Marrakech to Erg Chebbi 5 Day Desert Tours – Deep Sahara Exploration & Luxury Camp

Overview

Experience the ultimate Moroccan desert adventure with the Marrakech to Erg Chebbi 5 Day Desert Tours — a fully immersive journey that goes beyond the dunes to reveal the true soul of southern Morocco. This extended itinerary is our most recommended option, offering a relaxed pace, deeper cultural encounters, and unforgettable experiences across the High Atlas, Saharan oases, and the golden sands of Erg Chebbi (Merzouga).

Over five rich days, you’ll cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, explore the Skoura Oasis, hike in Todra Gorge, visit the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou, and spend two unforgettable nights near the dunes — including a sunset camel trek and an overnight in a luxury desert bivouac. The highlight? A full Merzouga sightseeing day featuring Dayet Srij Lake, the Gnaoua village of Khamlia, tea with nomads in the Hamada (black desert), and authentic Berber music.

With private A/C transport, English-speaking driver, daily breakfast and dinner, and hand-picked accommodations, this tour is perfect for travelers who want to explore deeply, connect authentically, and travel comfortably through Morocco’s most iconic landscapes.

Description

Step into the heart of Morocco with the Marrakech to Erg Chebbi 5 Day Desert Tours — the most comprehensive and culturally rich Sahara experience available. Designed for travelers who want more than just a photo op, this 5-day journey balances adventure, heritage, and relaxation across some of Morocco’s most breathtaking regions.

Your adventure begins at 8:00 AM with a pickup from your riad or hotel in Marrakech, followed by a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). On Day 1, explore Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco,” visit Kasbah Amridil in the lush Skoura Oasis, and end in the dramatic Dades Gorge.

Day 2 brings you to the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge — perfect for hiking and photography — before arriving in Merzouga, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel near the dunes.

The full-day excursion on Day 3 is what sets this tour apart: visit Dayet Srij, a desert lake teeming with flamingos and migratory birds, then travel to Khamlia to experience Gnaoua music, a spiritual rhythm rooted in sub-Saharan Africa. Continue into the Hamada, a vast black stony desert, where you’ll be welcomed into a nomadic tent for traditional tea — a rare and moving cultural exchange. As the sun sets, begin your camel trek into Erg Chebbi, ending with dinner and a night under the stars in a luxury desert camp.

On Day 4, return via the Drâa Valley, home to over two million palm trees and ancient ksour, and spend the night in Ouarzazate. On Day 5, explore the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou with a local guide before crossing the Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech. With 24/7 support, bottled water, and seamless logistics, this 5-day tour offers the deepest, most rewarding Sahara experience possible.

Highlights

✅ Enjoy a full-day Merzouga excursion — including Dayet Srij Lake, Khamlia Gnaoua Village, and tea with nomads in the Hamada
✅ Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
✅ Spend a night in a luxury desert camp under a sky full of stars
✅ Explore Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site
✅ Hike in the dramatic Todra Gorge with 300m cliffs
✅ Drive through the lush Drâa Valley — home to millions of palm trees
✅ Visit Skoura Oasis and Kasbah Amridil
✅ Includes breakfast and dinner daily in hand-picked hotels and riads
✅ Travel in comfort with private A/C vehicle and English-speaking driver
✅ 24/7 support and hotel pickup/drop-off included

Includes & Excludes

Includes

• Private modern air-conditioned minibus or SUV (fuel included)
• Professional English-speaking driver for the entire trip
• 4-night accommodation:
  • Night 1: Hotel or kasbah in Dades Gorge
  • Night 2: Hotel in Merzouga
  • Night 3: Luxury desert camp near Erg Chebbi
  • Night 4: Hotel or riad in Ouarzazate
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech
• Local guide at Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Camel trek to and from the desert camp
• Bottled water is provided in the vehicle
• 24-hour customer support throughout the tour
• Option to start the tour from any major city or airport (Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, etc.)

