5-Day Marrakech to Sahara Desert Tour
Embark on an unforgettable adventure. Discover Marrakech to Sahara desert tour and experience 5-day Morocco itinerary.
5-Day Marrakech to Sahara Desert Tour
Comprehensive Morocco adventure from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, dramatic gorges, and the magnificent Sahara Desert.
Departure
Marrakech
Duration
5 Days
Arrival
Marrakech
Overview
Embark on the ultimate Moroccan adventure with this comprehensive 5-day journey from Marrakech to the heart of the Sahara Desert and back. This expertly crafted tour combines Morocco's most spectacular natural wonders, ancient cultural sites, and authentic desert experiences into one unforgettable expedition. From the snow-capped Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, from UNESCO World Heritage kasbahs to dramatic gorges and traditional Berber villages, this tour showcases the incredible diversity and beauty that makes Morocco one of the world's most captivating destinations.
Itinerary
Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate
High Atlas Mountains
Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via Tizi-n-Tichka pass
- → Early morning departure from Marrakech
- → Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains
- → Drive through the Tizi-n-Tichka pass at 2,260m altitude
- → Stop for photos at scenic mountain viewpoints and traditional Berber villages
Ait Benhaddou
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou
- → Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou
- → Explore this ancient fortified city (ksar) used in many Hollywood films
- → Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
- → Learn about its history and role in the trans-Saharan trade
Ouarzazate
Discover Ouarzazate, the "Gateway to the Desert"
- → Continue to Ouarzazate, the "Gateway to the Desert"
- → Visit the famous Atlas Film Studios
- → Explore the Taourirt Kasbah
- → Lunch with views of the Atlas Mountains
- → Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate to Dades Valley via Skoura Oasis
Skoura Oasis
Visit the beautiful Skoura Oasis with its palm groves and kasbahs
- → Visit the beautiful Skoura Oasis after breakfast
- → Explore the palm groves and ancient kasbahs
- → Visit the restored Amridil Kasbah
- → Learn about traditional oasis agriculture and irrigation systems
Rose Valley
Drive through the famous Rose Valley (seasonal)
- → Drive through the famous Rose Valley (best in May during rose harvest)
- → Visit a local cooperative to see rose oil production
- → Experience the dramatic landscape changes
- → Pass through traditional Berber villages
Dades Valley
Arrive in the spectacular Dades Valley
- → Arrive in the spectacular Dades Valley
- → See the famous "Monkey Fingers" rock formations
- → Enjoy stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains
- → Dinner and overnight in a charming riad in Dades Valley
Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert
Dades Gorge
Explore the dramatic Dades Gorge in the morning
- → Explore the dramatic Dades Gorge in the morning
- → Walk among the incredible rock formations
- → Take photos of the geological wonders
- → Visit local nomadic families if possible
Todra Gorge
Visit the magnificent Todra Gorge
- → Continue to the spectacular Todra Gorge
- → Walk through the narrow canyon with walls rising 300 meters
- → Experience the incredible acoustics and natural cathedral atmosphere
- → Meet international rock climbers and learn about their adventures
Road to Merzouga
Journey through the changing landscapes to the Sahara
- → Drive through the Tafilalt oasis with millions of date palms
- → Pass through traditional oasis towns and villages
- → See the landscape gradually change from mountains to desert
- → Arrive at the edge of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga
Camel Trek and Desert Camp
Begin your Sahara Desert adventure
- → Begin your camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- → Watch the spectacular sunset over the golden sand dunes
- → Enjoy traditional dinner around the campfire
- → Listen to authentic Berber music under the starry sky
- → Sleep in a traditional desert camp
Merzouga Desert Exploration and Return to Ouarzazate
Sahara Sunrise
Experience the magical sunrise over the Sahara dunes
- → Wake up early for the spectacular sunrise over the dunes
- → Camel trek back to Merzouga village
- → Traditional breakfast at your desert accommodation
- → Optional 4WD desert excursion to visit nomadic families
Erfoud and Fossils
Discover the fossil capital of Morocco
- → Visit Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops
- → Learn about the region's prehistoric past through fossil displays
- → See how ancient marine fossils are crafted into beautiful items
- → Optional visit to a traditional date market
Return Journey
Begin the scenic journey back through the Atlas Mountains
- → Drive back through the stunning Dades Valley
- → Stop for lunch and photos along the way
- → Continue through the dramatic gorges and valleys
- → Arrive in Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight
Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Morning in Ouarzazate
Final exploration of the "Hollywood of Morocco"
- → Optional morning visit to any missed sites in Ouarzazate
- → Last-minute shopping for local crafts and souvenirs
- → Departure towards Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains
High Atlas Return
Return journey through the spectacular Atlas Mountains
- → Drive back through the High Atlas Mountains
- → Stop at scenic viewpoints for final photos
- → Optional stop at an argan oil cooperative
- → Enjoy the changing mountain landscapes
Arrival in Marrakech
Return to the vibrant city of Marrakech
- → Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon
- → Drop-off at your accommodation or the airport
- → End of your incredible 5-day Sahara adventure
- → Time to explore Marrakech if staying longer
What's Included
- ✓ Private air-conditioned vehicle with comfortable seating
- ✓ English-speaking driver/guide throughout the tour
- ✓ Accommodation in Ouarzazate (Days 1 & 4)
- ✓ Accommodation in Dades Valley (Day 2)
- ✓ Traditional desert camp experience with dinner and breakfast (Day 3)
- ✓ Camel trekking experience in Erg Chebbi dunes
- ✓ All breakfasts during the tour
- ✓ Traditional dinner in the desert camp
- ✓ Berber music entertainment in the desert
- ✓ Mineral water during transportation
- ✓ All entrance fees to mentioned attractions
- ✓ Professional local guides at specific sites
What's Not Included
- × Flights to/from Morocco
- × Lunches and dinners (except desert camp dinner)
- × Drinks and personal expenses
- × Tips for guides and drivers
- × Travel insurance
- × Accommodation in Marrakech before/after the tour
- × Optional activities and excursions
Tour Highlights
UNESCO World Heritage
Explore the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Complete Sahara Experience
Camel trekking, sunset/sunrise viewing, and overnight camping in Erg Chebbi
Dramatic Gorges Adventure
Walk through the impressive Todra and Dades Gorges with towering walls
Atlas Mountains Journey
Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains twice with stunning scenery
Cultural Immersion
Experience authentic Berber culture, music, and desert traditions
Diverse Landscapes
From mountain peaks to desert dunes, oases, valleys, and ancient kasbahs
Secure Your Adventure
Reserve your spot today with no payment required. Limited availability - our tours often sell out weeks in advance.
