5 Days Tour from Marrakech- High Atlas and Desert
Experience one of the most authentic Morocco desert tours from Marrakech. This 5 days tour from Marrakech combines the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, the remote Ait Bouguemez Valley (known as Morocco’s Happy Valley), the dramatic Dades Gorge, Todra Gorge, and the golden dunes of Merzouga in the Sahara Desert. Unlike standard desert tours, this itinerary takes you through traditional Amazigh villages, scenic mountain passes, lush valleys, and ancient kasbahs before reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Whether you are looking for a Morocco desert adventure, a cultural journey, or a scenic road trip from Marrakech, this tour offers a perfect combination of nature, local culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
Tour Highlights:
- Scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains
- Visit to Ouzoud Waterfalls and the “Happy Valley” of Ait Bougmez
- Explore Dades Valley and Todra Gorges
- Camel trek in the Sahara Desert at Merzouga
- Stay in a Berber desert camp under the stars
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, UNESCO World Heritage site
- Explore the Draa Valley palm oases and ancient Kasbahs
Program: 5 Days Tour from Marrakech- High Atlas and Desert
Day 1: Marrakech – Ouzoud waterfalls – Ait Bougmez valley
Our guide will pick you up at 08 from your riad/hotel to drive to the most spectacular waterfalls in Morocco. As we walk beside the pools there is a great opportunity to see the Barbary Apes. The walk leads to the base of the falls, offering an amazing view of the 300-meter drop. We continue to Azilal town, where we will have lunch before we take the scenic mountain road with many chances for photos. We reach the breathtaking Ait Bougmmez Valley, with its patchwork of cultivated fields and traditional Berber houses, set against stunning mountains. Night in a guest house.
Day 2: Ait Bougmez – Tizi n Ait imi – kallat Mgouna – Dades valley
Following breakfast on a sunny terrace with a lovely view, we will set off for a short walk in the fields before heading off the road to the pass of Tizi N Ait Imi 2910M, which has a panoramic view. The road takes us down to Mgoun Valley and up to Tizi N Ait Hamed 3050M. We pass through many villages to reach the valley of the Roses, which bloom in April and May. Our day ends about an hour later in the Dades Valley.
Day 3: Dades valley – Todgha gorges – Merzouga dunes
From Dades Valley we drive to Todra Gorges, a famous destination for rock climbing, we take a walk inside the fields and the gorges before we continue to drive towards Erg Chebbi along with arid landscapes and volcanic mountains of the Anti Atlas. Then we’ll head for the Erg Chebbi dunes. We start an hour of camel riding towards our camp in the middle of the dunes. Overnight in Berber camp
Day 4: Merzouga dunes – Draa Valley
We wake up early to see the sunrise over the dunes. Then ride the camels to where our driver will wait for us. Our journey starts towards the vast palm of Tafilalet through the town of Rissani (the root of the Alaouite dynasty and the ancient capital of Sultans Alaouite). Continue to Alnif lunch in the right place. Carry on the road via Tazarine, N’kob, and Tansihkt. From here we will take a short off the road which goes beside the palm trees of Draa Valley, it would be your chance again to see the Ksours and Kasbahs. Overnight in a Kasbah with an amazing view of the palm trees.
Day 5: Draa valley – Ait Ben Haddou- Tizi N Tichka – Marrakech
After breakfast, we start by crossing the anti-Atlas mountain towards Ouarzazate, a stop to visit the cinema studios. We continue to visit the UNESCO-protected site of Ait Ben Haddou. A most impressive Kasbahs and well-preserved Ighrem in Morocco. well-known as being the backbone of many Hollywood blockbusters. Leave Ait Ben Haddou and start heading towards the majestic Atlas Mountains. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the highest road pass in Morocco Tizi N Tichka 2260m high offering impressive views of valleys, mountains, and many Berber villages nearby. arrive in the evening.
End of your trip High Atlas and desert in 5 days tour.
What’s included in 5 Days Tour from Marrakech:
- Comfortable car or bus with A/C
- English-speaking driver
- Camel riding excursion in the Sahara Desert
- Free time to explore the sights and the landscape along the way
- 4 nights accommodations in a nice hotel & luxury Sahara camp
- Meals: 4 Breakfast- 4 dinners
- Pick up from your hotel/Riad/airport in Marrakech
- The drop off at your hotel in Marrakech
What’s excluded in 5 Days Tour from Marrakech
- Lunches and tips
- Accommodation in Marrakech
- Personal expenses
Packing List for 5-Day Tour from Marrakech
- Comfortable walking shoes and hiking boots
- Lightweight clothing for day, warm layers for evenings
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen
- Scarf or shawl for desert winds
- Water bottle and snacks
- Camera and extra memory cards
- Toiletries and personal medication
- Small backpack for day trips
- Optional: trekking poles for mountain walks
Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlas Mountains desert tour:
- How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?
The journey covers approximately 560 km and is divided over several days to allow time for sightseeing and cultural experiences.
- Is the camel trek included?
Yes, a sunset camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes is included.
- Can vegetarians join this tour?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan meals can be arranged upon request.
- Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, this tour is suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers.
- What is the best time for this tour?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures.
- What type of accommodations do we book:
We chose authentic guest houses in the Atlas Mountains and Dades Valley, while we booked a luxury desert camp in the Sahara and a traditional Kasbah in Nkob as below, upon availability.
- 1st night: Paradise guest house or similar
- 2nd night: Monkey Fingers guest house
- 3rd night: Sahara stars camp
- 4th night: Kasbah Baha Baha
