5 Days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech Desert Tour

Home / 5 Days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech desert tour

Overview of 5 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech

5 Days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech desert tour via Merzouga; from Ouarzazate to Marrakech is one of our desert tours that give you the chance to discover the south of Morocco.

In these 5 days, we will explore the ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou in Ouarzazate. Visit the Kasbah of Ameridil in Skoura and Travel along the road of thousand of Kasbahs.

Stopping in the wonderful panoramic of the Four Valleys: Rose Valley, Dades Valley, Ziz Valley, and Draa Valley. Enjoy a great time in amazing places such as the Dades Gorges, Todra Gorges, and Sahara desert.

A crossing of the Anti-Atlas and the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi N’tichka pass (2260m). End the Tour in Marrakech.

Info of 5 days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech desert tour:

+ Duration: 5 Days & 4 nights
+ Departure: 08:00 am
+ Starting Location: Ouarzazate
+ Ending Location: Marrakech

5 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech Highlights:

+ Visit Kasbah Amridil
+ drive through roses Valley to Dades Gorge
+ Visit the Todra Gorges and drive via the palms grove Tinghir to the Merzouga desert
+ Ride a camel in Merzouga while assisting a dramatic sunset
+ Sleep under the stars in Erg Chebbi Desert camp
+ drive through the Draa Valley and Nkob, Agdez Back to Ouarzazate
+ visit the Unesco world heritage of Ait ben Haddou and Atlas Studios then the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech

Itinerary 5 Days Desert tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech

Day 1: Ouarzazate – Kasbah Ameridil – Valley of Roses – Boumalne Dades – Dades Gorges – Tinghir City

After breakfast, we will start our 5 Days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech via the Sahara desert; our driver guide will pick you up from your accommodation and takes you to the Dades Gorges and Todra Gorge, passing the oasis of Skoura where we will stop to visit Ameridil Kasbah.

Later, we will drive to Valley of Roses via the road of thousand Kasbahs. Then, continuing to the great canyon of Dades Gorges and the Valley of Dades where we will stop to enjoy the amazing views and have free time for lunch. In the evening we will end our first day in Tinghir city, with dinner, and accommodation in a Hotel / or Riad.

Day 2: Todra Gorges – Tinjdad – Erfoud – Rissani – Erg-Chebbi Sand Dunes of Merzouga

After a traditional Moroccan breakfast, we will start a desert tour & four Valleys, from Tinghir to Merzouga. In Tinghir we’ll visit Todra Gorge with its orange towering cliffs, the canyons of Todra Gorge are almost 1,000 feet deep, and also it’s a preferred place for the climbers. Then, enjoy the green views full of palms and almonds trees of Todra Valley.

Later we continue our road to the Sahara desert via the Ziz Valley, the oasis of the Tafilalet region situated in Errachidia Town, and many Berber towns such as Tinjdad, Errachidia, Aoufous, and Erfoud. You will have time for lunch on our way. In the afternoon we will arrive at the magical sand dunes of Merzouga where we will have dinner and overnight in a Hotel / or Riad.

Day 3: Desert Tour – Merzouga Lake – Khamliya – Nomad Family – Camel trekking & Overnight in desert camp.

After breakfast, we will start our journey around the Erg-Chebbi sand dunes. We will explore many interesting places in the area such as Merzouga Lake (not always full of water) to see the kinds of birds (ducks & flamingos) that come to live in this lake, especially in springtime.

We will visit Khamlia village where you will listen to African music (Gnawa) played by people originally from black Africa then we will continue our off-road desert tour to the black desert behind Erg-Chebbi sand dunes. We will visit an abandoned village where the working mineral fossils are, then drive to visit a nomadic Berber family to see the way of life.

We’ll back to Khamlia to have a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon you will start Camel Trekking Adventure, across the beautiful unique orange-colored sand dunes to the desert camp. Spend great moments in an amazing place where you can feed your soul and enjoy the wonderful sunset from the middle of the dunes.

Dinner & overnight will be in camp, music played and you can frolic on the sand dunes under zillions of stars.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani City – Alnif – N’kob – Tazarine – Agdez – Ouarzazate.

Today, wake up early and climb the sand dunes to enjoy the beautiful sunrise. After breakfast & shower, you will ride a camel back to Merzouga town. We drive from Merzouga to Ouarzazate through Rissani (Tafilalt), where will walk around the famous, traditional and biggest Market of the area exploring the local-made goods and art crafts. It’s better to visit Rissani on one of the following days: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. On these three days is the souk, so it’s good days for the people of the desert area that want to do shopping. Continue the journey via Alinf, Tazarine, and N’kob where we will stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, we will drive along the beautiful Draa Valley, lined with old Kasbahs, Berber villages, and palm groves. Our tour continues to Ouarzazate through Agdez town and crossing the Anti-Atlas Mountains (1660m). In the evening we’ll arrive in Ouarzazate, Dinner, and overnight will be in a Hotel / or Raid

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Atlas Studios – Ait Benhaddou Kasbah – Ounila Valley – Telouet Kasbah – High Atlas – Marrakech.

