5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert

Tour Overview :

Ready for an unforgettable 5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga? This journey takes you right through Morocco’s amazing landscapes & rich culture. You’ll explore the stunning Sahara Desert, see incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites, & enjoy the heartwarming Moroccan hospitality. From the busy markets of Marrakech to the calm dunes of Merzouga, this tour is packed with experiences that will stay with you forever.

Your desert tour kicks off in Marrakech, leading you along winding roads through the High Atlas Mountains, past ancient kasbahs, and into the beautiful Sahara. You can try sandboarding, visit the impressive Todra Gorges, & even spend a night under the stars at a desert camp. Along the way, meet nomad families, check out the famous film town of Ouarzazate, and discover the stunning Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This adventure is a perfect mix of fun, culture, and nature that captures Morocco’s magic.

GALLERY:

Private 5 Days desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Cancellation

Up to 1 day

DURATION

5 days / 4 nights

Available

Year-round

STARTING

Marrakech

ENDING

Marrakech

PRICE

Contact us

Highlights of the 5 Days from Marrakech to Merzouga tour

  • Scenic Atlas Mountains Crossing
  • Ait Benhaddou
  • Ouarzazate
  • Dades Valley
  • Todra Gorge
  • Camel Trek in the Sahara Desert
  • Sahara Desert Sunrise
  • 4WD Desert Safari
  • Nomadic Family Visit
  • Kohl (Eyeliner) Mine Visit
  • Khamlia Village and Gnaoua Music
  • Draa Valley
  • Anti-Atlas Mountains
  • Kasbah Telouet
  • Return Through the High Atlas Mountains

Itinerary for the 5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley

Marrakech to Merzouga tour

Your 5 Days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga begins early in Marrakech. As you leave behind the bustling city, get ready to witness some of Morocco’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Crossing the Atlas Mountains

The first part takes you across the majestic High Atlas Mountains. The Tizi N Tichka pass sits at an impressive 2,260 meters (7,410 feet) above sea level. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of mountains & valleys all around you. As you go up, notice how the scenery changes with Berber villages scattered on mountainsides & different sights unfolding in front of your eyes. This scenic mountain pass is a highlight of the Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour, showcasing the diverse terrain of Morocco.

Exploring Ait Benhaddou & Ouarzazate

When you come down from the mountains, you’ll reach Ait Benhaddou. It’s a stunning ancient ksar (that’s a fancy word for fortified village) and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ait Benhaddou’s red mud-brick buildings make it not just a favored filming spot but also a must-see for visitors eager to dive into Morocco’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Just a quick drive away, you’ll find, Ouarzazate, often called the “hollywood of morocco.” This city is famous for its film studios where many movies & TV shows have been made You miss Taourirt Kasbah. It’s a lovely example of Moroccan design. The intricate architecture shows cool details about Morocco’s rich past.

Arrival in Dades Valley

Your adventure moves on as you reach Dades Valley. This valley shines with its unique rock formations & dramatic landscapes. It’s known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Get ready to be amazed by how green oases pop against rugged orange rocks.

At day’s end, you’ll arrive at your place to stay in Dades Valley to relax & gear up for more fun ahead in your 5 day desert tour from marrakech!

Day 2: Todra Gorge & Arrival in Merzouga

5 Day Morocco Itinerary

Your second day of the 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga , you dive into the heart of Morocco. Nature’s beauty takes center stage, and soon you’ll begin your desert adventure.

Todra Gorge

You’ll start after breakfast, heading towards the Sahara. A stop at Todra Gorge is a must—it’s one of Morocco’s coolest natural wonders. The Todra River carved this canyon over millions of years. Its walls shoot up to 300 meters (985 feet) high! The narrow gorge makes a stunning scene with tall rock faces against vibrant greenery by the riverbanks. It’s a dream spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers who want to capture breathtaking sights.

