6 day Morocco desert tour from Marrakech
The High Atlas, ancient kasbahs and the dunes of Merzouga on a private loop from Marrakech, with airport transfers and two nights in the Red City included.
- Duration6 days, 5 nights
- Starts and endsMarrakech airport, transfers included
- Travel style100% private, just your group
- VehiclePrivate 4×4 or minivan
The classic desert loop, without the rush
Our 6 day Morocco desert tour is a private loop from Marrakech into the High Atlas, the kasbah valleys and the dunes of Merzouga, with airport transfers, two nights in a Marrakech riad and a night in Ouarzazate, so the drive back is split in two.
- Private airport transfersDoor-to-door transfers from Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) to your riad, and back at the end of your trip.
- Atlas crossingA spectacular drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with panoramic views.
- Dades and TodraDramatic limestone canyons and winding mountain roads.
- Merzouga dunesA sunset camel trek and a night at a luxury camp under the Saharan stars.
- Saharan cultureLive Gnaoua music in Khamlia and the authentic market of Rissani.
- Aït Ben HaddouWalk through the world-famous UNESCO-listed ksar and film location.
Your 6-day desert tour, day by day
Every stop can be adjusted. Linger longer, skip a visit or add a walk: your driver adapts the plan on the day.
- MarrakechNight 1
- Tizi n’Tichka
- Dades ValleyNight 2
- Todra Gorge
- MerzougaNight 3
- Khamlia
- Rissani
- Draa Valley
- OuarzazateNight 4
- Aït Ben Haddou
- MarrakechNight 5
- RAK airport
Day 1
Arrival in Marrakech
The first day of your 6 day Morocco desert tour is all about a smooth arrival. Your private driver meets you at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) with a personalised sign and takes you through the city gates to your boutique riad in the heart of the medina.
After settling in, wander the hidden corners of the souks or relax on a rooftop overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque. As evening falls, Jemaa el-Fnaa comes alive with storytellers, musicians and food stalls: a vibrant introduction to the Red City.
Overnight in a riad in Marrakech
Day 2
Marrakech to the Dades Valley, via the High Atlas and the Valley of the Roses
We leave the bustle of Marrakech behind and climb into the High Atlas. After the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres, with stops for panoramic photos of Berber villages, the landscape shifts from green forests to rugged red earth. We drive through the Skoura palm grove to the Valley of the Roses, famous for its annual festival and rose-water products.
By late afternoon we reach the Dades Valley, with its famous Monkey Fingers rock formations and the winding road above the valley floor. The night is spent in a charming riad among the cliffs, as the silence of the mountains settles in.
Overnight in a riad in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast
Day 3
Dades Valley to Merzouga, via the Todra Gorge
After breakfast we head to the Todra Gorge, where limestone cliffs rise 300 metres high, with time to walk along the riverbed beneath them. The journey continues towards the Sahara through the palm groves of the Tafilalet and the fossil town of Erfoud, until the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon.
In Merzouga, you set off on a sunset camel trek into the heart of the dunes, reaching your luxury camp in time for a Saharan feast under the stars, followed by Berber drums and singing around the campfire.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast
Day 4
Merzouga to Ouarzazate, via Khamlia, Rissani and the Draa Valley
Wake early for a Saharan sunrise. We visit the village of Khamlia to hear soulful Gnaoua music, performed by descendants of enslaved people brought from sub-Saharan Africa, then Rissani, cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, to explore its historic souk, once a trading post for Saharan caravans.
Leaving the sand behind, we enter the Draa Valley, home to Morocco’s longest river and its ribbon of palm groves, and cross the volcanic landscapes of the Anti-Atlas to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa”.
Overnight in a riad in Ouarzazate, with dinner and breakfast
Day 5
Ouarzazate to Marrakech, via Aït Ben Haddou
This morning we visit Aït Ben Haddou, the UNESCO World Heritage ksar that has stood for centuries as a masterpiece of earthen architecture. After wandering its fortified towers and narrow lanes, we cross the High Atlas by a different mountain route, for new landscapes on the way back.
We reach Marrakech by early evening, with the night free for a final Moroccan dinner, perhaps on a terrace overlooking the city you’ve come to know.
Overnight in a riad in Marrakech
Day 6
Marrakech departure
On the final day of your 6 day Morocco desert tour, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your riad. Depending on your flight, there may be time for a last visit to the Majorelle Garden, or some shopping for argan oil and spices in the souks.
Your private driver then takes you to Marrakech Menara Airport, arriving 3 hours before your flight for a stress-free check-in.
Clear from the start
Here is exactly what your quote covers, and what it doesn’t.
Included
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
- All fuel and transportation costs
- Pick-up and drop-off at Marrakech Airport (RAK)
- 2 nights in a riad in Marrakech
- 1 night in a riad in the Dades Valley
- 1 night in a riad in Ouarzazate
- 1 night in a luxury desert camp with a private en-suite
- A 100% private experience for your group
- Camel trek in the Merzouga dunes
- Breakfast and dinner every day of the desert trip
- Bottled water in the vehicle throughout the trip
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Dinners in Marrakech
- Entrance fees to historical sites
- Personal expenses and tips
- International flights
Before you go
The questions travelers ask most about this trip.
Can we visit a film studio in Ouarzazate?
Yes. We can easily stop at the Atlas Studios or the Cinema Museum during your time in Ouarzazate.
Is the camel trek difficult?
The trek takes about 45 to 60 minutes and is very manageable. If you’d rather not ride, we can arrange a 4×4 transfer to the camp.
Are the meals authentic?
Absolutely. You’ll enjoy traditional tagines, couscous and Berber bread prepared by local cooks throughout the trip.
How much driving is there?
The tour covers a lot of ground, so some days include several hours on the road, with frequent stops for photos and tea.
Is there Wi-Fi along the way?
Yes, in the riads and even some desert camps, though the signal can be weak in the High Atlas passes.
Can we change the plan?
Yes. It’s a 100% private trip, so just tell your driver if you’d like to skip a visit or spend more time in the dunes. We can also add an extra night in the Sahara or start from another city.
How is this different from your 5-day Morocco itinerary?
This 6-day version adds a night in Ouarzazate, so the long drive back from the desert is split in two, and adds a visit to Khamlia for Gnaoua music.
When is the best time to go, and what should I pack?
October to April is the most comfortable season. Whenever you travel, pack layers: desert temperatures drop sharply at night, even when the days are hot.
Request this trip, or make it yours
This tour is a favourite, but we can tailor every detail, from an extra night in the Sahara to starting in a different city. Tell me what you have in mind and I’ll build your trip around your schedule and interests.
- Camps and riads we’ve checked personally
- No forced shopping stops, ever
- 100% Berber-owned: what you pay stays in Morocco
Request this tour
Share your dates and group size, and I’ll reply with a tailored quote for this trip.
Free and with no obligation. Nothing is booked until you confirm.
Explore other popular trips
Every tour is private and can be tailored to your pace and interests.