5 days / 4 nights · Desert Tours
Marrakech to the Sahara
A 5-day journey across the High Atlas, through kasbahs and gorges, to two nights in the Merzouga dunes.
- Duration5 days / 4 nights
- Start & endMarrakech (hotel pickup)
- Tour typePrivate or small group
- Activity levelEasy, suitable for most travelers
- Best seasonAll year, best from October to April
- AccommodationGuesthouse, desert camp, kasbah hotel
- Meals4 breakfasts, 4 dinners
- Local team in MarrakechWe plan and run your trip ourselves
- Free, no-obligation quoteNothing to pay to ask
- Reply within 24 hoursBy WhatsApp or email
- Fully adjustableChange any day of this itinerary
Overview
This journey takes you from the red city of Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Along the way you visit Aït Ben Haddou, drive through the Valley of Roses and walk in the Dades and Todra gorges.
In Merzouga, you ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and spend two nights in a desert camp, with time to enjoy sunrise, Gnawa music in Khamlia and the silence of the desert. The way back follows the palm groves of the Draa Valley.
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m)
- Explore Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Walk between the high walls of the Todra Gorge
- Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
- Two nights in a desert camp under the stars
- Sunrise over the Sahara and Gnawa music in Khamlia
Route
- Marrakech Day 1
- Aït Ben Haddou Day 1
- Dades Valley Day 1
- Todra Gorge Day 2
- Merzouga Day 2
- Draa Valley Day 4
- Ouarzazate Day 4
- Marrakech Day 5
Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary. Every day can be adjusted to your pace and interests.
| Day | Route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marrakech to the Dades Valley via Aït Ben Haddou | Guesthouse in the Dades Valley |
| 2 | Dades and Todra gorges to the Sahara | Desert camp in Erg Chebbi |
| 3 | A full day in the Sahara | Desert camp in Erg Chebbi |
| 4 | Through the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate | Kasbah hotel in Ouarzazate or Skoura |
| 5 | Back to Marrakech | End of the tour |
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Day1
Marrakech to the Dades Valley via Aït Ben Haddou
Pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the morning. Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with stops at Berber villages and viewpoints. Visit the fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou, then continue through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley.
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Day2
Dades and Todra gorges to the Sahara
Drive through the Dades Gorges and walk between the towering walls of the Todra Gorge. Continue past the palm groves of Tinghir to Merzouga. At sunset, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes to your camp for dinner, music around the fire and a night under the stars.
- Day3
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Day4
Through the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate
Leave the dunes and drive west through Alnif and N'Kob, a village of earthen kasbahs, then along the palm groves of the Draa Valley. Arrive in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon, with an optional visit of the Taourirt Kasbah.
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Day5
Back to Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas once more by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with a stop at an argan cooperative along the way. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon and drop-off at your hotel or riad.
What's Included
Included
- Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- 4 nights' accommodation: guesthouse, 2 nights in a desert camp, kasbah hotel
- 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Fuel and parking
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees (Aït Ben Haddou, kasbahs)
- Optional activities such as quad, 4×4 or sandboarding
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Tips for drivers and guides
Accommodation
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Night 1Guesthouse, Dades Valley
A family-run guesthouse with views over the valley and a traditional Moroccan dinner.
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Nights 2–3Desert camp, Erg Chebbi
Comfortable tents among the dunes, with dinner, music around the fire and a sky full of stars.
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Night 4
Kasbah hotel, Ouarzazate or Skoura
An earthen kasbah with terraces and gardens, close to the palm grove.
Good to Know
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Best time to go
From October to April. Summer days in the desert are very hot, so we adapt the timing of activities.
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Desert camp night
Your main luggage stays in the vehicle. Bring a small bag for the camp: toothbrush, warm layer, power bank.
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What to bring
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf against sun and sand, and a warm layer for the evenings.
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On the road
Some days include long drives with frequent stops. The Atlas road is winding: tell us if you get car sick.
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Money
Bring cash in dirhams for lunches, drinks and tips. There are ATMs in the main towns along the way.
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Phone signal
Mobile signal can be weak in the gorges and the desert. Our team stays reachable through your driver.
FAQ
Can this tour start or end in Fes?
Yes. We can start in Marrakech and finish in Fes, or the other way round. The route then passes through the Middle Atlas and Ifrane instead of the Draa Valley.
Can I do this trip in fewer days?
Yes. A 3-day version goes straight to Merzouga with one night in the desert, but the driving days are longer. We recommend 4 or 5 days to enjoy the journey.
Is this tour private?
You can book it as a private tour just for your group, or join a small group on set dates. Tell us which you prefer when you ask for a quote.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Children love the camel ride and the desert camp. We can shorten driving days and add more stops for families.
What is the desert camp like?
You sleep in tents with real beds, blankets and access to toilets and showers. Upgrades to a luxury camp with private bathrooms are possible.
Can I upgrade the accommodation?
Yes. We can book boutique kasbahs, luxury riads and a luxury desert camp. The price is adjusted in your quote.
