14/06/2025
Here is a 5-day itinerary for a desert trip from Marrakech that takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, the Dades Valley, and into the Sahara Desert (Merzouga), then back:
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🏜️ 5-Day Marrakech to Sahara Desert Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech ➝ Ait Benhaddou ➝ Ouarzazate ➝ Dades Valley
Highlights:
Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m) – panoramic view of the High Atlas Mountains.
Visit Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO site – ancient ksar).
Stop at Ouarzazate (the “Hollywood of Morocco”).
Explore the stunning Dades Gorges.
Overnight: Dades Valley (guesthouse or riad).
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Day 2: Dades Valley ➝ Todra Gorges ➝ Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)
Highlights:
Walk in the dramatic Todra Gorge – towering canyon walls.
Arrive at Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara Desert.
Camel trek into the dunes at sunset.
Overnight: Luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi (with music, dinner under the stars).
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Day 3: Merzouga Desert Experience
Options:
Sunrise camel ride back to camp or village.
Visit nomadic families & Khamlia village (Gnawa music).
Try sandboarding, quad biking, or relax.
Overnight: Merzouga (in camp or local auberge).
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Day 4: Merzouga ➝ Alnif ➝ Draa Valley ➝ Agdz
Route through: Berber villages, palm groves, volcanic landscapes.
Highlights:
Draa Valley – Morocco's longest river.
Traditional kasbahs and oasis scenery.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Agdz.
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Day 5: Agdz ➝ Ouarzazate ➝ Marrakech
Scenic return drive over the Atlas Mountains.
Optional: Visit Atlas Studios or Kasbah Taourirt.
Arrival back in Marrakech by late afternoon or early evening.
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✅ Tips:
Vehicle: Private 4x4 or group tour van.
Best time: March–May or Sept–Nov (avoid extreme summer heat).
What to pack: Layers, sunscreen, water bottle, camera, scarf for desert.
Would you like me to format this into a printable PDF or recommend specific tour operators or accommodations for each stop?
