+212 672 655 200 moroccoexcursions4x4@gmail.com

5 Days Desert Tour From Ouarzazate To Marrakech

Price
Full Name*
Email Address*
Your Enquiry*
Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

21
Plan your trip to Morocco

Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip

Get Started
  • Start:Ouarzazate
  • Departure:Marrakech
  • Duration:5 Days / 4 N
  • Price:Contact us

Overview

Explore Morocco’s dramatic landscapes on this 5 Days Desert Tour From Ouarzazate to Marrakech, combining desert adventure, cultural encounters, and mountain vistas. Travel through lush palm valleys, the vast Erg Chebbi dunes, and the dramatic Todra and Dades gorges.

Meet nomad families, experience traditional Berber music, and discover ancient kasbahs while watching the Sahara and High Atlas Mountains unfold before your eyes. Sleep under the stars in luxury desert camps, wander historic streets of UNESCO sites, and witness the contrast between desert tranquility and vibrant city life. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences.

Highlights

  • Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga
  • Sunrise and sunset over the Sahara desert
  • Explore Todra Gorge and Dades Valley scenery
  • Visit nomad families and Khamlia village for Gnaoua music
  • Discover roses, kasbahs, and oasis life in the Draa Valley
  • UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah and High Atlas mountain views
  • Stay in luxury desert camps and charming mountain hotels

Itinerary

Day 1:Ouarzazate → Agdez → Draa Valley → Merzouga Desert

Your 5 Days Desert Tour From Ouarzazate begins in Ouarzazate, the gateway to Morocco’s southern desert. Traveling south, the route follows the serene Draa Valley, a lush oasis dotted with palm groves, kasbahs, and Berber villages. The valley stretches for miles, offering a picturesque introduction to Morocco’s desert landscapes.

The first stop is Agdez, a quiet town framed by gentle mountains. Here, visit the Tamnougalt Kasbah, an ancient fortress still home to local families. Walking through its historic alleys, you can sense the rhythm of traditional desert life and admire centuries-old architecture.

As the day progresses, the scenery gradually changes from fertile valleys to the open sands of the Sahara. In the late afternoon, arrive at Merzouga, where camels await for a memorable trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Pause atop a high dune to watch the sunset paint the sands in rich gold and crimson hues. Finally, settle into your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under a canopy of stars, followed by an evening of Berber drumming around the fire.

Day 2:Merzouga → Khamlia Village → Nomad Families → Hotel Beside the Dunes

Begin the morning with a peaceful sunrise over the Sahara. Watch the desert slowly light up with soft shades of orange and pink, a truly magical moment. After breakfast, set out on a 4×4 desert excursion, exploring the vast landscape and hidden treasures of the Erg Chebbi region.

Your first stop is Khamlia Village, home to Gnawa musicians whose rhythms carry centuries of cultural history. Listen, dance, and absorb the deep spiritual melodies of this enchanting village. Continue your exploration to meet nomad families, who welcome you into their traditional tents with Berber tea and stories of desert life. These encounters offer a rare glimpse into a simple yet resilient lifestyle, intimately connected with nature.

Further along, discover the M’fis fossil area, where ancient mineral deposits tell the story of the region’s geological past. Stop at the seasonal Merzouga Lake (Dayet Srij), often home to flamingos and migratory birds, a serene and photogenic oasis. In the afternoon, settle into your hotel beside the dunes, relax by the pool, take a sunset walk along the sands, or simply enjoy panoramic desert views.

Day 3:Merzouga → Rissani → Tinghir → Dades Valley

Leave the desert behind and travel west toward Rissani, a small town steeped in history. Stroll through its lively souk, discover fresh dates, spices, and handicrafts, and immerse yourself in the warmth of local life. Rissani was historically the center of trade for the Tafilalet region, and its energy is palpable in the market streets.

The journey continues to the Todra Gorge, a natural wonder where towering red cliffs rise dramatically above a calm river. Take time to wander, photograph the striking rock formations, or enjoy a cup of tea in one of the local cafés. The gorge offers a refreshing contrast to the desert’s wide-open spaces.

Continue to the Dades Valley, famously called the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Drive along winding roads, flanked by sculpted red rock formations and scattered Berber villages. Arrive at your cozy mountain hotel in the evening, where a warm dinner and panoramic views provide the perfect end to the day.

Day 4:Dades Gorges → Roses Valley → Skoura → Ouarzazate

The day starts with a leisurely breakfast before continuing your journey along one of southern Morocco’s most scenic routes. Drive through the Roses Valley, where, in spring, local families harvest fragrant pink petals for natural rose oil and perfumes. A visit to a small cooperative lets you see traditional rose processing and enjoy the sweet aroma in the air.

Next, the Skoura Oasis welcomes you with lush palm groves and the famous Amridil Kasbah, a well-preserved example of southern Moroccan architecture. Wander through quiet courtyards, admire the adobe walls, and photograph the charming oasis landscapes.

By the afternoon, arrive back in Ouarzazate. Here, explore the Taourirt Kasbah or visit the famous film studios where Hollywood productions like Gladiator and The Mummy were shot, connecting the day’s natural beauty with cinematic history.

Day 5:Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

After breakfast, your 5 Days Desert Tour From Ouarzazate continues with a visit to the legendary Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic film location. Wander through its ancient mud-brick alleys, climb its towers, and imagine the scenes of movies and series filmed here, from Gladiator to Game of Thrones. 

The final leg of the journey winds through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. The dramatic peaks, valleys, and panoramic viewpoints provide countless photo opportunities. By the afternoon, descend into Marrakech, the vibrant Red City, where the tour concludes. Return to your accommodation or airport with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s desert, mountains, and culture.

Includes / Excludes

Includes

  • Private air-conditioned 4×4 or mini van
  • English-speaking local driver
  • Custom stops and breaks on request
  • Overnight in Hotel, riad or desert camp
  • Hotel, riad, and airport transfers included
  • Vegetarian and vegan breakfast options

Excludes

  • Drinks and lunches
  • Tips for service staff
  • Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary

Gallery

Map