5-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech (Round-Trip)
The 5-day Morocco desert tour from Marrakech is for travellers who want the Sahara without the rush — and who fly in and out of Marrakech, so a round-trip suits them best. You get two full nights in the desert at Merzouga, time to explore the Erg Chebbi area properly, and a slower return through the Todra and Dades gorges, Skoura and the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Shared or Private Premium.
Short on time? The 3-day tour covers the essentials. Prefer to finish in Fes? See the 4-day Marrakech to Fes tour.
Trip at a glance
- Two full nights in the Sahara at Merzouga
- Explore Erg Chebbi: nomads, Khamlia Gnawa music, 4x4 option
- Todra & Dades gorges, Skoura & the Valley of Kasbahs
- 4 nights + daily breakfast
- Round-trip pickup & drop-off in Marrakech
DurationShared / Private
FormatRound-trip
Route2–6
Ideal group
Day-by-day: 5-Day Sahara & Kasbahs Tour
A relaxed five-day round-trip with two desert nights and no repeated roads on the way back.
Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
Over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, a stop at Aït Ben Haddou, then Ouarzazate and into the Dades Valley.
- Tizi n'Tichka
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Ouarzazate
- Dades
Dades Gorge → Todra Gorge → Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
The gorges, then Merzouga and a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes — your first desert night, with dinner and music under the stars.
- Dades Gorge
- Todra Gorge
- Erg Chebbi
- Camel trek
A full day in the Sahara — Erg Chebbi at your own pace
The day shorter tours don't have. Visit nomad families, hear Gnawa music in Khamlia, take an optional 4x4 dune drive or sandboard, and enjoy both sunset and sunrise over the dunes.
- Erg Chebbi
- Khamlia Gnawa
- Nomad families
- Optional 4x4
- Sunset & sunrise
Merzouga → Todra → Dades → Skoura → Ouarzazate
Return north-west, the gorges by different light, and the palm oasis of Skoura with the preserved Kasbah Amridil, overnighting near Ouarzazate.
- Todra & Dades
- Skoura
- Kasbah Amridil
- Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Tizi n'Tichka → Marrakech
A deeper visit to Aït Ben Haddou in morning light, then back over the Atlas to Marrakech.
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Tizi n'Tichka
- Marrakech
What's included — and what's not
Included
- Private/shared vehicle & fuel for 5 days
- English-speaking driver
- 4 nights incl. two desert nights
- Daily breakfast + dinners at desert & kasbah stays
- Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Pickup & drop-off in Marrakech
- Tolls & parking
Not included
- Flights
- Lunches & drinks
- Entrance fees & optional 4x4
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
How much does a 5-day Morocco desert tour cost?
Prices are per person and depend on group size and dates. As a guide:
The second desert night and slower return are what set this apart from the 3-day tour. Message us with your dates and numbers
Shared departures
Shared departures run on set dates so we can guarantee a real small group rather than a half-empty vehicle. If none of these dates fit, a Private Premium tour can start on any day you choose.
Departs
Every Saturday, year-round
Small group, maximum 12 travellers.
Guaranteed departure promise
We need a minimum of 4 travellers to run a shared departure. If a date doesn't reach the minimum we'll tell you at least 14 days ahead, and you can either move to another date, upgrade to a private tour at a reduced rate, or take a full refund of your deposit. Private tours have no fixed dates — you choose any start date you like.
Why round-trip
Starts and finishes in Marrakech — ideal if you fly in and out of the same airport.
What to pack
Layers for two cool desert nights, comfortable shoes, sun protection, a scarf.
Best time
Spring and autumn are ideal; winter nights are cold but clear.
Flexibility
Reserve now, pay on arrival. Swap the second camp night for a dune-side kasbah.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the 3-day tour?
It adds a full extra day in the desert (a second Merzouga night) and a slower, more scenic return through Skoura and the Valley of Kasbahs.
Does it return to Marrakech?
Yes — a round-trip, ideal for travellers flying in and out of Marrakech.
Is 5 days too much for the desert?
No — the extra time lets you experience the Erg Chebbi area beyond the dunes rather than just passing through.
Shared or private?
Shared runs on set departure dates at a lower price; Private Premium is your own vehicle with flexible timing.
Can we add Fes or the coast?
Yes — with more time we can extend towards Fes and Chefchaouen; see the 7-day itinerary.
Book now, pay later?
Yes — reserve now, pay on arrival, confirmed in writing.
