5 Days From Marrakech to Merzouga
Overview of 5 Days From Marrakech to Merzouga
Embark on an unforgettable 5 Days From Marrakech to Merzouga, a journey that showcases the breathtaking beauty of southern Morocco. This adventure takes you through the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, the historic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, and the picturesque Draa Valley.
Along the way, you’ll explore verdant oases, towering gorges, and ancient kasbahs, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history. The highlight of this trip is experiencing the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, where you’ll ride camels, watch a stunning Saharan sunset, and spend a magical night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp.
This carefully curated itinerary also includes visits to the famous Todgha Gorges, the serene oasis of Hassi Labied, and the vibrant village of Khamlia, known for its Gnaoua music. You’ll have opportunities to interact with nomadic Berber communities, savor traditional Moroccan cuisine, and discover hidden gems of the Merzouga region. Whether you’re marveling at the cinematic charm of Ouarzazate or enjoying a scenic drive through the Tizi N’tichka pass, this tour offers an immersive experience into Morocco’s natural and cultural treasures.
This itinerary is a fascinating experience that combines culture, landscapes and adventure in Morocco.
- Day 1: Marrakech – Dades Gorges
We will begin our journey by crossing the High Atlas through the impressive Tizi N’tichka pass, with panoramic views of the mountains and its Berber villages. Along the way, we will visit Ouarzazate, known as the “film capital” in Morocco, where films such as Gladiator and Babel were shot.
We will continue along the famous “Route of the Thousand Kasbahs”, surrounded by mountains and small nomadic Berber villages, until we reach the majestic Dades Gorges. Here we will spend the night in a charming local hotel.
- Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Merzouga
In the morning, we will head towards Tinghir to explore the impressive Todra Gorges, with rock walls reaching 300 meters high. After lunch, we will continue towards Erfoud, passing through the lush palm groves of Tinjdad and Touroug.
In Erfoud, we will visit a fossil marble production workshop before entering the dunes of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi). Here we will change vehicles for dromedaries to enjoy an unforgettable sunset in the desert and spend the night in a hotel next to the dunes.
- Day 3: Merzouga – Desert route
After breakfast, we will explore the surroundings of Merzouga:
The two oases of Merzouga.
Nomadic villages in the desert.
The village of Khamlia, famous for its traditional Gnawa music.
The ancient mines of Mifiss and the desert landscapes.
In the afternoon, we will ride dromedaries again to experience an unforgettable sunset and spend the night under the stars in a Berber camp in the middle of the desert.
- Day 4: Erg Chebbi – Rissani – N’Kob – Ouarzazate
We will wake up early to enjoy the sunrise between the dunes, a magical experience. After breakfast, we will return by camel to the lodge to continue our journey to Rissani, where we will explore its vibrant traditional market.
On the way to Ouarzazate, we will pass through the lush Draa Valley, famous for its millions of date palms, before reaching Ouarzazate, where we will spend the night.
- Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, we will visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the setting for numerous films such as Kingdom of Heaven and Cleopatra.
In the afternoon, we will cross the High Atlas again to return to Marrakech, where our incredible adventure will end.
Highlights of 5 Days From Marrakech to Merzouga
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’tichka pass.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
- Explore the dramatic Dades Valley and Todgha Gorges.
- Drive through the lush Draa Valley, home to Morocco’s largest palm grove.
- Ride camels and witness a breathtaking sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Spend a night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp.
- Visit nomads, explore the Hassi Labied Oasis, and experience Gnaoua music in Khamlia.
- Discover the cinematic charm of Ouarzazate and the historic Kasbah Taourirt.
5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Info
- Duration: 5 Days & 4 Nights
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM
- Starting Point: Marrakech
- Ending Point: Marrakech
What's included
- Private or group transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Experienced driver/guide.
- Accommodation in traditional riads and a Berber camp (standard or luxury) with meals.
- Camel trek in Merzouga Desert.
- Visits to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Todgha Gorges, and Draa Valley.
What's NOT included
- Tips and gratuities: Optional gratuities for guides, drivers, and other service providers.
