Explore the Sahara: 5 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech
Author:
Alyssa Faraji
Published:
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, a Marrakech desert tour is a perfect way to experience the beauty and diversity of Morocco. With a variety of routes and itineraries to choose from, you can explore the rugged landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, visit ancient kasbahs and villages, and immerse yourself in the culture of the Berber people.
During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to ride camels across the vast dunes of the Sahara, watch the sunset over the desert, and spend the night in a traditional Berber camp. You’ll also have the chance to visit the stunning Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Morocco, a 5-day Morocco desert tour is an experience you’ll never forget. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and delicious local cuisine, you’ll have everything you need to make the most of your adventure in this magical country.
If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you through the heart of Morocco, a 5 day desert tour is an excellent option. During this 5 days desert tour, you’ll travel through the High Atlas mountains, visit traditional Berber villages, explore ancient kasbahs, and spend a night in the Sahara Desert.
What to Expect
During the 5 day desert tour, you can expect to experience the beauty and diversity of Morocco. You’ll travel through stunning landscapes, including the High Atlas mountains and the vast sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet local Berber people and learn about their culture and way of life.
This tour is perfect for those who are looking for an adventure and want to experience the beauty and culture of Morocco. It’s also a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and explore the stunning natural landscapes of the country.
Itinerary
The itinerary for the 5 day desert tour varies depending on the tour operator you choose. However, most tours follow a similar route, which includes:
Day 1: Marrakech – Dades Valley
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
During the tour, you’ll visit iconic sites such as Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the stunning landscapes of the Sahara Desert. You’ll also have the opportunity to ride camels, stay in traditional Berber camps, and try delicious Moroccan cuisine.
Day 1
Our desert tour from Marrakech starts today! I’m so excited to explore the stunning landscapes of Morocco’s Sahara Desert. Here’s what we have planned for Day 1:
Departure from Marrakech
I woke up early this morning to meet our driver who picked me up from my hotel in Marrakech. After a quick breakfast, we set off on our journey towards the desert. We drove through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka, which goes up to 2260m, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
As we continued our journey, we passed by several small Berber villages and towns, each with its unique charm and character. I couldn’t help but marvel at the natural beauty of the Moroccan countryside.
Ait Ben Haddou
Our first major stop of the day was at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fortified ksar with its beautiful kasbahs. This ancient village is one of the most impressive examples of earthen architecture in the world, and it has been used as a backdrop for many famous movies and TV shows, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
We spent a few hours exploring the village and learning about its history and culture. We walked through the narrow alleys and climbed up to the top of the hill to get a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The views were simply breathtaking, and I felt like I was transported back in time to a different era.
After our visit to Ait Ben Haddou, we continued our journey towards the Dades Valley, where we spent the night in a traditional Berber guesthouse. I can’t wait to see what Day 2 has in store for us!
Day 2
Ouarzazate
On the second day of my 5-day desert tour from Marrakech, we left our hotel in Dades Valley and continued our journey towards Ouarzazate. Known as the “door of the desert,” Ouarzazate is a city located in the middle of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. It is a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, such as Game of Thrones and Gladiator.
We visited the Taourirt Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kasbah is a fortified village that was once home to the Glaoui family, who ruled the region during the 20th century. The Kasbah has been restored and is now open to the public, offering a glimpse into the traditional architecture and way of life of the Berber people.
Dades Valley
After our visit to Ouarzazate, we drove back to Dades Valley, where we spent the night in a traditional Berber camp. The camp was located in the middle of the desert, surrounded by sand dunes palm trees and rocky mountains.
We had dinner around a campfire and listened to traditional Berber music. The night sky was clear, and we could see the stars shining brightly above us. It was a magical experience that I will never forget.
The Berber people are known for their hospitality, and our hosts made sure that we were comfortable and well-fed. We slept in comfortable tents and woke up early the next morning to watch the sunrise over the desert.
The Dades Valley is a beautiful region that is known for its stunning landscapes and traditional Berber villages. It is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Morocco.
Day 3
As we woke up early in the morning, we were greeted by the beautiful sunrise over the sandy desert below. It was a breathtaking sight and a perfect start to our day. We had breakfast in the desert camp before we headed towards our next destination.
Todgha Gorge
Our first stop was the Todgha Gorge, a stunning canyon that is popular among tourists. We walked through the narrow canyon and admired the towering rock walls on both sides. The sound of the river flowing through the gorge was soothing and calming.
We also had the opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their culture and way of life. They were friendly and welcoming, and we enjoyed our time with them.
Merzouga
After our visit to the Todgha Gorge, a luxury desert camp we continued our journey towards Merzouga, a small town located on the edge of the Sahara desert. We had lunch at a local restaurant before we went on a camel ride to explore the desert.
