5 Days - Trekking the Valley of Dades, 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. Enjoy the stunning canyon of the Valley of Dades. Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert with camel treks at sunrise, 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.

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 nice pectures 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 that they filmed like "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones."

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.

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 then wev drive to discouver a nice panoramic view of tessdrine or as it called. the snake raod

  • 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.

Day 3: Boumalne Dades to Merzouga

Morning:

  • After breakfast, explore more of the Dades Gorge, taking a short walk or hike for about 2 hours 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.

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.

  • A 4x4 excursion will take you to the Sahara desert, along the way, enjoy the beautiful sunset as the sand dunes glow orange and gold.

  • 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.

Day 4: Merzouga to ouarzazate

Wake up early for seeing the sunrise, on the back of a camel, over the dunes. After the camel ride, you will enjoy your breakfast at the tent.

Depart Merzouga and visit Rissani, a desert town..

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

Arrive in Quazazate in the late afternoon and spend a night in the town where lots of Hollywood movies were filmed .

Day 5:ouarzazate to Marrakech

Enjoy your breakfast and bit farewell to Ouarzazate. Head to Marrakech, will arrive in the afternoon. 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.