Tinghir Palm Oasis

Then, it’s off to the Tenghir palm oasis, a lovely escape from the rocky terrain. You can stroll through lush gardens filled with date palms, olive trees, & traditional Berber crops. The contrast between the green oasis and the red earth of nearby mountains is just amazing! This visit gives you a peek into how the Berber people have farmed here for centuries.

Arrival in Merzouga

By late afternoon, you’ll reach Merzouga—the gateway to the Sahara Desert. It sits right at the edge of the famous Erg Chebbi dunes, which tower over 150 meters (490 feet) high. As sunset approaches, gear up for a camel trek across the desert. This hour-long ride lets you see how vast and beautiful the Sahara is as the sunset in the dunes in magical colors. Your stop for the night will be a cozy traditional Berber desert camp nestled among those dunes.

Night in the Desert Camp

When you get to camp, you’ll be welcomed with warm mint tea & a tasty Moroccan dinner under the starry sky. Spend your evening around a campfire while enjoying traditional Berber music and drumming. With no light pollution, the desert sky will be full of stars—it’s absolutely enchanting! You’ll sleep in a classic Berber tent, soaking in that peace and quiet of the desert.

Day 3: Full-Day Exploration of the Merzouga

Day three is all about exploring the Sahara—a mix of adventure & relaxation awaits!

Waking up in the Sahara is a truly magical experience. So, you gotta rise early to see the magnificent sunrise over the tall dunes of Erg Chebbi. When the sun peeks above the horizon, it paints the desert in golden light, turning the landscape stunning and peaceful. After soaking in this beautiful moment, you’ll have some time to enjoy breakfast at the camp. It’s a great chance to relax before a day full of exploring and discovering.

Your driver will be ready to take you on an exciting day 4WD desert safari through the Merzouga region. This place is known for its different landscapes and rich cultural heritage. You’ll see towering dunes, hidden wild lakes, ancient mines, fossilized rocks, and lush oases—just perfect for outdoor fun & cultural experiences.

Meet Nomadic Families in the Desert

your trip takes you deeper into the desert. You’ll get to meet a nomadic family living in traditional hand-woven tents. These nomads have traveled through the Sahara for many generations, living simply but profoundly connected to their land.

When you arrive, they’ll greet you with traditional Berber tea—a warm welcome that shows their hospitality. While spending time with the family, learn about their way of life! They’ll tell you how they manage their daily routines, take care of livestock, & move with seasons searching for water and grazing land. This special visit gives real insight into how Berber nomads keep their traditions alive in such a tough environment.

Visit to an Old Eyeliner Mine

you’ll visit an ancient kohl (eyeliner) mine. In this mine, this natural mineral was once dug up and used all over Morocco for practical and ceremonial uses. Women especially liked kohl because of how it made them look beautiful. Checking out the mine gives you a peek into the area’s history & how important kohl was for trade. Your guide will share cool stories about local mining practices and how kohl fits into Moroccan culture.

Khamlia Village and Gnaoua music

Next, you’ll head to Khamlia Village—a small but culturally rich spot close to Merzouga. Khamlia is known for its Gnaoua music—a spiritual & rhythmic style with deep roots in African heritage. The people here are descendants of sub-Saharan Africans who came to Morocco long ago from places like Mali & Niger. The enchanting sound of Gnaoua music—with its lively drumming, chanting, & dancing—is not just fun; it’s also super important spiritually for this community.

When you’re there, you’ll catch a live performance! Listen closely to those hypnotic rhythms while watching musicians dance—it’s truly something special. You’ll feel the strong bond between these folks and their old customs. This colorful cultural experience is definitely one of the day’s highlights!

Free Time for Lunch

After all that excitement in the morning, it’s time for lunch! You’ll have some free time at a local restaurant in Merzouga. Here you can dive into yummy Moroccan foods like tagine, fresh salads, & Berber pizza. It’s a tasty way to recharge before jumping into more adventures!

