5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

Your 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech begins as you leave the vibrant chaos of Marrakech behind, setting out early in the morning toward the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. The road climbs steadily along the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), offering breathtaking views of deep valleys, terraced fields, and traditional Berber hamlets perched on mountain slopes. You’ll stop along the way for photos, tea, or a short walk through one of the mountain villages, where time seems to have stood still.

By late morning, the scenery opens into the arid plains of southern Morocco, where the legendary Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou rises like a mirage from the desert landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage site, built entirely of clay and straw, is one of the finest examples of traditional Moroccan architecture and has been featured in films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. Wander through its labyrinthine alleys, explore ancient towers, and climb to the granary on the hilltop for a panoramic view over the ksar and the surrounding valley.

After lunch near Aït Ben Haddou, continue toward Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” home to film studios and the historic Kasbah of Taourirt. As the road winds eastward, you’ll pass through the lush Skoura Oasis, filled with palm trees and crumbling kasbahs, then along the Valley of Roses, famous for its springtime bloom and rosewater production. By late afternoon, you’ll reach the Dades Valley, where towering cliffs and green riverbanks form a breathtaking contrast. Settle into your riad or kasbah hotel for a delicious dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by the mountains.

Overnight: Riad or hotel in Dades Valley
Meals: Dinner & breakfast

Wake up to the tranquil beauty of the Dades Valley, where the morning sun paints the canyon walls in shades of red and orange. After breakfast, follow the road that winds along the valley, dotted with ancient kasbahs and villages built of sun-dried clay. You’ll stop at scenic viewpoints to admire the striking rock formations known as the “monkey fingers” before continuing toward the Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural wonders.

At the Todra Gorges, sheer limestone cliffs soar up to 300 meters high, creating a narrow canyon where the river flows gently below. Take a leisurely walk between the towering walls, meet local shepherds and artisans, or simply enjoy the serenity of this oasis. After lunch in a nearby café, the road leads you through desert towns such as Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, a town renowned for its fossil workshops and as the gateway to the Sahara.

As you approach Merzouga, the scenery transforms into rolling dunes glowing under the afternoon sun. At the edge of the desert, your camel caravan awaits. Dressed in traditional scarves, you’ll embark on a camel trek across the dunes of Erg Chebbi, where the silence of the desert is broken only by the rhythmic footsteps of your camel. The sunset over the golden sand is a sight you’ll never forget — the sky turns crimson, the air cools, and the desert comes alive in hues of fire.

Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and Moroccan sweets. After a delicious dinner under the stars, gather around the campfire to listen to Berber drumming and storytelling. The vastness of the desert, the scent of the sand, and the sparkle of a thousand stars create a feeling of complete peace and timeless wonder.

Overnight: Luxury or standard desert camp in Merzouga
Meals: Dinner & breakfast

Wake before dawn to witness the sunrise over the dunes, a breathtaking spectacle as the desert awakens in golden light. After breakfast at the camp, begin your day of exploration around the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll travel by 4x4 through the desert landscapes, visiting small villages, nomadic families, and panoramic viewpoints.

Stop in Khamlia Village, known for its Gnawa musicians — descendants of sub-Saharan slaves — who welcome visitors with spiritual music and hypnotic rhythms played on drums and metal castanets. Enjoy a mint tea while listening to their songs, which speak of freedom, faith, and the desert spirit. Continue your route toward the black desert, an area of volcanic stones and fossil fields that contrasts sharply with the soft golden dunes. Visit a nomad family living in traditional tents, sharing tea and learning about their way of life, marked by simplicity and resilience.

In the afternoon, if the season allows, you can visit Dayet Srij Lake, where pink flamingos often gather. Return to Merzouga in time to relax at your riad or camp, admire the desert sunset once more, or try sandboarding on the dunes. Dinner and another peaceful night under the starry sky of the Sahara.

Overnight: Riad or camp in Merzouga
Meals: Dinner & breakfast

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the dunes and begin your journey back through southern Morocco. The first stop is Rissani, a historic desert town that once served as a major trading post for caravans traveling between Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa. Visit its traditional souk — one of the most authentic in the region — filled with colorful spices, jewelry, carpets, and local produce.

Continue driving through Alnif and Tazzarine, where the scenery alternates between desert plains and lush oases. The road then follows the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river oasis, lined with endless date palms, kasbahs, and small Berber villages. It’s one of the most picturesque drives in the country, where the rhythm of daily life still follows the ancient patterns of farming and trade.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Ouarzazate, a quiet city surrounded by desert mountains. Check into your hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner, and rest after a long and beautiful day of travel.

Overnight: Hotel in Ouarzazate
Meals: Dinner & breakfast

After breakfast, you can visit the Kasbah of Taourirt or the Atlas Film Studios, where many famous movies were filmed. Then begin your return journey to Marrakech through the scenic High Atlas Mountains, retracing the dramatic landscapes you crossed on your first day.

Along the way, you’ll stop for photos, enjoy panoramic viewpoints, and savor your last glimpses of Berber villages and mountain valleys. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Marrakech, where your driver will drop you off at your riad or hotel: marking the end of your 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech. This journey through Morocco’s mountains, valleys, and desert will stay with you forever, a perfect balance of discovery, beauty, and peace.

Meals: Breakfast