On the last day of our 5 Days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech via the Sahara desert, after breakfast, we will visit a world-renowned cinema studio (Atlas studios) in Ouarzazate. Our trip continues to the ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou.

This fortified walled city was built right on the caravan path between Marrakech and the Sahara and was once a thriving trading post during the 17th century. Inside the high mud walls are 6 Kasbahs and a small number of homes.

Ait Benhaddou has appeared in several movies, including Gladiator & Lawrence of Arabia. Later we will drive to Marrakech city along the stunning Ounila valley passing via Berber villages to reach Telouet village where we can visit Telouet Kasbah built in the 18th and 19th centuries for the powerful el Glaoui family; Telouet Kasbah is a rare sight to behold.

Adorned in colorful mosaics and red stucco, the Kasbah had a strategic location on the caravan trail.

Take a Break there to have lunch in a local restaurant. Then, drive through the Atlas Passes, on the road we will make stops to enjoy the stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and Tizi N’tichka pass (2260m).

In the afternoon we will arrive in Marrakech (the red city); drop you off at your accommodation and end our services.

What's included in 5 Days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech Desert Tour

  • Pick up & drop off in your accommodation.
  • Comfortable with air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Fuel.
  • Speaking English Driver / guide during the tour.
  • Accommodation for 4 Nights.
  • 4 breakfasts and dinners (vegetarians are welcome).
  • Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
  • Camel ride and night in desert camp.
  • 1 Night in a desert camp.

What's not included in 5 Days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech Desert Tour

  • Lunches
  • Drinks
  • Tickets
  • Entrance Fees to Monuments

NOTE:

If this 5 Days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech Desert Tour does not match what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will prepare the trip for your needs and requirements.

5 Days Desert tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech Reviews

5 day Sahara Desert tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech

My family and I spent two weeks traveling in December/January 2019/20 with Hassan. He was an amazing driver and guide and he really went beyond what was needed. He made sure all our needs were met and comfortable throughout the trip.
He had a deep knowledge of so many different cities and buildings, and it was great to see someone proud of their land. His recommendations have always been amazing and we never felt compelled to do anything we didn’t want to do. Since this was my first time in Morocco, I can honestly say that this trip exceeded all expectations, and could not give it a fairly high rating.
We spent 5 unforgettable days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech.

Louise K. July 2022
★★★★★ 5/5

Perfect 5 Days in Morocco Desert tour from Ouarzazate

Hassan was the main guide and the main driver of the path I was on, it was very professional, friendly, well-organized, and helpful! He worked with our guide to create a fascinating geological route in southern Morocco, and during the 5 days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech, he kept us on time, well-fed, and well-accommodated. He has always considered our needs and organizational skills, which have allowed us to fully participate in the geological and cultural wonders that we know. I will like to travel with Hassan again, an expert person!
5-day trip to the desert of Marrakech from Ouarzazate.

Juan G. August 2022
★★★★★ 5/5

Great 5 Days desert tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech

Hassan (MTC) was great. Very nice and helpful. He diverted to help me with the tour and other things around Ouarzazate. The trip was great and it was much cheaper than most of the others I watched. I would definitely recommend a trip. I just remembered that it is with a group that there will be unexpected entertainment, so sit back and have fun. Thank you, Hassan.

Daniela H. October 2022
★★★★★ 5/5

Places to see in Your 5 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech

Kasbah of Amridil:

The Kasbah of Amridil remains impressive because of the perseverance of the owner family. They always take care of this Amazigh architectural treasure. The Amridil Kasbah was originally a small religious place that taught the concepts of Islam and the Koran. It was founded in the late 17th century by Mohammed Nassiri El Haskouri, a scholar and descendant of Sidi Mohamed Ben Nacer, founder of Zaouia Naciria in Tamgroute. Thanks to the student pavilion and the prayer room, the religious site was perfectly integrated into the design of the Kasbah.

Dades Valley or Dades Gorges:

The Dades Valley rises towards the mountains and offers enchanting landscapes with rocks of changing colors and the vision of strange rock formations known as the fingers of monkeys, they look like fingers and hands carved into the rock.

Tinghir City:

Tinghir is a small village inhabited by Berber tribes located in a beautiful oasis between two mountain ranges, the High and the Small Atlas. Pleasant walks along the paths that line the many canals allow you to enjoy the beauty of the lush gardens of palm trees enriched by cultivated fields and fruit trees. The Kasbah and the Ikelane madrasa, the Islamic theological school, are monuments that offer an interesting insight into the rich history of the south of the country.

Todra Gorges:

The Todra Gorges are a trench of gigantic rock walls that change color and cross the mountains of the High Atlas, creating a magnificent spectacle.
Many travelers arriving in Morocco visit the Todra Gorges from the south of the ‘Road of the Thousand Kasbahs’. It is an amazing road for trekking lovers.

How to get to Todra Gorges?

It is advisable to arrive in the town of Tinerhir to rely on expert guides or organized tours to visit the gorges.

Where to sleep?

