Overview
An Extended Sahara Adventure from the Gateway of the Desert to the Red City
We offer a carefully planned 5 days tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech that allows travelers to explore southern Morocco in depth while enjoying authentic cultural encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and an exciting quad biking experience in Merzouga. This itinerary is ideal for those who prefer a relaxed pace, extended time in the desert, and a rich variety of scenery ranging from palm oases and mountain gorges to vast golden dunes.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Skoura Oasis – Rose Valley – Dades Valley
The tour begins in Ouarzazate, famously known as the gateway to the Sahara and home to historic kasbahs and film studios. Departing eastward, we travel through the lush Skoura Oasis, a vast palm grove dotted with traditional kasbahs that reflect the architectural heritage of southern Morocco.
Continuing through the scenic Valley of Roses, the route passes fertile valleys and small Berber villages known for rose cultivation and the production of natural rosewater. By late afternoon, we arrive in the picturesque Dades Valley, famous for its winding roads and dramatic rock formations. Dinner and overnight stay take place in a comfortable hotel or riad overlooking the valley.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, the journey continues to the spectacular Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise above a narrow riverbed. This natural canyon is one of Morocco’s most impressive geological sites and offers excellent opportunities for short walks and photography.
Passing through Erfoud, a town known for its fossil workshops and desert trade, the landscape gradually changes into open desert plains. In the afternoon, the golden dunes of Merzouga appear on the horizon, marking arrival at the Sahara.
Guests are welcomed at a desert lodge before setting out on a memorable camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. The evening is spent in a traditional or luxury desert camp with dinner, Berber music, and a peaceful night under the star-filled desert sky.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Quad Biking Experience – Nomad Encounters
The third day is fully dedicated to discovering the Merzouga region. After breakfast, guests enjoy a professionally guided quad biking experience in Merzouga, riding across rolling dunes, open desert tracks, and panoramic viewpoints deep in the Sahara.
This thrilling activity offers a dynamic yet controlled way to experience the vast desert environment. Safety equipment and expert instructions are provided, making the experience suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
In the afternoon, the tour continues with visits to nomad families, the village of Khamlia, famous for its spiritual Gnawa music, and seasonal desert lakes when water levels allow. The night is spent in a desert lodge or camp near the dunes, allowing time to relax and absorb the peaceful desert atmosphere.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Draa Valley
After breakfast, we begin our journey westward. The route passes through Rissani, an important historic trading center and former capital of the Tafilalt region. Continuing through Alnif, the landscape opens into vast desert plateaus and remote villages.
In the afternoon, we reach the magnificent Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley, lined with thousands of palm trees and ancient kasbahs. Dinner and overnight stay take place in a charming guesthouse or riad within the valley, offering a serene setting surrounded by palm groves.
Day 5: Draa Valley – Anti-Atlas – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast, the final day begins with a scenic drive through the Anti-Atlas Mountains, crossing arid landscapes and small Berber communities. The route then ascends into the High Atlas Mountains, offering panoramic views and dramatic changes in scenery.
Descending from the mountains, we arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of a rich and immersive desert journey from Ouarzazate to the Red City.
Why Choose This Ouarzazate to Marrakech Desert Tour
Relaxed 5-day itinerary with extended desert exploration
Authentic Sahara experience including camel trekking and camp stay
Quad biking in Merzouga for adventure seekers
Diverse landscapes from valleys and gorges to dunes and mountains
Comfortable transport and experienced local guides
What Is Included
Air-conditioned transportation
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Accommodation with dinner and breakfast
Camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes
Quad biking experience in Merzouga
Fuel, local taxes, and logistical support
A Deep Sahara Experience Ending in Marrakech
This 5 days tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech with quad biking in Merzouga offers a comprehensive journey through Morocco’s most iconic desert landscapes. From palm-filled oases and dramatic gorges to golden dunes and mountain passes, the tour delivers an unforgettable Sahara experience before concluding in the vibrant city of Marrakech.