Experience the best of Morocco on a 5-day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert. Admiring the stunning landscapes at an ideal pace. Drive through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, Enjoy the desert and kasbahs such as Ait ben Haddou, and the oases and valleys and gorges and old town and more! As you make your way into the immense Sahara, enjoy the unforgettable experience of a camel ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and sleep under the starry sky in a high-standard Berber camp. Enjoy the freedom to hit everything on everyone’s highlights list or simply roam wherever your wanderlust takes you on this in-depth 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga through southern Morocco.
If you want absolute flexibility, comfort and a one-on-one personalized experience, consider booking a private Morocco tour. Offering visits to historic cities, the sweeping Sahara, and the beautiful Atlas Mountains, personal travel with a private tour means you can set the pace and only focus on the sites and activities which you want to do and see. You’ll receive greater cultural insights and smoother logistics from beginning to end with the help of local experts. Private tours are fully tailor-made exactly to your schedule, interests, group size and travel-styles, for any couples, families, friends, and solo travelers. And the larger your group, the cheaper it is per person, while transportation costs are consistent regardless of the season.
On the first day of your tour an experienced driver guide from Private Moroccan Tours will pick up you from your accommodation in Marrakech. Begin your day with a picturesque drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m), the highest road pass in Morocco. You will also take time to enjoy panoramic vistas and to visit the renowned Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and backdrop for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Complete your visit to the site and travel to Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” marvel at the Taourirt Kasbah if you wish. Later we transfer you to your Riad or Hotel.
Rise for breakfast then leave Ouarzazate toward the stunning Todgha Gorges driving through the Skoura’s palm groves and the Valley of Roses. Take a break to stretch your legs and snap photos of the towering canyon walls created by the Todgha River. Afterwards, drive on to Erfoud and Rissani, before arriving in Merzouga and the fringes of the Sahara. Here, you will ride a camel and follow the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to your luxury desert camp. Upon arrival the camp enjoy a cup of mint team as a welcoming way followed with dinner under the stars. Listen to classic Berber music by the fire before going to sleep in a stylish tent with all the modern conveniences.
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes and breakfast at the camp. Then, embrace an adventure with a 4×4 in the area of Merzouga. Meet the beguiling rhythm of Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia, visit nomadic families in the desert, and explore the seasonal salt lake Dayet Srji. In the afternoon, check in to a quaint hotel or riad located by the dunes where you can relax, swim or take a tranquil stroll. Diner and overnight in lovely Hotel.
Start your day with a drive to the Dades valley after breakfast. Your first port of call is the historic town of Rissani, home to a bustling, traditional souk, where locals and nomads come to sell and exchange everything from spices and dates to livestock and textiles. Follow this to Erfoud, a town renowned for its abundant fossil finds and date festival where you may have an opportunity to visit a fossil workshop or a date market.
Next, the road winds its way to the west across semi-desert terrain through Mallaab, a town of not much going on surrounded by harsh hills and flat forth. You’ll then press on through the countryside to the south and up into the Dades Valley, with its narrow roads and incredible honeycomb rock formations. Arrive at Boumalne Dades by evening and check in at a charming guesthouse or hotel facing the majestic gorge nearby. Dinner and overnight included.
Wake up after breakfast, and let the last thrilling ride toward Marrakech commence. You’ll return to the Valley of Roses, and pause in Ouarzazate for one last visit to its film studios or kasbahs. After a second climb up to the High Atlas Mountains, return through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass reaching Marrakech in the late afternoon. Your tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or riad, having spent five amazing days exploring the mountains, deserts and valleys of Morocco.
⇒ Important Note:
This 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is a bespoke tour, so it can be tailored to meet your specific requirements and can be adjusted within your schedule and style of travel. If you’re looking for a more cultural emphasis, a bit more time, or some upgraded accommodations, we are delighted to be able to customize the trip for you to make it just what you’re looking for.
Note that prices can change according to the number of participants and the kind of accommodation you choose (standard or luxury). The larger the group that takes the tour, the cheaper it gets per person. But the cost of transportation remains the same since it is per vehicle and not per person. Feel free to contact our team for a custom quote or to customize your itinerary — it is available 24/7 to take your call!
This tour was absolutely the highlight of our trip to Morocco. From the moment we left Marrakech, every stop felt meaningful and well-paced. The camel ride into the Sahara was magical, and spending the night in a luxury camp under the stars was something I’ll never forget. The visit to Rissani’s market and the fossil shops in Erfoud were unexpected gems. Our driver was friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel safe and welcome every step of the way. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to see the real Morocco in comfort and style!
I can’t say enough good things about this tour. The mix of mountain scenery, desert adventure, and authentic cultural stops was spot on. I especially loved the sunrise in Merzouga and our stay at a small hotel near the Dades Gorges the views were stunning! Our guide was fantastic, always flexible and full of great insights about the places we visited. It was a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation, and we left with a deep appreciation for Morocco and its people. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Customization Available: All our tours can be personalized to match your itinerary, desires, and travel style. If you want to make modifications such as adding stops, upgrading the accommodations or taking it a bit slower feel free to ask, we take care of it all.
Tour costs depend on many factors:
To get a booking confirmation you will need to make a few small deposits. The balance can be paid on arrival.
What to Pack:
Travel INSURANCE: Travel insurance covering medical, trip cancellation, and lost luggage is recommended.
Local Guides & Drivers: Our guides and drivers are experienced and knowledgeable of the local ingredients, history and culture, speak English, French and other languages! They are not only drivers they are also storytellers, cultural ambassadors and confidants.
Luggage: A small daypack is recommended for overnight stays (especially desert camps). Your primary luggage will be locked in the vehicle.
Weather & Conditions: Morocco’s weather can be changeable hot days, cold nights especially in the mountains and desert. Make sure you consider the seasonal conditions before heading on the trip.
Responsible Travel: We promote respect for local traditions and culture. Our Tours are all about Sustainable and real Moroccan experience.
Private Moroccan Tours is available 24/7. So please do not hesitate to contact our team of experienced and friendly human beings who are always available to help you create your own Moroccan experience according to your area of interest and schedule. With great insight into the beautiful country of Morocco, its culture, nature and tourism we are dedicated to offering you a memorable experience. There is the small deposit needed to secure your Moroccan trip, please do keep in mind that!
