5 Days Tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Starting location
Ouarzazate
Tour's Duration
5 Days
Destination
Marrakech
This 5-day desert tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech offers a rich exploration of southern Morocco’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage. You will discover ancient kasbahs, vast valleys, dramatic gorges, and the iconic Sahara Desert. Travel along the legendary “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” explore the breathtaking Rose, Dades, Ziz, and Draa Valleys, and cross both the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi N’tichka pass (2,260m). The tour concludes in the vibrant city of Marrakech.
- Visit historic Kasbah Amridil in Skoura
- Explore the Rose Valley and Dades Gorge
- Walk through the Todra Gorges and drive via Tinghir palm groves
- Camel ride at sunset in Merzouga desert
- Sleep under the stars at Erg Chebbi desert camp
- Drive through the Draa Valley, passing Nkob and Agdez back to Ouarzazate
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage site Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and Atlas Studios
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains and end in Marrakech
Detailled Itineray
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Kasbah Amridil – Rose Valley – Boumalne Dades – Dades Gorges – Tinghir
After breakfast, your guide picks you up from your accommodation. Begin by visiting the Kasbah Amridil in Skoura oasis. Then drive along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” through the fragrant Rose Valley to Boumalne Dades. Explore the spectacular Dades Gorges and enjoy panoramic views. You’ll spend the night in Tinghir with dinner and accommodation in a hotel or riad.
Day 2: Todra Gorges – Tinjdad – Erfoud – Rissani – Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes (Merzouga)
After breakfast, visit the Todra Gorge with its towering orange cliffs, popular among climbers. Enjoy the lush palm and almond tree landscapes of the Todra Valley. Continue driving through the Ziz Valley and the towns of Errachidia, Tinjdad, Erfoud, and Rissani, where you’ll stop for lunch. Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon and spend the night at a hotel or riad.
Day 3: Desert Tour – Merzouga Lake – Khamlia – Nomad Family – Camel Trekking & Overnight Desert Camp
Explore the Erg Chebbi dunes, visit Merzouga Lake (seasonal), and watch birds such as flamingos and ducks in spring. Visit Khamlia village to enjoy traditional Gnawa music. Take an off-road tour to the nearby “black desert” and fossil sites. Meet a nomadic Berber family and learn about their lifestyle. Enjoy a delicious lunch in Khamlia, then embark on a camel trek to the desert camp. Experience a magical sunset and enjoy dinner with Berber music. Overnight under the stars in the desert camp.
Continue to Midelt for lunch and then drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Azrou’s Cedar Forest, where you can see wild Barbary macaques. Stop briefly in Ifrane, known as “the Switzerland of Morocco,” before arriving in Fes in the evening. Your tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation in Fes.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – N’kob – Tazarine – Agdez – Ouarzazate
Wake early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast and shower, camel ride back to Merzouga town. Drive to Ouarzazate via Rissani, where you can explore its famous traditional souk (best on Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday). Continue through Alnif, Tazarine, and N’kob with a lunch stop. Drive along the beautiful Draa Valley lined with kasbahs and palm groves, passing Agdez and crossing the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Ouarzazate – Atlas Studios – Ait Benhaddou Kasbah – Ounila Valley – Telouet Kasbah – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast, visit the famous Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate. Then explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a 17th-century fortified village featured in many films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Continue along the scenic Ounila Valley to Telouet village to visit Telouet Kasbah, former residence of the powerful El Glaoui family. Enjoy lunch locally. Then cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’tichka Pass (2,260m) with photo stops at panoramic viewpoints. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon and get dropped off at your accommodation, marking the end of your tour.
Included
- Depends on the tour: Private or shared air-conditioned vehicles (4×4, minivan, minibus)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Multilingual driver/guide (English, French, Spanish)
- Camel trekking (only in desert tours)
- Hotel or traditional riad stays (3-star, 4-star, or luxury options)
- Daily breakfast and dinners (depending on the type of accommodation you choose)
Excluded
- Flights to/from Morocco
- Lunches and drinks
- Optional Activities & Extras
- Tips & Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
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