5 DaysModerate

Marrakech to Merzouga & Back — 5 Days

Tour Overview

A five-day round trip from Marrakech that covers the entire scenic south. Cross the High Atlas and visit Aït Benhaddou before reaching the Dades Valley for the first night. Day two brings you to the Todra Gorge and the vast Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, where you'll sleep in a luxury desert camp. Day three is devoted to the Merzouga region — nomads, Gnawa music, oases, and more dunes. On day four, take the ancient Draa Valley route to Ouarzazate. Day five: Ouarzazate Studios, the Telouet Kasbah, and the high mountain road back to Marrakech.

Tour Highlights

Aït Benhaddou UNESCO & Ouarzazate Studios
Todra Gorge & Dades Valley
Sunset camel trek to Erg Chebbi luxury camp
Khamlia Gnawa village & nomad families
Draa Valley scenic drive
Historic Telouet Kasbah

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Marrakech → Aït Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

Depart at 8:00 AM over the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Visit the argan oil cooperative, Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO), and Ouarzazate. Continue through the Skoura palm grove and Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley. Dinner included.

Day 2

Dades → Todra Gorge → Erg Chebbi Desert Camp

After breakfast, cross the Todra Gorge. Continue to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Camel trek at sunset to the desert camp. Dinner and Berber music under the stars.

Day 3

Merzouga — Nomads, Khamlia & Hassi Labied Oasis

Full day exploring the Merzouga region by 4×4: an old eyeliner mine, nomad families in hand-woven tents, Khamlia village (Gnawa music), and the wild Oasis of Hassi Labied. Overnight in a hotel/riad.

Day 4

Merzouga → Draa Valley → Anti-Atlas → Ouarzazate

Drive back via the Draa Valley and Anti-Atlas mountains to Ouarzazate. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 5

Ouarzazate → Telouet Kasbah → Tizi n'Tichka → Marrakech

Visit the Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate. Drive via the Ounila Valley, the historic Telouet Kasbah, and the Tizi n'Tichka pass back to Marrakech.