnight in a Riad.
- Overnight in a desert camp
- Camel trekking activity
- 4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Excludes
- Lunches and Drinks
- Momument Fees if needed
- Tips
5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ouarzazate → Kasbah Amridil (Skoura Oasis) → Dades Valley
Depart from Marrakech in the early morning and begin your scenic journey south, climbing into the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Along this route, enjoy breathtaking mountain views, traditional Berber villages clinging to hillsides, and opportunities to stop for panoramic photos.
By midday, descend into the arid plains and arrive in Ouarzazate, the cinematic capital of Morocco. If time allows, enjoy a quick photo stop outside the historic Kasbah Taourirt, once home to the powerful Glaoui family.
Continue your journey to the nearby Skoura Oasis, a palm-dotted region famous for its hidden kasbahs and traditional earthen architecture. Here, visit the exquisite Kasbah Amridil, one of the most authentic and well-preserved kasbahs in southern Morocco. Originally built in the 17th century, this kasbah offers a true glimpse into the region’s architectural and cultural heritage, complete with towers, courtyards, and a small museum.
After exploring the kasbah, head toward the breathtaking Dades Valley. Pass through the Valley of Roses, known for its fragrant rose fields and local rose-based products (especially vibrant in spring). As the road winds deeper into the valley, dramatic rock formations and scenic gorges come into view.
Arrive in Dades Gorge by late afternoon or early evening. Settle into a charming local Riad overlooking the valley, and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner.
Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Merzouga (Sahara Desert Adventure)
You’ll start your morning with a peaceful breakfast in the heart of the Dades Valley, surrounded by striking red rock formations and lush green riverbeds. If time allows, take a short drive deeper into the gorge to enjoy the dramatic switchback road, famous for its zigzag curves carved right into the mountain. It’s one of the most photogenic roads in Morocco!
From there, the journey continues east toward Tinghir, a quiet town framed by palm groves and distant mountains. Just outside Tinghir lies the spectacular Todra Gorges, one of the most impressive natural sights in Morocco. Towering rock walls rise to 300 meters on either side, creating a narrow canyon with a small river trickling below. It’s a peaceful place for a short walk, to stretch your legs and enjoy the refreshing air between the cliffs.
After soaking in the beauty of the gorge, hit the road again and pass through several towns, including Tinjdad and Erfoud. This stretch of the drive gives you a deeper look at rural desert life. Erfoud, in particular, is well known for its date palms and fossil workshops. You might even spot some artisans polishing ancient marine fossils into beautiful souvenirs.
By late afternoon, you’ll reach Merzouga, the gateway to the vast Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, the landscape shifts completely, from rocky plains to golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see.
Switch gears and hop on for a gentle camel ride across the dunes, just as the sun begins to set. The silence, colors, and open sky make this one of those magical travel moments you’ll never forget.
Your camels will carry you to a desert camp tucked deep in the dunes, where Berber hosts welcome you with warm hospitality, mint tea, and a delicious traditional dinner. Afterward, gather around the fire for music, stargazing, or simply soaking in the peaceful energy of the Sahara.
Day 3: Discovering the Heart of the Sahara
After breakfast, we’ll start our adventure exploring the Erg Chebbi dunes and surrounding desert. We’ll continue deeper into the desert behind the dunes. We’ll visit an abandoned village where you can see how fossil minerals naturally form in the rocks, an amazing glimpse into the earth’s ancient history.
Then, we’ll head to meet a nomadic Amazigh family, where you’ll learn firsthand about their simple, resilient lifestyle in the Sahara. Sharing tea and stories with them is a highlight that connects you directly to the desert’s living heritage.
Around midday, we’ll return to Khamlia for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Moroccan dishes and the warm hospitality of the region. After lunch, we’ll drive back to your riad or desert camp, where you can relax after a full day of discovery and prepare for your next adventure.
In the afternoon, choose to try fun activities like Quad bike/ATV or Horse riding down the dunes, this active time blends excitement with the natural calm of the desert. or simply relaxing while watching the changing colors of the desert landscape as the sun starts its descent.
Day 4 : Merzouga → Rissani → Draa Valley → Anti Atlas Mountains → Ouarzazate
Your adventure begins with a peaceful desert sunrise in Merzouga, followed by breakfast at your camp and a camel ride back to the village or by a vehicle. After meeting your driver, the journey begins.