Walk Through a Palm Grove

In the afternoon, take a quiet walk through one of the lovely Tafilalet palm grove around! These lush spots stand out against the dry desert and are super important for life here in Sahara. Full of date palms—while strolling through those cool shaded paths—you’ll learn about why palm groves matter so much for local agriculture & daily living. They’re not just food sources; they also help create cozy microclimates supporting other plants.

This stroll offers a peaceful moment letting you admire how life thrives even in harsh conditions & how clever locals are at making these green areas flourish.

Merzouga Village and Overnight Stay

As afternoon fades away, you’ll drive just a few kilometers to Merzouga Village—a small desert town on Sahara’s edge. Here your day wraps up with dinner and an overnight stay at a traditional hotel or riad! The place you’ll stay makes sure you’re comfy while giving an authentic experience after such an adventurous day. Dinner will be a delicious Moroccan feast—a final chance to enjoy regional culinary traditions before settling down for the night!

Day 4: Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Draa Valley

5 Day Morocco Itinerary

On your fourth day of your 5 days tour from marrakech to merzouga, get set for some more amazing desert views at sunrise. The sky lights up with such beautiful oranges & pinks. It’s a moment that makes you feel so connected to the vast Sahara. After you grab breakfast, it’s time to start heading back to Ouarzazate. You’ll take a scenic route through some of the most captivating spots in Morocco.

Journey through the Draa Valley

As you leave Merzouga, your first stop is the Draa Valley. It’s famous for its lush palm trees & old ksour (fortified villages). The Draa River flows right through here, making these green spots shine bright against the dry desert around them. While driving, you’ll see traditional Berber villages with mud-brick houses peeking out from between tall date palms. That bright green valley really stands out against the rugged mountains in the distance—it’s simply one of the prettiest drives in Morocco.

Your guide will pause at a few great spots for you to soak in panoramic views of the valley. You’ll have plenty of chances to learn about farming practices & the rich history of this beautiful area. The Draa Valley is really important for those living there, and its beauty is something you won’t forget.

Crossing the Anti-Atlas Mountains

Next, you’ll head across the Anti-Atlas Mountains. This part feels more remote & dramatic, showing off some of Morocco’s wild terrain. It’s not as busy with tourists as the High Atlas, making it perfect for enjoying untouched landscapes & cool Berber villages.

As you twist through those mountain roads, you’ll come across small towns where life feels like it hasn’t changed in years. Rocky hills covered with almond trees—when spring rolls around those hills burst into color.

Arrival in Ouarzazate

By late afternoon, you’ll reach Ouarzazate for an overnight stay. Known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” this city has a rich movie history & some historic kasbahs. After traveling all day, you’ll check into your hotel or riad to relax. Dinner will be waiting for you—a chance to savor a yummy Moroccan meal while winding down after a day filled with beautiful sights & cultural encounters.

Day 5: Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Kasbahs & High Atlas Mountains

5 day Marrakech to Merzouga tour

On your last day of this 5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga adventure, kick things off with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or riad in Ouarzazate. Today’s all about exploring some famous landmarks before making your way back to Marrakech through stunning High Atlas Mountains.

Visit to Kasbah Taourirt & Film Studios

First up is Kasbah Taourirt—one of Morocco’s most impressive kasbahs and well-kept secrets! This UNESCO site once belonged to the Glaoui family. Its intricate designs & tall walls show off Morocco’s amazing architectural history. While exploring its twisting paths, your guide will share stories about its past and families who called it home.

Then it’s time to check out Ouarzazate’s film studios—this place earned a nickname as “Hollywood of Africa!” “Many blockbuster films and television shows, like Gladiator and Game of Thrones, were filmed here! Strolling around gives you a peek behind the scenes at how these amazing desert landscapes got turned into movie magic.

Visit to Kasbah Telouet

While on your journey, we will visit Kasbah Telouet—a hidden treasure high up in the mountains! This ancient kasbah was home to the Glaoui family and has some stunning traditional Moroccan architecture! Even though parts are crumbling down now… its detailed tilework & grand courtyards still show how fancy things used to be! Wandering around helps explain just how important this area was back then!

