This private 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour is for travellers who want real time in the Sahara, not just a single night. Most short desert trips give you one evening in the Sahara and leave after breakfast. This 5 day desert tour from Marrakech gives you two nights at Merzouga and a whole day in between, with nowhere you have to be. You can explore Erg Chebbi by 4×4, visit a music village, climb a dune at your own pace, or simply rest in the shade with a mint tea.
On the first day you walk up through the Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of earthen houses on the old caravan route.
The rest of the route is planned around the same idea of time. You sleep in the Dades Valley on the way out and in Ouarzazate on the way back. On the last day, instead of the main road, you take the quiet Ounila Valley past Telouet before joining the Tichka pass to Marrakech. It is a private tour, with your own vehicle and English-speaking driver.
Check availability & get a quote · Ask on WhatsApp: +212 667 850 421
5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour at a glance
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Start / finish | Marrakech — pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation |
| Style | Private |
| Transport | Air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus |
| Overnights | Dades Valley · Erg Chebbi camp · Merzouga (camp or kasbah hotel — your choice) · Ouarzazate |
| Meals | 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners (lunch not included) |
| Longest driving day | About 6–7 h (day 1 and day 4), before stops |
| Desert time | Two nights and one full day |
| Price | €660 per person for 2 travellers (€1,320 in total) — less per person in larger groups |
Why choose a 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour?
Because one night is not much time in the desert. On a 3-day trip you arrive at sunset, sleep and leave after sunrise. Here you also get a full day: morning light, a long lunch, an afternoon on the dunes and a second sunset.
Because the camp is not the only option. For the second night, you choose: stay in the dunes again, or move to a kasbah hotel at the edge of Erg Chebbi with a proper shower, a pool in warm months [CONFIRM] and a real bed after a camp night.
Because the return is easier and different. Instead of one 10-hour drive, the trip back is split with a night in Ouarzazate. On the final morning, the Ounila Valley road shows you earthen villages and green terraces that the main highway never passes.
Highlights
- Two nights in the Merzouga area, one in a private tent at Mouhou Luxury Camp
- A free day in the Sahara with optional 4×4 tour, Khamlia music village or simply rest
- Aït Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed ksar, on the way out
- Dades and Todra gorges
- N’Kob, Agdz and the Draa Valley on the way back
- The Ounila Valley and a view of the Telouet kasbah on the last day
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dades Valley
Approx. 320–350 km · 6–7 h of driving plus stops · Overnight: Dades Valley · Meals: dinner
Morning pick-up in Marrakech [CONFIRM time]. You cross the High Atlas on the main Tichka road (photo stop near the pass) — you will return on a different road on day five. Visit Aït Ben Haddou on foot, from the riverbed up to the old granary [CONFIRM local guide]. Lunch nearby, not included. Continue past Ouarzazate (pass through) and the Skoura palm oasis (photo stop) to the Valley of Roses and the Dades Valley. Dinner and night in a hotel or riad such as Riad Gabsi or Ksar Sultan, or similar [CONFIRM].
Day 2: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Merzouga – Camel trek
Approx. 280 km · about 5 h of driving plus stops · Overnight: Mouhou Luxury Camp · Meals: breakfast, dinner
Start with a short drive into the Dades Gorge for the “Monkey Fingers” formations (photo stop). Then Todra Gorge near Tinghir: a walk along the stream between walls roughly 300 m high (visit). Lunch nearby, not included. The road continues east through Tinjdad and Erfoud (pass through) to Merzouga.
At the edge of the dunes you take a small bag and begin the camel trek to camp — about [CONFIRM camel ride duration, approx. 1–1.5 h] — in time for sunset. A 4×4 transfer is available if you cannot ride. Dinner, campfire and Berber drumming, then your private tent with its own shower and toilet.
Day 3: A full day in the Sahara
Little or no driving unless you choose an excursion · Overnight: camp or kasbah hotel · Meals: breakfast, dinner
After sunrise and breakfast, the day is yours. Choose what suits you; tell us in advance so we can plan:
- 4×4 tour around Erg Chebbi (optional [CONFIRM if included or extra]): a loop around the dunes with stops at places such as Khamlia, a nomad area and small oases [CONFIRM stops]. More details on our Merzouga 4×4 desert tour around Erg Chebbi page.
- Khamlia (optional): a village known for Gnawa music, where musicians often play for visitors.
- Sandboarding or quad biking (optional, extra cost [CONFIRM which activities we operate]).
- Rest. Read in the shade, walk the dunes in the late afternoon, and watch your second sunset.
Second night — your choice: – Stay at the camp for a second night under the stars, or – Move to a kasbah hotel in Merzouga such as Kasbah Le Berger or Riad Madu, or similar [CONFIRM], for a more comfortable night before the drive west.
