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5-Day Tour to Merzouga Dunes | Aït Ben Haddou, Dades, Erg Chebbi (2 nights) & Ouarzazate | Sahara Adventures

5 Days • Marrakech ↔ Merzouga (2 nights in Merzouga)

5-Day Tour to Merzouga Dunes — 2 Nights in Merzouga

Pickup: 7:00 AM High Atlas • Tizi n'Tichka Aït Ben Haddou Todra Gorge Camel Ride & Camp Extra night in Ouarzazate
Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga at sunset
Erg Chebbi dunes Sahara camp Todra Gorge Aït Ben Haddou

Trip Overview

A 5-day adventure from Marrakech across the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka, through the UNESCO ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, the film hub of Ouarzazate, dramatic Dadès and Todra gorges, palm groves of Tinjdad and Touroug, then into the desert at Merzouga for two nights. Enjoy a camel ride over the Erg Chebbi dunes, a relaxed free day for activities or rest, and return with an overnight in Ouarzazate before crossing back to Marrakech.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Boumalne Dadès (≈300 km)

Early departure (07:00), cross the High Atlas over Tizi n'Tichka (2260m). Visit Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO). Continue to Ouarzazate (Kasbah Taourirt & film studios from outside), then drive the "road of 1000 kasbahs" to Boumalne Dadès. Dinner & overnight.

Day 2 — Dadès → Tinghir → Todra Gorge → Tinjdad → Touroug → Erfoud → Merzouga (≈250 km)

Short walk inside Todra Gorge. Lunch on site, then continue via Tinjdad, Touroug, and Erfoud. At Merzouga, take a camel ride across Erg Chebbi to camp. Enjoy sunset, dinner, and a Berber show under the stars. Overnight in desert camp.

Day 3 — Merzouga Free Day (2nd Night in Merzouga)

Leisure day to relax or add activities: 4x4 tour around the dunes (Khamlia village & Gnawa music), tea with nomads, sandboarding, or sunrise/sunset walks. Second night in Merzouga (camp or riad per your preference).

Day 4 — Merzouga → Rissani → N'Qob → Tamnougalt → Ouarzazate (≈360 km)

After breakfast, drive along the Draa Valley via Rissani, N'Qob and Tamnougalt (time permitting). Arrive in Ouarzazate for dinner & overnight.

Day 5 — Ouarzazate → Marrakech via Tizi n'Tichka (≈200 km)

After breakfast, cross the High Atlas over Tizi n'Tichka back to Marrakech. Arrival by early afternoon to late afternoon depending on stops and traffic.

What's Included / Not Included

Included

  • Transportation with driver/guide (A/C 4x4 or minibus)
  • Half-board accommodation: Night 1 in hostel/guesthouse (Dadès), Nights 2 & 3 in Merzouga (camp/riad), Night 4 in Ouarzazate
  • Camel ride on the dunes
  • Transportation insurance
  • Quality service & reliability
  • All taxes

Not Included

  • Lunches
  • Local guides
  • Entrance fees (Kasbah Taourirt, film studio)
  • Tips & personal expenses

Merzouga 5-Day — FAQ

How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?

It's roughly 540 km one way. This 5-day route adds two nights in Merzouga to enjoy the dunes at a relaxed pace, plus an overnight in Ouarzazate on the return.

Is the camel ride mandatory?

No—4x4 transfer to the camp can be arranged if you prefer not to ride camels.

What can I do on the free day?

Options include 4x4 desert circuit (Khamlia & mines), tea with nomads, sandboarding, quad biking (on request), or a quiet pool/riad day. We'll tailor it to you.