5 days from Marrakech to Merzouga desert

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Crossing the High Atlas and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass

We begin the adventure early, departing from Marrakech and crossing the impressive High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass (2,260 m). The road winds through valleys, Berber villages, and breathtaking panoramic views.

Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah: World Heritage Site

We make a mandatory stop at the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a fortified adobe city that has served as the set for movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Morocco’s architectural gems.

Ouarzazate and Dades Valley

After lunch in Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Desert,” we continue along the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs, entering the Dades Valley where erosion has sculpted unique rock formations. Dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad among the mountains.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga

Todra Gorges: Natural Monument

After breakfast, we travel to the imposing Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most spectacular canyons. Its walls, up to 300 meters high, attract climbers and photographers from all over the world.

Route to the Sahara

We continue toward the Sahara Desert, passing through Erfoud, famous for its fossils and date markets. Arrival in Merzouga marks the start of the Saharan adventure.

Camel Ride and Night Under the Stars

We mount camels to cross the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset. After a magical trek, we arrive at the Berber camp where a traditional dinner, live music, and a star-filled sky await. We sleep in nomad tents, standard or luxury.

Day 3: Merzouga – Culture, Nature, and Adventure

Sunrise Over the Dunes

We wake early to watch the sunrise from the top of a dune: a breathtaking spectacle. After breakfast, a full day of exploration begins.

Khamlia Village and Gnawa Music

We visit the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa community, where we enjoy a performance of traditional African music.

Meeting Berber Nomads

We venture into the desert by 4×4 to meet nomadic families, sharing tea in their haimas and learning about their resilient and ancient way of life.

Tisserdmin Oasis and Seasonal Lagoon

We also explore the Tisserdmin oasis, where palm trees grow among the dunes, and if the climate permits, visit the seasonal lagoon of Merzouga, a paradise for migratory birds.

Second Night in the Desert

We end the day with a second night in the desert, enjoying the tranquility, the magic of the surroundings, and the silence only the Sahara can offer.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Midelt

Leaving the Desert and Traditional Market in Rissani

After breakfast, we return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga. From there, we head north, stopping in Rissani, the ancient capital of the Alaouite dynasty. Its traditional market is one of the most authentic in Morocco.

Ziz Valley and Endless Palm Groves

We travel through the majestic Ziz Valley, a green corridor in the middle of the desert, filled with date palms. Perfect for photography.

Middle Atlas Mountains and Night in Midelt

We cross the Middle Atlas and arrive in Midelt, a mountain town known for its apples. Here, we spend the night in a hotel with views of the Atlas landscapes.

Day 5: Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fez or Return to Marrakech

Azrou and the Atlas Monkeys

After breakfast, we cross the cedar forests of Azrou, home to the famous Barbary monkeys, who can be seen among the centuries-old trees.

Ifrane: The Moroccan Switzerland

We continue to Ifrane, a town that surprises with its Alpine architecture, cleanliness, and order. Here you can stroll through its parks and breathe pure air.

Arrival in Fez or Marrakech

The trip ends with arrival in Fez or return to Marrakech, according to your preference. Thus concludes a unique experience through the soul of southern Morocco.

What’s Included in the 5-Day Tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert?

• Private transportation with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide

• Accommodation in riads and desert camps

• Camel ride on the Erg Chebbi dunes

• Included dinners and breakfasts

• Visits to monuments, villages, and natural landscapes

• Free time to explore, shop for crafts, and rest

An Experience Beyond Tourism

This 5-day tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert is much more than an excursion: it is an immersion in the essence of deep Morocco, where history, culture, and nature intertwine at every stop. Ideal for those who want to escape superficial tourism and live the country from within.