Overview

This 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is designed for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Southern Morocco without feeling rushed. You will travel through the High Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs, walk through breathtaking gorges, and spend two magical nights in the Sahara desert. This extended itinerary allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper cultural connections.

Highlights

Spectacular views crossing the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka pass.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou.
Visit the Dades and Todra Gorges, with ample time for exploration.
Enjoy two nights in the Merzouga desert: one in a hotel at the dune line and one in a traditional Berber camp.
Experience a full day in the desert, meeting local nomads and discovering the area's culture.
Camel trekking at both sunset and sunrise.
Journey through the scenic Draa Valley with its vast palm groves.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley

Your adventure begins in the morning as we depart from Marrakech. We'll ascend into the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying the dramatic scenery from the Tizi n'Tichka pass. The journey continues to the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a stunning example of southern Moroccan architecture. After exploring the kasbah, we'll travel through Ouarzazate and the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" to reach the beautiful Dades Valley, where you'll have dinner and spend the night.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Rissani → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

After breakfast, we'll visit the stunning Todra Gorge, where you can take a walk along the river between its towering canyon walls. We then travel towards the desert, passing through the town of Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region. Upon arriving in Merzouga, you'll check into a hotel at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. You can relax by the pool or take a walk on the sand before dinner.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Exploration → Camel Trek → Desert Camp

Today is dedicated to exploring the desert region. We will take a 4x4 tour around the dunes, visit the village of Khamlia to listen to Gnawa music, and meet a nomadic family to learn about their way of life. In the afternoon, you'll get ready for your camel trek. You will ride into the heart of the dunes to witness a spectacular sunset and arrive at a traditional Berber desert camp for the night. Enjoy a Moroccan dinner, listen to Berber music around a campfire, and gaze at the brilliant stars.

Day 4: Merzouga → Draa Valley → Ouarzazate

Wake up early to see a magnificent sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the camp, you will ride your camel back to the village of Merzouga. From there, our journey continues towards Ouarzazate. We will travel through the vast and scenic Draa Valley, famous for its millions of palm trees and ancient kasbahs. You'll have dinner and spend the night in a hotel in Ouarzazate.

Day 5: Ouarzazate → Telouet Kasbah → Marrakech

On our final day, we will visit the film studios in Ouarzazate (optional) before taking a different route back to Marrakech. We'll visit the historic Telouet Kasbah, former residence of the powerful Glaoui clan. After exploring this fascinating site, we will cross the High Atlas Mountains one last time before arriving back in Marrakech in the late afternoon, concluding your in-depth desert experience.

What's Included

Private A/C vehicle transportation.
Experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
4 nights of accommodation (2 hotels, 1 desert hotel, 1 desert camp).
Dinners and breakfasts for all 4 nights.
Camel trek in Erg Chebbi (one camel per person).
4x4 tour for desert exploration on Day 3.

What's Not Included

Lunches and drinks.
Entrance fees to monuments (Kasbahs, film studios, etc.).
Personal expenses and tips.

Why Choose This Tour?

The 5-day tour is the ultimate way to experience the Moroccan desert. Unlike shorter trips, it allows for two nights in Merzouga, giving you a full day to explore the desert's unique culture and landscapes. The pace is more relaxed, with shorter driving days, letting you truly absorb the beauty of each location without feeling rushed. It’s the perfect choice for photographers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a deeper connection with the Sahara.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the advantage of a 5-day tour over a 3-day tour? The main advantage is the full day spent in the Merzouga desert (Day 3). This allows you to explore beyond just the camel ride and camp, visiting nomads and the Gnawa village. The overall pace is also more relaxed.

What kind of accommodation is in the desert camp? The camp consists of private tents with comfortable beds and bedding. Shared bathroom facilities are available. Upgrades to luxury camps with en-suite bathrooms are possible upon request.

Is this tour suitable for families with children? Yes, the relaxed pace and varied activities make this an excellent choice for families. The driving times are manageable, and the desert exploration day is always a highlight for kids.