5 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga

5 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Overview:

This 5 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga offers an extended, immersive experience of Morocco’s desert landscapes, traditional Berber culture, and scenic routes through the Atlas Mountains. With two nights in the Sahara Desert, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, relax, and enjoy camel trekking, starry nights, and desert adventures. The journey takes you through breathtaking valleys, gorges, and historic kasbahs, showcasing the beauty of Morocco at a comfortable pace.

5 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Info:

Includes in 5 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga

Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
2 nights in a Merzouga desert camp (dinner and breakfast included)
1 night in Dades Valley and 1 night in Ouarzazate (dinner and breakfast included)
Camel trek in Merzouga
Hotel pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off at the end of the tour

Excludes in 5 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga

Lunches and drinks
Entrance fees to monuments
Tips for guides and drivers

Highlights of 5 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga

The 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga features numerous exciting stops, such as:

Marrakech: Start your adventure in Marrakech, exploring famous landmarks like Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the beautiful Majorelle Garden.
High Atlas Mountains: Enjoy stunning views as you drive through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at charming villages along the way.
Ait Ben Haddou: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a picturesque ksar known for its mud-brick architecture and as a filming location for various movies.
Ouarzazate: Explore this city, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Desert,” with its film studios and the impressive Kasbah Taourirt.
Skoura Oasis: Discover the beautiful palm groves of Skoura and the ancient kasbahs scattered throughout the oasis.
Merzouga Desert: Arrive in Merzouga, where you can embark on a camel trek to the Erg Chebbi dunes, experiencing a stunning desert sunset.
Desert Camp: Spend a magical night in a Berber camp, enjoying traditional music, a delicious dinner, and star-gazing under the vast desert sky.
Todra Gorge: Visit the spectacular Todra Gorge, where you can hike and take in the stunning rock formations.
Return to Marrakech: Make your way back to Marrakech, stopping at scenic viewpoints and local attractions along the route.

5 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate

Start your journey from Marrakech with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass. This mountain road offers stunning views of the rugged landscape and traditional Berber villages nestled in the hills. Your first stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most well-preserved ksars (fortified villages), and a popular location for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After exploring Ait Benhaddou, continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” and home to the Taourirt Kasbah. After a brief stop in Ouarzazate, you’ll travel through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura Oasis before reaching the Dades Valley, where you’ll spend your first night in a local guesthouse or hotel.

Overnight: Dades Valley
Highlight: High Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley

Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga via Todra Gorge

After breakfast, travel through the Dades Valley, famous for its stunning rock formations and ancient kasbahs. You’ll continue to the majestic Todra Gorge, where you can take a short hike along the river and marvel at the sheer cliffs rising over 600 meters high.

In the afternoon, head towards the Merzouga Desert, passing through the desert towns of Erfoud and Rissani. In Erfoud, you may choose to stop and visit a local fossil workshop. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you’ll embark on a camel trek into the towering Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the desert sunset as you make your way to a traditional Berber camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner under the stars and spend your first night in the Sahara.

Overnight: Merzouga Desert Camp
Highlight: Todra Gorge, Camel Trek, Sunset in the Sahara, Berber Camp Experience

Day 3: Full Day in Merzouga – Explore the Desert

On the third day, wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll have a full day to explore the desert and its surroundings at a relaxed pace. You can choose to visit a Nomad family in the area to learn about their way of life, or visit the nearby village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music and rich cultural traditions.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try sandboarding on the dunes, take a 4×4 excursion around the desert, or visit the seasonal Dayet Srji Lake, which attracts flamingos and other migratory birds during certain times of the year. In the evening, return to your camp or stay at a local guesthouse near the dunes for another night in the Sahara.

Overnight: Merzouga Desert Camp or Guesthouse
Highlight: Sunrise, Nomad Visits, Gnawa Music, Free Time to Explore

Day 4: Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Alnif and Draa Valley

After breakfast, say goodbye to the desert and begin your return journey to Marrakech. You’ll pass through the towns of Alnif and Tazzarine, traveling through the rocky desert landscapes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Anti-Atlas Mountains before reaching the lush Draa Valley, known for its expansive palm groves and ancient kasbahs.

After stopping for lunch, continue to Ouarzazate, where you’ll spend the night. You’ll have time to explore Ouarzazate further or simply relax before the final leg of your journey.

Overnight: Ouarzazate
Highlight: Draa Valley, Scenic Drive, Ouarzazate

Day 5: Ouarzazate to Marrakech

After breakfast in Ouarzazate, you’ll visit the famous Kasbah Taourirt, an ancient fortress that once served as the home of the Glaoui family. If you haven’t already, you can also visit the Atlas Film Studios, where many Hollywood films have been shot.

From Ouarzazate, you’ll retrace your journey through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass again before arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Your tour ends upon arrival in Marrakech, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation.

Highlight: Kasbah Taourirt, Atlas Mountains, Arrival in Marrakech

5 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Gallery:

Why 5 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Desert?

This 5-day tour offers a deeper exploration of the Moroccan desert, with two full nights in the Merzouga Desert, allowing you to experience both the adventure and tranquility of the Sahara. You’ll explore valleys, gorges, and kasbahs while enjoying camel treks and desert sunsets. Perfect for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in Morocco’s natural beauty and culture while taking a more leisurely pace through the desert regions.

5 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga's FAQ

1. What are the highlights of the 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?

This extended tour offers a deep exploration of Morocco, including the High Atlas Mountains, the famous Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, the Dades and Todra Valleys, and the stunning Todra Gorge. You’ll also spend a night in a desert camp in Merzouga, with a camel trek to enjoy sunset and sunrise over the Sahara dunes.

2. How is the 5-day tour different from shorter tours?

The 5-day itinerary allows for a more relaxed pace and additional stops, giving you extra time to explore each destination. This tour often includes more opportunities for hiking, visiting local villages, and fully experiencing each location without feeling rushed.

3. What type of accommodation is included on the tour?

The tour typically includes a mix of riads or hotels in the Dades Valley, Todra Valley, and nearby areas, along with one night in a desert camp in Merzouga. Options range from standard to luxury, with some camps offering private tents, en-suite bathrooms, and additional amenities for a more comfortable stay.

4. What should I bring for the overnight desert stay?

Essentials include warm clothing for the cool desert nights, comfortable clothes for daytime activities, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a flashlight. A small backpack is ideal for personal items. Most camps provide blankets, but layering is always wise, especially in winter.

5. How much driving can I expect each day?

Daily drives range from 3 to 5 hours, with frequent breaks for sightseeing, photos, and meals. The 5-day tour’s slower pace means you can enjoy each stop without long, tiring drives, making it more comfortable and relaxed.

6. Is the tour suitable for children and older adults?

Yes, the 5-day tour is suitable for all ages. The extended itinerary allows for shorter driving segments and more rest stops, making it ideal for families and older adults. If anyone in your group has mobility issues, some tour operators can arrange for alternatives to camel trekking, such as a 4×4 vehicle transfer to the desert camp.