5 days tour from Marrakech to the vast Merzouga

Your adventure begins with an early departure from Marrakech, as you cross the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Your first major stop is at the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a legendary setting for many Hollywood films. After exploring the ancient kasbah, you continue to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert, for a brief visit. Then, journey onward to the lush Skoura Oasis, known for its beautiful palm groves and ancient fortified villages. Driving through the fragrant fields of the Valley of Roses at Kelaat Mgouna, you’ll reach the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in a comfortable hotel nestled between the rugged canyons.

After breakfast, explore more of the winding Dades Valley, famous for its unique rock formations and fortified kasbahs. Then head to the impressive Todra Gorge, where you can take a relaxing walk between towering canyon walls carved by ancient rivers. Afterward, the journey continues through desert towns like Tinjdad and Erfoud, where you can visit a local fossil museum and learn about the region’s prehistoric treasures. By afternoon, you’ll reach Merzouga, at the edge of the mighty Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, a camel caravan awaits to lead you across the golden sands to your desert camp. After watching a mesmerizing desert sunset, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber music, and a peaceful night under the stars in the heart of the Sahara.

Awake early to witness a stunning Sahara sunrise before breakfast at the camp. Today is dedicated to discovering the fascinating culture and landscapes of the desert. Visit Khamlia village, where you’ll be welcomed with the hypnotic rhythms of traditional Gnawa music. Continue your desert exploration with an off-road drive to meet nomadic families living in traditional tents, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for centuries. You’ll also visit a small desert oasis where local families cultivate their crops in the middle of the arid landscape. After a day of immersion in desert life, return to your hotel or riad near Merzouga, where you can relax and watch another spectacular sunset.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the dunes and set off across the desert plains toward Alnif, a small town famous for its fossils and rocky desert surroundings. From there, journey through the beautiful Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest and most fertile river valley, dotted with thousands of palm trees, ancient ksour (villages), and kasbahs. You’ll pass through traditional Berber villages and enjoy scenic stops to capture the valley’s beauty. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive back in Ouarzazate, where you’ll have time to relax in a comfortable hotel and reflect on your desert experiences.

The final day begins with a visit to the historic Taourirt Kasbah, once a powerful Glaoui stronghold and a beautifully preserved piece of southern Moroccan architecture. Then, tour the famous Atlas Film Studios, where countless movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed. After your cinematic stop, cross back over the High Atlas Mountains, retracing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka route with several photo opportunities along the way. Arrive back in vibrant Marrakech in the afternoon or early evening, marking the end of your incredible 5-day desert adventure.