5 Days: Marrakech Entertainment & Sahara
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Overview
In short: Private tour · 5 days / 4 nights, starting and ending in Marrakech — about 1,190 km and 19 places, including 2 nights in the desert.
- Duration
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Starts
- Marrakech
- Ends
- Marrakech
- Tour type
- Private tour
- Group size
- Up to 50 travellers
- Language
- Flexible, on request
- Distance
- ≈ 1,190 km in total
- Stops
- 19 places
A comfortable loop through southern Morocco: Atlas mountains, gorges, green valleys, historic kasbahs, oases and dunes, with a focus on Amazigh culture and the nomadic way of life.
What sets it apart: a full day devoted to visiting nomads by jeep and Gnawa music in Khamlia, then an unhurried return via Rissani, Agdz, the Ounila Valley and Kasbah Telouet instead of the usual road.
Highlights
- Tizi n'Tichka pass
- Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
- Skoura oasis
- Dades Gorges
- Todra Gorge
- Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga)
- Rissani souk
- Draa Valley
- Kasbah Telouet
Route
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
Lines join the stops in order; they are not the exact roads. Distances are road estimates. Open the route in Google Maps
All 19 stops · ≈ 1,190 km
| # | Stop | Day | From previous stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marrakech | Day 1 | — |
| 2 | Tizi n'Tichka | Day 1 | ≈ 90 km |
| 3 | Ait Ben Haddou | Day 1 | ≈ 45 km |
| 4 | Ouarzazate | Day 1 | ≈ 30 km |
| 5 | Skoura | Day 1 | ≈ 50 km |
| 6 | Kelaat M'Gouna | Day 1 | ≈ 60 km |
| 7 | Boumalne Dades | Day 1 | ≈ 25 km |
| 8 | Tinghir | Day 2 | ≈ 60 km |
| 9 | Todra Gorge | Day 2 | ≈ 15 km |
| 10 | Tinjdad | Day 2 | ≈ 70 km |
| 11 | Erfoud | Day 2 | ≈ 100 km |
| 12 | Merzouga | Day 2 | ≈ 60 km |
| 13 | Khamlia | Day 3 | ≈ 10 km |
| 12 | Merzouga | Day 3 | ≈ 10 km |
| 14 | Rissani | Day 4 | ≈ 40 km |
| 15 | Alnif | Day 4 | ≈ 115 km |
| 16 | Nkob | Day 4 | ≈ 95 km |
| 17 | Agdz | Day 4 | ≈ 75 km |
| 4 | Ouarzazate | Day 5 | ≈ 70 km |
| 18 | Ounila Valley | Day 5 | ≈ 45 km |
| 19 | Telouet | Day 5 | ≈ 20 km |
| 2 | Tizi n'Tichka | Day 5 | ≈ 15 km |
| 1 | Marrakech | Day 5 | ≈ 90 km |
Day by day
Day 1Marrakech – Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Valley of Roses – Boumalne Dades
MarrakechTizi n'TichkaAit Ben HaddouOuarzazateSkouraKelaat M'GounaBoumalne DadesScenic drive across the Atlas, then explore the alleys of Ait Ben Haddou.
Ouarzazate, 'Gateway to the Sahara', and the Atlas Film Studios (optional guided visit).
Through the Roses village, known for its fields and annual festival, to Boumalne Dades and its gorges.
Day 2Tinghir – Todra Gorge – Erg Chebbi
Boumalne DadesTinghirTodra GorgeTinjdadErfoudMerzougaTinghir and its oasis, then a stroll in the Todra Gorge.
Camel ride across the dunes, then an evening of nomad folklore — music, dance and stories around the fire — and a night in a luxury tent.
Day 3Nomad tribes – Khamlia village – Jeep tour
MerzougaKhamliaMerzougaJeep tour to visit nomads who still live without electricity or regular irrigation, and learn about their traditions.
Visit Khamlia, the village of Gnawa music with sub-Saharan roots: hypnotic rhythms, chanting and spiritual traditions.
Day 4Rissani – Alnif – Agdz
MerzougaRissaniAlnifNkobAgdzLeave Café du Sud camp for Rissani (about 45 minutes): the souk and the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif.
