5-Day Sahara Tour

These trip plans are suggested routes. We will work with you to develop the plan that is perfect for you and your travel companions.

Five-Day Sahara Tour

This trip into the heart of Morocco’s Sahara Desert is designed for couples, families, or small groups. Enjoy a memorable time riding camels in the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night under the stars. This itinerary is designed to begin/end in either Marrakech or Fez.

Day 1
Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura

Today we depart from Marrakech at 9 a.m. After passing over the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, we arrive in Skoura about five or six hours later. Along the way we will stop for lunch and have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a ksar (castle) that has been used as a backdrop for many famous films, including The Mummy and Gladiator. We may also enjoy exploring Ouarzazate, the relatively new city that is home to Atlas Studios. Here we can take a guided tour of various movie sets. We may also visit the Kasbah once owned by the Glaouis family who once ruled Morocco.

Day 2
Marzouga (Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert)

Today we drive to Merzouga via Erfoud. At the hotel we will store baggage, taking only an overnight bag with us as we take a two-hour jaunt on camel into the desert. For those who may not want to take the camels you may opt to walk alongside the camel. After viewing the sunset, the night is spent dining alfresco, Berber style, under the stars followed by a night in a Bedouin-style tent. (Bedouin is a predominantly desert-dwelling Arabian ethnic group). The tents are in a private area without other tourists you might find in other camping locations. Rise early the next morning to witness an amazing sunrise over the golden sand. If you prefer not to camp out, the option is to ride the camel for one hour to view the sunset and spend the night at the comfortable hotel.

Day 3
Erfoud – Rissani – Ziz Valley (Palm Grove Oasis)

After rising early, we will ride the camels back to the hotel, clean up, have breakfast, and then venture into the beautifully lush Ziz Valley. There you will meet your local guide who will take you on an easy walk through the surrounding farms, explaining the area’s produce and farming techniques. To top this all off is lunch with the guide’s family. The night will be spent in Errachidia.

Day 4
Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

This morning we will first have breakfast and then head out to the Todra Gorge, an impressive canyon. We will walk around the canyon, have lunch and then go on an optional afternoon hike. After that we head to the Dades Valley and stay in a hotel overlooking the valley. Today’s drive is about five hours.

Day 5
Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Today we will head back over the Tizi-n-Tichka pass and the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. The drive today will be six hours.

Itinerary in review

Day 1: Skoura

Day 2: Merzouga

Day 3: Ziz Valley

Day 4: Dades Valley

Day 5: Marrakech

Included on tour