5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour 

Explore our private 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), featuring one night in Dades, two nights in Merzouga desert, and one in Ouarzazate. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the High Atlas mountains, a visit to Ait Ben Haddou, and a journey through Skoura and Rose Valley. Day two includes a visit to Todra Gorges before heading to Merzouga for a two-night desert experience. Day three involves desert exploration, cultural encounters, and visits to nomad tribes, abandoned villages, and fossil mines. On day four, you’ll drive to Ouarzazate via Alnif, Agdz, and Draa Valley. The final day includes a return to Marrakech and a visit to film studios. Upgrade options to luxury accommodations and desert camps are available. 

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Important Information for the 5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour: 

1. Consider Longer Tours: Please be aware that this 5-day journey involves a substantial amount of driving, especially across the High Atlas Mountains. If you prefer to minimize your time in the car, we recommend considering a 5 or 6-day desert tour. 

1. Weather-Dependent Experiences: Keep in mind that adverse weather conditions, such as rain or sandstorms, may result in missing out on the sunset, sunrise, or parts of the camel ride. 

1. Camel Riding Considerations: Riding a camel for an extended period may not be comfortable for everyone. We advise against it for pregnant women, individuals over 70 years old, or those with back problems. 

1. Lunch Options: While our usual stops include places offering fresh food, you have the flexibility to dine at touristy restaurants if you prefer. Simply inform your driver if you wish to book your restaurant independently. 

Highlights of the 5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour: 

• Scenic Atlas Mountain Drive: Traverse the stunning Atlas Mountains. 
• Exploration of Ait Benhaddou Kasbah: Discover the historic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. 
• Todra Canyon Adventure: Take a memorable walk through the Todra Canyon. 
• Camel Trek in the Dunes: Experience the thrill of riding camels in the mesmerizing desert. 
• Breathtaking Desert Sunsets and Sunrises: Marvel at the captivating desert sunset and sunrise. 
• Night in the Desert Camp: Enjoy an unforgettable night in the heart of the desert. 
• Discovery of Berber Villages: Immerse yourself in the culture of Berber Villages. 
• Visit to Ouarzazate and Film Studios: Explore the enchanting city of Ouarzazate, known for its film studios. 

Detailed Tour : 

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades via Atlas Mountains 

Your adventure begins at 8:00 a.m. in Marrakech. We’ll journey southward, crossing the picturesque Tizi N Tichka pass (2260m) in the High Atlas Mountains. Marvel at the winding roads and charming Berber villages en route to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa. This city has been the backdrop for iconic Hollywood films, including “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Mummy.” After exploring Ouarzazate, we’ll continue our journey to Dades via Skoura’s palm grove and the scenic Rose Valley. Your day will conclude in Dades. 

Accommodation: 

• Standard Option: Hotel Kasbah Didis or similar 
• Superior Option: Hotel Ksar Sultan or similar 

Day 2: Dades to Merzouga via Todra Gorges  

Day two takes us towards the Sahara. Departing Dades Valley in the morning, we’ll head to Todra, one of Morocco’s most stunning canyons, nestled in the Tenghir region. You’ll enjoy a leisurely walk through Tenghir’s Palm Oasis and explore the Todra gorges, with their soothing streams. Continuing southward, we’ll reach Merzouga and the towering Erg Chebbi dunes, known for their golden hue. Along the way, we’ll pass through Jorf, Erfoud, and Saharian oases. Depending on your arrival time in Merzouga, you’ll either have a brief rest or embark directly on a camel trek into the dunes. Experience a captivating sunset and spend the night at a desert camp. In the summer, camel treks start at around 17:30, while in the winter, they begin at around 15:00-16:00. Upon arrival at the desert camp, enjoy a cup of tea, check in to your tent, and have free time for dune walks or sandboarding. After dinner, the local guide will entertain you with Berber music around a bonfire. Please note that campfires are only available during colder months and favorable weather conditions. 

Accommodation: 

• Standard Option: Standard Desert Camp 
• Superior Option: Luxury Desert Camp 

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Safari On day three, embark on a 4WD desert safari. Watch the sunrise over the dunes, savor breakfast, and freshen up before venturing into the Erg Chebbi Desert. Explore various intriguing desert sites, and if you’re lucky, witness the seasonal lake of Merzouga teeming with water and flamingos against the backdrop of golden dunes. Visit Khamlia, a village originally settled by people from Mali and Sudan, where you’ll be treated to Gnaoua music performed on African drums. Continue the safari to the mineral Mountains in M’fis, also known as the French villages. Drive toward a small mountain with panoramic views of the Chebbi Mountains, the Morocco-Algeria border, and fossilized water animals from millions of years ago. The off-road journey reveals desert landscapes and mirages, leading to encounters with a few remaining nomadic families. Visit their tents and mud-brick homes to discover their daily lives. You can choose to have lunch with them or in the shade of a nearby desert tree. Conclude the day with a visit to the desert Oasis before returning to Merzouga. 

Accommodation: 

• Standard Option: Hotel Nomad Palace or similar 
• Superior Option: Riad Madu or similar 

Day 4: Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Draa Valley Day four takes us to Ouarzazate, starting with a stop in Tafilalet’s vast palm grove and market, the former capital of “Alaouite” sultans. Our journey continues through the captivating Anti-Atlas mountains, offering breathtaking views of the rocky desert. Pass through Alnif, known for its Henna groves, N’kob, a green oasis, and Agdz, a small town on the edges of the Draa, Morocco’s longest valley. Finally, arrive in Ouarzazate, where you’ll spend the night. 

Accommodation: 

• Standard Option: Hotel Riad Amlal or similar 
• Superior Option: Riad Dar Chamaa or similar 

Day 5: Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou On the last day, depart Ouarzazate in the morning and head west to visit the stunning Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a magnificent example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. This kasbah is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 but also a filming location for many Hollywood movies. After your visit, return to Marrakech via the same picturesque route through the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains, arriving around 16:00.