Scenic drive through desert and palm groves via Alnif (4–5 hours) with views of the Draa Valley, arriving in Agdz in the late afternoon.
Day 5Ounila Valley – Kasbah Telouet – Marrakech
AgdzOuarzazateOunila ValleyTelouetTizi n'TichkaMarrakechThrough the Ounila Valley with its Amazigh villages and dramatic scenery to Kasbah Telouet, former seat of the powerful Glaoui family.
Cross Tizi n'Tichka and arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
What’s included
Included
- Private car with driver
- 4 nights' accommodation
- Night in a luxury camp
- Daily breakfast
- Daily dinner
- Camel ride
- Sandboarding
- Jeep tour
- Guide at Ait Ben Haddou
- Bottled water
- Taxes
Not included
- Flights
- Lunches
- Tips
Good to know
- Best season for the desert: October to April. In summer daytime heat often exceeds 40°C; in winter nights at camp can drop close to freezing.
- The Tizi n'Tichka pass (about 2,260 m) can get snow or brief closures in winter; the driver adjusts timings to road conditions.
- Pack a small daypack for the camp night (water, charger, warm layer, toiletries). Large luggage stays in the vehicle or hotel.
- Essentials: sunscreen, sunglasses, a scarf/cheche against sand, comfortable shoes and a warm jacket for the evening.
- Mountain roads are winding; bring motion-sickness medication if you need it.
- Carry small dirham notes for tips, purchases and meals that are not included; ATMs are scarce in villages and in the desert.
- Always ask before photographing people, especially women, children and nomad families.
- Rissani's market is busiest on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (the famous donkey market is on Sunday) — ask the driver to match the day if you can.
Guided visits on this route
Our local guides also lead these walks and day trips in towns this tour passes through. Ask us to add one.
Read before you go
Questions about this trip
How long is this trip, and where does it start and end?
It lasts 5 days / 4 nights, starting in Marrakech and returning there. The whole route covers about 1,190 km.
Is it a private tour?
Yes. You travel only with your own companions, with your own vehicle and driver-guide.
How much driving is there each day?
Approximate road distances: Day 1 about 300 km, Day 2 about 305 km, Day 3 about 20 km, Day 4 about 325 km, Day 5 about 240 km. Your driver stops for photos, breaks and lunch along the way, and the pace can be adjusted.
Where do we sleep?
Night 1: Hotel in Boumalne Dades; night 2: Luxury camp; night 3: Merzouga; night 4: Traditional lodging in Agdz. Desert camps range from simple nomad tents to comfortable tents with private bathrooms — tell us which you prefer.
Which meals are included?
Day 1: dinner; day 2: breakfast + dinner; day 3: breakfast + dinner; day 4: breakfast + dinner; day 5: breakfast. Other meals and drinks are paid locally.
What is included in the price?
Private car with driver; 4 nights' accommodation; Night in a luxury camp; Daily breakfast; Daily dinner; Camel ride; Sandboarding; Jeep tour; Guide at Ait Ben Haddou; Bottled water; Taxes.
What is not included?
Flights; Lunches; Tips.
When is the best time for this trip?
October to April is the most comfortable period for the desert. In summer, daytime temperatures often pass 40°C; in winter the days are sunny but nights at camp can drop close to freezing, so bring a warm layer.
Can the programme be adapted?
Yes. Dates, pace, stops and accommodation can be adjusted — tell us what you would like when you ask for a quote.
How do I book?
Send us your dates and the number of travellers on WhatsApp (+212 663-102827) or by email (marocservicetours@gmail.com). We reply within 48 hours with a personalised quote.
100 more questions about travelling in Morocco →
Compare with similar trips
How this trip compares with the two closest alternatives.
| Criteria | This trip5 Days: Marrakech Entertainment & Sahara | 4 Days from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi Desert | 3 Days from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights | 4 days / 3 nights | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Route | Marrakech (round trip) | Marrakech (round trip) | Marrakech → Fes |
| Distance | ≈ 1,190 km | ≈ 1,175 km | ≈ 1,075 km |
| Places visited | 19 | 16 | 18 |
| Nights in the desert | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Type | Private tour | Private tour | Private tour |
| Highlights |
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| Price | On request | On request | On request |
| Links | View this trip | View this trip |