5 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert

Grand Sahara Expedition: Telouet, Ait Ben Haddou, Skoura Oasis, Dades & Todra Gorges, Erg Chebbi & Draa Valley

Embark on an immersive 5-day desert journey from Marrakech to the magnificent Sahara of Merzouga and back, designed for travelers seeking a deep, unhurried exploration of southern Morocco.

This 5-day grand expedition traverses the legendary High Atlas Mountains via the panoramic Tizi n'Tichka pass, descending into the historical Ounila Valley to discover the opulent Glaoui Kasbah in Telouet and the UNESCO World Heritage earthen fortress of Ait Ben Haddou. Delve into the tranquil Skoura palm oasis with its 17th-century fortified kasbahs, breathe the fragrance of the Valley of the Roses, and marvel at the colossal sheer walls of the Dades and Todra Gorges. In Merzouga, trek across the soaring golden dunes of Erg Chebbi on camelback for a breathtaking sunset, followed by a magical night in a private desert camp under thousands of Saharan stars. Complete your circle back through the ancestral cradle of Rissani, the prehistoric fossil beds of Erfoud, the volcanic ridges of the Anti-Atlas, the palm-filled Draa Valley, and the famous film studios of Ouarzazate.

Highlights

• Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m) with women's Argan cooperative visit
• Discover the hidden architectural treasure of Kasbah Telouet and the picturesque Ounila Valley
• Comprehensive guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage fortified Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
• Overnight stay amidst the ancient Skoura palm grove, the heart of the Valley of 1,000 Kasbahs
• Explore the fragrant Rose Valley in Kelaa M'gouna and the dramatic rock formations of Dades Valley
• Hike through the breathtaking 300-meter-high sheer limestone cliffs of Todra Gorges
• Sunset and sunrise camel trekking across the sweeping Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga
• Unforgettable night in a luxury Berber desert camp with traditional feast, drumming, and stargazing
• Discover the Alaouite mausoleums in Rissani, marble fossil workshops in Erfoud, and the lush Draa Valley

Included

• Transportation
• Professional Guide
• Camel Trek
• Activities
• Daily Breakfast

Not included

• Lunch and Beverages
• Personal Expenses
• Travel Insurance
• Tips
• Optional Activities

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Telouet Kasbah – Ait Ben Haddou – Skoura Oasis

Depart Marrakech at 9:00 AM heading south towards the High Atlas Mountains. Ascend through twisting mountain roads over the famous Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m), enjoying panoramic views of terraced valleys and red-pisé Berber villages. Stop at a local women's Argan oil cooperative to learn how this precious oil is extracted by hand. Continue into the historic Ounila Valley to visit the remote Kasbah Telouet, once the lavish palace of the powerful Pasha Glaoui family, showcasing exquisite Andalusian mosaic and stucco craftsmanship. Follow the ancient salt caravan trail down to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, famous for cinematic epics like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Following a guided tour and lunch, drive past Ouarzazate into the lush Skoura palm grove for dinner and a restful night in an authentic riad.

Day 2: Skoura – Valley of 1,000 Kasbahs – Valley of the Roses – Dades Gorges

After a peaceful breakfast amidst the palm trees, explore the historic 12th-century Skoura oasis and the renowned Kasbah Amridil. Continue through the fragrant Valley of the Roses in Kelaa M'gouna, stopping to visit local rosewater and essential oil distillation workshops. Travel along the celebrated 'Road of 1,000 Kasbahs' into the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley, admiring the bizarre wind-eroded limestone cliffs known as the 'Monkey Fingers' and the serpentine hairpin curves of the Dades Gorge. Check into your charming kasbah hotel perched above the river valley for dinner and an evening in the mountains.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud Fossils – Rissani – Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Camp

Depart Dades after breakfast towards Tinghir and the monumental Todra Gorges. Walk along the crystalline shallow river beneath towering 300-meter-high orange limestone canyon walls, a world-famous attraction for rock climbers and nature lovers. Continue through the desert oasis towns of Tinjedad and Erfoud, stopping to visit an artisan marble fossil workshop. Proceed to the holy desert town of Rissani to visit the historic Ksar and the shrine of Moulay Ali Cherif, founder of the Alaouite dynasty. In the afternoon, arrive at Merzouga where the towering golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise above the desert. Mount your camels for a serene trek into the dunes as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sands in shades of amber and rose. Arrive at your luxury desert camp for a sumptuous Moroccan tagine feast, live drumming around the campfire, and an unforgettable night in a private nomad tent beneath a canopy of stars.

Day 4: Erg Chebbi Sunrise – Alnif – Draa Valley – Agdez – Ouarzazate

Wake early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the golden waves of the Sahara dunes. After breakfast at camp, ride camels back to Merzouga for a refreshing shower. Meet your driver and begin the journey toward the Anti-Atlas via Alnif, Tazzarine, and N'kob, passing through dramatic arid desert valleys. Connect with the majestic Draa Valley, Morocco's longest river oasis boasting over a million date palms and dozens of ancient mudbrick kasbahs. Pause in Agdez for lunch, then cross the rugged volcanic landscapes of the Ait Saoun pass in the Anti-Atlas Mountains before arriving in Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Atlas Film Studios – Kasbah Taourirt – Tizi n'Tichka – Marrakech

After breakfast, explore Ouarzazate, celebrated as the 'Hollywood of Africa'. Visit the Atlas Film Studios where monumental sets for films like Kingdom of Heaven, The Mummy, Kundun, and Cleopatra still stand, and admire the exterior of the historic Kasbah Taourirt. Begin the ascent back across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stopping for lunch and taking in the sweeping panoramic vistas. Arrive back in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening, where your driver drops you off at your accommodation, bringing this unforgettable 5-day desert journey to a close.