Note that in midsummer, the middle of the day is very hot (often above 40 °C), so most activity happens early and late. In winter, a hotel night can be warmer than a second night in camp [CONFIRM camp heating].
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – N’Kob – Agdz – Ouarzazate
Approx. 370 km · about 6 h of driving plus stops · Overnight: Ouarzazate · Meals: breakfast, dinner
Head south-west to Rissani, the old Tafilalt market town (short visit; busiest on souk days, traditionally Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday [verify]). Pass Alnif, a region known for fossils, and stop for photos among the kasbahs of N’Kob. Lunch on the way, not included. The road then follows the palm groves of the Draa Valley at Agdz (photo stop) and crosses a low pass to Ouarzazate. Dinner and night at a riad such as Riad Amlal or Dar Chamaa, or similar [CONFIRM]. If you arrive early, you can visit Taourirt Kasbah or Atlas Studios (optional, entry fees extra [CONFIRM]).
Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ounila Valley – Telouet – Tichka – Marrakech
Approx. driving time [CONFIRM, roughly 5–6 h including stops] · Overnight: none · Meals: breakfast
Instead of the main road, today you drive north up the Ounila Valley: earthen villages, almond and walnut trees, red cliffs and terraced fields along the river (photo stops). The road reaches Telouet, where the old kasbah of the Glaoui family stands above the village. Since the 2023 earthquake its condition has changed, so we view it from outside, and visit inside only if it is open and safe [CONFIRM]. From Telouet you join the Tichka road and descend to Marrakech, arriving in the afternoon [CONFIRM typical arrival time].
Road note: the Ounila Valley road is narrower than the main highway. In heavy rain, snow or if repairs are under way, your driver may use the main Tichka road for the whole way instead [CONFIRM current road condition].
What you visit and what you pass
| Place | Day | Type of stop |
|---|---|---|
| Tizi n’Tichka (main road) | 1 | Photo stop |
| Aït Ben Haddou | 1 | Visit |
| Skoura, Ouarzazate | 1 | Photo stop / pass through |
| Dades Gorge | 2 | Photo stop |
| Todra Gorge | 2 | Visit |
| Erg Chebbi | 2–4 | Camel trek, two nights, full day |
| Khamlia, 4×4 loop | 3 | Optional |
| Rissani | 4 | Short visit |
| Alnif, N’Kob, Agdz | 4 | Pass through / photo stops |
| Ouarzazate | 4–5 | Overnight; inside visits optional |
| Ounila Valley | 5 | Scenic drive, photo stops |
| Telouet kasbah | 5 | View from outside (inside only if open [CONFIRM]) |
Where you sleep
| Night | Place | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dades Valley | Riad Gabsi or Ksar Sultan, or similar [CONFIRM] |
| 2 | Erg Chebbi | Mouhou Luxury Camp — private tent with own shower and toilet |
| 3 | Merzouga | Second camp night or kasbah hotel such as Kasbah Le Berger or Riad Madu [CONFIRM] |
| 4 | Ouarzazate | Riad Amlal or Dar Chamaa, or similar [CONFIRM] |
Price and how it is calculated
The price of this private tour depends on:
- Group size — vehicle and driver are shared by your group only, so the price per person falls as your group grows.
- Night 3 choice — camp or kasbah hotel [CONFIRM if price differs].
- Season — spring, autumn and holidays are busiest [CONFIRM].
- Optional activities — 4×4 tour, quad, sandboarding, guides, entry fees.
| Group size | Price per person (private) |
|---|---|
| 1 traveller | €1,160 |
| 2 travellers | €660 |
| 3–4 travellers | €410–€494 |
| 5–6 travellers | €327–€360 |
| 7+ travellers | On request |
Children: [CONFIRM child pricing]. Solo travellers: [CONFIRM single supplement]. Deposit: [CONFIRM deposit %]. Payment methods: [CONFIRM]. Cancellation: [CONFIRM cancellation policy]. We send a written quote; there is no online checkout.
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned vehicle, fuel and road taxes
- English-speaking driver for five days
- Nights in the Dades Valley and Ouarzazate (private rooms)
- 1 night in a private tent with own shower and toilet at Mouhou Luxury Camp
- Night 3 at the camp or a kasbah hotel in Merzouga
- Camel trek to and from camp (or 4×4 transfer)
- 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- Campfire with Berber drum music
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Optional activities on day 3 unless agreed in your quote [CONFIRM]
- Entry fees and local guides [CONFIRM]
- Tips
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Is this tour right for you?
Choose it if you want to feel the desert, not just visit it; travel with children or older relatives who need a slower pace; love photography (two sunsets, two sunrises); or want to see the Ounila Valley.
