TEL:+212 618-893170 moroccoepicjourney@gmail.com
TEL:+212 618-893170 moroccoepicjourney@gmail.com

5 Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

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    From Marrakech

    5 Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

    This five-day tour blends adventure and relaxation, taking you from Marrakech through some of southern Morocco’s most striking settings: the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka pass, traditional Berber villages, Skoura and the Valley of Roses, the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, the Dades Gorge, Todgha Gorge, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga, Rissani, the Draa Valley and Agdez, and the Telouet Kasbah. You ride camels across the dunes, enjoy unforgettable desert sunsets and sunrises, gaze at the stars, spend a memorable night in a luxury Sahara camp, drive off-road to visit a nomadic family, and discover a traditional Moroccan souk — all on an itinerary designed to minimise driving time so you can focus on experiencing the wonders of the Sahara.

    Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.

    • DURATION: 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
    • START: MARRAKECH
    • END: MARRAKECH
    • TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE

    5 Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

    Itinerary

    DAY 1: MARRAKECH -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> AIT BEN HADDOU -> DADES VALLEY

    Begin your tour with a hassle-free pickup from your accommodation. As we leave Marrakech behind, we traverse the awe-inspiring High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. During the drive, your knowledgeable guide and driver make stops at picturesque locations, and you’re welcome to request stops at your convenience.

    After relishing a delicious lunch in Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate, our expedition leads us towards the Dades Gorge, passing through the captivating Skoura and the enchanting Rose Valley. In Skoura’s lush oasis, you’ll have the option to explore the impressive Amridil Kasbah, a remarkable fortified village. For those travelling in the spring, we can make a special stop to witness the valley adorned with a captivating display of roses in full bloom.

    Upon reaching the Dades Gorge, prepare to be captivated by the fantastic rock formations, often referred to as “monkey fingers,” while also savoring a panoramic view of the stunning gorge. Finally, we make our way to your hotel for an evening of relaxation, dinner, and a well-deserved overnight stay.

    Approximate driving distance/time: 353 km / 6 hours 30 minutes

    DAY 2: DADES VALLEY -> TODRA GORGE -> MERZOUGA

    Start your second day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel in the Dades Valley. We then set off for Tinghir, where you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at a stunning oasis and historical kasbahs, which once housed Berber and Jewish communities side by side. You’ll also have the chance to walk beneath the towering 300-meter cliffs of the Todra Gorge before proceeding to the Sahara desert.

    We pause for a satisfying lunch en route, and upon arrival, your camel guide and our camels will be ready to lead you across the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi to your desert camp. On the way, you’ll stop atop a high dune, soaking in a magnificent sunset and partaking in sandboarding activities. As night falls, our camp staff serves a tasty dinner and entertains you with mesmerizing Berber drum performances around a campfire beneath a starry night sky.

    Approximate driving distance/time: 310 km / 5 hours

    DAY 3: EXPLORATIVE DAY OF THE DESERT

    An early morning today is highly recommended to watch a quiet sunrise from your camp. After a tasty breakfast here, we pick you up by a 4×4 vehicle and start our explorative day of the Sahara:

    1. Drive to the area where the nomads are settling in. They will happily host you in one of their tents for tea. It’s an excellent opportunity to know how they live in a harsh environment away from civilization.
    2. Visit a hidden abandoned village in the middle of nowhere! The town is home to the Galena mines. You’ll get to see them too.
    3. Drive to another village called Khamlia, where you’ll listen to Gnaoua music played by the locals. Their origin is from southern African countries like Sudan. Here you can also have lunch in a local restaurant.
    4. After lunch, we drive to a lake near the town of Merzouga if it’s full before we head to your riad.

    Approximate driving distance/time: 57 km / 1 hour 15 minutes

    DAY 4: MERZOUGA -> RISSANI -> AGDEZ -> OUARZAZATE

    An early morning today is rewarded with another peaceful sunrise from the terrace of your riad. Then we start our journey. First, we stop in the old city of Rissani, where we visit a traditional souk. Then head to Ouarzazate via the fascinating Draa Valley and stop in Agdez to see some valley landscapes. Arrive at your riad in Ouarzazate in the afternoon.

