5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour | Private Morocco Tour

This 5-day private desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga offers a complete journey through southern Morocco, including the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, and the Sahara Desert. The tour includes camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes, desert sunsets and sunrises, overnight stays in a desert camp and traditional hotels, and time to explore local villages and landscapes along the route.

This private tour is suitable for travelers who want a well-paced desert experience with private transportation and flexible stops.

5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert (Information)

Here’s our schedule for the tour:

  • Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
  • Departure: 08:00 AM
  • Starting Location: Marrakech
  • Ending Location: Marrakech

Our 5-Day Marrakech Desert Tour (Highlights)

  • Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
  • Pass through Skoura Oasis and Rose Valley
  • Explore Dades Valley and its rock formations
  • Walk through Todra Gorge
  • Camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Experience desert sunset and sunrise
  • Overnight stays in a desert camp and hotels

Why Go on a Private 5-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech

Traveling on a private tour allows you to set the pace of the journey and request stops when needed. Long distances and mountain roads can be tiring when driving independently, and traveling with a professional driver ensures a smoother and safer experience. Private transportation also means you do not share the vehicle with other travelers.

Our Amazing 5 Days Private Tour Itinerary from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert

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

Your 5-day private desert tour begins with pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. Departure is in the morning, heading toward the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Several stops are made along the way for photos and to enjoy the mountain scenery.After crossing the Atlas Mountains, you will visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional earthen architecture. After lunch, the journey continues through Skoura Oasis and the Rose Valley. An optional stop can be made at Kasbah Amridil, located in the Skoura palm grove.In the late afternoon, arrive in Dades Valley, where you can see the rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers” and enjoy panoramic views of the gorge. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast at your hotel, drive toward Tinghir, passing through oasis landscapes and traditional villages. In Tinghir, you will visit Todra Gorge, where a walk beneath the high canyon walls is possible.After lunch, continue toward Merzouga and the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, meet your camel guide and begin a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach the desert camp. Along the way, stop on a high dune to watch the sunset and try sandboarding.In the evening, enjoy dinner at the camp followed by traditional Berber music around the campfire. Overnight in a desert tent.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Exploration

An early wake-up allows you to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region by vehicle.You will travel off-road to M’Fis, a former mining village known for its coal and borate history. Continue to Khamlia village to experience Gnawa music performed by local musicians. The route also includes a visit to a nomadic family living near the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you will be offered traditional tea and learn about their daily life.After lunch, transfer to your hotel in Merzouga village. The afternoon is free for rest or swimming, depending on the hotel facilities. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Agdez – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, depart Merzouga and drive to Rissani, the former capital of the Tafilalt region. On market days (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday), you can visit the traditional souk.Continue through arid landscapes dotted with acacia trees before reaching the Draa Valley. Several stops are made along the valley to view palm groves and villages along Morocco’s longest river. The journey then continues across the Anti-Atlas Mountains toward Ouarzazate.Arrival in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet Kasbah – Marrakech

After breakfast, visit Ouarzazate, including Kasbah Taourirt and the exterior of Atlas Studios. Continue to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah for a second visit, allowing more time to explore and take photos.

The journey continues through the High Atlas Mountains to visit Telouet Kasbah, once the residence of the Glaoui family. After the visit, drive back to Marrakech via the mountain road. Arrival and drop-off at your accommodation in the late afternoon or early evening.

Tour on the Map

Tour Accommodation

Accommodation Options (or similar):
  • 1st Night: Dar Ahlam Dades / Riad Gabsi du Dades
  • 2nd Night: Dihya Desert Camp / Sahara Stars Camp
  • 3rd Night: Riad Madu / Riad Caravasar
  • 4th Night: Riad Amlal / Dar Chamaa
Please inform us at the time of booking if you wish to change any accommodation, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

5 Days Desert Tour price

The price for this 5-day private desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga starts from €340 per person, depending on the number of travelers, season, and accommodation category.

Which Type Of Car Is Used On The Tour?

The tour is conducted using private, air-conditioned vehicles such as Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol. For desert excursions around Merzouga, a 4×4 vehicle may be used when necessary.

Included and Excluded:

Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
  • Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional multilingual driver/guide
  • Overnight stays in hotels, riads, and desert camp
  • Camel trek at sunset (or 4x4 transfer as an alternative)
  • Sandboarding experience
  • 4WD desert excursion in Merzouga
  • Dinners and breakfasts

Excluded

  • Drinks
  • Lunches
  • Entrance fees (Atlas Studios)
  • Tips (optional)

What You Should Know Before You Go?

  • Please inform us of any dietary requirements in advance
  • Long driving days are part of the itinerary
  • Camel trekking is optional

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this itinerary allows time to reach the Sahara Desert while visiting key locations along the route.
Yes, please inform us at the time of booking.
The journey takes approximately 9–12 hours in total, spread across multiple days with stops.

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