5 Day Desert Tour From Marrakech

Your 5 days desert tour from Marrakech begins with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, stop to explore the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its role as a filming location for classics such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Continue on to Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert, where you can visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah or explore the famous Atlas Film Studios.

Leave the city behind and journey deep into southern Morocco’s untouched and ever-changing landscapes, where modern life slowly fades into vast open spaces and timeless traditions. Travel through the spectacular Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s longest and most beautiful valleys, lined with endless palm groves, ancient kasbahs, and traditional mud-brick villages that reflect centuries of desert heritage. As the road winds through this fertile oasis corridor, you’ll witness daily life along the riverbanks, with farmers tending date palms and small settlements scattered across the landscape. Continue onward to the remote Berber village of Tafraoute Sidi Ali, a peaceful desert outpost surrounded by rugged terrain and wide horizons, far from the usual tourist routes. Here, you’ll experience the quiet rhythm of traditional desert life, gain insight into Berber culture and customs, and enjoy the rare opportunity to connect with locals in an authentic and serene setting.

Day 3 of your 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga takes you off-road through remote desert landscapes and isolated villages such as Tafraoute Sidi Ali and Ramlia, following rugged desert tracks that reveal the raw beauty of southeastern Morocco. Along the way, you’ll pass through Obahllou, an old and little-known village nestled between Tafraoute and Ramlia, where time seems to stand still. This historic settlement offers a rare glimpse into traditional desert architecture and the enduring lifestyle of its inhabitants. Throughout the journey, you may encounter nomadic families living in traditional tents, herding camels and goats, and maintaining a centuries-old way of life shaped by the harsh yet beautiful desert environment. By the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, where the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi rise dramatically from the desert floor. A camel trek awaits, taking you slowly across the golden sands as the changing light and deep silence of the Sahara create a magical atmosphere. As the sun sets over the dunes, painting the sky in warm shades of gold and orange, you’ll reach your desert camp to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, live Berber music around the campfire, and unforgettable stargazing during an overnight stay beneath a sky filled with stars.

Catch the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi as the first light of day paints the Sahara in soft shades of gold and pink, creating a truly unforgettable moment. After breakfast, leave the desert behind and travel to the lively town of Rissani, the former capital of the Tafilalt region and home to one of the most authentic and traditional markets in southern Morocco. Here, you can wander through bustling souks filled with spices, dates, livestock, and local crafts, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life and long-standing trading traditions. Continue your journey through Tinghir, an oasis town surrounded by lush palm groves, before visiting the impressive Todra Gorges, where towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically on either side of a narrow canyon carved by the Todra River. In the afternoon, drive toward Boumalne Dades, a beautiful valley known for its dramatic rock formations, winding roads, and ancient fortified villages, where you’ll arrive to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery at the end of the day.

On the final day of your 5 days tour from marrakech, drive through the Valley of Roses and the palm groves of Skoura, enjoying the diverse scenery as you return to Marrakech. Arrival in the afternoon marks the end of your desert experience.