5-Day Marrakech Desert Circuit Tour
Embark on an unforgettable adventure. Discover Marrakech desert tour and 5-day Morocco itinerary.
5-Day Marrakech Desert Circuit Tour
Experience Morocco's diverse landscapes on this 5-day journey from Marrakech through the Sahara Desert, ancient kasbahs, and dramatic gorges.
Departure
Marrakech
Duration
5 Days
Arrival
Marrakech
Overview
Embark on a comprehensive 5-day private tour that showcases the best of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This carefully crafted circular journey begins and ends in Marrakech, taking you through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, dramatic gorges, and the enchanting Sahara Desert.
Experience the magic of camel trekking across golden sand dunes, sleep under the stars in a desert camp, explore traditional Berber villages, and witness breathtaking natural wonders along the way. This immersive adventure provides a perfect blend of cultural encounters, historical exploration, and natural beauty.
Itinerary
Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley
Morning Departure
- →Early morning pickup from your Marrakech accommodation
- →Traverse the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2,260m)
- →Enjoy panoramic views of mountains, traditional villages, and changing landscapes
Ait Ben Haddou
- →Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- →Explore this ancient fortified village with a local guide
- →Learn about the kasbah’s architecture and history as a crucial trading post
- →Optional lunch at a local restaurant with panoramic views
Ouarzazate and Dades Valley
- →Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”
- →Drive through the picturesque Valley of Roses
- →Arrive in the dramatic Dades Valley with its unique rock formations
- →Overnight stay in a comfortable guest house with dinner included
Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga
Dades Valley Exploration
- →After breakfast, explore the Dades Valley and its fascinating rock formations
- →See the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock structures
- →Opportunity for a short hike to appreciate the valley’s beauty
Todra Gorges
- →Continue to the spectacular Todra Gorges
- →Walk through this impressive limestone canyon with walls rising up to 300m
- →Time to explore and photograph this natural wonder
- →Stop for lunch at a local restaurant at the base of the gorge
Sahara Desert Experience
- →Drive to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert
- →Meet your camel caravan for a sunset trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- →Enjoy the changing colors of the dunes as the sun sets
- →Arrive at a traditional desert camp for dinner and overnight stay
- →Experience Berber music around a campfire and stargazing in the clear desert sky
Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
Desert Sunrise
- →Return to Merzouga by camel for breakfast
- →Freshen up and prepare for the day’s journey
Rissani and Berber Villages
- →Visit Rissani, once the major caravan center and gateway to the Sahara
- →Explore the traditional souk (market) with its diverse offerings
- →Continue through the Berber villages of Alnif and Nkob
- →Witness authentic rural Moroccan life and traditional architecture
Draa Valley to Ouarzazate
- →Drive along the stunning Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river
- →Pass through lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs
- →Stop for photo opportunities and to appreciate the scenery
- →Arrive in Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight accommodation
Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
Ouarzazate Film Studios
- →After breakfast, visit the famous Atlas Film Studios
- →Tour the sets of many famous movies filmed in this “Hollywood of Africa”
- →Learn about Morocco’s important role in international film production
- →Optional visit to Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
Return Journey to Marrakech
The return journey through the High Atlas Mountains offers different perspectives and views compared to the outbound journey. Keep your camera ready for more stunning landscapes.
- →Begin the journey back to Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains
- →Stop at panoramic viewpoints along the Tizi-n-Tichka pass
- →Lunch break at a local restaurant with mountain views
- →Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon
- →Check in to your Marrakech accommodation
- →Free evening to relax or explore Marrakech at your leisure
Marrakech – Departure
Final Day in Marrakech
- →Breakfast at your accommodation
- →Free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Marrakech
- →Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport according to your flight schedule
- →End of our services with fond memories of your Moroccan adventure
If your flight departs later in the day, we can arrange a guided tour of Marrakech’s main attractions, including the Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, and the vibrant souks of the medina.
What’s Included
- ✓Private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver/guide
- ✓4 nights accommodation (3 nights in hotels/riads, 1 night in desert camp)
- ✓Daily breakfast and dinner
- ✓Camel trekking in the Sahara Desert (1 camel per person)
- ✓Local guides in Ait Ben Haddou
- ✓Overnight stay in a desert camp with private facilities
- ✓Visit to Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate
- ✓Pick-up and drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation
- ✓All taxes and service fees
What’s Not Included
- ×Flights to/from Morocco
- ×Lunches and beverages during meals
- ×Entrance fees to monuments and attractions (approximately $5-10 per site)
- ×Tips and gratuities (recommended: $5-10 per day for driver, $2-3 for local guides)
- ×Personal expenses and souvenirs
- ×Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Tour Highlights
High Atlas Mountains
Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass
UNESCO World Heritage
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou kasbah
Todra Gorges
Walk through the impressive limestone canyons of Todra Gorges
Dades Valley
Marvel at the unique rock formations in the beautiful Dades Valley
Camel Trek
Experience a sunset camel trek through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
Desert Camp
Spend a magical night under the stars in a desert camp
Film Studios
Visit the famous Atlas Film Studios in the 'Hollywood of Africa'
Draa Valley
Travel through the lush Draa Valley with its ancient kasbahs and palm groves
Good to Know
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant temperatures
Summer (June-August) can be extremely hot in the desert regions
Winter (December-February) can be cold at night but offers fewer tourists
Accommodation Options
Standard: Comfortable 3-star hotels and traditional riads
Luxury: 4 and 5-star accommodations with enhanced amenities
Desert camp features comfortable beds, private facilities, and traditional decoration
What to Pack
Comfortable clothing with layers for varying temperatures
Sturdy walking shoes for desert and mountain terrain
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Light jacket or fleece for cool evenings, especially in the desert
Camera with extra batteries for capturing memories
Tour Customization
This tour can be customized based on your preferences. Options include:
Upgraded accommodations throughout the journey
Additional activities like quad biking in the desert
Extended stays in locations of particular interest
Guided tour of Marrakech before or after the desert circuit
Secure Your Adventure
Reserve your spot today with no payment required. Limited availability - our tours often sell out weeks in advance.
