5-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech – High Atlas & Erg Chebbi Adventure
Overview
5-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech – High Atlas & Erg Chebbi Adventure
Introduction
This 5-day journey takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, lush valleys, ancient kasbahs, and into the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. Experience camel trekking, starry nights in a desert camp, and the warm hospitality of Berber villages.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit historic kasbahs: Telouet and Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Explore Ouarzazate, Skoura Oasis, and Valley of Roses
- Walk in Dades and Todgha Gorges
- Sunset camel trek and overnight in a Sahara desert camp (Erg Chebbi)
- Discover Rissani, fossil workshops, and Draa Valley oases
Included
- ✔️ Licensed English-speaking guide
- ✔️ Transportation from/to Marrakech
- ✔️ Accommodation in guesthouses and desert camp
- ✔️ Meals as per itinerary
- ✔️ Camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes
Not Included
- ❌ Drinks & personal expenses
- ❌ Tips for guide or driver
- ❌ Travel insurance
Why Choose This Trip?
This 5-day tour is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of history, stunning landscapes, and desert adventure. Explore kasbahs, gorge valleys, and the Sahara, enjoy camel rides and overnight stays under the stars, all while experiencing authentic Berber hospitality.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Marrakech – Telouet – Aït Benhaddou
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Stop in the mountain village of Telouet to visit the historic Kasbah of the Glaoui, once the palace of Morocco’s powerful rulers. Continue through the colorful Ounila Valley before arriving at Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its mudbrick architecture and movie appearances (Gladiator, Game of Thrones). Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse overlooking the ksar.
Day 2 : Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dades Valley – Tinghir
After breakfast, drive to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” and visit the Atlas Film Studios. Continue to Skoura Oasis to explore palm groves and the Valley of Roses, where rosewater products are made. After lunch in the dramatic Dades Gorges, travel through spectacular mountain scenery before reaching Tinghir, a charming town near the Todgha Gorges. Overnight in a riad or guesthouse.
Day 3 : Tinghir – Todgha Gorges – Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi)
Take a morning walk in the Todgha Gorges, where 300 m cliffs tower above the valley floor. Visit a Berber carpet cooperative to learn about weaving traditions, then continue through desert towns to discover the ancient Khattarat underground irrigation system. By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, where camels await to take you across the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a sunset camel trek, dinner, live music, and a night under the stars in a desert camp.
Day 4 : Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Agdz (Draa Valley)
Wake early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, visit the town of Rissani, the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, and its traditional market. Continue to Alnif for lunch and stop at a fossil workshop along the way. In the afternoon, drive through striking desert landscapes toward Agdz, an oasis town in the Draa Valley lined with palm groves and kasbahs. Overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 5 : Agdz – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast, travel along the Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s most picturesque palm-filled valleys. Retrace your route via Ouarzazate and the High Atlas Mountains, arriving back in Marrakech by late afternoon.
FAQs
How can I book a tour on your website?
You can easily book any experience by selecting the tour you want, choosing your date, and clicking “Book Now”. Simply fill in your details and confirm your reservation.
Is my booking confirmed instantly?
Yes, once your reservation is completed, you will immediately receive a confirmation email with all the details of your tour.
Can I cancel or modify my booking?
Yes. Most tours offer free cancellation within a specific time window (24h, 48h, or 72h depending on the activity). Each tour page clearly mentions its cancellation policy.
Is transportation included in the tours?
Some activities include hotel pickup or transport from a meeting point. Please check the “Included” section on each tour page to see what is covered.
Are your tours suitable for families and children?
Most of our tours are family-friendly. However, certain activities may have age, height, or physical-condition requirements. These details are specified on each tour page.
Do you work with certified local guides?
Yes. All our tours are operated by professional, experienced, and certified local guides, ensuring a safe and high-quality experience.
What happens if the tour is cancelled by the operator?
If a tour is cancelled due to weather conditions, low participation, or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Can I pay in cash, and which currencies do you accept?
Yes, for selected tours we accept cash payments. You can pay in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD), US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), or British Pounds (£). The exact amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate at the time of payment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I book a tour on your website?
You can easily book any experience by selecting the tour you want, choosing your date, and clicking “Book Now”. Simply fill in your details and confirm your reservation.
Is my booking confirmed instantly?
Yes, once your reservation is completed, you will immediately receive a confirmation email with all the details of your tour.
Can I cancel or modify my booking?
Yes. Most tours offer free cancellation within a specific time window (24h, 48h, or 72h depending on the activity). Each tour page clearly mentions its cancellation policy.
Is transportation included in the tours?
Some activities include hotel pickup or transport from a meeting point. Please check the “Included” section on each tour page to see what is covered.
Are your tours suitable for families and children?
Most of our tours are family-friendly. However, certain activities may have age, height, or physical-condition requirements. These details are specified on each tour page.
Do you work with certified local guides?
Yes. All our tours are operated by professional, experienced, and certified local guides, ensuring a safe and high-quality experience.
What happens if the tour is cancelled by the operator?
If a tour is cancelled due to weather conditions, low participation, or unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Can I pay in cash, and which currencies do you accept?
Yes, for selected tours we accept cash payments. You can pay in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD), US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), or British Pounds (£). The exact amount will be calculated based on the exchange rate at the time of payment.
