5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Overview
Do you want to see the best of southern Morocco in one trip? Our private 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is a perfect choice. You travel from the busy streets of Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains, through old kasbahs, green valleys and deep gorges, and you arrive at the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. You spend a full day in the desert, sleep in a Sahara camp, and come back to Marrakech by a different road, so you never see the same place twice.
This 5 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is not a rushed trip. You have time to walk inside Aït Ben Haddou, to sit with a nomad family, to ride a camel at sunset and to explore the film studios of Ouarzazate. Your driver knows every stop and every viewpoint, and the plan follows your rhythm. You can ask for more photo stops, a longer lunch or a quiet moment at any time.
Everything is private and easy to book. We pick you up at your hotel or riad in Marrakech, we prepare your hotels and your desert camp, and we answer all your questions before you travel. Only your group is in the vehicle, so it is a good choice for couples, families and friends. Contact us and we prepare a free offer for your dates.
The 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is also a safe and comfortable way to travel. Aït Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you visit it on day 1. With our 5 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga you see it all without stress, because we plan the roads, the hotels and the camp for you.
- Start: Marrakech
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- Tour style: Private tour
- End: Marrakech
- Price: Check below
Highlights of the 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga:
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains by the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Walk inside Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- See the red Todra Gorge and sleep in the Dades Valley
- Ride a camel at sunset and sleep in a Sahara desert camp
- Spend a full day in Merzouga with a 4x4 desert excursion
- Drink tea with a nomad family and hear Gnawa music in Khamlia
- Visit the Rissani market and drive the Draa Valley to Agdz
- Explore Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco”, and its film studios
- Stop at Kasbah Amridil in the Skoura palm grove on the way back
Why a private 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?
A private tour gives you freedom. You do not wait for other people, you do not follow a fixed timetable, and you do not sleep in a place you did not choose. On a 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, this freedom is very useful, because the roads are long and the views are wonderful, so you want to stop often.
- Your own rhythm. Start early or start slowly, stop for photos, tea or a walk in a palm grove.
- A local driver. He knows the roads, the best viewpoints and the good places to eat.
- Safe and comfortable. Many solo travelers and groups of women travel with us and feel very safe.
- Your choice of hotels. You choose your hotels and your desert camp from our list.
- A loop, not a line. You go to the desert by one road and return by another, with the Draa Valley and Ouarzazate on the way back.
Short on time? We also offer a 2 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, a 3 days desert tour from Marrakech and a 4 days desert tour from Marrakech. But if you want more time in the desert and a different road back, the 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is the best choice. The 5 days trip from Marrakech to Merzouga is also very good for families, couples and friends.
5 Days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga itinerary:
Day 1: Marrakech ⇢ High Atlas Mountains ⇢ Aït Ben Haddou ⇢ Dades Valley
Your driver picks you up at your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the morning. We leave the city and start to climb the High Atlas Mountains. The road to the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, at more than 2,200 meters, has many curves and wide views, so we stop for photos and a mint tea in a small Berber village.
After the pass we arrive at Aït Ben Haddou, the famous earthen kasbah on the old caravan road. Cross the river, walk through the narrow lanes and climb to the top for a view over the palm valley. This UNESCO site appears in many famous films, so some corners may look familiar.
We stop for lunch near Ouarzazate and then follow the road through Kalaat M’Gouna, the Valley of the Roses, where rose fields and small shops sell natural rose water and oil. In the evening we reach the Dades Valley, with red cliffs and the strange “Monkey Fingers” rocks. You sleep here, with a warm Moroccan dinner.
Driving distance: Approximately 380 km
Driving time: Approximately 7 hr, without stops
Day 2: Dades Valley ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Merzouga Desert
After breakfast with a view of the Dades Valley, we drive to Tinghir and its green palm grove. From a viewpoint you can see the long line of palm trees in the middle of a dry land. Then we visit the Todra Gorge, where red walls up to 300 meters high make a narrow canyon. Walk along the river, take photos and feel the fresh air.
We continue east on a long road across wide stony plains, small oases and villages. In the afternoon the first dunes of Erg Chebbi appear, and the color of the sand starts to change with the light. This is a great moment for photos.
At Merzouga you meet your camel guide. You ride a camel into the dunes at sunset, and the silence of the Sahara is the best part of the day. In the camp you drink tea, eat a traditional dinner and listen to Berber music around the fire. Then you sleep in a desert tent under the stars.