As we rode on the camels, we were amazed by the vastness and beauty of the desert. The sand dunes were spectacular, and we felt like we were in a different world. We also had the opportunity to watch the sunset over the desert, which was a magical experience.
At night, we stayed in a desert camp, where we had dinner and enjoyed traditional music and dance performances. It was a perfect end to our day.
Day 4
On the fourth day of my 5-day desert tour from Marrakech, I woke up early in my Berber tent in the Erg Chebbi dunes. The sunrise over the sand dunes was a breathtaking sight to behold.
Erg Chebbi
Erg Chebbi is a beautiful and vast sea of sand dunes located in the southeastern part of Morocco, near the Algerian border. The dunes can reach up to 150 meters in height and stretch over an area of 28 kilometers. The Erg Chebbi dunes are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, and for good reason. The landscape is simply stunning, and the silence and solitude of the desert are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Camel Trek
After breakfast, I went on a first camel trekking through the dunes. Riding a camel was a unique and unforgettable experience. The camels were friendly and well-behaved, and the guides were knowledgeable and attentive. We rode for about an hour, stopping occasionally to take pictures and enjoy the scenery. The views from the top of the dunes were incredible, and I felt like I was on top of the world.
After the camel trek, we returned to the camp for lunch. The food was delicious and filling, and I enjoyed chatting with the other travelers in the camp. In the afternoon, we had some free time to explore the dunes on foot, take more pictures, or simply relax in the shade of a tent. I chose to climb one of the smaller dunes to get a better view of the surrounding area. The climb was steep and challenging, but the view from the top was worth it.
As the sun began to set, we returned to the camp for dinner and a night of traditional Berber music and dance. The music was lively and upbeat, and the dancing was energetic and fun. I felt grateful for the opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions firsthand.
Day 5
On the final day of my 5-day desert tour from Marrakech, I woke up early to catch the sunrise in the desert. It was a breathtaking sight to see the sun slowly rising over the sand dunes, painting the sky with shades of pink, orange, and yellow. I felt grateful for the opportunity to witness such a natural wonder.
Sunrise in the Desert
After watching the sunrise, we had breakfast at the desert camp and prepared to leave. We rode camels back to the village of Merzouga, where we met our driver and continued our journey back to Marrakech.
Return to Marrakech
On the way back, we made a few stops to stretch our legs and take in the scenery. One of the stops was at the famous Ait Benhaddou village, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved kasbahs (fortified villages). We also stopped for lunch in Ouarzazate, a city known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its numerous film studios and seen the Palm groves.
After a long drive, we finally arrived back in Marrakech in the late afternoon. I felt tired but fulfilled, having experienced the beauty and culture of Morocco’s desert region. The 5-day tour was definitely worth it, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure in Morocco.
FAQS on 5 days tour from marrakech
How long does it take to get to the desert from Marrakech?
It typically takes about 9 to 10 hours to reach the desert from Marrakech by car or 4×4 vehicle. This duration includes stops along the way for sightseeing, lunch, and rest. The journey takes you through the Atlas Mountains and various traditional Berber villages, making it a scenic and culturally enriching experience.
Can you do a day trip to Sahara Desert from Marrakech?
It is not recommended to do a day trip to the Sahara Desert from Marrakech due to the long travel time. A minimum of a 3-day, 2-night tour is usually suggested to fully experience the desert, including a camel ride, an overnight stay in a desert camp, and time to explore the surroundings. However, if you are short on time, you can opt for a day trip to the Agafay Desert, which is much closer to Marrakech and offers a similar experience.
How far is Sahara from Marrakech?
The distance from Marrakech to the edge of the Sahara Desert is approximately 350-400 kilometres, depending on the specific desert location you wish to visit. Popular destinations such as Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga are roughly 550 and 460 kilometres away from Marrakech, respectively.
Is the Sahara desert worth visiting?
Yes, the Sahara Desert is absolutely worth visiting. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with its vast sand dunes, incredible landscapes, and vibrant Berber culture. A trip to the Sahara allows you to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, sleep under the stars in a traditional desert camp, and enjoy camel rides, making it a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for many travellers.
Can I do a Merzouga Desert Tour?
Yes, you can definitely do a Merzouga Desert Tour. Merzouga is a small village located near the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which are a part of the Moroccan Sahara Desert. The Erg Chebbi dunes are known for their stunning beauty and towering sand dunes, some reaching up to 150 metres in height.
A Merzouga Desert Tour typically starts from Marrakech or Fes, and it usually takes 3 days and 2 nights from marrakech to merzouga to complete the tour. The trip includes a visit to the village of Merzouga, a camel trek to the desert camp, an overnight stay in a traditional Berber tent, and various opportunities for sightseeing along the way. You’ll pass through the Atlas Mountains, visit traditional Berber villages, and admire the unique landscapes of Morocco during your journey.
