5 days tour from Marrakech to Sahara desert

We begin our adventure from Marrakech, crossing the scenic High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass. The journey offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks (in winter), terraced valleys, and Berber villages. We stop to explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, an iconic fortified village famous for its unique earthen architecture. Continuing to Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Sahara,” we visit the Taourirt Kasbah before traveling through the Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses. The day ends in Dades Valley, where we enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

After breakfast, we explore the impressive rock formations of the Dades Gorges before driving to Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with cliffs rising up to 300 meters. We take a short walk through the gorge before continuing through desert towns like Tinjdad and Erfoud. By late afternoon, we arrive at Merzouga, where a camel caravan takes us deep into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Witness a magical sunset from atop the dunes before reaching our luxury desert camp. The evening features a traditional dinner, Berber music around the campfire, and a night under the stars.

This day is dedicated to discovering the hidden gems of the desert region. After breakfast, we take a 4x4 tour to visit Khamlia village, home to Gnawa musicians, and enjoy their unique rhythms. We then explore fossil fields, visit nomadic families to learn about their lifestyle, and discover seasonal lakes or oases if present. Lunch is in the historic town of Rissani, known for its lively souk. In the afternoon, you can relax at your desert hotel or take a short camel ride to watch the sunset from the dunes once more.

After watching the sunrise over the dunes, we ride camels or drive back to Merzouga village for breakfast. We then set off through the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest palm oasis, passing kasbahs and Berber villages along the way. We stop for lunch in Nkob or Agdz before continuing through volcanic mountain landscapes to Ouarzazate. Overnight in a comfortable riad or hotel.

On our final day, we enjoy breakfast before heading back over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. We’ll make several scenic stops along the way to capture the mountain landscapes and visit small Berber towns. Arrival in Marrakech is in the late afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable 5 days Sahara adventure.