Driving distance: Approximately 270 km
Driving time: Approximately 5 hr, without stops
Day 3: Merzouga Desert Exploration ⇢ 4x4 Excursion ⇢ Nomad Family
Today is a full day in the Merzouga desert, and you do not need to pack your bags in the morning. If you like, wake up early, climb a dune and watch the sunrise over the Sahara. After breakfast you can try sandboarding on the big dunes, and then we start the 4×4 desert excursion.
Your driver takes you across the open desert to a nomad family, where you drink tea and learn how they live in this hard land. We then visit the old mines, a Berber village and Khamlia, where Gnawa musicians play drums and the guembri, a three-string lute. If there is water, we also stop at the Merzouga lake to see flamingos and other birds.
In the afternoon you can rest, or add a quad bike or buggy ride over the dunes for more fun. In the evening you sleep in a comfortable hotel or riad in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast.
Driving distance: Approximately 30 km on desert tracks
Driving time: Approximately 3 hr, with stops
Day 4: Merzouga ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Agdz ⇢ Ouarzazate
We say goodbye to the dunes and drive to Rissani, an old market town and the gate of the Sahara. Visit the Moulay Ali Cherif mausoleum and walk in the busy souk, where farmers, traders and craftsmen sell dates, spices and fossils. It is a real local market, far from the tourist shops.
From Rissani the road goes west through Alnif and the wide Draa Valley. The land changes again and again, from stony plains to long palm groves and old kasbahs along the river. We stop in Agdz, a quiet oasis town under the Jebel Kissane, for lunch and a short walk.
In the afternoon we continue through the mountains to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco”. You arrive in the evening, have dinner and sleep in a hotel or riad. This is a long driving day, so we make rest stops when you need them.
Driving distance: Approximately 450 km
Driving time: Approximately 8 hr, without stops
Day 5: Ouarzazate ⇢ Kasbah Amridil ⇢ Tizi n’Tichka ⇢ Marrakech
After breakfast you explore Ouarzazate. Many big films were shot here, and you can see the sets at the Atlas Film Studios or walk around the old Kasbah Taourirt, if you like. Entrance fees are not included, so you choose what you want to visit.
Then we drive to Skoura, a green oasis with thousands of palm trees, and visit Kasbah Amridil. This beautiful kasbah from the 17th century is so famous that it appears on the 50 dirham bill. Inside, you see old rooms, a courtyard and an olive press.
In the afternoon we cross the High Atlas again by the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with last views of the snowy peaks and the Berber villages. We arrive in Marrakech in the evening, and your driver takes you to your hotel or riad. Your 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga ends here.
Driving distance: Approximately 200 km
Driving time: Approximately 5 hr, without stops
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Inclusive:
- Pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, subject to access
- Private transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver or a driver and an English-speaking tour guide (If you prefer another language, kindly inform us in advance)
- One night in a hotel or kasbah in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast
- One night in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast
- One night in a hotel or riad in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast
- One night in a hotel or riad in Ouarzazate, with dinner and breakfast
- 4x4 desert excursion in Merzouga, with a visit to a nomad family
- Camel trekking experience at sunset
- Sandboarding
- Stops for photos and refreshments along the route
Exclusive:
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees, when needed
- Tips (optional)
Map of the tour
Accommodations
On our 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga you sleep in four different places, so every night feels new. The first night is in the green Dades Valley. The second night is in a luxury camp among the golden Merzouga dunes. The third night is in a comfortable hotel or riad in Merzouga, after your 4×4 desert day. The fourth night is in Ouarzazate, before the road back to Marrakech. Choose the option you like when you book, or we use a similar place depending on the availability.
| Options | First night (Dades Valley) | Second night (Merzouga desert) | Third night (Merzouga) | Fourth night (Ouarzazate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First option | Dar Ahlam Dades | Lunara Desert Camp | Hotel Sunset Palace | Hotel View Palace |
| Second option | Riad Sahara Stars Dades | Sahara Eden Camp | Riad Azawad | Riad Amlal |
| Third option | Eden Boutique Hotel | Najma Luxury Camp | Riad Dar Morocco | Dar Chemaa Hotel |
Or similar places, depending on the availability.
5 Days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga price:
The price of our private 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is not fixed. It depends on the group size and your travel date, and also on the hotels, the desert camp and the extra activities you choose. We prepare a personal offer, so you pay only for what you really want.
- Group size: The price per person is lower when more travelers share the vehicle.
- Travel dates: Prices change with the season and the room and camp availability.
For a quote that fits your group, please use the form below, contact us, or message us on WhatsApp.
Ask us about the 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga today, and we reply with an offer as soon as possible.
Booking
Know Before You Go
- Plan the driving days. Day 1 is about 7 hours, day 2 about 5 hours, day 4 about 8 hours and day 5 about 5 hours. Day 3 is a relaxed 4×4 day. Photo and lunch stops are extra.
