5-Day Grand Tour of Southern Morocco
The trip we recommend when you have the time. Five days lets the south unfold at its own pace: two nights in the Sahara instead of one, the Draa and Ziz valleys, the gorges, and space for the long lunches and detours that a three-day run cannot fit.
Trip highlights
- Two nights at Erg Chebbi instead of one
- Both the Draa and the Ziz valleys
- Ait Ben Haddou, Skoura, the Dades and Todra gorges
- A morning with a nomad family in the hamada
- Optional Gnaoua music evening at Khamlia
- Finish in Marrakech or continue to Fes at no extra cost
Day by day
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Day 1
Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Over the High Atlas with stops at the argan cooperatives and the pass itself, then down to Ait Ben Haddou for a long visit and lunch facing the ksar. In the afternoon we reach Ouarzazate and can visit the Taourirt Kasbah or the film studios. Night in Ouarzazate.
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Day 2
Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Gorge
East through the Skoura palm grove and the Amridil Kasbah, then to Kelaat M'Gouna and the Valley of Roses. We turn up into the Dades Gorge in the afternoon, walk part of the canyon floor, and stay the night above the switchbacks.
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Day 3
Dades – Todra Gorge – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
The Todra Gorge in the morning light, then east through Tinghir and Er Rachidia into the Ziz Valley, where the palm grove runs for kilometres below the road. We arrive at Merzouga in the afternoon and ride camels into the dunes for the night.
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Day 4
A full day at Erg Chebbi
No long drive today. Depending on what you want: a 4x4 circuit of the erg, tea with a nomad family, the Gnaoua musicians of Khamlia village, the Dayet Srji lake where flamingos stop in spring, or sandboarding. A second night in the desert.
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Day 5
Merzouga – Draa Valley – Marrakech
Sunrise over the dunes, then the long, beautiful return through Rissani, the Draa Valley palm groves and Ouarzazate, back over the Atlas to Marrakech. If you prefer, we finish in Fes instead, which shortens this day considerably.
What is included
- Private air-conditioned 4x4 or minibus, fuel and driver-guide
- Four nights accommodation including two in a desert camp
- Camel trek at Erg Chebbi
- Dinner and breakfast every night
- Pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees
- Optional activities such as quad biking
- Tips
Places you will visit
Questions about this trip
Why two nights in the desert?
Because the second day is the one people remember. With only one night you arrive at sunset and leave at dawn. A full day at the erg is what makes the difference between seeing the Sahara and spending time in it.
Can we finish in Fes?
Yes, and many travellers do. It removes the nine-hour return leg and lets you continue north. The price is the same.
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