5 Day Private Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
5-Day Private Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Tour Overview
This private 5-day tour is your passport to Morocco’s most dramatic desert and mountain landscapes. Leave the bustle of Marrakech behind as you cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi-n’Tichka Pass, explore the cinematic Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, follow the Draa Valley’s palm groves, ride camels into the vast Erg Chebbi dunes, and watch unforgettable sunrises in the Sahara. All with comfort, local guides, and unforgettable views.
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Start: Marrakech • End: Marrakech (or Fes upon request)
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate
Pick-up from your riad or hotel after breakfast.
Traverse the High Atlas via the Tizi-n’Tichka Pass with scenic stops.
Visit Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO), known from film and TV.
Continue to Ouarzazate, enjoy dinner.
Overnight in Ouarzazate
Day 2: Ouarzazate → Draa Valley → Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, visit Taourirt Kasbah and/or Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate.
Drive through Agdz and into the Draa Valley — lush palm groves, kasbah villages.
Lunch in Nkob or Alnif.
In the afternoon reach Rissani, then swap vehicles for camels at Erg Chebbi.
Sunset camel ride, dinner under stars in the desert camp.
Overnight in Merzouga – Luxury Desert Camp.
Day 3: Full Day in Merzouga Region
Sunrise over the dunes, return to camp for breakfast.
Explore nomad villages, Khamlia (Gnawa music), fossil valleys, palm groves, wild lake.
Time for relaxation and taking in the desert atmosphere.
Overnight in Merzouga (Hotel/Riad/Lodge as preferred).
Day 4: Merzouga → Erfoud → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley
Depart desert after breakfast. Visit Rissani market & Erfoud fossil workshops.
Passage through palm groves and valleys on route to Todra Gorge, explore its dramatic canyon walls.
Continue into Dades Valley, enjoy the landscapes.
Overnight in Dades Valley.
Day 5: Dades Valley → Rose Valley → Skoura → Ouarzazate → Return via High Atlas to Marrakech
Drive through Rose Valley (Kalaa M’Gouna), visit Amridil Kasbah in Skoura.
Continue to Ouarzazate for lunch or short break.
Cross back over the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi-n’Tichka Pass.
Drop-off in Marrakech or (if requested) final stop in Fes.
End of tour.
What’s Included
Private transport in comfortable A/C vehicle + fuel
English-speaking driver/guide
3 nights in excellent hotels / Riads + 1 night in a luxury desert camp with private bathrooms
Camel rides (sunset & sunrise) or 4×4 alternatives, especially around the desert
Daily breakfast & selected dinners (including desert & Dades Valley)
Pick-up & drop-off in Marrakech (or Fes if specified)
Not Included
Lunches & drinks
Entrance fees to monuments/sites
Optional extras (quad biking, hammam, etc.)
Note
This itinerary is a suggestion. We can tailor the trip to your interests, add or remove days, adjust the pace, or change start/end cities. Just contact us for a customized version.
Why Travel With Morocco Ino Tours?
Comfort & Authenticity: hand-picked Riads and desert camps
Flexibility: private tours with your own driver and car
Local expertise: discover Morocco through the eyes of locals
Unforgettable experiences: camel rides, desert campfire music, Atlas panoramas