5 Day Desert Tour

from Marrakech

A Sahara desert journey

by Affordable Morocco Tours

Tour Overview

Explore Morocco on a 5-Day Itinerary from Marrakech

Tour Length:

5 Days / 4 Nights

Start City:

Marrakech

Price Range:

€TBD

Destinations Included:

Marrakech, High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Agdz, Nkob, Alnif, Tafraoute Sidi Ali Desert, Ramlia, Merzouga (Luxury Camp), Rissani, Tinghir, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, Marrakech

5 Day Desert Tour

from Marrakech

A Sahara desert journey

by Tarhanine Morocco Tours

Tour Overview

Explore Morocco on a 5-Day Itinerary from Marrakech

Tour Length:

5 Days / 4 Nights

Start City:

Marrakech

Price Range:

€TBD

Destinations Included:

Marrakech, High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Agdz, Nkob, Alnif, Tafraoute Sidi Ali Desert, Ramlia, Merzouga (Luxury Camp), Rissani, Tinghir, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, Marrakech

5 days

All Destinations

Luxury or Standard

About this Tour

This 5-day journey from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert combines landscapes, history, and local culture across southern Morocco.

You cross the Atlas Mountains, visit Ait Ben Haddou, pass through Ouarzazate and the Draa Valley, and continue toward the Sahara through villages such as Nkob, Alnif, Tafraoute Sidi Ali, and Ramlia. In Merzouga, you experience the Erg Chebbi dunes with a camel trek and an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp, before returning via Rissani, Todra Gorges, and the Dades Valley back to Marrakech.

Highlights

Your 5 Day Sahara Journey:

Highlights at a Glance

Best for:

Travelers who want a deeper Sahara route with southern villages and desert scenery

Tour length:

5 Days / 4 Nights

Start city:

Marrakech

Route:

Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Agdz → Nkob → Alnif → Tafraoute Sidi Ali → Ramlia → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) → Rissani → Tinghir → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

Signature moments:

Tizi n’Tichka Pass • Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO) • Draa Valley • Remote desert villages • Erg Chebbi dunes • Camel trek at sunset • Luxury desert camp night • Todra Gorges • Dades Valley

Note: Time in Marrakech at the end of Day 5 is free time.

Itinerary Route

Explore the Sahara: Day by Day Itinerary

Marrakech → High Atlas → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Agdz → Nkob → Alnif →

Tafraoute Sidi Ali → Ramlia → Merzouga (Luxury Camp) → Rissani → Tinghir → Todra Gorges →

Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Agdz

Your journey begins with an early departure from Marrakech, heading toward the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), the highest mountain pass in Morocco. The route offers panoramic views, with selected stops for photos and short village visits.

Next, visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s best-known fortified villages. Built of earthen clay, it is a key example of southern Moroccan architecture and a filming location for major productions such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” You may choose an optional visit to the Atlas Film Studios or explore Kasbah Taourirt.

In the afternoon, travel south, crossing the Anti-Atlas Mountains and descending into the Draa Valley, known for its palm groves. By late afternoon, arrive in Agdz, where you spend the night in a traditional riad.

Overnight: Agdz

Day 2: Agdz – Nkob – Alnif – Tafraoute Sidi Ali Desert

After breakfast, continue through the landscapes of the Draa Valley, where traditional villages sit alongside palm groves.

Stop in Nkob, known for its collection of historic kasbahs. This is a good moment to pause for Moroccan tea and enjoy views over the surrounding valley.

The route continues toward Alnif, following quieter roads through semi-desert terrain with changing scenery from oases to rocky plains. By late afternoon, arrive in Tafraoute Sidi Ali, a remote desert village with open horizons and a calm atmosphere.

Overnight: Tafraoute Sidi Ali area.

Day 3: Tafraoute Sidi Ali Desert – Ramlia – Merzouga Desert (Luxury Camp)

Today the route goes deeper into the Sahara. Pass through Ramlia, surrounded by desert plateaus and dunes. This follows paths connected to historic caravan routes that once linked Morocco with sub-Saharan Africa.

Arrive in Merzouga, gateway to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. A camel trek takes you across the dunes as the colors change with the setting sun.

In the evening, stay at a luxury desert camp. Dinner is served under the stars, followed by live Berber music around the campfire.

Overnight: Merzouga luxury desert camp.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Wake early to see sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast at the camp. Continue to Rissani, known for its souks and ties to the Alaouite dynasty. Visit the traditional Berber market for a look at local trade and daily life.

Next, travel to Tinghir, a scenic oasis town. Visit the Todra Gorges, with rock walls rising up to 300 meters. Enjoy a short walk through the canyon.

Continue through the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Along the route, you can see rock formations such as the “Monkey Fingers.” Overnight at a hotel overlooking the valley.

Overnight: Dades Valley.

Day 5: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Begin with a scenic drive through the Dades Valley along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Continue back to Ouarzazate, with an optional stop at Kasbah Taourirt or the Cinema Museum.

Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass again and return to Marrakech. Drop-off at your hotel or riad.

**Note: After arrival, you have free time to explore the medina, relax in a hammam, or enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant.**

Gallery

Tour Gallery

MAP

Tailor Made

Journeys Crafted for You

At Affordable Morocco Tours, every journey begins with your interests. Whether you are planning a short getaway or traveling with family or friends, we design tours that match your pace and preferences.

The itineraries on our website are based on guest favorites, but they are only a starting point. Once we know your travel dates and preferences, we refine the plan to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience from arrival to departure.

Your journey includes Marrakech, the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Ouarzazate and Agdz, the southern villages of Nkob, Alnif, Tafraoute Sidi Ali Desert, Ramlia, and the Merzouga Desert, followed by Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley, returning to Marrakech via Ouarzazate.

Our mission is to make your journey through Morocco unique, authentic, and unforgettable shaped by adventure, culture, and the country’s landscapes.

frequently asked questions

5 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech – FAQs

Didn't see your questions?

Q1: How long is this Marrakech desert tour?

It is 5 days / 4 nights and starts and ends in Marrakech.

Q2: Which places are included in the itinerary?

The route includes Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Agdz, Nkob, Alnif, Tafraoute Sidi Ali Desert, Ramlia, Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Rissani, Tinghir, Todra Gorges, and Dades Valley, returning to Marrakech.