Home ➤ Marrakech Tours ➤ 6 days tour from Marrakech
6 days tour from Marrakech
4.9 (120 reviews)
- Marrakech → Merzouga
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Languages
Departure
Marrakech
Tour Overview
This 6 days tour from Marrakech is the ultimate off-the-beaten-path adventure through southern Morocco. Over the course of six incredible days, you will cross the High Atlas Mountains, follow the famous Dakar Rally dirt tracks, and discover hidden oases deep within the Sahara Desert. From the ancient clay walls of Ait Ben Haddou to an unforgettable night under the stars at a beautiful Merzouga desert camp, this route is packed with stunning scenery. It’s the perfect blend of rich history, 4×4 adventure, and authentic local culture!
Tour Highlights
include crossing the High Atlas Mountains and visiting the historic Kasbah of Telouet.
Exploring Ait Ben Haddou, the famous clay city where Gladiator was filmed.
Driving the exciting Dakar Rally dirt tracks through the deep desert.
Listening to traditional Gnawa folk music in the village of Khamlia.
Riding a camel through the high dunes of Erg Chebbi to witness a breathtaking sunset.
Sleeping under a sky full of stars in a traditional desert camp in Merzouga.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Crossing the Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate
Our journey begins in Marrakech. We will pick you up there in the morning. Then, we will leave the city behind and drive up into the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we will cross the famous Tizi N’Tichka Pass. The views from 2,260 meters up are amazing! Then, we will take a smaller road to visit the beautiful Kasbah of Pacha Glaoui in Telouet.
On the way to Ait Ben Haddou, we will pass through several small Berber villages. This incredible, 800-year-old, fortified city is a UNESCO site where famous films such as Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven were shot. In the afternoon, we will head to Ouarzazate to visit the vast film studios, then spend the first night at our hotel.
The Draa Valley and the Dakar Rally Tracks
After enjoying a delicious breakfast and touring the impressive Kasbah Taourirt, we will hit the road to Zagora. We will cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tinifift Pass. As we enter the Draa Valley, you will see an endless expanse of green palm trees mixed with old Berber villages. We will drive past the towns of Nkob, Tazarine, and Alnif before taking an exhilarating dirt track.
This wild route takes us through deserted villages and is the same one used by Dakar Rally drivers. We will end this adventurous day by sleeping in a comfortable lodge near the Mharech Gorges.
Hidden Oases to the High Dunes
Today, we will continue our adventure along the Dakar Rally tracks. You will see dry riverbeds, hidden green oases, and the soft dunes of Ouzina. Afterwards, we will reach the famous village of Khamlia. Its inhabitants are descended from ancient African tribes.
There, you will have the opportunity to sit and drink tea while enjoying their powerful, spiritual Gnawa music. Then, we will head towards Erg Chebbi, home to the highest golden dunes in Morocco. Tonight, we will rest in a lovely hotel right on the edge of the sand dunes.
Desert Nomads and the Camel Trek
After breakfast, we will hop back in the 4×4 and explore more of the tracks used in the Paris-Dakar Rally around the Merzouga dunes. We will visit nomadic families who live in traditional tents and share a cup of fresh mint tea with them. Then, we will see the beautiful oasis where the film Sahara, starring Penélope Cruz, was filmed. After enjoying a nice lunch, we will leave the car behind.
A friendly camel will be waiting to take you deep into the golden desert. You will watch an unforgettable sunset from the top of the dunes before arriving at our desert camp. Tonight, you will enjoy a traditional Berber dinner accompanied by drum music around the campfire under a spectacular starry sky.
Fossils, Canyons and Imperial Cities
We highly recommend waking up early to witness the magical sunrise over the Sahara. After breakfast, we will ride camels back to the edge of the desert, where you can shower and freshen up at a hotel. Once you are fresh and clean, we will leave for Rissani, an old imperial city and the birthplace of the Alaouite family.
Then, we will travel through Erfoud, a town renowned for its black stone and ancient marine fossils. Then, we will continue driving to the massive rock walls of the Todra Gorges, where we will take a walk near the cool river. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in the beautiful Dades Valley, where we will spend the night.
The Route of a Thousand Kasbahs
On our last morning, we will leave the Dades Valley and travel along the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs. You will see many beautiful, old castles along the way. We will pass through the stunning Valley of Roses, which smells of sweet rosewater in the springtime. Next, we will stop at the Skoura palm grove, home to one of the region’s most famous kasbahs. Then, we will begin our drive back across the High Atlas Mountains. We will stop for lunch along the way before finally arriving in Marrakech, which will bring your incredible six-day Moroccan adventure to a perfect close.
What's Included & Excluded
- Included
- We will pick you up and drop you off wherever you are in Marrakech.
- Travel in a private, comfortable 4x4 vehicle with air conditioning.
- You will have a friendly, English-speaking driver and guide.
- All overnight accommodations are in hotels and lodges.
- One special night will be spent in a traditional Merzouga desert camp.
- Enjoy a camel trek in the Sahara Desert.
- Most breakfasts and dinners are included during the tour.
- Not Included
- Daily lunches and extra snacks.
- Drinks and bottled water.
- Tips for the driver, guides and camp staff.
Tour Route Map
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the six-day tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
Yes! This private tour is perfect for anyone seeking an authentic Moroccan adventure. Since it’s a private 4×4 trip, we can customize the pace, comfort, and stops to perfectly suit families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.
What should I pack for the six-day desert adventure?
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing; sturdy walking shoes; and layers, as temperatures can change from the mountains to the desert. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes, a sun hat, sunglasses, and a small backpack for your overnight stay in the Sahara desert camp.
What is the experience like at the Merzouga desert camp?
It is one of the highlights of the trip! After a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner and listen to local drum music around a campfire. Then, sleep in a comfortable tent under a breathtaking, star-filled sky.
Does the tour include all meals?
The tour includes most breakfasts and dinners, so you can enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine at our selected hotels and the desert camp. Lunch and daytime drinks are not included, so you can choose your own spots for a quick bite or a relaxed meal during our daily travels.
Reviews
What our travelers say
- 4.9 · 184+ verified reviews
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