5 days tour from Marrakech to the desert

5-Day Tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert: The Complete Adventure in the Heart of Morocco

Discover the Charm of Southern Morocco with a Slow and Scenic Itinerary

The 5-day tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert is the ideal choice for those seeking an authentic, unhurried experience in southern Morocco. This journey will take you through the majestic landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, Berber villages nestled in the rock, ancient kasbahs, spectacular gorges, and the endless sands of Erg Chebbi, allowing you ample time to savor every moment.

Day 1: From Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou – Journey Through the Atlas Mountains

Depart from Marrakech and cross Tizi n’Tichka, the highest mountain pass in Morocco (2,260 m). The panoramic road offers stunning views of Berber villages and the surrounding valleys.

• Visit the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
  Arrival at the majestic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic symbol of Morocco. After the guided tour, settle into a traditional riad for a typical dinner, nestled in the Ounila Valley.

Day 2: From Ait Ben Haddou to Boumalne Dades – Discovering Kasbahs and Gorges

After breakfast, depart towards Ouarzazate, with an optional visit to the Atlas Film Studios. Continue along the Thousand Kasbahs Road, passing ancient mud-brick fortresses and lush palm groves.

• Rose Valley and Dades Gorges
  Drive through the Rose Valley, famous for its rose water distillation, and arrive at the Dades Gorges, known for their striking rock formations. Overnight in a panoramic riad.

Day 3: From Boumalne Dades to Merzouga – Heading Towards the Sahara Dunes

Depart for Tinghir and visit the spectacular Todra Gorges, deep canyons with vertical rock walls rising up to 300 meters.

• Camel Ride at Sunset in the Desert
  In the afternoon, arrive in Merzouga. Embark on a camel ride to reach the desert camp nestled among the dunes of Erg Chebbi. During the ride, enjoy the golden sunset in the Sahara.

• Night in a Desert Camp
  Enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber music around the fire, and overnight in a Berber tent (standard or luxury) under a breathtaking starry sky.

Day 4: Full Day of Exploration in Merzouga Desert

After watching the sunrise over the dunes, spend the entire day exploring the area.

• Unique Sahara Experiences

  • Khamlia Village: Listen to Gnawa music, played by the black community originally from Mali.

  • Mifis Mines: Visit the old mining sites.

  • Nomadic Family Visit: Meet local nomadic families and learn about their traditional way of life.

  • Oases and Palm Groves hidden among the sands.

Enjoy lunch at a local family’s house and return to the camp or riad for the night.

Day 5: From Merzouga to Marrakech – The Return Through Vast Landscapes

Wake up early for breakfast and start the journey back to Marrakech, passing through Rissani, Alnif, and Agdz, before once again crossing the Atlas Mountains. The return trip offers completely different landscapes, with photo stops along the way.

• Arrival in Marrakech in the Evening
  The tour concludes in the late afternoon/evening with a drop-off at your hotel or riad in the Medina.

What’s Included in the 5-Day Merzouga Tour:

• Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with an Italian-speaking driver/guide

• 2 nights in traditional riads

• 2 nights in the desert (Berber tent and/or riad in Merzouga)

• Camel ride (round trip)

• Breakfasts and dinners throughout the tour

• Traditional music and cultural activities in the desert

• Guided visits to kasbahs, gorges, villages, and oases

Why Choose This Tour?

The 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert is designed for those who want to immerse themselves in Moroccan culture and experience the desert with all its colors, sounds, and rhythms. The extra days compared to shorter itineraries allow you to leisurely enjoy the natural beauty and authentic moments with the local population.

It is a deep, rejuvenating experience, perfect for those looking for a journey beyond typical tourism, diving into the soul of Morocco.