Day 1: Marrakech - Telouet - Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah - Skoura - Dades Gorges.

Tizi n Tichka - Depart from Marrakech around 07:30, traveling over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n Tichka pass at an altitude of 2260 meters. Enjoy stunning views of Berber villages and the majestic mountains. Before reaching the fortified Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, visit the beautiful Telouet Kasbah.

Kasbah du Pacha el Glaoui - Discover a hidden gem in the Atlas Mountains at 1800 meters elevation. Telouet Kasbah, located along the former caravan route from the Sahara to Marrakech, was the seat of the El Glaoui family’s power, also known as the Palace of Glaoui. Construction began in 1860 and continued over the years.
TICKET COST: 2 EUROS PER PERSON.

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou - Located 30 km before Ouarzazate, this fortified Kasbah was built in the 11th century along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Situated on a hill by the Ounila River, it features beautiful Kasbahs, though they suffer damage from rain and windstorms. Most residents now live in a modern village across the river, but about five families still reside within the Kasbah. Ait Benhaddou has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and has been featured in films like Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Gladiator (2000), and Alexander (2004).

Dades Gorges - Travel through the “1000 Kasbahs” route, with grand Kasbahs lining the road. Some are restored, while others remain in ruins. Visit Amridil Kasbah and pass through the Kelaa M’gouna valley, known for its roses and green landscapes of alfalfa, olive, fig, and grape plants. The valley hosts a national rose festival each April. Continue through the Dades Valley, originating in the High Atlas Mountains.

Dades Gorges - Todra Valley - Todra Gorges - Merzouga Desert.

Gargantas del Todra - Pass through Boumalen city on the edge of the Dades Valley, supporting a large Berber community with its rich agriculture. The Todgha Gorges, beyond the central High Atlas Mountains, offer landscapes reminiscent of Colorado, with high plateaus, gorges, and peaks. Some peaks exceed 4000 meters, including Jbel Saghro at 2500 meters and Jbel Mgoun at 4068 meters. Enjoy hiking among these stunning canyons.

Erfoud - Head to Erfoud, renowned for its pottery and fascinating fossil quarries. Fossils are a significant industry here, as the area was part of a vast ocean 350 million years ago.

Merzouga Desert - Journey to the red sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. From a vast plateau, marvel at the towering sand dunes of Merzouga. In the evening, embark on a camel ride for about an hour and a half to witness a breathtaking sunset amidst the high sand dunes. Spend the night in a Berber tented desert camp, enjoying a spectacular view of the stars.

Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif - Agdez - Oasis Fint - Ouarzazate.

Merzouga - Rise early to witness the magical sunrise, with the dunes’ colors and shadows creating a stunning spectacle. Return by camel or 4x4, then meet the driver to enjoy Gnaoua music in Khamlia village.

Khamlia Gnawa Music - Visit Khamlia, a village of nomadic Tuareg people. Stop by a nomadic family for tea and experience their lifestyle. Discover the nomadic life of the Tuareg in Alkhamliya, a village unchanged for centuries.

Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum - Explore Rissani and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, founder of the Alaouite Dynasty in the 17th century. This quiet town, once the capital of Tafilalet, was a major caravan center. Rissani remains a key commercial hub with a lively souk, especially on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Historically, it was known for leather and goat skin trading.

Alnif - After a three-hour drive from Rissani, stop in Alnif village for a break.

Nkob - Enjoy lunch in a panoramic restaurant overlooking the Saghro Valley.

Agdz - Take a quick break for restrooms, etc.

Oasis Fint - Discover the magical Oasis Fint, 10 km off-road from Ouarzazate. Forget the world and enjoy the serene views and tranquility. A guide will help explore the area’s history.

Ouarzazate - After visiting all the sights, check into a wonderful hotel in Ouarzazate by evening.

Merzouga - Alnif - Ouarzazate.

Taourirt Kasbah - Originally built in the 17th century by the Imzwarn family, the Kasbah was expanded by the Glaoui family in the 19th century. At its peak in the late 19th century, it controlled a strategic location at the confluence of several river valleys, part of the Saharan trade routes. Thami El Glaoui, a Glaoui family member, was the pasha of Marrakesh during French colonial rule. After the colonial era, the Kasbah was occupied by squatters and fell into decay. A portion was restored in the 1990s with UNESCO’s help and is now a historical attraction. It has appeared in films like Gladiator and Prince of Persia.

Ouarzazate - Known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” Ouarzazate is a city on a barren plateau south of the High Atlas Mountains. Inhabited mainly by Berbers, who built many of the area’s famous Kasbahs, including the Taourirt Kasbah. The city is a renowned film-making location, hosting Morocco’s largest studios and attracting international film companies for movies like Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Gladiator (2000).

Marrakech - Return to Marrakech and drop off at your accommodation, concluding the trip.

Ouarzazate - Marrakech.

Taourirt Kasbah - Built in the 17th century by the Imzwarn family, the Kasbah was expanded by the Glaoui family in the 19th century. At its height, it controlled a key location at the confluence of river valleys, part of the Saharan trade routes. Thami El Glaoui, a Glaoui family member, was the pasha of Marrakesh during French colonial rule. After the colonial era, the Kasbah was occupied by squatters and fell into decay. A portion was restored in the 1990s with UNESCO’s help and is now a historical attraction. It has appeared in films like Gladiator and Prince of Persia.

• Luxury Sleeping Camp and camel ride/4x4 in Sahara Merzouga.
• 1 hour guided tour of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah with a local guide.
• Pick-up / drop-off from your accommodation in Marrakech.
• Overnight stay at a hotel in Ouarzazate.
• 1h30 guided visit of Oasis Fint.
• Dinner included.
• Breakfast included.
• Overnight stay at a hotel in Dades Gorges.
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan/4WD with an English speaking driver.

• Gratuities (Optional)
• Lunch
• Carbonated beverages

What an amazing 5-Days Desert tour from Marrakech to Sahara, will allow you to explore the majestic Sahara desert. On this sahara tour you will absolutely have a unique and amazing desert experience. The Morocco desert tour will take you from the authenticity of Marrakech and take you the wildness of the desert to discover a completely new lifestyle and Berber people and culture.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.