- Pack a small overnight bag. Keep your big suitcase in the vehicle and take only what you need for the desert camp.
- Dress in layers. The Atlas pass and the desert nights are cold, especially in winter, while the days in Dades and Merzouga can be hot.
- Bring a scarf and sunglasses. They protect you from the sun and the sand during the 4×4 excursion.
- Bring some cash. Lunches, drinks, tips and entrance fees are not included.
- Respect the nomad family. Ask before you take photos of people, and a small gift such as tea or sugar is always welcome.
- Best seasons: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In winter, snow can close the Tizi n’Tichka for a few hours, and we then change the plan for your safety.
With a little planning, your 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is easy and relaxed. Tell us about your food needs, your travel dates and the speed you like, and we adjust your 5 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga for you.
Extra activities
Before the tour
- Hot air balloon ride
- Guided medina tour
- Hammam and spa
During the tour
- A professional photographer
- Romantic dinner in the desert
- Romantic desert proposal setup
- Quad bike ATV
- Buggy rental ATV
After the tour
- Marrakech medina tour
- Hammam and spa
- Day trip to Essaouira
- Day trip to the Ourika Valley
Reviews
What our guests say
★★★★★
Read what our guests say about the 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with Morocco Discover Excursions.
Felt Safe, Comfortable, and Welcomed
★★★★★
Jessica
We had an unforgettable time on our 5 day desert tour from marrakech to merzouga. As a group of 7 women, safety mattered a lot to us, and we felt 100% safe and comfortable the whole trip. We loved the old Aït Ben Haddou kasbah and the Atlas Movie Studios. The desert was amazing, with a great 4×4 tour and quad biking over the dunes. Our driver Mohamed was friendly, professional and full of local knowledge, like traveling with a friend. We will come back next year and ask for him again!
The Best 5 Days We Spent in Morocco
★★★★★
Georgia Mae Wilson
We traveled with Morocco Discover Excursions on the 5 days trip from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, and it was wonderful. The pickup in Marrakech was easy, then we crossed the Atlas Mountains and visited Aït Ben Haddou. Our first night in the Dades Valley was fresh and cold. The desert was gorgeous, with the camel ride, the camp, the quad bikes and the 4×4 tour. In Ouarzazate we saw film places that made us feel like we were in Egypt or in a movie. We recommend this great team!
A Memorable Anniversary in the Desert
★★★★★
Mark and Chery
We chose the 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and it was exceptional. The silence of the dunes under the moonlight was magical. We passed through the Valley of Roses in Kalaat M’Gouna and bought natural rose oil as a souvenir. The drives are long and need some patience, but the changing views, from the Atlas to the green oases, kept us happy. The hotels mixed Moroccan style with modern comfort. Thank you to our driver Hamid and the team!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga private?
Yes. Only your group travels in the vehicle, with your own driver. You choose when to stop for photos, tea or lunch, so the trip follows your rhythm.
Where do we sleep on the 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?
The first night is in a hotel in the Dades Valley, the second night in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, the third night in a hotel or riad in Merzouga and the fourth night in Ouarzazate. You can see all the options in the accommodation table above. Dinner and breakfast are included every night.
What do we do on day 3 in Merzouga?
Day 3 is a full desert day. You can see the sunrise, try sandboarding and take a 4×4 excursion to a nomad family, a Berber village, Khamlia and the Merzouga lake. In the evening you sleep in a hotel or riad in Merzouga.
How long is the drive each day?
Day 1 is about 380 km (approximately 7 hours), day 2 about 270 km (approximately 5 hours), day 3 about 100 km on desert tracks (approximately 4 hours with stops), day 4 about 450 km (approximately 8 hours) and day 5 about 200 km (approximately 5 hours).
How much does the 5 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga cost?
The price depends on your group size, your travel date, the hotels and camp you choose and any extra activities. Please contact us with your dates and number of travelers, and we send you a personal offer.
Is this tour safe for women traveling alone or in a group?
Yes. Many female travelers choose this tour. You travel with a professional driver, and we choose safe, comfortable hotels and camps. You can talk to us about any special need before you travel.
Can we add quad biking or other activities?
Yes. You can add quad bikes, buggies, a romantic desert dinner or a photographer. Tell us when you book, and we add them to your plan.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Have a different desert adventure in mind? At Morocco Discover Excursions, we are happy to create a trip that fits your travel style, interests, and schedule. You can add a night in the desert, stop in Chefchaouen, choose a different desert camp, or add special activities. Please contact us and let’s make your desert experience truly special!