5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

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4x4 desert adventure in the Sahara from Foum Zguid

Sahara desert tour starting from Foum Zguid Morocco

Duration

5 days

Start Location

Marrakech

Tour Type

Cultural & City Tours, Desert Tours

Min Age

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, a journey that perfectly combines Morocco’s natural beauty, ancient culture, and desert adventure. Travel across the majestic High Atlas Mountains, explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, wander through the dramatic Dades and Todra Gorges, and experience the magic of the Sahara Desert.

This Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour offers travelers a unique chance to ride camels through golden dunes, spend a night in a traditional Berber desert camp, and enjoy authentic Moroccan hospitality under a starry sky. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, an adventure with friends, or a cultural immersion, this Morocco desert trip is an experience you’ll never forget.

Perfect for those seeking the best Sahara desert tour from Marrakech, this 5-day itinerary blends scenic drives, historic sites, and breathtaking landscapes from the Atlas peaks to the endless dunes of Merzo

Included/Excluded

Pick-up & drop-off in Marrakech
Private 4x4 transport & professional driver
Breakfasts and dinners (traditional Moroccan cuisine)
Accommodation: desert camps, hotels, and guesthouses as per itinerary
Camel ride in the desert (1 h 30 each way)
Guided visits and stops as mentioned in the itinerary

Optional activities (quad biking, film studio visit, etc.)
Drinks and personal expenses
Tips for drivers, guides, and camp staff

Tour Plan

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Aït Benhaddou – Dades Gorges

Your desert adventure begins with a morning departure from Marrakech towards the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m).
Enjoy panoramic views of Berber villages clinging to the mountainside before stopping in Telouet for lunch and a guided visit to the Glaoui Kasbah, a symbol of Morocco’s rich history.

Continue to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, the most famous ksar in Morocco and a filming site for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
After exploring its maze-like alleys, drive through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses towards the Dades Gorges.

Dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad or guesthouse overlooking the Dades Valley.

Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast, take a short walk in the beautiful Dades Valley, known for its winding roads and impressive rock formations.
Then head toward the spectacular Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs rise over 300 meters — a paradise for climbers and photographers.

Lunch in Todra or Tinejdad, followed by a visit to a fascinating local museum showcasing Berber culture and desert heritage.
By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, where the dunes of Erg Chebbi glow in the evening sun.

Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional auberge at the edge of the dunes.

Day 3: Merzouga – Desert Exploration & Camel Trek

Start the day with breakfast and a cultural visit to Khamlia village, home of the Gnawa musicians. Discover their unique music and learn about their African heritage.
After lunch at your lodge, prepare for your unforgettable camel trek into the Sahara Desert.

Ride your camel for about 1.5 hours as the sun sets over the golden dunes — a breathtaking and peaceful experience.
Arrive at your desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea, followed by a traditional Moroccan dinner.
Enjoy a night of Berber music and stargazing around the campfire.

Overnight stay in a standard or luxury desert camp beneath the stars.

Day 4: Merzouga – Alnif – Agdz

Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes, then return by camel to the village.
After breakfast and a refreshing shower, leave Merzouga and travel through the scenic desert road via Alnif, where you’ll stop for lunch.

Continue towards Agdz, a tranquil oasis nestled in the Draa Valley, famous for its vast palm groves and ancient kasbahs.
Take a relaxing walk among the palm trees before dinner.

Dinner and overnight stay in a peaceful guesthouse surrounded by palms in Agdz.

Day 5: Agdz – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

After breakfast, drive through Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.”
Optional visit to the Atlas Film Studios or enjoy a thrilling quad biking experience in the desert surroundings.
Lunch in Ouarzazate or on the way back through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, before descending towards Marrakech.

Arrive in Marrakech around 6:00 PM, marking the end of your unforgettable Sahara desert tour from Marrakech.

Why Choose This 5-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?

Authentic Sahara experience with a real camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes and an overnight stay in a Berber desert camp.
Stunning variety of landscapes, from the High Atlas Mountains to the Dades and Todra Gorges, palm valleys, and desert plains.
Rich cultural discovery through visits to the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO), Berber villages, and historical kasbahs.
Comfortable and safe travel in a private air-conditioned 4x4 or minibus with a professional English-speaking driver/guide.
Flexible accommodation options including charming riads, traditional lodges, and standard or luxury desert camps.
Personalized service with options to customize the itinerary, add activities like quad biking, or extend your stay.
Excellent value for money and one of the most recommended Sahara desert tours from Marrakech.
Memorable moments such as desert sunsets, local music, traditional dinners, and breathtaking starry skies.