5 days tour from Marrakech to the golden dunes of the Zagora and Merzouga deserts. This tour takes you through Morocco’s most stunning landscapes, from the High Atlas Mountains to the lush Draa Valley, and finally to the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient kasbahs, traditional Berber villages, and experience the magic of the Sahara. With 2 nights in the Zagora Desert and 1 night in Merzouga, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Your hotel
8:00 AM
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ait Ben Haddou.
Explore Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco,” and its film studios.
Discover the lush Draa Valley and its palm groves.
Spend 2 nights in luxury desert camps in Zagora.
Venture into the remote Chegaga Desert with towering dunes.
Enjoy camel rides at sunset in both Zagora and Merzouga.
Spend 1 night in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi).
Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the dunes.
Explore the dramatic Todra Gorge and its towering cliffs.
Drive through the scenic Dades Valley.
Visit Rissani, a historic town with bustling markets.
Immerse yourself in Berber culture and hospitality.
Your adventure begins early in Marrakech, where you’ll be picked up from your hotel or riad. You’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying breathtaking views of rugged peaks and Berber villages. Your first stop is the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous filming location for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring the kasbah and enjoying lunch with a view, you’ll continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where you’ll visit the Taourirt Kasbah and film studios.
From there, you’ll drive through the Draa Valley, a lush oasis of palm groves and traditional villages, before arriving in Zagora. Here, you’ll spend your first night in a luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a warm welcome, a delicious dinner, and the peaceful atmosphere of the desert under the stars.
After breakfast at the camp, you’ll leave Zagora and head deeper into the desert, passing through M’Hamid, the gateway to the Sahara. Here, the paved roads end, and the true desert adventure begins. You’ll switch to a 4×4 vehicle and venture into the Chegaga Desert, known for its vast, untouched dunes and remote beauty. Along the way, you’ll stop to visit nomadic families living in traditional tents, learning about their way of life and sharing a cup of mint tea.
As you reach the Chegaga Dunes, you’ll be greeted by towering golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see. You’ll enjoy a thrilling camel ride at sunset, followed by a warm welcome at a traditional Berber camp. The evening is spent under the stars, with a delicious Berber dinner and live music around the campfire. Fall asleep to the peaceful silence of the desert, surrounded by the magic of the Sahara.
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, a moment you’ll never forget. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll begin your journey back to Ouarzazate. You’ll drive through the desert landscape to Foum Zguid, a small town on the edge of the Sahara. From there, you’ll cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains, passing through dramatic rock formations and remote villages.
You’ll stop for lunch in Taznakht, a town famous for its Berber carpets and handicrafts. Afterward, you’ll continue through the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying the scenic drive back to Ouarzazate. You’ll arrive in the city by late afternoon, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel or riad. Enjoy a relaxing evening and reflect on your desert adventure.
After breakfast, you’ll leave Ouarzazate and head toward the Dades Valley, known for its striking rock formations and lush landscapes. You’ll continue to the Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon with towering cliffs that rise up to 300 meters. You’ll have time to explore the gorge on foot and take in the dramatic scenery.
From there, you’ll head to Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Upon arrival, you’ll switch to camels for a scenic ride into the desert, arriving at your luxury desert camp just in time for sunset. The camp offers all the comforts you need, including private tents, en-suite bathrooms, and a gourmet dinner under the stars. Enjoy live Berber music around the campfire before falling asleep to the serene silence of the Sahara.
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, a moment you’ll never forget. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4 vehicle and begin your journey back to Marrakech. You’ll pass through Rissani, a historic town known for its bustling markets and as the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, the current ruling family of Morocco.
From Rissani, you’ll continue through the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying the scenic drive and stopping at small Berber villages along the way. You’ll arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your incredible 5 days desert adventure.
