5 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH
Explore Tours
Embark on a thrilling 5-day journey from Marrakech to the Desert, starting with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, visiting iconic locations like the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and Ouarzazate’s film studios. Experience the beauty of the Dades Valley and Todra Gorges before reaching Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi Dunes for an unforgettable camel trek and an overnight stay in a desert camp.
Enjoy cultural encounters, including a visit to nomadic families and a chance to experience their traditional way of life. After catching a breathtaking sunrise in the desert, return via Rissani’s market, and spend a night in Ouarzazate. Explore Ouarzazate’s cinematic heritage before concluding the tour by discovering the vibrant city of Marrakech with the help of a local guide.
Highlights:
- Drive through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping for panoramic views of the beautiful landscape.
- Visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, known for its appearance in films like Gladiator.
- Explore Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa,” and visit the renowned film studios.
- Drive through Dades Valley, making stops to admire its stunning views.
- Explore Todra Gorges, a majestic canyon with towering cliffs.
- Visit nomadic families and learn about their traditional lifestyle and culture.
- Camel ride into the desert to experience a magical sunset and night under the stars in a desert camp.
- Overnight in a desert camp, complete with traditional Berber dinner and music.
- Catch the stunning sunrise in the desert before returning to Ouarzazate.
- Explore Rissani’s bustling market, where you can shop for local products and witness its vibrant atmosphere.
- Discover Ouarzazate’s cinematic heritage, visiting famous movie studios and locations.
- Guided exploration of Marrakech, where you will visit historical and cultural sites.
Included/Exclude
- Private A/C vehicle for the duration of the tour
- Fuel for the entire trip
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
- All accommodations during the trip (hotels, kasbahs, desert camps)
- Camel ride to the desert camp (1 per person)
- Overnight stay in a traditional desert camp with dinner and Berber music
- All breakfasts throughout the tour
- Guided visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate, and other key locations
- Cultural experiences including visits to nomadic families and local markets
- Transportation via a comfortable 4x4 or private van
- Bottled water during the trip
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to certain attractions (e.g., Kasbahs, film studios)
- Tips for the driver/guides (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- Any extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
Itinerary
- Pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech (or airport).
- Drive through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, over the Tizi-N-Tichka pass with scenic stops for photos.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, featured in films like Gladiator and The Mummy.
- Continue to Ouarzazate and explore the famous film studios.
- Drive through the Rose Valley and visit Skoura's palm groves.
- Arrive at Boumalne Dades for the night.
- After breakfast, explore the Dades Valley, with panoramic views of the gorges.
- Continue to Todra Gorges, a stunning canyon with tall red cliffs.
- Drive through Touroug and Tinjdad, with a lunch stop.
- Arrive at Merzouga's Erg Chebbi Dunes and check-in at the hotel.
- Traditional dinner and Berber music at the hotel.
- Visit Khamlia village for authentic Gnawa music.
- Explore the dunes on an unpaved road, stopping to have tea with nomads and learn about their lifestyle.
- Camel ride to the heart of the dunes to watch the breathtaking sunset.
- Overnight at a desert camp with ensuite bathrooms and showers.
- Traditional dinner and musical performance around the campfire under the stars.
- Wake up early for a sunrise camel ride across the dunes.
- Return to Merzouga and meet your driver to head towards Ouarzazate.
- Visit Rissani's market (on market days: Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays) for a vibrant local experience.
- Drive through Alnif, and follow the scenic route along Draa Valley to Ouarzazate for the night.
- Explore Ouarzazate: Visit the Kasbah of Taourirt and Atlas Studios.
- Discover the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Continue to Marrakech, passing through the High Atlas Mountains with a stop to admire Telouet Kasbah.
- Drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.