5-Day Tour from Marrakech to the Desert (Round Trip)
Discover the beauty of Morocco on this 5-day round trip from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert and back — High Atlas, ancient kasbahs, Dades and Todra Gorges, a camel trek in Merzouga and a night under the stars.
Local guide
Small groups
5 days / 4 nights
Small group (up to 17)
English / French / Arabic
About Us
- ›Discover the amazing beauty of Morocco on this 5-day round trip from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert and back.
- ›The journey crosses the High Atlas Mountains by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, visits ancient kasbahs in Ouarzazate (the "Hollywood of Morocco"), and explores the green Dades Valley — the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" — and the dramatic Todra Gorges, perfect for a short walk and photo stops.
- ›The main highlight is Merzouga, where you ride a camel into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, watch the sunset and spend a magical night in a traditional desert camp under a starry sky.
- ›On the way back, the route follows the long palm groves of the Ziz and Draa Valleys and passes through Agdz and small Berber villages before crossing the Atlas again to Marrakech.
- ›A balanced trip that brings together the best of southern Morocco's landscapes and culture.
Experience Itinerary
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1
Day 1 — Marrakech to Ouarzazate
- ›Leave Marrakech in the morning and drive south across the High Atlas Mountains by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with panoramic stops and short visits in small Berber villages.
- ›Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Morocco" because of the many films shot there.
- ›Visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah in town.
- ›Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.
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2
Day 2 — Ouarzazate to Tinghir via Skoura and the Dades Valley
- ›Drive east on the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.
- ›Stop in Skoura with its kasbahs in the palm grove, then continue through the green Dades Valley — the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs".
- ›Photo stops at the famous switchback bends of the Dades Gorge.
- ›Continue to Tinghir at the foot of the Todra Gorges.
- ›Late afternoon, walk between the high cliffs of the Todra.
- ›Dinner and overnight in Tinghir.
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3
Day 3 — Tinghir to Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
- ›Drive east through small Berber villages and rocky desert.
- ›Stop in Erfoud, known for its fossils.
- ›Late afternoon, arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.
- ›Mount a camel and ride into the dunes to watch the sunset.
- ›Dinner under the stars and overnight in a traditional Berber camp with music around the fire.
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4
Day 4 — Merzouga to Agdz via the Ziz and Draa Valleys
- ›Wake up early to see the sunrise over the dunes, then ride the camels back to base camp for breakfast.
- ›Leave the desert and drive through the Ziz Valley with its long line of date palms and red cliffs.
- ›Continue west and cross into the Draa Valley.
- ›Arrive in Agdz, a quiet town surrounded by palm groves at the foot of the Jbel Kissane.
- ›Dinner and overnight in Agdz.
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5
Day 5 — Agdz back to Marrakech
- ›Drive back to Marrakech via traditional villages and scenic mountain roads.
- ›Cross the High Atlas again by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with photo stops at the best viewpoints.
- ›Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
What's Included
- Private road transport for the whole trip
- Local English- / French-speaking guide
- Camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga
- 1 night in a desert camp under the stars + 3 nights in local hotels
- Breakfasts and dinners during the trip
- Sandboarding session on the dunes
Not Included
- Drinks (including with meals)
- Entrance fees to attractions, museums and film studios
- Lunches during the trip
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Personal travel insurance
Know Before You Go
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Languages | English / French / Arabic |
| Level | Easy — all ages welcome |
| Dietary | Vegetarian meals on request |
| Group type | Small group (up to 17) |