    Approximate driving distance/time: 370 km / 5 hours 20 minutes

    DAY 5: OUARZAZATE -> AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH -> TELOUET KASBAH -> MARRAKECH

    Our final morning starts with a tasty breakfast in your riad. Ouarzazate is known as the gateway to the Sahara desert and the Hollywood of Africa. The city is home to the historical Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas studio, which made it a famous film-making location.

    After immersing ourselves in the enchanting sights of Ouarzazate, our journey proceeds to the captivating Ait Ben Haddou. Here, we’re granted the opportunity to explore the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a site of significant historical value protected by UNESCO since 1987. This remarkable fortress has served as a backdrop for numerous iconic films and television series, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones, which only adds to its allure.

    As we conclude our exploration of the mesmerizing Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, our journey takes us onwards to the vibrant city of Marrakech, leading us through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. During the trip, we enjoy admiring the fascinating Telouet Kasbah.

    As our tour ends, we ensure your safe return by dropping you off at your accommodation in Marrakech.

    Approximate driving distance/time: 203 km / 3 hours 52 minutes

    INCLUDED

    • Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
    • A/C modern 4x4 SUV, a van, or a minibus
    • English-speaking driver, or a driver and an English-speaking tour guide (if you prefer another language, kindly inform us in advance)
    • First, second, third, and fourth-night accommodations
    • Meals: 4 dinners & 4 breakfasts
    • Camel trekking experience
    • Sandboarding

    NOT INCLUDED

    • Lunches
    • Beverages
    • Entrance fees, when needed
    • Tips (optional)

    5 Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour Map

    Merzouga Desert Tour

    IMPORTANT NOTES

    • Driving times don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
    • This is a sample itinerary and can be fully customised to your interests.
    • Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, special food requirements) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
    • Our guides pick restaurants known for fresh, high-quality meals. If you have a particular restaurant in mind, let your guide know and they’ll be happy to arrange it.
    • The schedule includes two nights in Merzouga, one in a camp and the other in a riad. You also have the option to spend both nights in the camp instead of one — just inform us when booking.
    • You can also choose to end this tour in Fes instead of returning to Marrakech, via the 5 days tour from Marrakech to Fes. For shorter alternatives, consider the 4 days desert tour from Marrakech, the 3 days desert tour from Marrakech, or the 2 days Marrakech desert tour.
    • Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 will take you to the desert camp at no extra cost.
    • All camps in our selection are luxury camps with private en-suite bathrooms.
    • Extra activities can be added before, during, or after the tour — airport transfers, a Marrakech guided tour, hot air balloon ride in Marrakech, day trips to Essaouira, Ouzoud Waterfalls, or Ourika Valley, a professional photographer, romantic dinner in the desert, romantic desert proposal setup, quad biking, or buggy driving.

    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:

    • 4×4 SUV — Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or similar, for up to 4 people
    • Minivan — Mercedes Vito Tourer, Ford Tourneo, or similar, for up to 8 people
    • Minibus — Mercedes Sprinter or similar, for groups of more than 8 people

    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 tour can also finish in Fes instead of returning to Marrakech 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.

    312 Reviews
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    Lorenzo Riva

    Family Traveller

    Tour privato comodo e sicuro anche con i più piccoli. La giornata off-road nel Sahara ha entusiasmato tutti. Grazie di cuore.

    29 December 2024

    Alberto Santos

    Couple Traveller

    El atardecer sobre las dunas de Erg Chebbi y el sandboarding fueron inolvidables. El regreso por el Valle del Draa y Agdez fue espectacular. Muy recomendable.

    28 December 2024

    Angelo Caruso

    Family Traveller

    Cinque giorni ricchi di avventure per grandi e piccoli. Ait Ben Haddou sembrava uscita da un film e la visita alla famiglia nomade è stata un’emozione unica.

    8 December 2024

    Roberto Rossi

    Couple Traveller

    Un incredibile tour di 5 giorni da Marrakech a Merzouga. La notte nel campo di lusso sulle dune dell’Erg Chebbi, con i tamburi berberi sotto le stelle, è stata pura magia.

    3 December 2024

    Andrea Bianchi

    Family Traveller

    Viaggio perfetto in famiglia da Marrakech. I bambini hanno adorato la cavalcata in cammello e la notte nel campo di lusso. Autista paziente con tutti.

    1 December 2024
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