Our expertly curated 5-day desert tour from Marrakech is an unforgettable adventure that will immerse you in the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Morocco, starting and ending in Marrakech.
Our tour offers traveling through the majestic Atlas Mountains; exploring ancient Kasbahs such as Ait Benhaddou; discovering the history and architecture of these historic fortresses; visiting dramatic gorges, where you can walk and take photos of the stunning rock formations; experiencing the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert; riding camels over the sands at sunset; spending a night in a desert camp under a blanket of stars; and witnessing a spectacular sunrise. This extended immersion allows you to truly connect with the desert
This perfectly crafted 5-day Morocco itinerary is not just a trip; it is your gateway to an unforgettable Moroccan experience filled with adventure, stunning natural beauty, and genuine hospitality.
Your 5-day Moroccan adventure begins with a warm welcome at Marrakech Menara Airport before leaving the red city and heading towards the Sahara Desert. Our journey takes us on a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, where you’ll see beautiful Berber villages and green valleys covering the mountainsides of the road with stops for photos of the breathtaking panoramas.
Our first destination is the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, where you will explore this UNESCO World Heritage site’s timeless buildings and stroll through its ancient alleys before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue through Ouarzazate to discover the famous Atlas Film Studios, where so many successful films and series have been shot, including “Gladiator,” “Prince of Persia,” and “Game of Thrones.” Then, we’ll visit the Tourirt kasbah, a very old building, both superb and surprising, which is often compared to a large sand castle.
After exploring these two amazing sights, we continue our journey, passing through the fragrant Valley of the Roses (Kalaat Mgouna), located about 92 km from Ouarzazate and renowned for its cultivation of the rosa damascena, or Damask rose, before reaching the stunning Dades Valley, where you will check into your guesthouse, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner, and spend the night
Today’s journey will begin by exploring the Dades Valley, where the stunning rock formations shine in shades of tan, beige, gold, rust red, and soft mauve.” By Following the magical Road of a thousand Kasbah, where historic kasbahs and ksour, or fortified villages of the Berber people, overlook the valley, we reach the Todra Gorges—a beautiful canyon with high rock walls, making it the perfect place for lovers of hiking, walking, and natural beauty.
Our trip will then continue through small berber villages and green palm groves such as the Skoura oasis, where suddenly a part of the desert comes alive, and through towns like Erfoud, famous for its fossils, and Rissani, known for its traditional market, before reaching our destination.
In the small village of Merzouga, a different kind of journey will be waiting for you. We will switch from vehicle to camel caravan to cross the golden dunes of Erg Echebi in search of a quiet night at your hidden desert camp. On the way, we will stop and let you admire the sunset and capture some memorable photos before reaching your camp, where you will enjoy a tasty Moroccan dinner, listen to Berber music by the fire, and sleep in a comfortable private tent under the sky.
This day will be full of discovery in the Merzouga Desert. As the sun rises over the dunes, the colors change beautifully—from soft pink and orange to golden yellow—making It one of the most magical moments in the Sahara that is truly worth waking up for.
After a delicious breakfast, our adventure starts with a drive through the desert to see some of its wild hidden lakes, such as the Srij Lake, which appears after rainfall and attracts many birds like flamingos. We will also pass by old mines and fossil areas before continuing to the village of khamlia, where we will sit with amazing people, listen to the hypnotic sound of drums and castanets, and discover their warm way of life.
Next, we will visit a family of Nomads who still live in traditional tents. This is a special chance to meet them, share a cup of Berber tea, and get to know about their simple but rich way of life—how they move with their herds, cook their meals, and raise their children in such a challenging environment. Their hospitality will make you feel very welcome and safe.
After that, we may also take a relaxing walk in the Hassi Lbied Oasis, a peaceful area filled with palm trees and small gardens, to see how local people use ancient irrigation systems to bring water from underground to grow crops like dates, grains, and vegetables. It is a perfect spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy your lunch, which is, by the way, a Berber Pizza.
Our desert journey will end by returning to your camp, where you will be welcomed with mint tea before dinner is served in a restaurant-style tent, where you will taste a traditional Moroccan meal under the stars. Afterward, the evening comes alive with Drum Music and Singing performed by local Berbers around the campfire. You can relax, join the music, or simply lie back to watch the millions of stars above.
You can choose to spend your last night in a traditional hotel instead.
Today, we begin our drive back toward Marrakech, taking a different road—the road of the Draa Valley, one of the most beautiful drives in Morocco.
Our first stop will be the town of Rissani, which was once the capital of the Tafilalt region. This town is famous for its souk (traditional market) that comes alive with energy—farmers, traders, and nomads from all around the region gather here to buy and sell dates, spices, clothing, handicrafts, and even donkeys and sheep. Entering this souk feels like stepping back in time.
After Rissani, the road winds through traditional Berber villages, palm groves, and rocky plateaus before opening up into the stunning Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s longest valleys, often called the “date basket of Morocco” because of the endless palm trees growing along the river. As we drive, the views of green oases, red mountains, local farmers working, and children playing near the river will capture your heart.
As we continue, the road slowly climbs through desert plains and mountain passes, offering wide panoramic views, and as we get closer to Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Desert,” the landscape becomes a mix of desert and rocky hills, offering the best environment to spend your night.
After having your delicious breakfast, the final day of our journey will begin by exploring the two main sights in Ouarzazate, starting with the world-famous Atlas Film Studio, one of the largest film studios in the world. Let me tell you that walking through the movie sets makes you feel like travelling in time or through different countries. Then, we will visit the Tourirt Kasbah, a historic fortified residence complex, or kasbah (tighremt in Tamazight), that was first built in the 17th century.
After that, our journey will continue by crossing the majestic High atlas mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which rises over 2,200 meters high. Along the way, you will enjoy winding roads and deep valleys, and in winter, you can see snowy peaks in the distance. The mountain slopes are filled with olive and fig trees, as well as small fields where farmers grow their crops. Little rivers flow down the mountains, creating green spots that stand out against the rocky land. You will also pass by many traditional villages, with houses built on the hillsides like steps. Don’t worry, there will be stops for photos and to stretch your legs before reaching marrakech by early evening, where your 5-day desert tour concludes, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
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This itinerary offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Southern Morocco, starting and ending in Marrakech. Its unique aspect is the inclusion of two magical nights in the Sahara Desert, allowing for deeper cultural engagement and relaxation, along with visits to iconic sites like Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Gorges, Todra Gorges, and the Draa Valley.
We prioritize authentic experiences. Our guides are locals who can offer genuine insights into Moroccan life and traditions. The two nights in the desert camp allow for deeper engagement, including Berber music around the campfire, and optional 4×4 tours to visit nomadic families and experience Gnawa music, providing meaningful cultural encounters.
Our accommodations are carefully selected hotels/riads and a luxury desert camp that reflect Moroccan architecture and hospitality while offering modern comforts. The desert camp provides comfortable tents with beds and amenities, ensuring a unique and relaxing experience under the stars.
