TEL:+212674372188
moroccotrailways@gmail.com
PRIVATE TOUR — 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
OVERVIEW
Join us on a 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga to explore the Sahara. Enjoy camel rides, spend your nights under the starry sky, and take in the views of the sand dunes.
Immerse yourself in southern Morocco’s culture and traditions as you venture deep into the desert on this 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. Discover stunning landscapes and learn about Sahara life.
Why a private 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?
Our private 5-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour unlocks the beauty of southern Morocco. From historic kasbahs to camel rides, you’ll savour it all, with a full day in the Merzouga desert including a visit to a nomadic family. Best of all, this itinerary minimises driving time so you can focus on the Sahara.
DURATION: 5 days / 4 nights
START:MARRAKECH
END: MARRAKECH
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE
HIGHLIGHTS
– Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass
– Seeing many wonderful traditional Berber villages
– Exploring the World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
– Visiting Africa’s largest film studio and a historic kasbah in Ouarzazate
– Spending a night in a gorgeous riad in the Dades Valley
– Walking beneath the narrow Todra Canyon in Tinghir
– Crossing the Erg Chebbi dunes by camel
– Watching the peaceful sunsets and sunrises of the Merzouga desert
– Stargazing in the desert
– Sleeping in your private, comfortable desert camp tent
– Driving off-road to visit a nomadic family
– Discovering a traditional Moroccan souk
Here’s the plan. Feel free to customise it to match your interests.
Day 1: Marrakech -> High Atlas Mountains -> Ait Ben Haddou -> Dades Valley
We pick you up from your accommodation. Leaving Marrakech, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass, stopping at picturesque locations — and you’re welcome to request stops.
After lunch in Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate, we head towards the Dades Gorge through Skoura and the Rose Valley. In Skoura’s lush oasis you can explore the impressive Amridil Kasbah. In spring, we can stop to see the valley in full rose bloom.
At the Dades Gorge, admire the “monkey fingers” rock formations and the panoramic gorge views before heading to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Dades Valley -> Todra Gorge -> Merzouga
Start with breakfast at your hotel in the Dades Valley, then set off for Tinghir to marvel at a stunning oasis and historic kasbahs that once housed Berber and Jewish communities side by side. Walk beneath the towering 300-metre cliffs of the Todra Gorge before continuing to the Sahara.
We’ll pause for lunch en route, and on arrival your camel guide and camels will be ready to lead you across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes to your desert camp. On the way, stop atop a high dune for a magnificent sunset and sandboarding. As night falls, our staff serve a tasty dinner with Berber drum performances around a campfire beneath the stars.
Day 3: Explorative day of the desert
An early morning is recommended to watch a quiet sunrise from your camp. After breakfast, we pick you up by 4×4 for an explorative day of the Sahara:
1. Drive to where the nomads settle. They’ll host you in one of their tents for tea — a great chance to see how they live far from civilisation.
2. Visit a hidden abandoned village, home to the galena mines, which you’ll get to see too.
3. Drive to Khamlia village to hear Gnawa music played by locals whose origins trace to southern African countries like Sudan. You can also have lunch at a local restaurant here.
4. After lunch, drive to a lake near Merzouga if it’s full before heading to your riad.
Day 4: Merzouga -> Rissani -> Agdez -> Ouarzazate
An early morning is rewarded with another peaceful sunrise from your riad terrace. Then we set off, stopping first in the old city of Rissani to visit a traditional souk. Next, we head to Ouarzazate via the fascinating Draa Valley, stopping in Agdez for the valley landscapes. We arrive at your riad in Ouarzazate in the afternoon.
Day 5: Ouarzazate -> Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah -> Telouet Kasbah -> Marrakech
Our final morning starts with breakfast at your riad. Ouarzazate is known as the gateway to the Sahara and the “Hollywood of Africa,” home to the historic Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas Studios.