- Personal expenses: Expenses for souvenirs, phone calls, and other personal items.
- Optional activities: Any activities or excursions not included in the tour package.
Please note: This private tour is fully customizable to align with your individual travel preferences and schdule.
Tips and recommendations:
-Wear comfortable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.
-Nights in the desert can be cold, especially in winter, so bring a warm jacket.
-Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
-This itinerary will allow you to experience the charm of the desert
Reviews From Clients
5 Days From Marrakech to Merzouga
This 5-day tour is a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultural experiences. Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’tichka pass offered unparalleled views of rugged peaks and charming Berber villages. Visiting the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou was a highlight, with its rich history and stunning architecture. The camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes and the overnight stay in a Berber camp under the stars were unforgettable experiences. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, making the journey seamless and enjoyable.
Kristýna C. Mars 2024
★★★★★
A Magical Desert Experience
From the first day, the scenic drive through valleys and mountains set the tone for an amazing trip. The highlight for me was riding camels during sunset in the Merzouga Desert—an absolutely magical moment! The Berber camp was cozy, and the traditional music around the campfire added to the atmosphere. Exploring the Todgha Gorges and meeting the nomads in Merzouga gave us insights into the local lifestyle. Highly recommend this tour for adventure seekers.
Sophia B. August 2024
★★★★★
A Perfect Getaway into Morocco’s South
This tour exceeded all expectations! The diversity of landscapes, from lush oases to towering dunes, was remarkable. Our guide ensured we made the most of every stop, including the historic Kasbah Telouet and the charming village of Khamlia. The food was delicious, especially the meals served at the desert camp. The Draa Valley drive was a feast for the eyes, with its endless palm groves. This was an immersive experience I’ll never forget.
James K. July 2024
★★★★★
A Journey Full of Highlights
Each day brought something new and exciting, from exploring the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou to walking through the majestic Todgha Gorges. The camel ride and night in the Erg Chebbi dunes were the ultimate highlights. Watching the sunrise over the desert was a surreal experience. The accommodations were excellent, especially the riads in Dades Valley and Ouarzazate. This tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Morocco.
Olivia M. June 2024
★★★★★
Exceptional Adventure with Incredible Scenery
The 5-day tour offered a unique mix of adventure, history, and stunning scenery. Our driver was punctual and very knowledgeable, adding depth to our exploration of sites like Ouarzazate and the Hassi Labied Oasis. The desert camp was well-equipped, offering comfort while still feeling authentic. Riding camels and dining under a star-lit sky were experiences I’ll cherish forever. Highly recommend this tour for travelers seeking a well-rounded Moroccan adventure.
Daniel H. May 2024
★★★★★
Family-Friendly and Memorable
Traveling with kids, we were worried about long drives, but the tour was perfectly paced with plenty of stops to enjoy the views and stretch. The kids loved the camel trek and exploring the kasbahs. The guides were accommodating and shared fascinating stories about the Berber culture. The highlight was spending the night in a luxury camp in the Merzouga Desert, where the staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort.
Emma R. April 2024
★★★★★
Perfect for Photographers and Adventurers
As a photographer, this tour was a dream come true. From the intricate details of the Kasbah Taourirt to the expansive views of the Draa Valley, every stop was picture-perfect. The Tizi N’tichka pass offered dramatic mountain scenery, and the Erg Chebbi dunes were stunning during sunset. Our guide was patient and even suggested great photo spots. This tour is perfect for anyone looking to capture the essence of Morocco.
Michael T. March 2024
★★★★★
A Compact Journey Through Morocco’s Gems!
For travelers with limited time, this 2-day desert tour from Marrakech to Zagora is unbeatable. The breathtaking drive through the Atlas Mountains, a visit to the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, and the vibrant Draa Valley made the first day unforgettable. Watching the sunset from the back of a camel in the Zagora Desert was surreal, and the starlit night at the Berber camp was cozy and memorable. The second day’s exploration of Ouarzazate added a cinematic touch to our adventure. The whole journey felt like an exciting mix of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Sarah L. February 2024
★★★★★