Consider something else if you are short on time — the 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour (no road repeated) keeps the relaxed return without the extra desert day, and the 3-day private desert trip is the fastest comfortable option. Continuing to Fes? See the 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour at a slower pace.
Practical tips
- Best months: March–May and September–November. In June–August, plan the free desert day around early mornings and evenings.
- Winter: nights in the desert can approach freezing from December to February; Tichka can have snow.
- Packing: small overnight bag for camp; warm layer; sunglasses; scarf; closed shoes for dune walks; power bank.
- Cash: dirhams for lunches, optional activities, musicians, tips and Rissani market.
- Children: the free day and shorter driving days make this a good family option.
- Food: vegetarian and vegan meals on request.
Frequently asked questions
Do we sleep in the camp both nights?
You choose. Night two is always at Mouhou Luxury Camp. For night three you can stay at camp again or move to a kasbah hotel in Merzouga. Tell us your choice when you ask for a quote.
What is there to do on the full desert day?
Optional activities include a 4×4 tour around Erg Chebbi, a visit to the Gnawa music village of Khamlia, and other activities such as sandboarding or quad biking [CONFIRM which are offered]. Many travellers mix one activity with rest.
Are the day 3 activities included in the price?
[CONFIRM which activities are included.] Your quote lists clearly what is included and what is extra.
Can we go inside the Telouet kasbah?
The kasbah was affected by the 2023 earthquake. We plan to view it from outside and only go inside if it is open and safe to visit [CONFIRM].
Why stop in Ouarzazate on the way back?
It breaks the return into two comfortable days and puts you close to the Ounila Valley road for the final morning.
Is the Ounila Valley road suitable in all weather?
It is narrower than the main road. In bad weather or during road works, your driver uses the main Tichka road instead, for safety [CONFIRM].
Related tours
- 4-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour (No Road Repeated)
- 3-Day Desert Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga (Private)
- 5-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour at a Slower Pace
- Merzouga 4×4 Desert Tour Around Erg Chebbi
- Compare all Marrakech desert tours (2 to 5 days)
Planning your 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour
To plan the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour around you, send us your accommodation in Marrakech, the ages of any children, your choice for night three, and what you would like to do on the free desert day.
Packing for two desert nights
Two nights in the dunes need a little more than one. For the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour, pack a small bag with:
- A change of clothes and a warm layer
- A scarf, hat, sunglasses and sun cream
- Sandals for the dunes and closed shoes for the gorges
- A power bank and a refillable bottle
More questions about the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour
What time does the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour leave Marrakech?
Usually in the morning [CONFIRM time]. If your riad is deep in the medina, we meet you at the nearest point a car can reach.
Can the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour start from Marrakech airport?
Yes, on request [CONFIRM]. Day 1 is long, so an early flight or a night in Marrakech first works best.
Is the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour good for families?
Yes. The free day and shorter driving days suit children. Tell us their ages so we can discuss car seats [CONFIRM].
Can a solo traveller book the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour?
Yes. It is a private tour, so one traveller pays for the vehicle alone [CONFIRM single supplement].
Is the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour suitable for older travellers?
Yes. Driving days are shorter than on faster routes, and a 4×4 can replace the camel ride.
Can we add a night to the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour?
Yes. A night in Aït Ben Haddou or the Dades Valley is a common choice [CONFIRM].
Is there phone signal in the dunes?
Signal can be weak at camp and in the mountains, but works in most towns [CONFIRM Wi-Fi at camp and hotels].
How far ahead should we book the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour?
For spring, autumn and holidays, a few weeks ahead is best, because the camp and riads fill up [CONFIRM].
Does the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour run in summer?
Yes. In June to August, we plan the desert day around early mornings and evenings.
Can we do the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour in winter?
Yes. Days are often sunny, but nights are cold and Tichka can have snow, so pack warm clothes.
Can we bring a drone?
Morocco restricts drones, and they can be held at customs. We suggest leaving yours at home.
Is the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour good for photography?
Yes: two sunsets, two sunrises, the gorges and the Ounila Valley give plenty of variety in light and landscape.
Can we finish the 5 day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour at the airport?
Possibly, if your flight is late enough. Send us the time and we will advise [CONFIRM].
Plan your five days
Send us your dates, group size and whether you prefer camp or hotel for night three. We reply with a full itinerary and quote.
- WhatsApp or phone: +212 667 850 421 (8:30–20:00 Morocco time)
- Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]
- Contact form: Check availability & get a quote
We are a local company founded by Sahara natives from Merzouga, and the desert is where we are based.
[INSERT VERIFIED REVIEW WIDGET / LINK – e.g., TripAdvisor or Google profile]