Excludes

• Lunches (not included — budget ~10–15€ per meal)
• Drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks)
• Tips for driver and camp staff (optional, appreciated)
• Flights or airport transfers (unless specified)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, optional excursions)

Tour Plan (Itinerary)

Day 1: Marrakech → Ouarzazate → Skoura → Dades Gorge

8:00 AM – Pickup from Your Hotel/Riad
Begin your journey with a scenic drive over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.

11:30 AM – Visit Ouarzazate
Short stop in the “Hollywood of Morocco.”

1:00 PM – Lunch in Skoura (own expense)
Explore Kasbah Amridil and walk through the lush palm groves.

4:30 PM – Drive Through Valley of Roses
Pass fragrant rose fields and traditional ksour.

6:00 PM – Arrive in Dades Gorge
Check in, enjoy dinner, and rest.

Day 2: Dades Gorge → Todra Gorge → Merzouga

7:30 AM – Breakfast & Departure
Head to Todra Gorge for hiking and photos.

12:00 PM – Lunch in Tinghir (own expense)

2:00 PM – Continue to Merzouga
Arrive in the dune town. Free time to explore.

7:00 PM – Dinner & Overnight in Merzouga Hotel

Day 3: Merzouga Full-Day Excursion

7:00 AM – Visit Dayet Srij Lake
See flamingos and migratory birds in this rare desert wetland.

10:00 AM – Khamlia Village
Experience live Gnaoua music — a spiritual rhythm with African roots.

12:00 PM – Lunch in Merzouga (own expense)

2:00 PM – Hamada (Black Desert) & Nomadic Tea Visit
Meet a nomadic family and enjoy mint tea in their tent — a unique cultural moment.

5:00 PM – Sunset Camel Trek into Erg Chebbi
Ride into the dunes as the sun sets.

7:00 PM – Dinner & Overnight in Luxury Desert Camp

Day 4: Merzouga → Rissani → Drâa Valley → Ouarzazate

6:00 AM – Sunrise & Mint Tea
Wake to the desert sunrise.

7:00 AM – Breakfast at Camp

8:00 AM – Camel Ride Back
Return to the village.

9:00 AM – Visit Rissani Souk
Explore the bustling market of this holy city.

12:00 PM – Lunch in Agdz (own expense)

1:30 PM – Drive Through Drâa Valley
Endless palm groves and ancient fortified villages.

6:00 PM – Arrive in Ouarzazate
Check in, dinner, and overnight.

Day 5: Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech

8:00 AM – Breakfast & Departure

9:00 AM – Guided Visit to Aït Ben Haddou
Explore the UNESCO kasbah with a local guide.

12:00 PM – Lunch in Telouet or Aït Ben Haddou (own expense)

1:30 PM – Cross the High Atlas Mountains

5:30 PM – Arrive in Marrakech
Drop-off at your hotel or riad. End of tour.

FAQs

Q: Why is the 5-day tour the most recommended?
A: It offers the most balanced, immersive experience — with time for deep cultural stops, birdwatching, nomadic encounters, and no long final-day drives.

Q: What makes the Day 3 excursion special?
A: It includes rare experiences — visiting Dayet Srij, Khamlia Gnaoua music, and tea with nomads — not found on shorter tours.

Q: Is the desert camp comfortable?
A: Yes — our luxury camp includes furnished tents, warm blankets, rugs, and private dining. Shared eco-toilets are clean.

Q: Can I charge my phone?
A: Limited solar charging may be available. Bring a power bank.

Q: Are meals included?
A: Breakfast and dinner are included daily. Lunches are not included, giving you freedom to explore local cuisine.

Q: Is this tour suitable for solo travelers or couples?
A: Absolutely — ideal for couples, solo adventurers, photographers, and culture lovers.

Q: Can I start from Fes or Casablanca?
A: Yes — we offer flexible start points. Contact us to customize.

Q: Can I upgrade to a private tent or luxury camp?
A: Yes — premium upgrades with en-suite bathrooms and private tents are available on request.

✅ Ready for the ultimate Sahara journey?
Book your Marrakech to Erg Chebbi 5 Day Desert Tour today and experience Morocco’s desert, culture, and hospitality like never before — a true adventure of a lifetime.