We then continue to Ait Ben Haddou to explore the ancient Kasbah, protected by UNESCO since 1987 and featured in films and series including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
From Ait Ben Haddou, we travel to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains, admiring the fascinating Telouet Kasbah along the way. Your 5 days desert tour ends with drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
Booking & Payment
How early should I book my Morocco tour?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you’re travelling during spring, autumn, or holiday seasons. Early reservations guarantee better availability, a wider choice of accommodations, and more flexibility to personalise your itinerary.
How do I pay for my tour?
Booking is simple. We require a small deposit to secure your reservation, which can be paid via PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer. The remaining balance is paid directly to your driver-guide in cash on the first day of your tour. We accept Euros (€), US Dollars ($), and Moroccan Dirhams (MAD).
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Our cancellation terms are clearly explained on our Cancellation Policy page. We recommend reviewing the policy before confirming your reservation.
Can I create my own itinerary?
Absolutely! Every private Morocco tour can be fully customised. Whether you want to change destinations, extend your trip, upgrade hotels, or add unique experiences, we’ll design an itinerary that perfectly matches your travel style, schedule, and budget.
Transportation
What type of vehicles do you use?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles depending on your group size.
Every vehicle is professionally maintained to ensure a safe and comfortable journey across Morocco.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes. We can collect you from any Moroccan airport at the beginning of your trip and drop you off at the end. Your driver will be waiting with your name upon arrival. Flights are not included in the tour price.
Which airport should I fly into?
Most international travelers arrive in:
You can also start your tour from:
We’ll help you choose the best airport based on your itinerary.
Driver-Guides
Who will be our guide?
Our professional driver-guides are experienced locals who know Morocco inside and out. They don’t just drive—they introduce you to Moroccan culture, history, traditions, hidden places, and local life, making your journey much more meaningful.
Do your guides speak English?
Yes. English is our standard language. We can also arrange guides who speak French, Spanish, Italian, German, or other languages upon request, depending on availability.
Accommodation
What type of hotels do you offer?
We carefully select quality accommodations throughout Morocco, including:
Every accommodation is chosen for comfort, cleanliness, excellent service, and authentic Moroccan charm.
Are the desert camps luxury?
Yes. We only work with luxury desert camps.
Every tent includes:
We do not use standard camps with shared facilities.
Can I choose my hotels?
Of course. We’ll provide several carefully selected accommodation options based on your budget. If you already have a hotel or riad you’d like to stay in, we’ll gladly include it whenever possible.
Sahara Desert & Activities
How far is the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh?
The Merzouga Sahara Desert is approximately 560 km (348 miles) from Marrakesh. Because of the distance, our tours include scenic overnight stops, allowing you to enjoy the journey rather than spending an entire day driving.
How far is the Sahara Desert from Fes?
The drive from Fes to Merzouga covers approximately 500 km (310 miles).
How far is Casablanca from Merzouga?
Casablanca is about 660 km (410 miles) from the Sahara Desert. We usually recommend a 5-day (or longer) itinerary to enjoy the journey comfortably.
Do I have to ride a camel?
Not at all.
If camel riding isn’t for you, we’ll transfer you to your luxury desert camp by comfortable 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost.
What activities can I do in the Sahara?
Besides the famous camel trek and overnight desert camp experience, you can also enjoy:
Can I add extra activities to my trip?
Absolutely.
Popular additions include:
Tour Experience
What’s the difference between a private tour and a shared tour?
Private Tour
Shared Tour
Both options provide excellent service—the choice simply depends on your travel style and budget.
Is 7 days enough to visit Morocco?
Yes.
A well-planned 7-day itinerary allows you to experience many of Morocco’s highlights, including:
It’s one of the most popular trip lengths for first-time visitors.
What can I see in one week?
In seven days, you can explore:
Which 7-day itinerary is best?
The best route depends on your arrival airport.
Popular options include:
We’ll recommend the ideal itinerary based on your flight schedule.
Why book with us?
As a local Moroccan tour operator, we offer:
Meals
Are meals included?
Most desert tours include:
Lunches are generally not included, giving you the freedom to choose where you’d like to eat during the day. Each tour page clearly lists what’s included.
Can you accommodate special diets?
Yes.
We happily accommodate:
Simply let us know your dietary requirements when booking, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements throughout your journey.
