5-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Looking for a deeper desert adventure with more time to explore Morocco’s hidden gems? Our 5-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga offers the perfect balance of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and relaxation. This extended route allows for a slower pace, additional stops, and unforgettable desert experiences — from ancient kasbahs and lush valleys to camel trekking and Berber village visits.

Travel through the High & Anti-Atlas Mountains, cross the dramatic canyons of the south, and arrive in the sweeping sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, where time seems to stand still. This 5-day desert journey is ideal for travelers who want to soak in every moment of the Moroccan landscape — without rushing.

If this 5-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga doesn’t match your schedule, check out our full list of Morocco tours — including shorter and longer itineraries tailored to your travel style.

 

Not sure when to visit the Sahara Desert or have concerns about safety in Morocco?
Explore our in-depth travel guides on the best time to visit Morocco and whether Morocco is safe to visit — everything you need to plan your trip with peace of mind and confidence.

 

️ Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura Oasis – Rose Valley – Dades Gorge

Your 5-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga begins with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, climbing the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters). Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and stop at small Berber villages perched on the mountainside.

By midday, arrive at the spectacular Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars. Stroll through its narrow alleys, explore the fortified village, and take in views that have been featured in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After lunch, continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Pass by the Atlas Film Studios and the impressive Kasbah Taourirt, then make your way through the lush palm groves of the Skoura Oasis.

The drive continues through the Valley of Roses, famous for its springtime rose harvest, before reaching the dramatic Dades Valley, where strange rock formations and winding roads make for an unforgettable landscape.

Dinner and overnight stay in a cozy accommodation.

Day 2: Boumalne Dades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)

After breakfast in the Dades Valley, your 5-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga continues toward one of Morocco’s most dramatic natural sights: the Todra Gorges. These towering limestone canyons reach heights of over 300 meters and are a favorite spot for photographers and climbers alike. Take a short walk through the gorge and soak in the cool air and towering cliffs that contrast beautifully with the arid surroundings.

From here, journey through the palm-filled town of Tinejdad before reaching Erfoud, known as the gateway to the Sahara and famous for its fossil workshops and date market. You will feel the landscape shift as the rocky plains give way to the sweeping golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, where the sand dunes of the desert stretch. Trade your vehicle for a camel ride across the dunes where you will enjoy the sunset.  Arriving at your desert camp with warm hospitality of your Berber hosts, a traditional dinner under the stars, and live music around the campfire — a magical highlight of your desert experience.

Overnight stay in a deluxe Sahara desert camp.

Day 3: Sahara Desert Exploration

Wake up to a serene desert sunrise and enjoy a traditional breakfast at the camp before beginning a full day of Sahara Desert exploration around Merzouga. Today offers a deeper cultural and geological immersion that makes this 5-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga truly unforgettable.

Start by visiting a local nomadic family in their hand-woven tent, where you will learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and resilience in the harsh desert environment. Continue to the nearby Mfis Mines, a historic area where locals once extracted minerals, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the region’s past.

Next, head to Khamlia Village, home to a vibrant community of Gnawa musicians originally from sub-Saharan Africa. Enjoy a captivating live Gnawa music performance, rich with rhythm and spiritual meaning.

For lunch, we recommend trying our delicious and authentic Berber Pizza — a traditional desert specialty filled with spiced meat and vegetables. Afterward, visit a local garden to see how agriculture thrives even in this arid climate thanks to the ancient irrigation system.

If you are feeling adventurous, wrap up the day with an optional quad bike or dune buggy ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes — a thrilling way to experience the Sahara’s vast beauty.

Return to your camp for another relaxing night under the stars, accompanied by traditional Berber music and warm hospitality.

Day 4: Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Alnif – Draa Valley – Anti-Atlas Mountains – Ouarzazate

After enjoying a breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes and breakfast at the desert camp, you will begin your journey westward through some of southern Morocco’s most scenic and historic regions.

Your first stop is Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalt region and a vibrant trading hub. Explore its bustling market (especially lively on market days), known for local crafts, spices, and dates — an important staple of desert life.

Next, we drive through Alnif, a peaceful Berber village surrounded by dramatic landscapes and known for its fossil-rich terrain. It’s the gateway to the majestic Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley, lined with lush palm groves and fortified kasbahs. As you pass through, admire the contrast between fertile oases and the dry, rocky desert beyond.

The route continues through the winding roads of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, offering panoramic views of rugged peaks. This stretch showcases a completely different side of Morocco — remote, untouched, and breathtakingly beautiful.

By evening, you will arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its famous film studios and nearby kasbahs. You will settle into your accommodation here, reflecting on the diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes you’ve traveled through on your 5-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Ounila Valley – Telouet – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast in Ouarzazate, you will start your final day with a scenic drive to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient ksar (fortified village) has been featured in countless films and series, such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones, and is one of Morocco’s most treasured cultural landmarks.If you haven’t visited it on the first day of your desert tour, you can stop there today.

Next, you will venture off the beaten path through the picturesque Ounila Valley, an untouched route that was once part of the old salt caravan trail. The landscape here is truly spectacular, with dramatic red cliffs, lush oases, and authentic Berber villages that appear carved into the mountainside.

Continue onward to the Telouet Kasbah, a once-grand residence of the powerful Glaoui family. Though partly in ruins, it remains a fascinating stop filled with history, intricate tilework, and stories of Morocco’s political past.

From here, you will cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains once more via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), enjoying panoramic viewpoints and photo stops along the way. In the late afternoon or early evening, you will arrive back in Marrakech, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.

 

Ready to Experience the Magic of the Sahara with Traveling Around Morocco company?

Book your unforgettable 5-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga today and let our local team handle the details! Whether you’re dreaming of camel rides, starry desert skies, or cultural encounters with Berber nomads — we will make it happen.
Contact us now to start planning your perfect Morocco desert tour adventure!