Adventure in the Sahara desert
5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert
✓ Private tour with your own driver✓ Free quote, no commitment
→ Overview: 5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert
This 5 days tour from Marrakech is a relaxed desert loop with two nights around Merzouga. First, you cross the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. Then, you follow the palm groves of the Draa Valley to the Erg Chebbi dunes. After a full day around Merzouga, you return through the Todra and Dades gorges and the Rose Valley.
Private tour · Daily departures · Pick-up at your riad. Request your free quote or message us on WhatsApp.
Languages
English, Spanish
Tour type
Private Tour
Availability
All year round, with daily departures
→ 5 Days Tour from Marrakech at a Glance
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Marrakech, with pick-up at your riad or hotel in the morning |
| Route | Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Rissani – Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Marrakech |
| Nights | 1 hotel in Ouarzazate, 1 desert camp in Erg Chebbi, 1 hotel in Merzouga, 1 hotel in the Dades Valley |
| Meals | 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts |
| Camel ride | About 1 hour to the camp at sunset (a 4×4 transfer is possible) |
| Pace | Relaxed, with a full day around Merzouga |
| Best season | March to May and September to November |
→ Why Choose This 5 Days Tour from Marrakech
With five days, you see the whole south without long days on the road. In addition, you spend a full day around the dunes instead of leaving the morning after the camp.
- Two nights around Merzouga. One night in a desert camp and one in a hotel, with a free afternoon for the dunes.
- A real loop. You go out through the Draa Valley and come back through the Todra and Dades gorges.
- Local culture. You meet a nomad family and listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia.
- Good for families. Shorter days make it a family-friendly desert tour.
Short on time? The 4 day desert tour covers the same dunes in one day less. You can also browse more Merzouga desert tours.
→ 5 Days Tour from Marrakech Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m).
- Explore Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar.
- Follow the palm groves and kasbahs of the Draa Valley.
- Ride a camel at sunset across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Sleep under the stars in a Sahara desert camp.
- Listen to Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia.
- Walk between the high limestone walls of the Todra Gorge.
- Drive the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and the Rose Valley.
→ 5 Days Tour from Marrakech Itinerary, Day by Day
Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Your driver picks you up at your riad or hotel in the morning. First, we cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with stops at the viewpoints. If you like, we also visit a women’s argan oil cooperative.
Next, we explore Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village listed by UNESCO. Films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones were shot here. After lunch, we continue to Ouarzazate and visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a former residence of the Glaoui family.
Overnight
Hotel in Ouarzazate, with dinner and breakfast. Driving time: about 4–5 hours with stops.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Agdz – Draa Valley – Rissani – Merzouga Desert
Today we drive into the Draa Valley, one of the most beautiful roads in Morocco. First, we cross the Tizi n’Tinififft pass to Agdz, below Jebel Kissane. Then, the road follows date palms and old earthen kasbahs along the river.
In the afternoon, we cross the stony hammada and reach Rissani, where we visit the local souk. Finally, we arrive in Merzouga. Here, your camel trek in Merzouga begins, and you reach the camp at sunset.
Overnight
Private tent in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi, with a Berber dinner and drums. Driving time: about 7 hours with stops.
Day 3: A Full Day around Merzouga
It is worth waking up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. Afterwards, you ride back to Merzouga for a shower and breakfast. Then, we explore the area by 4×4 along the edge of the dunes.
On the way, we visit a nomad family in their tent and share a mint tea. Next, we stop in Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music. Later, you have a free afternoon to climb the dunes and watch the sunset.
Overnight
Hotel in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast.
Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
After breakfast, we drive west through Erfoud and the palm groves to Tinghir. Then, we walk into the Todra Gorge, where a clear river runs between high limestone walls.
Next, we pass Boumalne Dades and drive into the Dades Valley, a green strip of fields and kasbahs between red mountains. In the evening, we arrive at our hotel in the valley.
Overnight
Hotel in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast. Driving time: about 5 hours with stops.
Day 5: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech
Today we cross the Rose Valley to Kelaat M’Gouna, famous for rose water and its rose festival in May. Then, we pass the palm grove of Skoura and the Kasbah Amridil. Afterwards, we cross the High Atlas again over the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
Drop-off
At your riad or hotel in Marrakech in the evening. Driving time: about 7 hours with stops. Want even more time in the Sahara? The 6-day version with Rissani adds a market day.
→ What’s Included and Not Included
Everything is clear from the start, so there are no surprise fees.
