6 day Morocco desert tour Highlights
- Airport Transfers: Private door-to-door transfer from Marrakech RAK Airport to your Riad.
- Atlas Crossing: Spectacular drive over the Tizi N’Tichka pass with panoramic views.
- Ait Ben Haddou: Walk through the world-famous UNESCO ksar and film location.
- Saharan Culture: Live Gnaoua music in Khamlia and the authentic market of Rissani.
- Merzouga Dunes: Sunset camel trek and a luxury night under the Saharan stars.
- Dades & Todra: Explore the dramatic limestone canyons and winding mountain roads.
- Total Comfort: A %100 private experience with dedicated driver and luxury transport.
6 day Morocco desert tour Itinerary
Arrival in Marrakech
The first day of your 6 day Morocco desert tour focuses on a smooth transition into Moroccan life. Your private driver will meet you at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) with a personalized sign for your %100 private experience. We provide a comfortable transfer through the city gates directly to your boutique Riad in the heart of the Medina.
After settling in, you can spend the afternoon wandering the hidden gems of the souks or relaxing on a rooftop overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque. As evening approaches, the Jemaa el-Fnaa square comes alive with storytellers, musicians, and food stalls, a vibrant introduction to the “Red City’s” culinary and cultural heart.
Overnight: Riad in MarrakechMarrakech – Atlas Mountains – Roses Valley – Dades Valley
We leave the bustle of Marrakech behind and ascend the High Atlas Mountains. After crossing the Tizi N’Tichka pass (2260m), where you’ll stop for panoramic photos of Berber villages, the landscape shifts from green forests to rugged red earth. We continue toward the Valley of Roses, famous for its annual festival and organic rose-water products, driving through the scenic Skoura palm grove.
By late afternoon, we reach the Dades Valley. You will see the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and drive the iconic winding road that overlooks the lush valley floor below. The night is spent in a charming Riad nestled among the cliffs, where the silence of the mountains begins to settle in.
Overnight: Riad in Dades ValleyDades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we head to the Todra Gorges, where the limestone cliffs rise 300 meters high. You will have time to walk along the riverbed and marvel at the sheer scale of the canyon. Our journey continues toward the Sahara, passing through the vast palm groves of Tafilalet and the fossil-rich town of Erfoud. This is a defining moment of the 6 day Morocco desert tour as the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon.
Upon arrival in Merzouga, you will embark on a sunset camel trek into the heart of the dunes. You’ll reach your luxury camp in time for a Saharan feast under the stars, followed by a night of traditional Berber drum music and singing around the campfire.
Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp in MerzougaMerzouga – Khamlia – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
Wake early for a Saharan sunrise before exploring the desert surroundings. We visit the village of Khamlia to listen to the soulful Gnaoua music performed by local descendants of slaves from sub-Saharan Africa. We then head to Rissani, the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty, to explore its authentic souk—a historic trading post for Saharan caravans that still feels unchanged by time.
Leaving the sand behind, we enter the Draa Valley, home to the longest river in Morocco and a massive ribbon of palm forests stretching toward the horizon. We cross the volcanic rock formations of the Anti-Atlas mountains to reach Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where the desert light has inspired countless filmmakers.
Overnight: Riad in OuarzazateOuarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
This morning, we visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar that has stood for centuries as a masterpiece of earthen architecture. After wandering through its fortified towers and narrow alleys, we begin our final crossing of the High Atlas Mountains via a different mountain route to see new landscapes.
We arrive back in Marrakech by early evening. You will have the night to enjoy a final Moroccan dinner, perhaps on a terrace overlooking the bustling city you’ve come to know, reflecting on the incredible loop through the desert and ancient mountain passes.
Overnight: Riad in MarrakechMarrakech Departure
On the final day of your 6 day Morocco desert tour, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your Riad. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final stroll through the Majorelle Gardens or last-minute shopping for argan oil and spices in the souks.
Your private driver will provide a private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport, ensuring you arrive 3 hours before your flight for a stress-free check-in. Your 6 day Morocco desert tour concludes as you depart with a heart full of Morocco memories.
Inclusions
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or Luxury Van
- All fuel and transportation costs
- Pick-up and Drop-off at Marrakech Airport (RAK)
- 2 Nights in a Marrakech Riad
- 1 Night in a Dades Valley Riad
- 1 Night in a Ouarzazate Riad
- 1 Night in a Luxury Desert Camp with private en-suite
- Professional %100 private experience
- Camel trek in Merzouga dunes
- Half-board (Breakfast and Dinner daily during the desert trip)
- Bottled water in the vehicle throughout the trip
Exclusions
- Lunches and drinks
- Dinners in Marrakech
- Entrance fees to historical sites
- Personal expenses and tips
- International Airfare
Know Before You Go
- Packing: Layers are key! Desert temperatures drop significantly at night, even if the days are hot.
- Drive Times: This 6 day Morocco desert tour covers significant ground. We include frequent stops for photos and tea to keep the journey comfortable.
- Connectivity: WiFi is available in Riads and even some desert camps, but the signal can be weak in the High Atlas passes.
- Customization: This is a %100 private experience; if you want to skip a studio tour or spend more time in the dunes, just tell your driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we visit a film studio in Ouarzazate?
Yes! We can easily stop at Atlas Studios or the Cinema Museum during your time in Ouarzazate.
Is the camel trek difficult?
The trek is about 45-60 minutes and very manageable. For those who prefer not to ride, we can arrange a 4×4 transfer to the camp.
Are the meals authentic?
Absolutely. You will enjoy traditional tagines, couscous, and Berber bread prepared by local chefs throughout the trip.
Not exactly what you’re looking for?
While this 6 day Morocco desert tour is a favorite, we can tailor every detail to your needs. Whether you want to add an extra night in the Sahara or start from a different city, we are here to help.
Morocco Best Trips specializes in %100 private experiences designed around your schedule and interests. Let’s build your dream trip together.