5 Days Morocco Desert Tour From Marrakech
More time in the desert: two nights in Merzouga, nomad families, the kasbah road and the hidden Telouet Kasbah.
- Duration5 days / 4 nights
- StartMarrakech
- EndMarrakech
- Tour typePrivate tour
- Desert nights2
- DepartureDaily, 8:00 am (flexible)
About this tour
Five days is the sweet spot for a desert loop from Marrakech. You travel without hurry, spend two nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes and return by the old caravan road through Telouet, one of the least visited and most beautiful kasbahs in Morocco.
Along the way you will meet nomad families, hear Gnawa music, browse the Rissani market and discover the Draa Valley oases, with a private driver who adapts every day to you.
Tour highlights
- Two nights in the Merzouga desert camp
- Aït Ben Haddou and Dades Gorges
- Todra Gorge and the Tinghir oasis
- Nomad visit, Khamlia and Mifis mines
- Rissani market and the Agdz palm groves
- Return via the Glaoui kasbah of Telouet
Your route
- Marrakech
- Dades
- Merzouga
- Ouarzazate
- Telouet
- Marrakech
Itinerary
Day1 Marrakech → High Atlas → Aït Ben Haddou → Boumalne Dades
Pick-up in Marrakech, then over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Aït Ben Haddou for a walk through the ksar. Afternoon along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through Skoura and Kalaat M'Gouna to Boumalne Dades.
Day2 Boumalne Dades → Todra Gorge → Merzouga
After breakfast, a visit to Todra Gorge and the Tinghir palm oasis. Continue via Rissani to Merzouga for your camel trek into the dunes at sunset. Dinner and campfire music at camp.
Day3 Merzouga: Khamlia, nomad families and Mifis mines
A day to feel the desert. Visit a nomad family, hear Gnawa rhythms in Khamlia and explore the old Mifis mines by 4x4. Relax at camp in the afternoon or try sandboarding, then watch another sunset from the dunes.
Day4 Merzouga → Rissani → Alnif → Agdz → Ouarzazate
Sunrise, breakfast and a drive to Rissani's market. The route crosses the Anti-Atlas via Alnif and Tazzarine to the palm groves of Agdz and the Draa Valley, arriving in Ouarzazate for the night.
Day5 Ouarzazate → Telouet Kasbah → High Atlas → Marrakech
Explore Ouarzazate, then take the old caravan track through the Ounila Valley to Telouet, the former palace of the Glaoui family with stunning painted ceilings. Cross the High Atlas and arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon.
Price includes & excludes
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minivan) with fuel
- English-speaking driver-guide for the whole journey
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Marrakech (hotel, riad or airport)
- 4 nights of accommodation in hotels, riads and kasbahs
- 2 nights in our desert camp in Merzouga
- Camel trek into the dunes at sunset
- 4x4 excursion around Erg Chebbi (nomads, Khamlia, Mifis)
- Breakfasts and dinners as shown in the itinerary
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Local city guides (optional — we can arrange them)
- Optional activities such as quad bikes or sandboarding
- Tips for your driver and camp staff
- Flights and travel insurance
Where you sleep
- Night 1Kasbah hotel, Dades Valley
- Night 2Desert camp, Merzouga
- Night 3Desert camp, Merzouga
- Night 4Hotel, Ouarzazate
Good to know
Private & flexible
Only your group travels in the vehicle. Ask your driver to stop for photos whenever you like, and tell us if you want to change the route or add days.
Your desert camp
Our camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes has comfortable tents with real beds and blankets. Your big luggage stays in the 4x4 — take a small bag for the night.
What to pack
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf for the wind, comfortable shoes and a warm layer: desert nights are cold from November to March.
Best time to travel
October to May is ideal. In summer we start early and rest at midday to avoid the heat. Every season has its own beauty.
Food & diets
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are possible. Just tell us when you book or let your driver know on day one.
How to book
Send us your dates and number of travellers. We reply with a price for your group. A small deposit confirms the tour; the balance is paid in cash on the first day (euros, dollars or dirhams).
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicles do you use?
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles adapted to your group: 4x4 Land Cruisers or minivans for small groups, and Mercedes Sprinter minibuses for groups of 8 or more.
How far in advance should we book?
As early as possible, especially for spring, autumn and holiday periods. Last-minute requests are welcome too — contact us and we will do our best.
How do I pay for the tour?
We ask for a small deposit when you book. The balance is paid in cash to your driver on the first day of the tour, in euros, dollars or Moroccan dirhams.
What happens to my luggage in the desert?
Your suitcases stay safely in the vehicle or are brought to the camp by 4x4. You only need a small backpack for the camel ride.
I don't want to ride a camel. Can I still sleep at the camp?
Of course. We can take you to the camp by 4x4 instead of camel.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. All our tours are private, so we can add nights, change hotels, include activities or adjust the route to your wishes.
Is the tour suitable for children and older travellers?
Yes. We adapt the pace, the stops and the accommodation for families and for travellers who prefer an easier rhythm.
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