Your first stop is Rissani, once the powerful capital of the Tafilalt region and still home to one of Morocco’s most traditional souks in the south. It’s a great place to see local life in motion, especially if it’s market day.
Continue through the rocky desert landscapes toward Alnif, a quiet Berber town known for its fossil-rich terrain and prehistoric heritage. A brief stop here offers insight into the region’s geology and a chance to stretch your legs.
From Alnif, your path takes you across the dramatic open plateaus and into the Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s longest and most beautiful palm-lined valleys. This stretch is filled with ancient kasbahs, oases, and villages nestled along the riverbanks. You’ll pass Tazzarine, Nkob, and the scenic Tamnougalt Kasbah near Agdz, a fantastic example of southern Moroccan earthen architecture.
The route continues over the Anti-Atlas Mountains, a lesser-known but stunning range that provides panoramic views and a more remote, untamed feel than the High Atlas. The winding roads and arid cliffs contrast beautifully with the green ribbon of the Draa Valley behind you.
Arrive in Ouarzazate by late afternoon or early evening. Known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” it’s the perfect place to relax after a full day. If time allows, visit the famous Kasbah Taourirt or take a walk through the quiet streets before dinner and overnight stay in a charming local riad.
Day 5 : Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Tizi n’Tichka Pass → Marrakech
After breakfast in Ouarzazate, set off toward Aït Ben Haddou, the most iconic ksar in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take your time exploring its ancient alleyways, mudbrick architecture, and the panoramic viewpoint above the village. It’s a place where history meets cinematic legend, having starred in films like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.
From Aït Ben Haddou, leave the main road and take the scenic route through the Ounila Valley; a spectacular, winding drive through remote Berber villages, red canyons, and almond groves. This less-traveled path leads to the majestic and mysterious Kasbah Telouet, once the stronghold of the powerful Glaoui family.
Unlike the often-visited kasbahs, Telouet feels like a hidden treasure. Although partly in ruins, the kasbah’s interior still holds beautifully preserved zelij tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and remnants of opulence that once welcomed tribal chiefs, merchants, and dignitaries.
After your visit, continue over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest paved mountain pass in Morocco (2,260 m). The route down toward Marrakech. By early evening, you’ll descend into the plains and arrive in Marrakech, where your desert journey ends. Drop-off at your hotel or riad, ready to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
5 days from Marrakech to Merzouga desert Map
Marrakech Desert Tours 5 days Destinations
Ouarzazate, The Gateway to the Sahara
Nicknamed “The Hollywood of Africa,” Ouarzazate is a striking desert city located at the meeting point of the High Atlas Mountains and the vast Sahara. Historically a crossroads for African traders traveling to northern Morocco and Europe, today it’s known for its unique architecture, film industry, and dramatic desert landscapes.
One of Morocco’s most impressive kasbahs, Kasbah Taourirt was once the home of the powerful Glaoui family. It features more than 300 rooms and is built with traditional pisé (rammed earth). As you walk through its maze of courtyards, towers, and decorated ceilings, you’ll get a real feel for how Berber nobility lived in the 19th century.
Ouarzazate is home to two major film studios: Atlas Studios and CLA Studios. These have been used as backdrops for countless international productions, including: Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Game of Thrones, Kingdom of Heaven.
The desert light, expansive landscapes, and traditional kasbahs make it a perfect location for historical and epic films. You can take a guided tour through the studios and see sets, costumes, and props.
Despite its fame in the film industry, Ouarzazate maintains a laid-back and authentic feel. Stroll through the quiet streets, sip mint tea at rooftop cafés, or visit the local artisan cooperatives to find carpets, pottery, and Berber jewelry.
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Ouarzazate has a dry desert climate. It’s a pleasant place to stop and rest before heading deeper into the desert.
High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass
“The roof of North Africa” — that’s how many refer to the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco’s highest mountain range. Stretching over 700 km across the country, these mountains serve as a dramatic natural barrier between the fertile plains of the north and the arid Sahara desert in the south.
The High Atlas are home to traditional Amazigh (Berber) villages, lush valleys, terraced farms, and snow-capped peaks, including Jbel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa at 4,167 meters.
Tizi n’Tichka, meaning “difficult mountain pass” in Tamazight, reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters (7,415 ft), making it one of the highest paved roads in Africa. This winding mountain pass connects Marrakech to Ouarzazate and offers jaw-dropping panoramas at every turn.
