5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Sahara Desert, High Atlas Mountains & Kasbahs

Begin your second day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in the Dades Valley, before setting off towards Tinghir. Along the way, stop to admire the vibrant oasis and the historical kasbahs of Tinghir, which were once home to both Berber and Jewish communities. From here, continue on to the magnificent Todra Gorge, where you can take a short walk beneath the towering cliffs that rise 300 meters above you, offering a breathtaking view of the narrow sky above.

Next, head towards Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. En route, we’ll pass through Tinjdad, the Oasis of Tafilalet near Erfoud, and the town of Rissani, the seat of the Alaouite family and the present King of Morocco. A fascinating stop along the way will be the underground water channels, known for keeping the irrigation sources cool and preventing evaporation, vital for the region’s farming. After this, enjoy a satisfying lunch in a traditional Berber village.

Arriving in Merzouga, you'll be greeted by your camel guide, who will lead you through the vast golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi to your luxury desert camp. On the way, stop to climb the highest dune to take in a stunning sunset, and experience the thrill of sandboarding. As night falls, you’ll be welcomed into the camp with refreshing mint tea and delicious biscuits. Later, enjoy a flavorful dinner under the stars, accompanied by a mesmerizing Berber drum performance around the campfire.

Your night will be spent in a luxurious desert camp equipped with private bathrooms, king-sized beds, and beautiful Moroccan furnishings, offering a peaceful retreat to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Sahara.

Driving distance: Approximately 310 km
Driving time: Approximately 5 hours

Begin your day with an early rise to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the vast Sahara Desert. It’s an unforgettable experience that will set the tone for your day of adventure. After a delightful breakfast, we’ll pick you up in a 4×4 vehicle and head out to explore the wonders of the Merzouga region.

Your first stop will be the nomads who call this harsh, remote environment home. You’ll be invited into one of their traditional woven tents for a warm cup of Berber tea. This is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in their unique way of life, away from the conveniences of civilization. The nomads’ resilience in such an unforgiving landscape will leave you in awe.

Next, we’ll take you to a hidden, abandoned village nestled deep in the desert, known for its ancient Galena mines. These mines, once bustling with activity, provide fascinating insight into the area’s history and the precious minerals that were extracted from the earth. You’ll have the chance to explore this forgotten place and learn about its storied past.

Continue your journey to the village of Khamlia, a unique settlement where the rhythms of Gnaoua music fill the air. The people of Khamlia, who hail from sub-Saharan countries like Mali, Sudan, and Niger, invite you to enjoy their cultural heritage through music and dance performances. Here, you’ll have a chance to relax and savor a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, if the conditions are right, we’ll take you to a nearby lake, also known as Flamingos Lake. This serene spot offers a refreshing contrast to the surrounding desert and is home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos. Depending on the season, the lake might be full, offering a striking landscape.

Afterward, we’ll head to your riad, where you’ll relax and reflect on the day’s journey.

Driving Distance: 57 km
Driving Time: 1 hr 15 min

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the majestic dunes of Merzouga, followed by a delicious breakfast. After soaking in the serene beauty of the desert, we ride back on our camels to the Auberge for a brief rest and a refreshing shower. Our journey then takes us towards Ouarzazate, famously known as the "Hollywood of Morocco" due to its renowned film studios.

Our first stop will be the historic city of Rissani, where we’ll explore its traditional souk, offering a taste of authentic Moroccan culture. Continuing on, we’ll drive through the scenic landscapes of the Draa Valley, one of the largest and most fertile valleys in Morocco. As we pass through the charming towns of Alnif and N’kob, we’ll take a break for lunch. Along the way, you’ll marvel at the stunning sight of the valley’s vast palm groves stretching as far as the eye can see.

We’ll then arrive in Agdez, a small town nestled in the heart of the valley, before continuing our drive to Ouarzazate. After a scenic drive, we’ll check in at your riad, located within the picturesque palmary, where you can relax and unwind after a day of exploration.

Driving distance: Approximately 370 km
Driving time: Approximately 5 hours 20 minutes

Our final morning begins with a delicious breakfast at your riad, setting the stage for the last day of our unforgettable journey. Ouarzazate, often referred to as the Hollywood of Africa, is renowned as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. The city is home to the famed Atlas Studios, where the rich history of filmmaking unfolds. It is here that many iconic films were brought to life, contributing to Ouarzazate's status as a prominent movie location. You'll have the opportunity to explore the captivating filmmaking studios, delving into the world of cinema that has shaped the city’s identity.

We’ll drive through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, stopping to take in the impressive landscapes and picturesque Berber hamlets along the way. The journey will also include a visit to the Telouet Kasbah, a hidden gem with its own fascinating history.

As we approach the end of our 5-day desert adventure from Marrakech to Merzouga, we’ll pass through the dramatic Tizi N’Tichka pass, offering more spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains. After a scenic drive, we will ensure your safe return to Marrakech, where the trip concludes.

Driving distance: Approximately 203 km
Driving time: Approximately 3 hr 52 min