Experience the soul of Morocco on this 5 days road trip from Marrakech to the Sahara! Journey through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs, and walk through stunning gorges. Ride a camel across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, spend nights under a blanket of stars, and discover the traditions of Berber nomads. With extra time, you’ll fully immerse yourself in the desert experience, visiting hidden oases, fossil sites, and vibrant villages. Get ready for five days of adventure, culture, and landscapes you’ll never forget!
Your hotel
8:00 AM
Depart from Marrakech in the morning, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Along the way, stop at panoramic viewpoints and Berber villages. Visit the legendary Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah famous for its role in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring its ancient streets, continue to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa, where you can visit Atlas Film Studios or the historic Taourirt Kasbah. Travel through the Valley of Roses and arrive in Dades Valley for an overnight stay in a charming guesthouse.
Enjoy breakfast with mountain views before driving through the serpentine roads of Dades Gorges. Next, visit Todra Gorge, where towering 300m cliffs create a paradise for climbers and hikers. After a walk through the canyon, continue towards the desert, passing Erfoud, a town famous for fossils. By late afternoon, reach Merzouga, where your camel caravan awaits. Ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, stopping to admire the stunning sunset. Arrive at your desert camp, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, and gather around the fire for music, storytelling, and stargazing.
Wake up early for a magical sunrise over the dunes, followed by a traditional breakfast. Today is dedicated to discovering the deeper Sahara. Visit nomadic Berber families and sip tea in their tents while learning about their traditions. Continue to Khamlia, a small village known for its Gnawa music, a hypnotic Afro-Berber rhythm played by descendants of Sudanese slaves. Visit a seasonal salt lake (home to flamingos if you’re lucky!), explore fossil-rich areas, and enjoy optional activities like quad biking or sandboarding. Return to the desert camp or a hotel in Merzouga for a peaceful night.
After breakfast, leave Merzouga and head towards Rissani, the gateway to the desert, known for its lively market and traditional Madfouna (Berber pizza). Travel through Alnif, a small Saharan town famous for its fossils, and cross the surreal landscapes of Draa Valley, home to one of Morocco’s longest rivers. Stop in Agdz, a lush oasis with thousands of date palms, before reaching Ouarzazate. Spend the night in a comfortable guesthouse, enjoying a relaxed evening before the final stretch back to Marrakech.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, retrace your journey through the Atlas Mountains, with scenic stops along the way. Arrive back in Marrakech by late afternoon, filled with unforgettable memories of the Sahara’s vast beauty, Berber hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes.
