Overview
This private Marrakech desert tour is a 5-day, 4-night round trip deep into the Sahara. The route climbs through the High Atlas Mountains to the kasbahs of the south, follows the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge to Merzouga, and sets aside a full extra day for camel trekking, an authentic Berber camp, and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
You'll travel throughout in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver-guide, stopping wherever you like along this tailor-made itinerary. The tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience the Sahara in depth, from the palm oasis of Erfoud to the dunes and nomadic culture around Merzouga.
This tour shares its dunes and desert camp with our complete guide to the Merzouga desert. Want a longer trip through the Draa Valley and Zagora? See our 7-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Tour via Zagora. Prefer a longer circuit that also reaches Fes and the north? See our 8-Day Morocco Tour: Sahara & Rif Mountains, or browse all our Morocco tours.
Trip Highlights
Tizi n'Tichka pass over the High Atlas Mountains
UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Benhaddou
Dades Valley and the dramatic Todra Gorge
Camel trekking into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, sleeping under the stars in a Berber camp
Gnawa music with the Khamlia village musicians
Visit with a nomad family in the Sahara
Rissani's ancient caravan souk
Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate, the door of the desert
5-Day Marrakech Desert Tour Route: Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Dunes
A full loop of roughly 900 km, from Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara at Merzouga, returning through the Draa Valley via Agdz.
View Route on Google MapsDay by Day Itinerary
Click a day to expand the full route, details, and a photo from that stage of the trip.
01
Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
02
Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Erfoud → Merzouga Dunes (Camel Trek & Desert Camp)
03
Full Day Merzouga Desert Exploration (Khamlia Gnawa Music, Nomad Family Visit & Dunes)
04
Merzouga → Rissani Souk → Draa Valley → Ouarzazate
05
Ouarzazate → Kasbah Taourirt → High Atlas → Return to Marrakech
Included / Excluded
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide
- 4 nights accommodation (hotels & desert camp)
- Daily breakfast and dinners in the desert
- Camel trekking and two nights in a Berber camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Khamlia Gnawa music visit and nomad family visit
- Free pickup and departure transfer in Marrakech
Not Included
- Lunches and personal expenses
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees to monuments and kasbahs
- Tips and gratuities
Accommodation Options
Choose the comfort level for your hotels and desert camp, and let us know your preference when requesting a quote.
Standard Hotels & Shared Desert Camp
Comfortable, well-located 3-star hotels with en-suite bathrooms in Dades and Ouarzazate, plus a traditional Berber camp with shared facilities in Merzouga. A great balance of comfort and authenticity.
- En-suite bathroom in every hotel
- Traditional Berber tents with shared washroom facilities
- Central, well-located stops close to main sights
Boutique Hotels & Luxury Private Desert Camp
Upgrade to 4–5 star boutique hotels with pools and mountain views, plus a private luxury desert camp with en-suite tents, hot showers, and a dedicated camp team.
- En-suite luxury tents with hot showers
- Pools and scenic terraces at select hotels
- Private camp setup, away from shared groups
