So, we’ve got this awesome 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, and it’s all about exploring the Sahara. You’ll be doing the classic desert stuff – camel rides, spending nights under a sky packed with stars, and trust me, the views of the sand dunes are just breathtaking. But it’s more than that; you’ll really dive into the unique culture and traditions of southern Morocco as you head deep into the desert on this 5-day adventure. You’ll see some stunning landscapes and get a real feel for what life is like in the Sahara.
Your 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga starts with an easy pick-up from your hotel. Leaving Marrakech, we’ll cross the amazing High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. Your guide and driver will stop at beautiful spots for photos. Feel free to ask for stops if you see something interesting.
After a good lunch in Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate, we’ll head to the Dades Gorge. We’ll pass through Skoura and the lovely Rose Valley. In Skoura’s green oasis, you can choose to explore the Amridil Kasbah, an impressive old village. If you’re traveling in spring, we can stop to see the valley full of blooming roses.
When we reach the Dades Gorge, you’ll see amazing rock formations called “monkey fingers” and enjoy great views of the Gorge. Finally, we’ll go to your hotel for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Start your second day with breakfast at your hotel in the Dades Valley. We’ll then drive to Tinghir. Here, you can see a beautiful oasis and old kasbahs where Berber and Jewish communities once lived together. You can also walk under the tall 300-meter cliffs of the Todra Gorge before we continue to the Sahara Desert.
We’ll stop for lunch on the way. When we arrive at the desert, your camel guide and camels will take you across the golden Erg Chebbi sand dunes to your desert camp. On the way, you’ll stop on a high dune to enjoy a beautiful sunset and try sandboarding. At night, our camp staff will serve dinner. You’ll enjoy Berber drum music around a campfire under the starry sky.
Waking up early today is recommended to see a peaceful sunrise from your camp. After breakfast, a 4×4 vehicle will pick you up to explore the Sahara today:
We’ll drive to where nomads live. They’ll welcome you into their tents for tea. This is a great chance to learn how they live in tough conditions, far from cities.
Visit a hidden, abandoned village. This village has old Galena mines, which you can see.
Drive to Khamlia village to listen to Gnaoua music played by locals. These people originally came from southern African countries like Sudan. You can also have lunch at a local restaurant here.
After lunch, if the lake near Merzouga has water, we’ll drive there before heading to your hotel/riad for the night.
Waking up early today gives you another chance to see a peaceful sunrise from your hotel/riad’s terrace. Then, we start our journey. First, we’ll stop in the old city of Rissani to visit a traditional market (souk).
Then, we’ll drive to Ouarzazate through the beautiful Draa Valley. We’ll stop in Agdez to see the valley views. You’ll arrive at your hotel/riad in Ouarzazate in the afternoon.
Our last morning starts with breakfast at your hotel/riad. Ouarzazate is known as the gateway to the Sahara and the “Hollywood of Africa.” The city has the historic Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas film studios, making it a famous movie location.
After seeing the sights in Ouarzazate, we’ll drive to Ait Ben Haddou. Here, you can explore the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a historic site protected by UNESCO since 1987. This impressive fortress has been a set for many famous movies and TV shows, like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, we’ll drive to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains. On the way, we’ll also see the interesting Telouet Kasbah. Your 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga ends when we drop you off safely at your hotel in Marrakech.
Marrakech: Jemaa el-Fnaa, Saadian Tombs, and Majorelle Garden.
Ait Benhaddou: UNESCO-listed ksar and film locations.
Merzouga: Erg Chebbi dunes and desert camping.
Fes: Al Quaraouiyine University and Chouara Tannery.
Chefchaouen: The blue-painted medina and Ras El Maa waterfall.
Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
Popular souvenirs include:
Handmade rugs and carpets
Argan oil products
Traditional pottery and ceramics
Spices and teas
Leather goods
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Bargaining is expected in souks, but do so respectfully.
Greetings are important; a simple “Salam alaikum” (peace be upon you) goes a long way.
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and warm layers for cooler desert nights. Modest attire is recommended for visiting religious sites.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for exploring medinas and sturdy sandals for the desert.
Accessories: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a scarf for protection against sun and sand.
Other essentials: A reusable water bottle, camera, power adapter, and personal toiletries.
This tour offers a blend of Morocco’s most iconic experiences:
Cultural immersion: Explore ancient medinas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and traditional Berber villages.
Natural wonders: From the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains and lush valleys, the tour showcases Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
Historical depth: Visit historic kasbahs, ksars, and cities that have played pivotal roles in Morocco’s history.
Authentic experiences: Enjoy camel rides, desert camping, and interactions with local communities.
The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the desert, while winters can be chilly in the mountains.
