5 days tour from Marrakech to desert

The journey begins early in the morning as you depart Marrakech and head toward the High Atlas Mountains, passing through Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which offers incredible panoramic views of the mountain range and its surrounding valleys. You’ll stop at several viewpoints to admire the beauty of the landscape and visit small Berber villages along the way. After a few hours of driving, you’ll arrive at Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided tour will take you through the kasbah’s narrow alleyways, explaining its history as a key trading post and a filming location for many films, such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After lunch in Ait Benhaddou, you’ll continue your journey to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” This town is famous for its film studios and impressive kasbahs, and you can visit the Atlas Film Studios or the Taourirt Kasbah if time permits. In the late afternoon, you’ll check into your accommodation in Ouarzazate, where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner.

After breakfast, you will continue south, heading toward the Skoura Oasis, a beautiful area surrounded by vast palm groves and numerous kasbahs. This oasis is one of the most picturesque spots on the route, and you’ll stop to explore Kasbah Amridil, one of the most well-preserved kasbahs in the region. From Skoura, you will drive through the Valley of Roses, famous for its production of rose water, before arriving at the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic landscape with towering rock formations called “Monkey Fingers.” Here, you’ll enjoy a short walk and some time to appreciate the views before heading to the Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon surrounded by sheer cliffs that rise to 300 meters. The gorge is a popular spot for rock climbers and hikers, and you’ll have a chance to take a short walk or simply admire the natural beauty.

In the afternoon, you will continue your journey to Merzouga, where you will leave your vehicle and embark on a camel trek through the golden sands of the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun sets, the dunes glow in a range of vibrant colors, making this a truly magical experience. You will arrive at your desert camp, where you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, music, and stargazing before retiring for the night in your tent.

On the third day, you’ll wake up early to catch the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. The sight of the sun rising over the vast desert is a moment you won’t forget. Afterward, you’ll return to your camp for breakfast, and then head out for a day of exploration around Merzouga. You’ll visit Khamlia village, where you can experience traditional Gnawa music, a rhythm-heavy style of music brought to Morocco by enslaved people from sub-Saharan Africa. You’ll also visit a nomadic Berber family, gaining insight into their way of life in the harsh desert environment.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy some free time to explore the surrounding desert, try sandboarding on the dunes, or opt for an ATV ride through the sands (optional). Return to your desert camp or hotel for a second night, where you’ll relax and enjoy another traditional Moroccan dinner.

After breakfast, you will begin your journey back toward the northern part of Morocco. The first stop will be the remote desert town of Tazarine, which is surrounded by rocky hills and palm groves. This town, while small, offers a peaceful escape from the more tourist-heavy areas, and it gives you a chance to experience Morocco’s more rural, off-the-beaten-path lifestyle. From Tazarine, you will head to Nkoub, a traditional Berber village located at the foot of the Jbel Saghro mountains.

Nkoub (Nkob) is known for its fascinating architecture, with mudbrick kasbahs that blend harmoniously with the landscape. The village is much less touristy, allowing you to experience the authentic culture of Morocco’s Berber people. After a day of scenic drives and cultural immersion, you will check into your accommodation in Nkoub, where you will enjoy a peaceful night and dinner.

On the final day of your journey, you’ll leave Nkoub early in the morning and head back through the scenic Draa Valley, which is dotted with lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs. You’ll pass through Agdz, a small town that acts as a gateway to the Draa Valley, before continuing on to Ouarzazate for a quick stop. Here, you can stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat before embarking on the final leg of the journey. After crossing the High Atlas Mountains once more, you’ll arrive back in Marrakech by the late afternoon or early evening, marking the end of this unforgettable 5 days desert adventure.