5 Days to Merzouga Desert
Embark on an unforgettable 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour, the perfect way to explore Morocco’s culture, history, and stunning landscapes. This desert trip combines ancient kasbahs, spectacular valleys, majestic gorges, and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. With a warm and authentic atmosphere, you will always feel at home while experiencing the real essence of Morocco.
From the vibrant city of Marrakech to the silence of the Sahara Desert, this itinerary is filled with magical places you cannot miss. The highlight of the trip will be a night under the starry desert sky in a traditional Berber camp – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Rose Valley – Dades Gorges(Start of 5 Days to Merzouga Desert
Departure at 8:00 a.m. from your hotel or riad. We will drive through the High Atlas Mountains crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), the highest mountain road in North Africa. You will enjoy spectacular views of Berber villages and valleys.
We visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location of movies such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After lunch, we continue through Ouarzazate, the palm groves of Skoura, the Valley of Roses, and finally reach the Dades Gorges for dinner and overnight in a charming riad or hotel.
Overnight in Dades Gorges.
Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we drive to the spectacular Todra Gorges, famous for its dramatic cliffs and hiking opportunities. We then continue through Erfoud, known for its fossils and dates, before reaching Merzouga.
Here your camels will be waiting for a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. On the way, you will admire a breathtaking Sahara sunset. Arrive at your desert camp, enjoy Moroccan mint tea, a traditional dinner, and Berber music around the fire. Sleep under a sky full of stars.
Overnight in a Berber desert camp in Merzouga.
Day 3: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – Khamlia Village
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After breakfast, return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga village.
We will explore the surrounding desert villages, including Khamlia, where you will enjoy live Gnawa music. Lunch will be a traditional Berber meal. The afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or try optional activities such as sandboarding or quad biking.
Overnight in a hotel/riad in Merzouga.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, we travel to Rissani, the first imperial city of Morocco, famous for its traditional market.
We then drive through the stunning Draa Valley, full of palm groves and Berber villages. Stops for photos and lunch along the way. In the evening we reach Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you will spend the night in a riad or hotel.
Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 5: Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, we cross the High Atlas Mountains again and return To Marrakech, where the tour ends 5 Days to Merzouga Desert
What’s Included in the 5-Day Marrakech Desert Tour
- ✅ Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel/riad in Marrakech
- ✅ Private transport in an air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan with English/French/Spanish-speaking driver-guide
- ✅ 3 nights in charming riads/hotels (with dinner & breakfast)
- ✅ 1 night in a desert camp (private tent, dinner & breakfast included)
- ✅ Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes (one camel per person)
- ✅ Sandboarding (upon request)
- ✅ Berber music & evening entertainment at the desert camp
- ✅ Daily breakfast and 4 dinners
What’s Not Included
- ❌ Flights to and from Morocco
- ❌ Lunches and drinks (except tea at camp)
- ❌ Entrance fees to monuments (if any)
- ❌ Optional activities (quad biking, ATVs, sandboarding extras)
- ❌ Travel insurance & personal expenses
If you have less time, you may also enjoy our 3 Days Marrakech Desert Tour or our 4 Days Sahara Desert Trip.