5-Day Private Morocco Tour from Marrakesh to Merzouga Desert

Experience the highlights of Morocco on this 5-day, 4-night private tour from Marrakesh, visiting some of the country’s most remarkable sites in a short time. Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi nTichka Pass and explore the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and the city of Ouarzazate.

Discover the scenic Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river, and visit Rissani before reaching the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Enjoy a camel ride across the golden dunes, witness unforgettable sunsets and sunrises, and spend a night in a luxury desert camp. Continue exploring the desert with an exciting 4×4 adventure.

On the return journey, visit the stunning Dades Valley, the dramatic Todra Gorges, and the historic Amridil Kasbah. The tour concludes back in Marrakesh, completing an unforgettable Moroccan desert experience.

Duration: 5 days/4 nights

Start: Marrakech

End: Marrakech

Tour Style: Private

HIGHILGHTES:

Driving through the High Atlas Mountains and crossing the Tizi N Tichka pass
Visiting the historic Telouat Kasbah
Exploring the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Touring Ouarzazate, including Atlas Studios and Taourirt Kasbah
Driving along the Draa Valley with its palm groves, Berber villages, and Kasbahs
Riding camels and watching the sunset over the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in Merzouga
Experiencing a night in a luxury desert camp with Berber music under the stars
Visiting nomad villages, Khamlia village, and exploring Merzouga lake
Exploring Todra Gorges and enjoying panoramic views of the Dades Valley and “Monkey Fingers” rock formation
Walking through the Rose Valley and Skoura palm groves, including Amridil Kasbah, before returning to Marrakech

TOUR Itinerary

Start the 5-day Morocco desert tour with an early pick-up from your accommodation or the airport in Marrakech. Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi N Tichka Pass, stopping for panoramic views of the dramatic landscapes. Visit the historic Kasbah of Telouat, then continue to the world-famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic filming location for movies like Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as the TV series Game of Thrones. End the day in Ouarzazate, known as the “Gate of the Desert,” with dinner and overnight in a hotel.

After breakfast, explore Ouarzazate with visits to Atlas Studios, where famous films were shot, and the historic Taourirt Kasbah, an impressive mud-brick fortress. Depart towards Agdz and drive along the lush Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river, with stops to admire palm groves, traditional Kasbahs, and Berber villages. Lunch in Nkob or Alnif. Continue to Merzouga via Rissani, then switch to camels to cross the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Pause on a high dune to watch the magical sunset, then reach the luxury desert camp, blending nomadic tents with hotel comforts. Enjoy Berber drum music around the campfire under the starry desert sky. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

Wake early to witness the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, return by camel to Merzouga where the driver awaits. Spend the day exploring the Merzouga region, including sand dunes, wild lakes, mines, fossil sites, and oasis landscapes ideal for outdoor activities. Visit an ancient eyeliner mine, meet nomads in their handmade tents for Berber tea, and enjoy Gnaoua music and dance in Khamlia Village, home to people from Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Take a stroll through a palm grove and visit the Merzouga Lake, also known as Flamingos Lake. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

After breakfast, leave the desert to visit Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet, with its lively souk. Continue to Erfoud to see workshops producing fossilized marble. Drive through Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves before reaching the Todra Gorges, a dramatic red-cliff canyon carved by the Todra River, ideal for hiking and photography. Lunch at a local restaurant, then drive to Dades Valley, stopping at the Monkey Fingers rock formations and a viewpoint overlooking the valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

On the final day, visit Kalaa Magouna and the Roses Valley, famous for its May Rose Festival, where locals offer rose products including perfumes, rose water, and oils. Drive past several Kasbahs, including Amridil Kasbah surrounded by the lush palm groves of Skoura. Stop in Ouarzazate for lunch, then return to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N Tichka Pass, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. Drop-off at your accommodation or Marrakech airport concludes the 5-day Merzouga Desert tour.

Private transportation in a 4×4 or minivan with A/C and fuel
Pickup and drop-off at your riad or airport in Marrakech
Private English-speaking driver/guide
3 nights in excellent or luxury hotels/riads
1 night in a luxury desert camp with private bathroom
Sandboarding available at the desert camp
Camel ride per person (optional 4×4 transfer available)
Desert excursion in a 4×4
Dinners and breakfasts

Lunches and drinks
Entrance fees to monuments

Please fill out the form below to contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible. For a faster response please send a WhatsApp: +212 668 342 513 message or call us at +212678099129 . We look forward to connecting with you. Email: Dunestours2@gmail.com

How to pay for the tour?

Our payment process is simple and hassle-free. To confirm your booking, we require a small deposit, which can be easily paid via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise at the time of reservation. The remaining balance is to be paid in cash to your driver or guide on the first day of the tour, in euros, US dollars, or the equivalent amount in Moroccan dirhams.

What currency is used, and how do I get money?

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, but cash is needed in many smaller towns and markets.

Is it possible to customize the tour itinerary?

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, but cash is needed in many smaller towns and markets.

Do I ride a camel in the desert?

Absolutely. You can fully customize your tour package to suit your preferences, including adding extra stops, upgrading accommodations, or choosing alternative transport options such as 4×4 transfers.

What type of accommodation is provided in the desert?

Yes, camel treks are often part of desert tours (e.g. crossing dunes to reach a camp).

What is the duration of the camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes?

Yes, camel treks are often part of desert tours (e.g. crossing dunes to reach a camp).

What are the camps in the desert like?

You’ll spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp featuring private tents. The camps offer essential comforts such as comfortable bedding, shared or private bathroom facilities (depending on the camp type), warm blankets, and a communal dining area for meals and relaxation.

What’s your cancellation / refund policy?

This depends on how many days before departure you cancel. We typically require a deposit to hold the booking and partial or full refunds depending on timing.

Is Morocco safe for tourists?

Yes. Morocco is generally considered safe for travelers