5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

This 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga offers a deeper and more relaxed exploration of southern Morocco. Ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion, this journey weaves through ancient kasbahs, dramatic gorges, palm-filled valleys, and vast desert landscapes. From camel trekking in the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes to meeting Berber nomads and visiting traditional villages like Khamlia, this route provides a rich, off-the-beaten-path experience before looping back to Marrakech via the beautiful Draa Valley and High Atlas Mountains.

Highlights

Crossing the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Exploring Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Palm groves and kasbahs of Skoura
Dades and Todra Gorges – Morocco’s dramatic canyons
Camel trekking and camping in Erg Chebbi dunes
Visiting desert nomads and the musical village of Khamlia
Markets of Rissani and the Draa Valley landscapes
Ouarzazate’s kasbahs and film studios

Day 01 :

Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dades Gorges

Depart Marrakech early and drive through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains. Visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village known for its earthen architecture and film appearances. Continue to Ouarzazate and optionally stop at the Atlas Film Studios or Taourirt Kasbah. Pass through Skoura’s palm oasis and explore the Kasbah Amridil before reaching Dades Gorges, where you'll stay in a guesthouse nestled in the valley.

Day 02 :

Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Erg Chebbi Dunes (Merzouga)

After breakfast, travel through Boumalne Dades and the picturesque road of 1,000 kasbahs to Todra Gorges. Enjoy a walk along the towering canyon walls. Continue to Erfoud, known for fossil workshops and date production, then head to the edge of the Sahara at Merzouga. There, ride camels across the dunes of Erg Chebbi during sunset and arrive at your desert camp for dinner and a night under the stars.

Day 03 :

Merzouga – Nomad Visit – Khamlia Village – Back to Camp

Spend the day exploring the Merzouga region. Visit nomadic families in the nearby desert, gaining insight into their traditional lifestyle. Then head to Khamlia, a small village known for Gnawa music performed by descendants of Sub-Saharan slaves. After lunch and some desert exploration, return to the camp for relaxation, sandboarding, or a sunset walk in the dunes. Enjoy dinner, music, and another peaceful night in the Sahara.

Day 04 :

Merzouga – Rissani – Agdz – Ouarzazate

Wake early for sunrise over the dunes, then return by camel or 4x4 to Merzouga for breakfast. Drive to Rissani, a historic trading town with a bustling souk, then head south through the volcanic landscapes of Tazarine and Nkob. Follow the Draa Valley, lined with ancient kasbahs and palm groves, before reaching Ouarzazate. Spend the night in this cinematic town.

Day 05 :

Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, begin the scenic return to Marrakech. Drive once again through the High Atlas Mountains with stops for photos, panoramic views, and visits to Berber villages along the way. Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon, ending your unforgettable desert adventure.