5 days trip to the Sahara desert from Marrakech offers the opportunity to discover the enchanting landscapes of Morocco, ranging from majestic mountains and picturesque valleys to the iconic sand dunes.
Your 5-day trip to the Sahara desert starts with a pick-up from your hotel/airport in Marrakech. Drive through the High Atlas Mountains, and ascend to the remarkable pass of Tizi n’Tichka at an elevation of 2260 metres. Take in the scenic views of the mountains. Immerse yourself in the Berber culture as youpass through charming, traditional villages and fortresses.
Arrive at the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. Visit an extraordinary location, the finest-preserved Kasbah (Fortress) recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kasbah Ait Benhaddou undeniably ranks among the most visited locations in Morocco. Take a lunch break near the Kasbah.
In the afternoon, head to Ouarzazate, the connecting hub between the mountainous regions and the desert. Ouarzazate is often referred to as the ‘Hollywood of Morocco’ because of its cinematic landscape and the ideal setting for movie production. Furthermore, Ouarzazate has served as a filming location for numerous movies, including titles like Gladiator, The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven, and the Game of Thrones series, among others. The itinerary includes a visit to the Atlas Corporation Film Studios, the city’s most expansive studio complex. Witness the magnificence of its soundstages and meticulously designed set designs. Overnight in Ouarzazate with dinner in a hotel.
After breakfast, drive through the Draa Valley, an exceptionally unique destination in southeastern Morocco. The Draa Valley is a place of delightful surprises, with its notable features being the Kasbahs and mud castles that emerge from the arid landscape. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch (optional).
In the afternoon, continue the journey for approximately two hours. Arrive at the magnificent dunes of Merzouga. There, you’ll enjoy a welcoming tea break while you rest and prepare for the camel ride to the middle of the Sahara desert. The camel trek will last around an hour and a half, allowing you to capture memorable photographs along the way.
As night descends, you’ll notice a dramatic transformation in the desert’s colours. Dinner will be served followed by the rhythmic beats and melodies of the Djembes. Later in the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to gather around a bonfire beneath the starry sky until bedtime. It’s an experience you are sure to cherish.
Certainly, witnessing the sunrise in the desert is an awe-inspiring experience. To fully appreciate this unique moment, you’ll have to get up early today (optional). Don’t miss the chance to observe the captivating transformation of the dunes as the sun ascends above the horizon. This visual marvel is sure to leave an indelible impression on your memory.
Enjoy a classical Moroccan breakfast at the camp before you continue as we explore the expanse of Merzouga dunes. An expansive desert of fine sand that transforms into a timeless panorama and links with the historic Paris-Dakar route. Along this path, we will make several stops to enjoy the scenery.
We’ll then proceed through the desert until we reach a nomadic settlement in the region. Learn more about the nomads in Morocco and gain insights into their way of life and traditions.
Another essential visit on our itinerary is the village of Khamlia, home to people from sub-Saharan Africa. Here, you’ll relish the sounds of their traditional music known as Gnawa. Afterward, we’ll head back to the hotel for lunch. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own pace to indulge in the enchanting desert views.
Our 5-day trip to the Sahara desert from Marrakech will carry on as we leave for Rissani. Renowned for its vibrant market, Rissani stands as the proud final hub of commerce before the desert. Stroll through the bustling souks of Rissani and experience a unique atmosphere. The marketplace is a symphony of colours and scents, with the captivating fusion of spices being particularly noteworthy.
Afterward, our tour continues through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, leading us to one of the most remarkable places in southern Morocco: the Todra Gorges. These gorges have become a haven for climbers, making it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure.
In the afternoon, continue to the Dades Valley, a route that leads us through Boumalne. As the valley unfolds, it reveals its breathtaking scenery, characterized by its significant architectural significance. The landscape is decorated with numerous Kasbahs. Our final destination for the night will be the Gorges, where we will spend the night.
Today, following a hearty Moroccan breakfast, we will resume our journey along the captivating Road of the Thousand Kasbahs. These are intriguing fortified fortresses constructed from mud, and what makes them truly remarkable is their seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.
Arrive at the Valley of Roses, renowned for its extensive cultivation of roses. Here, you will encounter a stunning landscape, where nature flourishes in all its splendor. The harmonious and vivid colors of this valley create a captivating scenery that’s truly worth admiring.
As we drive along the valley, we arrive at the Skoura palm grove. A remarkable oasis boasting over 700,000 palm trees. A visit to this place is genuinely worthwhile, as it exudes a unique beauty that transports you to an era where time seems to have come to a standstill.
After some free time, head back to Marrakech. Make a stop to explore the renowned Kasbah Taourirt. This Kasbah is widely recognized as one of the best-preserved in Morocco. We will take a break here for lunch before continuing our journey to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains. Our trip will conclude as we return to Marrakech, marking the end of your 5-day trip from Marrakech to the Sahara desert.
Kindly note that this suggested 5 Days Trip to The Sahara Desert from Marrakech is a basic itinerary. If it doesn’t align with your preferences, please feel free to get in touch. We can design an alternative itinerary tailored to your interests and schedule. Our services extend to designing customized tours and excursions throughout Morocco.
Magnificent 5-day, 4-night tour from Marrakech, passing through Ourzazate and Merzouga, in 4×4, with visits to magnificent sites (Ddra valleys, Dades and Todra gorges, Rose Valley, routes of the 1000 kasbahs, Ait Ben Haddou, Sudio Atlas, Erg Cherbi, etc.). A big thank you to our driver Hassan for his kindness and availability, very professional, and careful on these roads not always easy, we spent a superb stay with 1 perfect organization from Fanny, the contact with the agency was impeccable before and during the tour, if I do another tour it will be with this agency that I recommend without reservation! Many thanks again!