This five-day journey pairs the charms of Marrakech with an authentic Sahara desert tour, beginning and ending in Marrakech and weaving in some of southern Morocco’s most striking settings: Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the High Atlas Mountains, the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, the Dades Gorge, Todgha Gorge, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga, the Draa Valley, and the Majorelle Garden. You explore Marrakech’s highlights, cross the High Atlas, ride camels into the dunes for sunset, try sandboarding, and spend an unforgettable night under the stars in a luxury desert camp, learning plenty about Berber culture along the way.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MARRAKECH
Immerse yourself in the welcoming embrace of Morocco as your five days in Marrakech begin with a warm reception at Marrakech Menara Airport. Our local guide accompanies you to your Riad, where you can check in and settle in comfortably. With the rest of the day at your leisure, you can explore Marrakech’s vibrant atmosphere. A visit to the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the city’s bustling heart, offers a glimpse into Marrakech’s lively ambiance. Consider having dinner at one of the square’s restaurants before returning to your delightful Riad for a restful night’s sleep.
DAY 2: MARRAKECH -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH -> OUARZAZATE -> DADES VALLEY
Begin your desert expedition from Marrakech to Merzouga with a convenient pickup directly from your Riad. Leave the bustling city behind as you journey southeastward, traversing the scenic High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming Berber villages and have opportunities to capture stunning photographs from picturesque viewpoints.
Savor a delightful lunch at Ait Ben Haddou village, a UNESCO-listed treasure famed for its ancient Kasbah. This historic “fortified village” has served as a backdrop for iconic movies like Prince of Persia, Gladiator, and the famous TV series Game of Thrones.
Following a brief stop in Ouarzazate, home to Africa’s largest studio, you can opt for a visit if interested. Then continue towards Dades Gorge, passing through the enchanting Valley of Roses en route. In the Dades Valley, marvel at incredible rock formations famously called “monkey fingers” and enjoy a panoramic vista of the gorge and the valley before retiring to your hotel for a restful night.
Approximate driving distance/time: 353 km / 6 hours 30 minutes
DAY 3: DADES VALLEY -> TODRA CANYON -> MERZOUGA DESERT
Enjoy a delicious breakfast to fuel your day as you prepare for an exciting journey ahead. Traverse the stunning landscapes along the Dades and Todra Rivers, adorned with verdant palm groves and authentic Berber settlements. Your first destination is the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge in Tinghir, famous globally for its breathtaking beauty.
On your way to the mesmerizing Merzouga desert, our experienced driver/guide will suggest a stop at a traditional Berber shop. Here, you can immerse yourself in Berber culture by trying on traditional outfits and capturing memorable photographs, all without any additional cost. If you’re interested, you can also browse desert essentials like scarves or unique souvenirs. However, there’s no pressure to make purchases; the shop visit is primarily an option to promote Berber culture. If you prefer to continue without stopping, just let your guide know and we’ll proceed uninterrupted.
Upon arrival in Merzouga, get ready for an unforgettable camel ride into the heart of the desert. Witness the captivating sunset over the sand dunes and indulge in the thrilling activity of sandboarding. As night falls, retreat to a luxury desert camp where a tasty dinner awaits. Experience the enchanting magic of the desert under the starlit sky, immersing yourself in its timeless allure and creating lasting memories.
Approximate driving distance/time: 310 km / 5 hours
DAY 4: MERZOUGA DESERT -> AGDEZ -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> MARRAKECH
After a delightful breakfast at your desert camp, we begin the return journey to the bustling city of Marrakech. This time, our route guides us through the scenic Draa Valley, renowned as Morocco’s longest valley. Along the way, we pause in Agdez, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of this valley adorned with lush palm trees.
During the journey, we make a stop in Ouarzazate for a delectable lunch to refuel for the rest of our trip. Continuing on, we traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains once more, making our way back to Marrakech. Upon arrival, we drop you off safely at your Riad.
Approximate driving distance/time: 560 km / 9 hours
DAY 5: EXPLORE MARRAKECH
Begin your final day on this captivating itinerary with a delightful breakfast at your Riad. Our friendly local guide is ready to showcase Marrakech’s best attractions, sharing interesting stories about iconic landmarks like Jemaa El-Fna Square, Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrassa, and the Koutoubia Mosque.
