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5 days
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Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech – 5 Days
Conquer the Moroccan Sahara from Marrakech. Cross the High Atlas, Dadès Gorges, and sleep under the stars in Erg Chebbi desert.
Highlights
- Tichka Pass crossing (2,260m) with grand panoramas
- Aït Benhaddou ksar – UNESCO World Heritage
- Dadès and Todgha gorges
- Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and Drâa Valley
- Night at a luxury camp in Erg Chebbi desert
- Camel ride at sunset
- Sunrise on the Sahara dunes
- Gnaoua music by the campfire under the stars
Tour description
This 5-day tour takes you to the heart of one of the world's most spectacular deserts. From Marrakech, you'll cross the majestic High Atlas via the Tichka Pass, stop at the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, drive along the sumptuous Dadès and Drâa gorges to reach Merzouga and the great dunes of Erg Chebbi.
The highlight of the trip: a night's camping under a breathtaking star-studded sky, on the golden dunes of the Sahara. Wake up to the sound of absolute silence and watch the sun paint the dunes orange and red at dawn – a moment that will mark you for life.
Itinerary
1Day 1 – Marrakech – Ouarzazate via Tichka Pass+
Early morning departure from Marrakech. Spectacular ascent to Tichka Pass (2,260m) with panoramic stops at Berber villages clinging to the cliffs. Descent to Aït Benhaddou for a guided visit of this UNESCO fortified citadel, ancient caravan stop and backdrop for legendary films. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert.
Berbère Hotel – Ouarzazate Lunch
2Day 2 – Ouarzazate – Dadès Valley+
Visit the Ouarzazate film studios, Africa's film capital where Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy and Game of Thrones were filmed. The Casbah Route: stops at Taourirt Kasbah and ochre mud-brick villages. Continue through the lush Valley of Roses. Arrive at Dadès Gorges with their spectacular rock formations.
Dadès Gorge Guesthouse Breakfast, Dinner
3Day 3 – Dadès – Todgha – Erg Chebbi+
Morning hike in Dadès Gorges (1h, easy level). Depart for Todgha Gorges, a vertiginous 300m crack in limestone walls. Riverside lunch. Road of a Thousand Kasbahs towards Merzouga. First glimpse of dunes on the horizon... Arrival at the desert camp by camel (1.5h ride). Set up at the luxury bivouac atop the dunes. Berber dinner and Gnaoua music under the stars.
Erg Chebbi Luxury Camp Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4Day 4 – Sahara Sunrise – Return North+
Wake before dawn to climb the dunes and witness a transcendent sunrise. Return to camp for a full breakfast. Depart north via Erfoud (fossil city) and Rissani (ancient Alaoui capital). Drive along the Ziz Valley with its vast palm groves. Lunch stop in Midelt (1,500m altitude). Arrive in Ifrane or Fes in the evening.
Comfort Hotel – Ifrane or Fes Breakfast, Lunch
5Day 5 – Return to Marrakech via Middle Atlas+
Option: return directly to Marrakech (6h drive) or via Azrou and its centuries-old cedars where Barbary macaques roam free. Stop at Lake Ifni if the season allows. Lunch en route. Arrive in Marrakech late afternoon. Transfer to your hotel or airport.
Breakfast, Lunch
Included
- Private 4×4 air-conditioned vehicle
- 4 nights accommodation (2 hotel, 1 guesthouse, 1 bivouac)
- French & English-speaking accompanying guide
- Camel ride (1.5h)
- Breakfasts and listed meals
- Tourist site admissions
- Bottled water in vehicle
Not included
- Flights and transport to Marrakech
- Travel insurance
- Unlisted meals
- Tips
- Optional activities (quad, sandboarding...)
- Alcoholic drinks
Good to know
**Clothing:** Pack lightweight clothes for the day and warm layers for evenings. A turban or light scarf will protect from sun and sand.
**Shoes:** Closed, comfortable shoes for walking in sand. Avoid sandals.
**Tech:** Bring a spray/cover to protect cameras and electronics from sand dust.
Photo gallery
