5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga: 2 Nights in the Sahara
Experience the ultimate deep-desert adventure. This 5-day itinerary modifies our classic route to dedicate two full nights to the Sahara. You will cross the High Atlas Mountains, explore ancient river gorges, and have an entire unhurried day to discover the nomadic cultures and golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, before returning via the lush Draa Valley oasis.
Deep desert immersion, unhurried
While many travelers reach the Sahara only to turn around the very next morning, this 5-day tour is designed for those who want to truly disconnect. By streamlining the drive on the first day, we secure an entire free day in the Merzouga desert.
Why this tour is unique
This itinerary dedicates two full nights to the dunes of Erg Chebbi. This extra time allows you to journey deeper into the desert in a 4×4, share mint tea with nomadic Berber families in their traditional tents, and listen to the hypnotic rhythms of Gnawa music in Khamlia village. Your return journey then completes a massive southern loop through the Draa Valley, ensuring you never travel the same road twice.
What this trip is built around
- Deep Sahara Immersion: Spend two relaxed nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- High Atlas Mountains: Cross the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m).
- Ait Benhaddou: Walk through the 11th-century clay Kasbah famous for Gladiator.
- Todra Gorge: Stand beneath 300-meter-high vertical canyon walls.
- Khamlia Village: Experience traditional Gnawa music played by local masters.
- Draa Valley: Journey through Morocco’s longest oasis, home to millions of date palms.
The Grand Southern Loop
You will depart Marrakech and head southeast across the High Atlas Mountains, exploring Ait Benhaddou before sleeping in the Dades Valley. On day two, you push east through the Todra Gorge to reach the Sahara dunes of Merzouga. Day three is completely dedicated to exploring the desert surroundings. Day four takes you on a scenic southern route through the volcanic landscapes of Alnif to reach the Draa Valley oasis (Agdz) for your final night. On the last day, you cross the mountains back to Marrakech.
Day by day
Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley
Your driver will pick you up early from your Marrakech accommodation. We ascend the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, stopping for panoramic photos. Our main afternoon highlight is the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. After exploring the ancient clay fortress and having lunch in Ouarzazate, we drive through the Valley of Roses to reach our guesthouse in the Dades Valley.
Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga
Leave the lush valleys for the dramatic Todra Gorge, walking alongside a crystal-clear river flanked by towering limestone walls. Continue through Erfoud (the fossil capital) until the dunes of Erg Chebbi appear. In Merzouga, you will trade your vehicle for a camel, riding into the desert to watch the sunset before arriving at your camp for your first night under the stars.
Deep Sahara Exploration (Merzouga & Khamlia)
Wake up early for a spectacular desert sunrise. Today is all about local immersion without the stress of a long drive. We will take a 4×4 off-road adventure around the dunes, visiting a nomadic family to learn about their traditional way of life. We will also visit Khamlia village to listen to traditional Gnawa music. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon sandboarding or resting at the camp before your second night in the Sahara.
Merzouga → Rissani → Agdz (Draa Valley)
After breakfast, ride your camel back to the edge of the desert to meet your driver. Today, we take the southern route, stopping first in Rissani to explore its vibrant traditional market. We then travel through the vast landscapes of Alnif and Nkob, eventually arriving in Agdz, a town nestled in Morocco’s longest palm oasis, the Draa Valley.
Agdz → High Atlas → Marrakech
Begin the return journey with a scenic drive out of the Draa Valley, heading back through Ouarzazate. We then begin our final ascent into the High Atlas Mountains. We cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass once more, enjoying the spectacular afternoon lighting on the peaks, before arriving back in Marrakech to conclude your tour. Your driver will drop you off at your accommodation.
Accommodation & Pricing Options
We offer three tier levels to suit your travel style. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
- Standard authentic Riad in Dades and Agdz
- Standard desert camp with shared bathroom facilities
- Private, air-conditioned transport
- Boutique Riads with swimming pools and internal courtyards
- Upgraded luxury desert camp with a private en-suite bathroom
- Upgraded bedding and camp amenities
- 5-star heritage Riads and restored luxury Kasbahs
- Premium VIP desert camp setup
- Upgraded luxury 4×4 vehicle for the duration of the trip
Prices are based on 2 travelers and may vary depending on travel dates and final accommodation choice.
Where you’ll sleep each night
| Night | Location | Accommodation Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dades Valley | Guesthouse, valley-view room |
| 2 | Merzouga, Erg Chebbi | Desert camp, shared bathroom facilities |
| 3 | Merzouga, Erg Chebbi | Desert camp, shared bathroom facilities |
| 4 | Agdz (Draa Valley) | Restored Kasbah, en-suite room |
What’s covered
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation
- Private, air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
- English-speaking SaharaVia driver/guide
- 4 nights accommodation (as per selected package)
- Meals as listed in the itinerary (4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners)
- Sunset and sunrise camel treks in Erg Chebbi
- Off-road 4×4 desert excursion in Merzouga
Excluded
- Flights
- Lunches (except Day 3) and daytime drinks
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees to monuments/museums
- Tips and gratuities
Common questions
How does this differ from the 1-night desert tour?
The 1-night desert tour requires you to leave the Sahara immediately the morning after you arrive. This 2-night itinerary pauses the driving schedule, allowing you to actually explore the desert during the day via 4×4, meet local nomads, and enjoy a second relaxing evening at the camp.
What happens to my luggage during the camel ride?
Your main luggage stays securely locked in the vehicle with your driver. You will only need to pack a small overnight backpack with your essentials for your time in the desert camp.
Are there toilets and showers in the desert camp?
If you book the Superior or Luxury packages, your private tent will have a fully functioning western toilet and hot shower inside. Comfort packages utilize clean, shared facilities.
Practical details
What to pack
The desert and mountains have wild temperature swings. Bring comfortable layers, a warm fleece for the evening, a scarf for wind and sand, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes for the Todra Gorge.
Currency & payments
Bring enough Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) in cash to cover your lunches, drinks, and tips, as rural restaurants and cafes on the road often do not accept credit cards.
Tipping
While not mandatory, it is highly customary to tip your driver at the end of the trip in Marrakech if you felt they kept you safe and provided a great experience. You may also want small change for the Gnawa musicians in Khamlia.
Ready to book this route?
We usually reply within 24 hours.
Ask us about this tour
Choose your dates and comfort tier, or ask us to build a private departure around your group.