Morocco · Desert Adventure

5-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech with Merzouga Camp Stay

5 Days Round trip from Marrakesh Easy pace

Excursions: Marrakech to Merzouga Desert & Ouarzazate

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, famous for its earthen architecture and film locations
02 Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'Tichka pass at 2,260 metres above sea level
03 Spend a night in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga with a sunset over the dunes and a drum concert under the stars
04 Admire the gigantic rock walls of the Gorges de Todra as they change colour in the sunlight
05 Wake early for a desert sunrise and enjoy the chance to go sandboarding on the dunes

Discover the breathtaking desert landscapes of Morocco on this 5-day journey through Marrakech, Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Merzouga, and the Dadès Valley. Become more familiar with the traditions and warm-hearted hospitality of the Amazigh people as you cross the High Atlas Mountains, explore UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou, and spend a night in a desert camp under starry skies. The experience is crowned by a glorious sunrise over the dunes, along with memorable moments such as a camel ride and visits through some of southern Morocco's most striking scenery.

The experience is crowned by a glorious sunrise over the dunes, along with memorable moments such as a camel ride and visits through some of southern Morocco's most striking scenery.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou, Tizi n'Tichka, Dadès Gorges

Languages Arabic, English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Marrakech and Medina Free Time

Transfer from the airport to a beautiful riad in the Medina of Marrakech.
You will have free time to discover the splendidly coloured souks, which are right at the door of your riad.
Dinner is at your choice on the famous Djemaa el Fna square or in another small restaurant.

Overnight stay.

Day 02

High Atlas Crossing to Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate

After an early breakfast, we start the trip across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres above sea level, with clear views along the way.
For lunch, head to Aït Benhaddou and explore the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. The "Ksar" is a group of earthen buildings surrounded by walls and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1987. Several films have been shot here, including "Game of Thrones", "Lawrence of Arabia", and "Gladiator". In Ouarzazate, we visit Atlas Studios, the Hollywood of Morocco.

Overnight half-board out of town.

Day 03

Todra Gorges and Desert Camp in Merzouga

After breakfast, we continue our tour to the Gorges de Todra. It is a spectacular sight, with gigantic rock walls that change colour and create magical effects in the sunlight.
We will have lunch here before heading to Merzouga, where the camels will be waiting to take us to our luxury camp. It is also possible to go by 4x4 for those who prefer. Here we will spend the night, and all tents have private showers and WC. Climb the dunes and admire the sunset.
After dinner, the staff will perform a drum concert under the stars - a magical experience.

Night in half-board.

Day 04

Sunrise in the Desert and Journey to Dadès Valley

Wake up early to admire the sunrise. After breakfast, do not miss the chance to go sandboarding on the dunes.
Today's destination is the Dadès Valley, with lunch halfway.
Take a camel ride back to the car and continue the trip. The next stop will be at a camel farm, where you can enjoy fresh camel milk.

Night in half-board.

Day 05

Return via the Valley of Roses to Marrakech

Today, we start the journey back to Marrakech through the Valley of Roses. Arrival in Marrakech is at around 6:00 p.m.
Check in at the riad and dine at your choice.

Night and breakfast.

Where this trip takes you

Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, Merzouga dunes, Jemaa el-Fnaa

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Marrakesh 6 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

2 nights bed and breakfast in a riad in Marrakech (shared double/twin room)
2 nights en route on half-board
1 night on half-board in a tent in the desert camp (shared double or triple)
Airport transfers and transport during the trip
English-speaking Moroccan tour guide
Camel ride to the desert camp
Visit to a camel farm

What's Not Included

Gratuities (optional)
Drinks
Lunch
Entrance fees

What to bring

Comfortable clothing
Hiking shoes
Hat
Jacket
Sunscreen

Know before you go

Destination: Ouarzazate, Dadès Valley, and Merzouga.
Availability: Every day.
Pick-up time: 8:30 a.m.
Return time: 6:00 p.m.
Recommendation: comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, hat, jacket, and sunscreen.
Payment: payment upon departure or via PayPal.
Cancellation: for a full refund, cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Logistics