5-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech

Overview

Experience the essence of Morocco on this 5-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech, a journey through breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and authentic desert culture. Travel across the High Atlas Mountains, discover centuries-old kasbahs, and explore remote Berber villages before reaching the golden dunes of the Sahara.

Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, the dramatic Dades and Todra Gorges, a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, and an unforgettable night in a traditional Berber desert camp under the stars. The adventure also takes you through Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” and along the lush Draa Valley, offering a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Skoura – Dades Gorges

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel, riad, airport, or train station in Marrakech. Travel south across the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), with panoramic views of Berber villages and mountain landscapes.

Visit the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous filming location for movies such as Gladiator and The Mummy. Continue through Ouarzazate, then drive through the palm groves of Skoura and the fragrant Valley of Roses.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel at Dades Gorges.

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

After breakfast, explore the impressive rock formations of the Dades Gorges, including the famous “Monkey Fingers.” Continue to the spectacular Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs rise dramatically above the river.

Enjoy free time to walk through the gorge and take photos before lunch in Tinejdad. Continue to Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, then arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight stay at a desert hotel near the dunes.

Day 3: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Camel Trek – Desert Camp

Wake up to the soft morning light of the Sahara and enjoy breakfast. Visit Khamlia Village, home of the Gnawa people, and enjoy traditional music and mint tea.

In the afternoon, begin your camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, the highest sand dunes in Morocco. Watch the sunset over the golden sands before arriving at your Berber desert camp.
Enjoy dinner, traditional drumming around the campfire, and an overnight stay in a comfortable desert tent under the stars.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Tazarin – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

Rise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara. After breakfast, ride your camel back to Merzouga and continue your journey.

Visit the lively Rissani Market, famous for its traditional souk and local products. Travel through Alnif, Tazarin, and N’kob, passing desert landscapes, oases, and palm groves along the scenic Draa Valley.
Continue through Agdz and the Anti-Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate, where you’ll spend the night in a riad or hotel.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Film Studios – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. Begin your return journey to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains, once again crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.

Enjoy scenic photo stops along the way before arriving in Marrakech in the evening. Drop-off at your hotel, riad, or airport marks the end of your unforgettable desert adventure.