5-Day Marrakech Desert Tour

Dates, teapot, cup with tea near the fire in the desert with a beautiful background. Ramadan Kareem

lighting shop in the souk of marrakech, Morocco

Beautiful girl at traditional carpet shop in Goreme city, Cappadocia in Turkey.

Fes, Morocco. October 10, 2021. Man cutting leather with knife at tannery next to brims of old stone water baths

extreme-long-shot-two-people-sitting-top-dune

5-day Desert Tour Marrakech adventure starting with a journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and the Dades Valley, exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou, and cinematic landmarks like the Atlas & CLA Studios. Traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Todgha Gorges and Erfoud, immersing in Berber culture, before venturing into the Sahara Desert for a camel ride and camping experience under the starlit skies. Explore the Erg Chebbi area, visit quaint villages like Khamlia and Rissani, and marvel at the majestic scenery of Todgha Gorges before returning to Ouarzazate. Conclude your journey with a scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech, where memories of this unforgettable desert odyssey await.

Day 1: Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Commencing after breakfast, the 5-day Marrakech Desert Tour commences with a hotel pickup, marking the onset of our adventure. Departing from Marrakech, our route leads us towards the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou, traversing through the lofty heights of Tizi Ntichka at 2260m above sea level. Ait Ben Hadou, a fortified village (Ksar), presents a breathtaking spectacle. A traditional lunch awaits at a local restaurant in Ait Benhaddou, followed by a visit to Ouarzazate, where we explore Kasbah Taourirte and the renowned Atlas & CLA Studios, dubbed the “Hollywood of Africa” for its starring role in iconic movies like Lawrence of Arabia and Sahara.

As the afternoon progresses, we journey to Boumalne Dades via the picturesque Valley of the Roses, celebrated for its abundant rose cultivation, yielding perfumes, rose water, and cosmetics. The day culminates at a quaint hotel nestled in the Dades Valley, where dinner and accommodation await, providing a serene retreat for the night.

Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todgha Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga – Camel Ride

Following a satisfying breakfast, your expedition unfolds towards the Sahara Desert. En route, you’ll traverse the famed “Road of 1000 Kasbahs,” passing through Berber villages that dot the landscape. A highlight awaits at Todgha Gorges, a mesmerizing array of limestone river canyons nestled in the eastern High Atlas Mountains. Pause in Tinejdad to immerse in a Berber village renowned for its palm groves, and in Jorf, witness the historic irrigation canal.

Continuing onward, Erfoud beckons, a southern Moroccan town where you’ll delve into the world of fossil artisans and peruse the vibrant date market. The climax of your journey arrives at the brink of Erg Chebbi dunes, commencing a captivating camel trek into the heart of the Sahara. Traverse the sands to a tranquil oasis nestled amidst the dunes.

Nightfall brings an enchanting camping experience in a Nomad Berber Tent, where the rhythm of drums and the flicker of campfires illuminate the cultural essence. Savor dinner under the vast Saharan canopy, by the warmth of the fire, or within the cozy confines of the restaurant tent, as stars adorn the night sky.

Day 3: Merzouga – Khamlia – Rissani – Erg Chebbi

After enjoying breakfast, embark on a captivating tour of the Erg Chebbi region, starting with a visit to Khamlia, a desert village nestled amidst the towering dunes. Here, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture as you step into a traditional Berber home, where the soul-stirring rhythms of Gnawa music, originating from West Africa, will enchant you. Explore the remnants of deserted mines and stroll through the serene Oasis of Palm Trees. Your journey continues to the picturesque oasis town of Rissani, hailed as the heart of Tafilalet and a quintessential slice of authentic Morocco. Delve into its bustling market, renowned for its array of jewelry, spices, art, and crafts, before indulging in a delectable lunch featuring the famed Moroccan pizza, “Medfouna.”

In the afternoon, return to your hotel in Merzouga to prepare for the highlight of your adventure – a camel ride back to the desert camp in Erg Chebbi. As the sun sets, relish the tranquility of the desert landscape and spend another magical night beneath the shimmering canopy of stars.

Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Todgha Gorges – Ouarzazate

Following a delightful sunrise breakfast, we’ll dismantle our camp and embark on a camel ride, retracing our steps out of the desert to our initial starting point. Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to freshen up with a shower and enjoy another hearty breakfast before gathering your belongings in preparation for our journey towards Dades. En route, we’ll make several captivating stops, including a visit to the irrigation canal in Jorf and a memorable exploration of the Todgha Gorges, renowned as the tallest gorges in Morocco. Our journey will also lead us through the enchanting Valley of Roses, where we’ll pause to visit a women’s cooperative showcasing an array of rose-based products and other organic treasures. As the day unfolds, we’ll arrive in Ouarzazate in the afternoon, where we’ll settle into our accommodations for the night and relish a delicious dinner.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After enjoying your morning breakfast, you’ll commence your journey to Marrakech, traversing the majestic Atlas Mountains. En route, a picturesque stop awaits at the charming Berber village of Taddart, where you’ll relish a panoramic lunch amidst breathtaking surroundings. Following this delightful break, your voyage to Marrakech resumes. Upon reaching the vibrant city, you’ll be escorted to your hotel, marking the culmination of your enriching 5-day Desert Tour Marrakech. With this, we conclude our services, hoping your memories of this adventure linger for years to come.