5 Days Marrakech Desert Tour

Overview

Experience the best of Morocco on a 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, where every moment is an adventure. The journey will start from Marrakech via the incredible High Atlas Mountains, local Berber villages, and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.

On our way, we’ll visit Todra Gorges, followed by a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes to a desert camp. In a 4×4 tour, you’ll meet nomadic families and visit the Gnaoua village of Khamlia.

On the way back, you get to discover the markets of Rissani, pass through the scenic Draa Valley and Agdez, and explore the famous Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, before going back to Marrakech.

Tour Plan: 5 Days Marrakech Desert Tour

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

Our trip begins with a drive through the beautiful High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi-N-Tichka pass and stopping to enjoy the amazing views.

We’ll visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO site known for movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.

After lunch, we’ll pass through the green oasis of Skoura and the Rose Valley before arriving in the Dades Valley, where we’ll spend the night in a cozy hotel or riad.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga

After breakfast, we’ll explore the striking rock formations of the Dades Valley and continue to the Todra Gorge, where 300-meter cliffs tower above. We’ll then head to Merzouga, where a camel trek awaits to take you across the Erg Chebbi dunes.

The day concludes with a magical sunset, followed by an overnight desert camping between the dunes and a lively party of Berber drum music played by locals around a campfire.

Day 3: Full Day Exploring Merzouga Area

We’ll start the day with a stunning sunrise over the desert, followed by a 4×4 off-road tour to visit a nomadic family where you learn about their lifestyle and a trip to Khamlia village to attend Gnaoua music performances.

We’ll also explore the abandoned village of Galena, known for its old mines. After lunch, we’ll visit a serene seasonal lake near Merzouga called “Dayet Sriji”, before returning to a comfortable riad to spend the evening.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Ouarzazate

After enjoying a beautiful sunrise in Merzouga, we will head to Rissani, where we’ll visit its busy souk, a local market known for selling spices, local crafts, and fresh produce. Rissani is also famous for being the old capital of Tafilalet.

Next, we’ll make our way through the Draa Valley, which is full of palm trees and old Berber villages. On the way, we’ll stop in Agdez to see the green landscape and explore a historic Kasbah called “Tamnougalt”.

We’ll wrap up the day in Ouarzazate, staying in a comfortable riad for the night.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

To start our final day, we’ll visit Ouarzazate’s famous film studios, also known as the “Hollywood of Africa”, where movies like Gladiator and The Mummy are filmed.

Next, we’ll explore the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO site and an ancient fortress seen in films and shows like Game of Thrones.

Afterward, we’ll start our journey back to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains. On the way, we’ll stop at a few picturesque spots to admire the mountain views, reaching Marrakech by the afternoon.