What's Included
Covered from start to finish
- Private tour and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with seat belts.
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
- 1 night in a hotel in Ouarzazate.
- 1 night in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi.
- 1 night in a hotel in Merzouga.
- 1 night in a hotel in the Dades Valley.
- Experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
- Fuel, tolls and all vehicle costs.
- Dinners and breakfasts (vegetarians welcome).
- Camel handler.
- Camel ride of about 1 hour (or a 4×4 transfer to the camp if you prefer).
- Sandboards, free to use at the camp.
What's not Included
Extra costs to plan for
- Flights.
- Lunches (picnic or restaurant stops).
- Drinks with meals.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Entrance fees to monuments, museums and kasbahs.
- Travel insurance.
- Anything not listed under “Included”.
→ 5 Days Tour from Marrakech Route Map
→ Photo Gallery
→ Good to Know: 5 Days Tour from Marrakech
- Private & door to doorPrivate tour: only your group, with your own driver and vehicle. Pick-up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech; drop-off in Marrakech.
- Driving timeDay 2 (Ouarzazate to Merzouga via the Draa Valley, about 7 hours) is the longest; the other stages are 3–6 hours.
- AltitudeThe road crosses the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 m: it is cold in winter and, after heavy snow, can close for a few hours.
- Desert night1 night in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes and 1 night in a hotel in Merzouga; the camel ride to camp usually takes about an hour. From November to March desert nights can drop close to 0 °C – bring a warm layer.
- Best seasonBest months: March to May and September to November. In July and August the desert passes 40 °C, so activities are planned early in the morning and at sunset.
- What to bringBring cash in dirhams for lunches, drinks and tips, plus sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf for sun and sand.
Local Expert Tip
In the Draa Valley in autumn, buy fresh dates from roadside stalls – the valley follows Morocco’s longest river and its palm groves stretch for kilometres.
→ 5 Days Tour from Marrakech: Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a 5-day tour over a shorter one?
Five days give you a full day around Merzouga and shorter driving days. As a result, you see the Draa Valley, the dunes and the gorges without rushing.
How many nights do we spend in the desert?
One night in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, and one night in a hotel in Merzouga.
Are the hotels and desert camp private?
Yes. You have private rooms in every hotel and a private, fully equipped tent in the desert camp.
Do we carry our luggage on the camels?
No. Our team takes your main bags to your tent by 4×4, so you only need a small backpack. See what to pack for the Sahara desert.
Can we skip the camel ride?
Yes. If you prefer not to ride, we drive you to the camp by 4×4.
When is the best time for this tour?
March to May and September to November are the most comfortable months. Read more about the best time to visit Morocco.
→ Customize Your 5 Days Tour from Marrakech
Because this is a private tour, you can adapt it to your plans. For example, travellers often ask us to:
- Finish in Fes instead of Marrakech; see our tours from Marrakech.
- Add a night in the Todra Gorge or in Ait Ben Haddou.
- Choose a higher camp category for a honeymoon in Morocco.
- Keep the same driver for the rest of your trip with a private driver in Morocco.
Have something else in mind? Then let us plan a tailor-made Morocco tour around your dates.
→ Book Your 5 Days Tour from Marrakech
Ask us for the price
This 5 days tour from Marrakech is private, so the price depends on your group size, travel dates and the riad or camp category you choose. Send us your dates and number of travellers and we will reply with a clear quote, with no hidden costs.
- Private driver & vehicle
- Built around your dates
- Free, no-obligation quote
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→ What Our Travelers Say
“My mom and I had a great trip! Abdul Abderrahim guided our group of 22 for 10 days all around the country. He always a delight and informative. He was very attentive to any needs or wishes of the group and made the trip seamless. Thank you!”
Chip S
Traveled with family
“The entire adventure was marvelous. There was a lot of driving but our driver was very safe and he made frequent stops and showed us many landmarks and cultural treasures. Our visit to the desert was our highlight of the trip. I can highly recommend.”
Evita M
Traveled with friends
“Just returned from a fascinating 12 day Morocco group tour with guide Abdul. We had an amazing, immersive, super fun experience. Abdul was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, funny, patient, and pleasant. He shared personal memories of growing up Berber…”
Maria R
Traveled with friends
“We had a two week tour through Morocco and it was excellent. We visited many different locations, including the big city medina’s of Marrakech and Fez, the lovely coastal city of Essaouira, the fabulous desert area…”
Catherina2015