For accommodation, it is advisable to sleep in the town of Tinerhir and use it as a starting point and return for the excursion or stay at the entrance of the gorges.

Merzouga Desert:

An expanse of dunes that extends to the eye, an unreachable horizon, and as the only sound the foot of a camel that sinks into the sand: Merzouga is the ideal starting point to live, the calm, the dream, and also a desert trekking like Excursion by 4×4, Quad Bike, Camel Trekking
This city in the south of Morocco, not far from the border with Algeria, has no monuments or historic buildings of importance but is one of the most visited in Morocco because from here start tours on foot, camel, or off-road to the great dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Atlas Film Studios:

Named for its proximity to the Atlas Mountains, a chain that stretches across North Africa, Atlas Film Studios are the largest film studios in the world. They cover an immense desert area and are located just eight kilometers from Ouarzazate, on the road to Marrakech. Atlas Film Studios is a popular tourist destination, partly because the grounds are littered with old movie sets, which are decaying in the harsh desert environment, but which create curiosity.

Ait Benhaddou Kasbah:

The fortified city, or Ksar, of Ait-Ben-Haddou is one of the 9 sites of Morocco that UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site. This beautiful Ksar is located along the road of trade that caravans traveled through the Sahara desert from Sudan to Marrakech and is a striking example of the ancient architecture of southern Morocco is a destination to be included in the your itinerary in Morocco.

Ounila Valley:

The first kilometers in the Ounila valley are a riot of colors and emotions: we remain enchanted by the first, true views of the High Atlas that stand out against the blue clear sky. It does not take us long to get to Telouet where the wonderful mosaics on the inner walls of the kasbah du Pacha El Glaoui clash with the state of decay in which lies much of the building from the outside seems totally in ruins.

Telouet Kasbah:

The Kasbah of Telouet, born as Kasbah Glaoui, from the name of the family dynasty that owned it, was built in 1860, right next to an old Kasbah of which remains today.

You will notice a “more modern” part that dates back to about 1920 and is built of stone and reinforced concrete, commissioned by Thami el Glaoui, the last of the Pacha of this dynasty who lived in the Kasbah.

High Atlas Mountains:

The Atlas Mountains is a mountain range in northwest Africa. It is south of the Mediterranean west and continues from west to east in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

The mountain range is largely the result of an alpine fold, except for the Southern Anti-Atlante, which has a Hercynian fold area. The fold is the result of the tectonic action of the African Plate against the Eurasian Plate.

The highest peaks exceed 4000 meters and on some of these peaks is eternal snow.

The area can be divided into several mountain ranges. The largest and most important are, roughly from west to east:

Anti-atlas (Morocco)
High Atlas Mountains (Morocco)
Middle Atlas (Morocco)

Marrakech or Marrakesh:

In Marrakech (or Marrakesh) it is forbidden to get bored. The colors, the architecture, the souks, the fiery sunsets, and the song of the muezzin are the aspects that attract millions of visitors every year. Important numbers, especially if you consider that the tourist part coincides with the Medina, the “old town”.

In the Ville Nouvelle, the “new part”, where the majority of the population lives (Marrakech has about 1 million inhabitants), apart from the Jardin Majorelle and a few other attractions, there is not much to see. But beyond the things to do on vacation, what strikes is humanity: from traders to snake charmers, through taxi drivers and the many Westerners who, thanks to the climate, have elected the city to their “retreat”, Marrakech is a real crossroads: First of all between its rural and commercial parts (only Casablanca has a greater number of commercial activities), and more generally between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, especially France, whose protectorate has greatly influenced the habits and customs of the citizens.

5 Days Tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech FAQs:

How to get to Merzouga?

Located 350 miles/ 560 kilometers east of Marrakech, Merzouga is relatively far away, the nearest town is Errachidia. If you want to avoid the long journey from Marrakech, you should fly instead via Royal Air Maroc to Errachidia Moulay Ali Cherif Airport. From there it is a two-hour drive to Merzouga.

How to get from Marrakech to Ouarzazate?

The fastest way to go from Marrakech to Ouarzazate is to drive which costs MAD 330 – MAD 490 and takes 3h 30m.

Is there a bus between Marrakech and Ouarzazate?

Yes, there is a direct bus that leaves from Marrakech and arrives in Ouarzazate. This Service departs three times a day and operate daily.

Can you go from Marrakech to Merzouga?

Although there are currently no direct flights between Merzouga and Marrakech, you can take a flight to the Red City to Ouarzazate or Errachidia. From there you can rent a taxi or take a bus line to your final destination in Merzouga.

Is Western Sahara worth a visit?

Well, it’s really worth it, if you plan well your trip will be the best adventure trip you’ve ever made. What does not make it an empty place are the oases, the casbahs, and the sand dunes scattered here and there, the petroglyphs that are found in various places, and especially their inhabitants.

Related tours: 5 Days from Ouarzazate to Marrakech Desert tour

Discover the southeast of Morocco! Start your dream journey to the incredible golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi from Ouarzazate airport or anywhere in Ouarzazate. read more