The 5 Days Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga is a perfectly paced desert adventure designed for travelers who want to experience Morocco beyond the cities. This unforgettable 5 day desert tour from Marrakech takes you deep into the heart of southern Morocco, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, dramatic valleys, and finally the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga.
During these 5 days from Marrakech to Merzouga, you’ll travel through iconic landscapes such as Ait Ben Haddou, Boumalne Dades, Todgha Gorge, and palm-filled oases, while enjoying authentic Berber culture along the way. Unlike rushed itineraries, this journey allows more time in the desert, including camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes, breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, and nights spent under the stars in a traditional or luxury desert camp.
Ideal for couples, families, and small groups, this experience is one of the most popular 5 days Marrakech desert tours, offering a perfect balance of adventure, culture, comfort, and scenic drives. Whether you’re looking for a classic 5 days tour from Marrakech or a deeper Sahara experience, this itinerary delivers a true taste of Morocco’s desert magic.
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Your 5 Days Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga adventure begins with a morning pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech at around 8:30 AM. Board your private 4×4 and head toward the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying a scenic drive over the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters). Along the route, stop for panoramic photo opportunities and catch glimpses of traditional Berber villages nestled in the mountains.
Next, take a quieter mountain road to Telouet and explore the historic Telouet Kasbah, once the home of the influential Glaoui family. Enjoy some free time for a traditional lunch in the village before continuing your journey.
Drive through the tranquil Ounila Valley, passing small adobe hamlets and terraced hillsides, before arriving at the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander its narrow streets and discover why it has been a backdrop for films like Gladiator, Sahara, and The Mummy.
In the late afternoon, reach Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Desert,” and settle in for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, depart for the lush Draa Valley, famous for its palm groves and historic kasbahs. Stop along the route for photos and to explore small villages scattered across the valley.
Pause in Nkob or Alnif for lunch before continuing toward Merzouga, where the golden Sahara dunes await. Upon arrival, switch to camels for a mesmerizing trek into the desert, watching the sun dip behind the towering dunes.
At the desert camp, settle into traditional nomadic-style tents, enjoy a hearty dinner, and spend the night under the stars—a highlight of any 5-day Marrakech desert tour.
Wake early for a breathtaking sunrise over Erg Chebbi, one of Morocco’s most famous dune landscapes. After breakfast, explore the dunes and surrounding areas by 4×4 or camel.
Visit Tissardmine Oasis, where you can learn about the region’s fossil quarries, and meet nomadic families, gaining insight into their daily lives. Continue to panoramic viewpoints to take in the vast desert horizon.
Next, visit Khamlia Village, home to the Gnawa people, where you’ll enjoy traditional music and mint tea. Return to your desert accommodation in the afternoon, with free time to relax, stroll the dunes, or watch the sunset. Overnight stay in Merzouga.
After breakfast, depart Merzouga and head to Rissani, a bustling market town that comes alive on market days (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday). Continue to Erfoud to visit workshops specializing in fossils and marble crafting.
Drive through Tinjdad and Touroug, passing expansive palm groves before reaching Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering cliffs that attract climbers from around the world. Enjoy lunch and a short walk to take in the dramatic scenery.
Later, arrive in the Dades Valley, also called the Valley of Figs. Stop to see the famous rock formations known as the Monkey Fingers before settling in for dinner and an overnight stay near the gorges.
Begin the day with breakfast and a stop at a viewpoint overlooking the Dades Valley, capturing the winding roads, kasbahs, and patchwork of agricultural fields below.
Drive along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, stopping in the Roses Valley and Skoura Palm Grove for photos and exploration. In Ouarzazate, visit Taourirt Kasbah, the former residence of the Glaoui family, or optionally explore the local film studios and cinema museum.
This Morocco tour plan is only a sample. Get in touch with us, and we will design a custom itinerary that fits your interests and travel style.
