





5-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to the Sahara (Merzouga)
| Tour Ref : | 5DMDS |
| Price : | From €690 per person (depends on group size and season) – get your quote on WhatsApp |
| Duration : | 5 days – 4 nights |
| Tour type : | Private desert tour |
| Start / end : | Marrakech |
| Highlights : | Tizi n’Tichka pass, Telouet, Ait Ben Haddou, Skoura oasis, Dades and Todra gorges, camel ride and desert camp at Erg Chebbi, Draa valley |
Overview
In short: a private 5-day, 4-night round trip from Marrakech to the Sahara – Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades and Todra gorges, a camel ride and night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi (Merzouga), and the Draa valley on the way back – from €690 per person.
This 5-day desert tour from Marrakech takes the classic route over the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass to the kasbahs of Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou, then follows the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the Skoura oasis and the valley of roses to the Dades and Todra gorges. On day three you reach Merzouga for a sunset camel ride over the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night in a desert camp.
Unlike shorter tours, the return does not repeat the outward road: you come back through Rissani, the Draa valley and its palm groves, spend a night in Agdez, and cross the Anti-Atlas to Marrakech. Short on time? Compare our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour, or finish in Fes with the 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour.
Day to Day tour itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate (204 Km)
Experience a breathtaking journey as you leave Marrakech early in the morning on a 4×4 vehicle and head towards Ouarzazate. Traverse through the awe-inspiring High-Atlas mountains by taking the renowned Tizi-n-Tichka pass, which sits at an elevation of 2260 meters. You’ll have the chance to stop at scenic viewpoints and capture some stunning photos along the way. Our first planned stop for the day is at the once magnificent kasbah of Telouet. Afterward, we’ll drive through the lunar-like landscapes of the valley of Ounila en route to the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch. Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for being the filming location for movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the renowned 11th century kasbah before making our way to Ouarzazate for an overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Valley the roses – Dades gorges – Todra gorges (168 km)
Embark on an exciting journey as we depart from Ouarzazate in the morning and make our way to the Dades gorges and Todra gorges. En route, we’ll pass through the lush oasis of Skoura where we’ll stop to visit the Amridil kasbah. Our journey continues through Kela’a M’gouna and the valley of roses, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. As we drive along the road of a thousand kasbahs, we’ll reach the Dades gorges, where we’ll stop for lunch. In the afternoon, there will be time to take a stroll alongside the Dades valley before we continue on to the Todra gorges. We’ll spend the night at a hotel here, surrounded by stunning views of the Todra gorges.
Day 3: Tinghir – Ziz valley – Erfoud – Merzouga (199 Km)
After enjoying breakfast, take a relaxed stroll through the breathtaking Todra gorges and the palm grove of Tinghir. We’ll then hop in our vehicle and head towards the dunes of Merzouga, passing through the scenic Ziz valley and the Tafilalet valley. Along the way, we’ll stop in Erfoud for lunch. Upon reaching Merzouga, there will be ample time in the afternoon to embark on a camel ride for an hour and ascend the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness the mesmerizing sunset from the summit, which stands at 250 meters tall. After sunset, we’ll spend the night in a luxurious desert camp, which is also where we’ll enjoy dinner.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Agdez(371 Km)
If you wake up early enough, you’ll be able to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the comfort of your luxury desert camp. After enjoying breakfast, we’ll embark on a unique mode of transportation as we ride back to the car on camelback. From here, we’ll continue our journey from Merzouga to the Draa valley, passing through the charming villages of Rissani, Alnif, Tazarine (featured in the film ‘Babel’), and N’Qob, where we’ll stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Tanasikht to explore the ancient caravan route and the Draa valley, which is home to huge palm trees and ancient villages. As the sun begins to set, we’ll reach the charming riad in Agdez, where we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in comfort.
Day 5: Agdez – Anti-Atlas – Ouarzazate – Marrakech(157 Km)
After enjoying breakfast in Agdez, we’ll begin our journey back to Marrakech. Our route will take us through the Anti-Atlas and over the mountain pass of Tizi-n-Tinfifte, which sits at an elevation of 1660m. As we make our way through Ouarzazate, we’ll have the option to stop for lunch either in town or in the nearby mountains. After lunch, we’ll continue our drive through the High-Atlas mountains, passing through breathtaking scenery and enjoying the stunning views. By the end of the afternoon, we’ll reach the vibrant city of Marrakech, where our unforgettable adventure comes to an end. Join us on this journey and experience the beauty and diversity of Morocco.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 5-day Marrakech Sahara tour cost?
From €690 per person. The exact price depends on group size and season. Message us on WhatsApp for your quote.
Where do we sleep on this tour?
Night one in Ouarzazate, night two near the Todra gorges, night three in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi (Merzouga), and night four in a riad in Agdez in the Draa valley.
Why choose 5 days instead of 3?
The extra days mean shorter drives, time to walk in the Dades and Todra gorges, and a different route back through the Draa valley instead of repeating the same road. The 3-day version suits travellers short on time.
How long is the camel ride?
About one hour to reach the camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset, and you ride back by camel after sunrise the next morning.
When is the best time for this tour?
The best time to visit the Sahara desert is from September to May. See our best time to visit Morocco guide.
Is the tour private?
Yes. All our tours are private, with your own vehicle and driver, and the itinerary can be adapted to your interests.
BOOK TOUR
Departure & Return Location :
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- Marrakech airport pickup on request
What's Included:
- Private air-conditioned transport (4x4, or minibus for groups)
- Professional driver
- Driver / tour assistant
- Fuel
What's Not Included:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Flight Tickets
Have Any Question?
- Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
- +212671735677
- contact@gatetravelmorocco.com