After a satisfying lunch, take a stroll through the modern side of Marrakech and explore the exquisite Majorelle Garden, offering a serene retreat in the heart of the city.
If your flight out of Morocco is today, we provide a smooth airport transfer, marking the conclusion of your enriching 5-day Marrakech itinerary.
IMPORTANT NOTES
THE PRICE
The price varies depending on the number of travelers. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person can be. Transportation costs are fixed and shared between the travelers. The final price also depends on the accommodation category you choose, such as standard, superior, or luxury. Contact us for an exact quotation based on your group size, travel dates, and preferences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the tour private or shared?
The tour is a completely private experience. You will travel exclusively with the members of your own group, without joining other tourists. This gives you greater flexibility with the schedule, stops, pace, and overall experience.
How long is the camel ride? What is the alternative to camels?
The camel ride usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to reach the desert camp, depending on the camp location and conditions. If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can be transferred to the camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost. Quad biking and buggy excursions are also available at an extra cost.
Is the desert tent private? Does it have a private bathroom and shower?
Yes. Our luxury desert camp offers private tents equipped with private en-suite bathrooms, including a shower and hot running water.
What happens to our luggage during the camel ride?
During the camel ride, you only need to carry a small backpack with the essentials you need for the night. Your main luggage will be transported by the camp’s 4×4 vehicle and will be waiting for you at your tent when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best times to visit Morocco are generally spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when temperatures are usually pleasant across much of the country. Winter can also be an excellent time to travel, especially for exploring the southern desert regions.
What type of vehicles are used?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles:
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. We can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific requests. Please let us know when booking so we can arrange the included meals and stops along the route accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is suitable for travelers of different ages. Please note that some days involve several hours of driving to cover the distances between different regions of Morocco. Our vehicles are comfortable, and regular stops can be made during the journey.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Pick-up is available directly from Marrakech Menara Airport or your accommodation in Marrakech on the first day. The tour begins and ends in Marrakech, with the final drop-off at the airport or your accommodation on the last day. If preferred, the itinerary can also start or finish in another city, such as Casablanca or Fes, upon request.
Expenses and additional costs
Currency exchange: Euros and US Dollars can be exchanged for Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) at banks, airports, and exchange offices. ATMs are also widely available throughout Morocco.
Cost of meals: Lunches are not included in the tour price and generally cost around 5–20 EUR per person, depending on the restaurant and location.
Bargaining: Negotiating prices in souks and traditional markets is a normal part of shopping culture in Morocco.
BOOKING PROCESS
1. Contact us
Contact us through our contact form, email, or WhatsApp and provide the number of travelers, your approximate travel date, and your preferred accommodation category.
2. Confirm your booking
A small deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Payment can be made through PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash in EUR, USD, or MAD directly to the driver upon arrival.
WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE MOROCCO TOUR?
A private tour allows you to travel at your own pace, with greater flexibility over departure times, sightseeing stops, breaks, activities, and accommodation choices.
You will have an experienced private driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group, giving you more freedom and comfort throughout the journey. Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, group of friends, or a small private group, the itinerary can be adapted around your interests and travel preferences.
Organizzazione precisa dall’arrivo a Marrakech al drop-off. La Valle delle Rose e Ouarzazate ci hanno affascinato. Un tour da rifare.
I traveled solo and felt looked after the whole time. The 5-day luxury Marrakech desert tour is varied and full of authentic experiences. Highly recommended.
Viaggio di coppia perfetto. Ci sono piaciuti il Palazzo Bahia, le Tombe Saadiane e il campo nel deserto. Una vera favola sotto il cielo stellato.
Ho scoperto il vero Marocco. Dalla Kasbah di Ait Ben Haddou al Palazzo Bahia, ogni tappa aveva qualcosa di speciale.
Un perfetto equilibrio tra cultura e natura. Ait Ben Haddou, le Gole del Todra e la Moschea Koutoubia ci hanno conquistati. Autista e guide esperti, sempre disponibili.
