5-Day Desert Tour from Errachidia to Merzouga & Marrakech

Tour Details

Day 1: Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Your journey begins in Errachidia, where you are welcomed and driven south toward the beautiful Ziz Valley. This region is famous for its endless palm groves, dramatic gorges, and ancient trading routes once used by caravans crossing the Sahara.

As you continue toward Merzouga, the scenery becomes more open, revealing the first sight of the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. Arrive at your desert accommodation, allowing time to relax and enjoy the peaceful desert atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner and prepare for tomorrow’s desert adventure.

Day 2: Merzouga – Khamlia – Nomadic Family – Desert Experience

Wake up surrounded by the warm sands of the Sahara. After breakfast, your day is filled with cultural exploration: visit Khamlia, a village known for its captivating Gnawa music, then head into the surrounding desert to meet a nomadic family living in the Sahara’s remote landscapes.

Depending on the season, you may also explore Dayet Srij Lake, which attracts migratory birds including flamingos when water is present. In the late afternoon, ride camels across the dunes while enjoying the golden glow of sunset. End the day with dinner and traditional Berber music around the fire beneath a sky full of stars.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Rissani Market – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge

After a refreshing night in the desert, begin your drive toward Rissani, a historical town with a vibrant traditional market where locals exchange spices, dates, crafts, and goods from surrounding regions.

Continue your journey to the stunning Todra Gorge, where the canyon walls rise dramatically above the riverbed, a perfect opportunity for a walk between the towering rocks. In the afternoon, you travel deeper into the mountains to reach Dades Gorge, known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique geological formations such as the famous “Monkey Fingers.”

Tonight, enjoy dinner and rest in a charming guesthouse overlooking the valley.

Day 4: Dades Gorge – Valley of Roses – Skoura – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, travel through the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, a scenic route filled with fortified villages that reflect Morocco’s desert history. Pass through the Valley of Roses, a fragrant and colorful area especially lively during the April/May rose harvest season.

Continue through the palm groves of Skoura, home to the impressive Kasbah Amridil, one of the most iconic and well-preserved kasbahs in Morocco. By evening, reach Ouarzazate, the cinematic hub of the country, known for its famous film sets and kasbah architecture. Overnight in a local hotel or riad, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Aït Benhaddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

Your final day begins with a visit to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village that has been featured in countless films and series. Wander through its ancient pathways and marvel at the views over the ksar.

Then continue north across the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass, where dramatic peaks and traditional Berber villages highlight the beauty of the region. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where your memorable 5-day Sahara experience concludes.