Kasbah Amridil, A Living Museum in the Skoura Oasis
Nestled deep within the Skoura Palm Grove, just off the main road between Ouarzazate and the Dades Valley, stands Kasbah Amridil, one of Morocco’s most iconic and best-preserved ksars. It’s more than a historical site, it’s a journey back to a time when kasbahs were not just homes, but fortresses, community centers, and symbols of local power.
Kasbah Amridil was built in the 17th century by a wealthy religious scholar and has been passed down through generations of the same family, who still maintain it today. Originally part of a large network of fortified villages (ksour), the kasbah served as a strategic stop for traders traveling between the Sahara and the High Atlas.
With its tall towers, intricate Berber designs, and winding corridors, the kasbah is a perfect example of southern Moroccan earthen architecture.
Dades Valley, The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs
Tucked between the rugged peaks of the High Atlas and the Jbel Saghro mountains, the Dades Valley is one of Morocco’s most breathtaking landscapes. Often called “The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” it stretches from Ouarzazate to Boumalne Dades, winding through dramatic red rock canyons, lush palm groves, and ancient fortified villages.
This area is famous for its mix of natural beauty and cultural richness — a place where earth-toned kasbahs rise from green oases, and Berber families still live as they have for generations.
The Dades River has shaped the valley over millions of years, carving out stunning gorges, bizarre rock formations, and deep canyons. One of the most famous sights here is the Dades Gorge, where the road twists and climbs in a spectacular serpentine pattern, a favorite photo stop for travelers.
Along the way, you’ll see: Towering red cliffs dotted with kasbahs and ksars, “Monkey fingers” rock formations near Tamlalt village, Terraced fields of figs, almonds, and olives, Locals riding donkeys along narrow mountain trails, Traditional homes built from mud and straw, blending into the landscape
The Dades Valley is home to Amazigh (Berber) communities known for their warmth, hospitality, and unique crafts. Many locals still practice farming, weaving, and pottery, offering travelers a genuine window into rural Moroccan life.
You might even be invited in for mint tea in a Berber house, or get a chance to learn how to bake traditional bread in an earthen oven!
Todra Gorge: Morocco’s Grand Canyon
Hidden in the eastern part of the High Atlas near Tinghir, Todra Gorge (also spelled Todgha) is one of Morocco’s most dramatic natural wonders. Carved over centuries by the Todra River, the gorge is a spectacular canyon made of towering limestone cliffs that rise to 300 meters (nearly 1,000 feet) on either side, so narrow in places that only a sliver of sky is visible above.
Todra Gorge is a world-famous rock climbing destination, attracting climbers from around the globe. With more than 150 climbing routes, it offers everything from beginner-friendly walls to intense vertical challenges.
But even if you’re not climbing, walking through the gorge is an unforgettable experience:
A paved path follows the riverbed, where locals lead donkeys and children splash in the water. The temperature inside the gorge is refreshingly cool, especially during the summer heat. Along the edges, you’ll see palm groves, Berber homes built into the cliffs, and goats grazing above.
The Tinghir Oasis, just before the gorge, is a lush area full of date palms, pomegranate trees, and ancient irrigation systems. Many Berber families live in this region, and visitors are often welcomed with warm hospitality and a glass of sweet mint tea.
In this area, you can also: Visit local cooperatives that sell handmade carpets and woven goods, and Hear stories of nomadic life in the surrounding mountains
Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Dunes
At the edge of the vast Sahara Desert, Merzouga is a small desert village that opens the door to one of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes: the Erg Chebbi dunes. These golden, sweeping dunes rise up to 150 meters high, stretching over 30 kilometers, a sea of sand sculpted by the wind and glowing under the changing light of day.
The dunes of Erg Chebbi are among the highest and most picturesque in Morocco. this dunes is a true Saharan landscape of soft, wind-blown sand, perfect for: Camel trekking at sunrise or sunset, when the light turns the dunes deep orange and pink, Sandboarding down the slopes for a bit of desert fun, and Stargazing with zero light pollution, the stars here feel close enough to touch.
This is the Morocco from dreams: endless dunes, star-filled skies, and the rhythmic sound of camel footsteps over soft sand, For many travelers, spending a night under the stars in a traditional luxury desert camp is the highlight of the entire trip.
