This 5-day, 4-night journey from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert via Zagora offers a memorable adventure through some of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes. Departing from Marrakech, the route crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'Tichka pass, with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou. The journey continues to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” before moving through Agdz, the Draa Valley, and Zagora. Along the way, you will follow the old Dakar Rally track, pass Berber villages and Ouzina dunes, and eventually reach the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes.
1 Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Draa valley – Zagora
After meeting at the agreed location, the tour begins with a drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'tichka pass, reaching an altitude of 2260 meters. As we pass Berber Atlas villages, the scenery gradually shifts into the land of the desert Berbers. A stop is planned at the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its appearance in films such as "Lawrence of Arabia", "The Sheltering Sky" and "Prince of Persia".
We continue past Ouarzazate and over the Tizi n'Tinifift pass at 1660 meters, where rugged black and grey mountains open onto wide panoramic views of the Draa Valley and its vast palm grove, the largest in Africa at more than 150 km long. The valley is dotted with kasbahs, villages, and orchards. Overnight in a charming riad in the heart of the Draa Valley.
2 Day 2: Zagora – Tismmoumen – Maider lake – Tafraoute desert
The morning begins on the Paris-Dakar road toward Tafraoute desert village, crossing the Tizi n'Tfilalet mountain pass, hamadas, and a desert plateau. This route also passes along the Kam-Kam Gorges and a trail associated with ancient dinosaurs, whose remains still shape the Sahara landscape. Overnight.
3 Day 3: Tafraout desert – Ouzina dunes – Khamlia – Erg Chebbi
Today’s drive reveals a changing series of desert scenes, from sand rivers and remote villages to nomad camps and dry lakes. We continue into the Ouzina desert, a remarkable area accessible only by off-road tracks, then visit Khamlia, a unique Gnawa village, before reaching the Merzouga Dunes. In the evening, enjoy a communal dinner and an overnight stay in a Desert Camp.
4 Day 4: Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra gorges – Dades valley
The day starts early to take in the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you return by camel to Merzouga before departing for Rissani, the gateway to Erg Chebbi. Its lively souk is rarely visited by tourists and is known for the nomads who come here for supplies, as well as the donkey parking area near the market.
The route continues to Tinghir, meaning “mountain city” in Tamazight, where palm groves and roses create a striking contrast. Next comes the dramatic Todra Gorges, with walls rising more than 300 meters and attracting climbers from around the world. The day ends in the Dades Valley, a Berber village region known for its towering gorges and Atlas views. Overnight.
5 Day 5: Dades valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast, the return journey passes through the Roses Valley and the Skoura palm grove, where hidden kasbahs appear along the way to Ouarzazate. From there, the road leads back through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n´Tichka pass and returns to Marrakech. This marks the end of the 5-day Sahara desert tour.
Sahara Desert Morocco
Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information
Duration
4 nights / 5 days
Available any date