6 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Your driver picks you up at your riad or hotel at 8:00 AM. First, we cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass and stop for the views. Next, we visit Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village listed by UNESCO and the set of films such as Gladiator.

After lunch, we pass the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate. Then, we follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through Skoura and Kelaat M’Gouna, in the Rose Valley. Finally, we reach Boumalne Dades.

Overnight

Hotel in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast. Driving time: about 6–7 hours with stops.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we drive to Tinghir and walk into the Todra Gorge. Here, limestone walls rise about 300 metres above a clear river. Then, we cross Berber villages to Tinejdad and Erfoud, a town known for fossils and dates.

In the late afternoon, your camel trek in Merzouga begins. The ride takes about one hour, so you reach the camp at sunset. Finally, you share a Berber dinner with music around the fire.

Overnight

Private tent in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi. Driving time: about 5 hours.

Day 3: Around the Erg Chebbi Dunes

Wake up early to watch the sunrise from the dunes, then have breakfast. Afterwards, we explore the area by 4×4. First, we visit a nomad family in their goat-hair tent and learn about desert life.

Next, we stop in Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa musicians, whose music has roots in sub-Saharan Africa. Depending on the season, we may also see the seasonal lake near Merzouga and its birds. Later, the afternoon is free.

Overnight

Hotel in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani Market – Merzouga

After breakfast, we drive to Rissani. The market is liveliest on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, when people come from the villages to buy spices, vegetables and livestock.

Rissani stands near the ruins of Sijilmasa, a great caravan city of the Middle Ages. Moreover, it is the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, which still rules Morocco today. In the afternoon, you return to Merzouga to rest.

Overnight

Hotel in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast.

Day 5: Merzouga – Alnif – Tazzarine – Draa Valley – Agdz – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we drive west through Alnif and Tazzarine, at the edge of the Anti-Atlas. Then, we enter the Draa Valley, lined with palm groves and earthen kasbahs. Finally, we pass Agdz and cross the Tizi n’Tinififft pass to Ouarzazate.

Overnight

Hotel or riad in Ouarzazate, with dinner and breakfast. Driving time: about 7 hours with stops.

Day 6: Ouarzazate – Telouet – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech

After breakfast, we drive up the Ounila Valley to Telouet and visit the old Glaoui kasbah, with its painted ceilings and zellige tiles. Then, we stop for lunch in the High Atlas. Finally, we cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Marrakech.

Drop-off

At your riad or hotel in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Prefer a shorter trip? The 5 days tour from Marrakech covers the same region in one day less.