5 day Marrakech and Sahara desert circuit, without rushing
Quick answer: the 5 day desert tour from Marrakech covers southern Morocco at a comfortable pace: Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley, the Todra Gorges, two nights in Merzouga with a full day to explore the Sahara and nomad culture, and the return via Rissani, the Draa Valley and Ouarzazate.
Doing the desert in 3 or 4 days means long drives in little time. This 5 day Morocco desert tour from Marrakech splits the driving into short stages and gives you a full day in the Erg Chebbi dunes to really live the desert: sunrise, nomad families, gnawa music and a sunset camel ride.
It’s a private Morocco tour with riad pick-up, an air-conditioned vehicle and your own driver. Perfect for families, couples and travellers looking for the best Sahara desert tour from Marrakech.
Highlights of the 5 day desert tour
5 day desert tour from Marrakech: itinerary
Day 1Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Pick-up at your accommodation and drive over the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka. We visit the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, pass Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley.
Day 2Dades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga
We visit the Todra Gorges, with walls up to 300 metres high, and continue via Tinghir and Erfoud to Merzouga. At sunset, camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes to the camp.
Day 3Merzouga – desert excursion – nomad culture
Sunrise over the dunes and breakfast. A day to explore the region: the village of Khamlia and its gnawa music, nomad families, the khettaras and the Merzouga lake. Optional: quad, buggy or 4×4 in the dunes.
Day 4Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
We head to Rissani, former capital of the Alaouite dynasty, famous for its market, then cross pre-Saharan landscapes and the Draa Valley palm groves to Ouarzazate.
Day 5Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakech
Return to Marrakech over the High Atlas, with panoramic stops and Berber villages along the way. Arrival in Marrakech in the early afternoon.
What’s included in the 5 day tour price
✔ Included in the price
- Pick-up and drop-off at your riad or hotel
- Private air-conditioned transport
- English & Spanish speaking driver
- Fuel
- 4 nights: Dades, Merzouga desert camp, Merzouga and Ouarzazate
- 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- Camel ride (one camel per person)
- Excursion around Merzouga and Khamlia
✖ Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Quad, buggy or 4×4 (optional)
- Tips (optional)
- Travel insurance
Photos of the 5 day desert tour from Marrakech
Route map: 5 day Marrakech – Merzouga tour
Travel with a local agency specialising in the Sahara
FAQ about the 5 day desert tour
How much does the 5 day desert tour from Marrakech cost?
The price depends on group size, season and accommodation. As a private tour, the more travellers, the lower the price per person. Message us for a free quote.
Is it a private tour?
Yes: only your group, in an air-conditioned vehicle with your own English or Spanish speaking driver, and we can adapt stops and timings.
What’s the difference with the 3 or 4 day tour?
The 5 day tour includes two nights in Merzouga with a full day in the desert and splits the return with a night in Ouarzazate. Short on time? See the 3 day tour or the 4 day tour.
Is there a luxury camp option?
Yes. We can book a Merzouga luxury desert camp with a private bathroom in each tent.
When is the best time to go?
March to May and September to November. See our guide on the best time to visit Morocco.