5 Days - Tour of the Sahara Desert from Marrakech

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day Sahara Desert adventure from Marrakech, starting with a rich cultural exploration of Marrakech’s Medina, Koutoubia Mosque, and the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa. Journey through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, visit the UNESCO site Ait Benhaddou, and explore the scenic Dades and Todra Gorges. Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert with camel treks at sunset, a night in a traditional Berber camp, and live music under the stars. Conclude your tour with a scenic drive back to Marrakech, where you can explore any missed sights before departure.

Day 1: Marrakech Sightseeing.

Start your day by exploring the Medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs.

In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Jardin Majorelle, owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

In the evening, visit the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square for dinner and to experience the lively street performances.

Courtyard of a traditional building with a patterned tile floor, marble fountain, arched colonnade, blue and gold decorative accents, and palm trees in the background.
A vibrant blue building with yellow windows surrounded by tall cacti and lush greenery. In the foreground, a fountain in a square pool is centered in a serene garden.

Day 2: Marrakech to Boumalne Dades

Morning:

  • Depart from Marrakech early in the morning, around 7:00 AM, to make the most of the day.

  • Drive through the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (the highest major mountain pass in North Africa at 2,260 meters), taking in panoramic views of Berber villages nestled into the mountainside and lush valleys.

  • Stop at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most famous Ksars (fortified villages), where you can explore the ancient mud-brick structures and climb to the top for a view of the surrounding landscape. You may recognize the location from famous films like "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones."

Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech with surrounding gardens and reflection pool.
Ancient fortress built with clay bricks against a backdrop of rugged rocky cliffs and green vegetation.

Afternoon:

  • Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," and visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a sprawling fortress that was once the residence of the Glaoui family. Wander through the maze-like structure, discovering its rich history and beautifully decorated rooms.

  • Optional: Visit the Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studio in the world, where movies like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Mummy" were filmed.

  • After lunch in Ouarzazate, drive along the scenic Valley of Roses, known for its rose water production, especially during springtime when the roses are in bloom.

  • Continue to Boumalne Dades, a small town located in the Dades Valley, surrounded by rugged, dramatic landscapes.

Ait Benhaddou, a historic earthen clay village in Morocco, surrounded by desert landscape and vegetation.
A scenic view of a rocky canyon with high cliffs, a flowing stream, and lush vegetation at the bottom. The sky is partly cloudy.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a leisurely evening in Boumalne Dades, taking in the breathtaking views of the Dades Gorge, with its unique rock formations known as "Monkey Fingers".

  • Settle into your accommodation, which might be a traditional Moroccan guesthouse (Riad) or a hotel with views of the gorge.

  • Have dinner featuring local Berber cuisine, and spend some time under the clear desert sky, possibly stargazing if the night is clear.

A desert scene with people riding camels on sand dunes and two children walking on flat terrain.
People riding camels led by a guide in the desert sands.

Day 3: Boumalne Dades to Merzouga

Morning:

  • After breakfast, explore more of the Dades Gorge, taking a short walk or hike to appreciate the striking rock formations and vibrant green valleys that contrast with the barren mountains.

  • Head toward the Todra Gorge, where the towering canyon walls rise up to 300 meters high, making it a spectacular spot for hiking or even a quick swim in the Todra River.

  • As you continue, drive along the Road of 1000 Kasbahs, dotted with ancient fortified villages and Kasbahs, providing excellent photo opportunities of Morocco's historical and architectural richness.

Camels in desert with sand dunes and dry landscape
Winding road through rocky canyon landscape under cloudy sky.

Afternoon:

  • Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the vast Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara Desert. Merzouga is famous for its golden dunes that stretch endlessly towards the horizon.

  • Option to take a camel trek into the desert, riding into the sunset as the sand dunes glow orange and gold. Alternatively, a 4x4 excursion is available if you prefer a more comfortable journey into the dunes.

  • As you reach the desert camp, enjoy a warm welcome with mint tea.

Evening:

  • Settle into your traditional Berber camp, where you’ll sleep under a sky full of stars in either a basic tent or a more luxurious glamping-style tent.

  • After a hearty traditional Berber dinner of Tagine or Couscous, enjoy live Berber music around a campfire, listening to the rhythmic beats of drums and stories of the desert.

  • Before going to bed, take some time to absorb the surreal silence and vastness of the Sahara Desert.

People gathered around a fire in a desert setting with musicians playing drums, surrounded by lanterns, dunes, and a tree at sunset.
Acacia trees in desert landscape with a bird flying near one tree.

Day 4: Merzouga to Marrakech

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes.

After breakfast, ride your camel back to Merzouga.

Depart Merzouga and head back to Marrakech.

The drive is long, but the scenery of the Atlas Mountains is stunning.

Arrive in Marrakech in the evening and rest.

Colorful artisanal shop with rows of handmade shoes, woven baskets, and straw hats on display. Walls adorned with hanging vibrant textiles and woven mats.
Man working on a traditional loom with patterned textiles and rugs around him.

Day 5: Marrakech

Spend your last day exploring any sights you may have missed in Marrakech.

Visit the Marrakech Museum and the Medersa Ben Youssef, a historic Islamic college.

Enjoy some shopping in the souks for traditional Moroccan goods.

Have a farewell dinner in one of Marrakech's fantastic restaurants.

What is included :

  • Private Transport AC Minibus with English or Spanish speaking guide/driver

  • Pick up & Drop off at your accommodation.

  • 1 guide tour english speaking or spanish.

  • 1 night at the hotel / riad.

  • 1 night at the desert camp (Private tents).

  • Camel Trekking in the Sahara Merzouga.

  • Dinner & Breakfast.

What is not included:

  •  Lunch.
  •  3 dinner
  •  Drinks.
  • Entrance fees, other personal expenses and gratuities.