Crossing the High Atlas Mountains through Tizi n'Tichka Pass.

After checking out Ouarzazate, it’s time to head back to Marrakech by retracing your path through High Atlas Mountains. You’ll drive along Tizi n’Tichka Pass—one of North Africa’s highest mountain routes! It’s got jaw-dropping views that showcase rocky mountains and deep valleys below. As you go higher up, watch how landscapes switch from dry plains to lush green valleys filled with terrace farms & tiny villages tucked between mountains!

Lunch & Scenic Stops

As you make your way down through High Atlas mountains, there will be plenty of scenic stops where you can snap some photos & stretch those legs! Stop for lunch at a cozy local restaurant—it’s all about enjoying classic Moroccan dishes while taking in those amazing mountain views! With delicious food & fresh mountain air—it makes for a perfect relaxing break before heading back into town!

Continue to Marrakech

After lunch, keep moving through those beautiful Atlas landscapes until you’re finally back in Marrakech! The lively streets of this red city will welcome you once again after five days packed with adventure! You’ll have memories of towering Merzouga dunes, incredible kasbahs & warm smiles from Moroccan folks as your tour wraps up when you’re dropped off at your hotel or riad.

This Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour gives an unforgettable experience! You’ll see truly breathtaking landscapes, discover historical sites & meet different cultures along the way! Whether it’s peaceful Sahara sunsets or mighty peaks in Atlas Mountains—you’ll leave with memories that last forever!

Note

INCLUSIVE:

  • Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodations
  • Accommodations during the tour
  • Breakfasts & dinners
  • Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
  • English or Spanish-speaking driver
  • Camel ride in Merzouga
  • A night in a desert camp

EXCLUSIVE:

  • Entry fees
  • Drinks
  • Lunches

5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga FAQs

Is a trip to Merzouga worth it?
Absolutely, the sand dunes in Merzouga are spectacular, and the nighttime sky is a breathtaking sight. However, be aware that some tourist aspects, like the authenticity of nomad experiences, might not meet expectations.

For a brief visit, 1-2 days in Merzouga will give you a basic desert experience. If you prefer a relaxed pace with more sightseeing, consider staying 3-4 days. For a thorough exploration of Merzouga and its surrounding areas, a stay of 2 days or more is recommended.

On the journey from Marrakech to Merzouga, the must-see stops include the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Skoura Oasis, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, and the Erg Chebbi Dunes.

Learn a few basic Arabic or Berber phrases, dress modestly, and follow local customs. Respect goes a long way in connecting with the community.

Pack light, breathable clothing, a jacket for cool desert nights, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking on sand. Don’t forget a camera to capture the incredible scenery!

The best time to visit Merzouga is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are mild. Summers can be extremely hot, and winters, especially at night, can be very cold in the desert.

Apart from the iconic camel trek and overnight in a desert camp, you can enjoy sandboarding, ATV/quad biking

Yes! Our camel treks are suitable for most travelers, including families with children. If you prefer not to ride camels, we can arrange a 4×4 vehicle to take you to the desert camp.

Yes! At Travel via Morocco, we ensure that your dietary preferences are taken care of, whether you require vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals. Please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Review of a 5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Our 5-day adventure from Marrakech to Merzouga gave us an ideal mix of breathtaking scenery historic landmarks, and cultural immersion. We got a rare glimpse into Morocco's architectural past at the Kasbah Telouet stop. Our trip through the Draa Valley treated us to beautiful views. The camel trek and night in the desert camp stood out as the best parts. Everything ran , and we had great guides leading us. It's a journey we'll always remember!
TripAdvisor review for Travel via Morocco agency showcasing excellent service and memorable tours.
Emily Davis A Perfect Blend of Culture and Scenery

5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga route map

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