Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour in 5 Days

Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. Travel through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) — the highest road in Morocco — with several stops along the way to admire panoramic views and traditional Berber villages clinging to the hillsides.

Arrive at the famous Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking earthen architecture and as a backdrop for many international films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Enjoy a leisurely walk through its narrow alleys before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the kasbah.

In the afternoon, continue toward Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” From there, travel through the lush Skoura palm grove and the fragrant Valley of Roses, known for its rosewater distilleries and spring festival.

By evening, arrive in the Dades Valley, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in a cozy guesthouse or traditional kasbah surrounded by dramatic red cliffs and tranquil mountain scenery

After breakfast, continue your Sahara desert adventure along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through charming Berber villages surrounded by the colorful landscapes of the Dades Valley. Stop in Tinghir, an oasis town blessed with vast palm groves and stunning mountain views.

Continue to the impressive Todra Gorge, a natural wonder where towering cliffs rise up to 300 meters. Take a short walk along the riverbed, a favorite spot for photographers and rock climbers alike, and enjoy some time to relax in this peaceful setting.

After lunch on the way, travel toward Merzouga, where the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes appear on the horizon. Upon arrival, meet your camel caravan and embark on a breathtaking camel trek (approximately 1.5 hours) across the golden dunes at sunset — one of Morocco’s most unforgettable experiences.

Reach your desert camp, located in a quiet oasis among the dunes. Enjoy a warm welcome with mint tea, a delicious traditional dinner, and an evening of Berber drumming and songs around the campfire. Sleep in your private nomadic tent, or if you prefer, under a blanket of shooting stars in the open Sahara sky.

After breakfast, begin a full day dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region and the wonders of the Sahara Desert. Travel off the beaten path to discover the diversity and hidden life of the desert beyond the dunes.

Start with a visit to the two oases of Merzouga, then continue to the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa people, descendants of West African tribes known for their spiritual music and hypnotic rhythms. Enjoy a short live Gnawa performance that captures the soul of the desert.

Next, visit the Mifiss mines and drive across the black volcanic desert plateau, meeting Berber nomads who live in traditional tents. Share tea and stories with them to glimpse their unique way of life.

Continue to the Tissardmine oasis, surrounded by tamarisk trees and ancient fossil fields, before returning to your hotel in Merzouga by evening. Relax, enjoy dinner, and spend the night surrounded by the tranquility of the Sahara

After a peaceful night in the Erg Chebbi dunes, wake early to watch the sunrise over the golden sands — an unforgettable sight as the desert slowly comes to life. After breakfast at the camp, ride your camel back to the hotel for a refreshing shower and to prepare for departure.

Your journey continues to Rissani, the historical capital of the Tafilalet region and birthplace of Morocco’s royal Alaouite dynasty. Explore the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, visit the lively local market, and stroll through the palm groves that surround the town.

Afterwards, drive through vast desert landscapes toward N’Kob, where you’ll stop for lunch at leisure. In the afternoon, travel along the scenic Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s longest and most beautiful valleys, lined with thousands of date palms and ancient kasbahs.

By evening, arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay, surrounded by the calm and charm of this cinematic desert town.

After breakfast, depart Ouarzazate and drive to the remarkable Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most impressive fortified villages. Walk through its maze of earthen alleyways and discover the centuries-old architecture that has inspired filmmakers and travelers from around the world.

Continue your journey through the Ounila Valley to reach the traditional Berber village of Telouet, once an important stop on the ancient caravan route linking the desert to Marrakech. Here, visit the Kasbah el Glaoui, the former residence of the powerful Pasha of Marrakech, and admire its intricate architecture and faded grandeur — a reminder of Morocco’s rich and layered history.

In the afternoon, cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), with breathtaking views at every turn. Arrive in Marrakech by early evening, where your driver will drop you off at your riad or hotel — marking the end of your unforgettable Sahara Desert journey