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5-Day Merzouga Desert Grand Loop from Marrakech

5.0 (154 verified reviews)
Marrakech Loop
5 Days / 4 Nights
Private Tour
Merzouga Dunes Camels
Ziz Valley Palm Grove
Berber Tent Luxury
Todra Gorges
Ait Ben Haddou
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The Complete South Morocco Circuit

Immerse yourself in the magic of the South. This 5-day Grand Loop takes you from Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of Merzouga, returning via the legendary Draa Valley. It offers a deeper, more relaxed exploration than the standard 3-day tour, allowing time to truly connect with the desert culture.

You will explore the majestic Dades and Todra Gorges, spend a night in a luxury camp under the stars in Erg Chebbi, and dedicate a full day to discovering the secrets of the desert—from Gnaoua music in Khamlia to tea with nomadic families.

The return journey takes a different path through the vast Draa Valley, home to millions of date palms and ancient Kasbahs like Tamnougalt, before crossing the Anti-Atlas mountains back to Marrakech. A perfect circle of discovery.

Relaxed Pace More Exploration
Luxury Camp Starry Night
Culture Music & Nomads
Diverse Complete Loop

Grand Route Map

The Grand Loop

Route: Marrakech ➝ Tizi n'Tichka ➝ Dades ➝ Todra ➝ Merzouga (Sahara) ➝ Rissani ➝ Draa Valley ➝ Ouarzazate ➝ Marrakech.
A circular route covering the best of the Atlas and the Desert without repeating the same road.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley

Morning: Departure from Marrakech. Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka pass. Visit the UNESCO Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.

Afternoon: Lunch in Ouarzazate. Travel through the Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses. Arrive in the stunning Dades Valley.

Evening: Dinner and overnight in a traditional Kasbah hotel in Dades.

Day 2: Dades → Todra Gorges → Merzouga Dunes

Morning: Walk in the towering Todra Gorges. Drive through the arid landscapes of Tinjdad and Erfoud.

Afternoon: Arrive in Merzouga. Meet your camels for a golden sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Evening: Arrive at your Luxury Desert Camp. Berber music, dinner, and overnight in a private tent.

Day 3: Merzouga Discovery (Culture & 4x4)

Full Day: A dedicated day to explore the desert. Visit the village of Khamlia to listen to Gnawa music. Share tea with nomadic families. Explore the dunes by 4x4. Relax by the pool of a desert hotel or enjoy optional quad biking.

Evening: Second night in the desert (Camp or Hotel option) with dinner.

Day 4: Merzouga → Rissani → Draa Valley → Agdz

Morning: Visit the authentic souk of Rissani. Travel towards the Draa Valley via Alnif and Nkob.

Afternoon: Drive through the immense palm groves of the Draa. Visit the Kasbah of Tamnougalt.

Evening: Dinner and overnight in a traditional Riad in Agdz.

Day 5: Agdz → Ouarzazate → High Atlas → Marrakech

Morning: Cross the Anti-Atlas mountains via Tizi N'Tnifift. Stop in Ouarzazate to visit the Cinema Museum (optional).

Afternoon: Cross the High Atlas Mountains again, possibly visiting the Telouet Kasbah if road conditions permit.

Evening: Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Drop off at your Riad/Hotel.

Traveler Reviews

Robert G. Canada • Mar 2025

"The 5-day loop was perfect. We didn't feel rushed like on the 3-day tours. The extra day in Merzouga exploring the area was a highlight. Mbarek is a fantastic guide."

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Sophie B. France • Feb 2025

"Returning via Agdz and the Draa Valley was spectacular. The landscapes are so diverse. Highly recommended for photography lovers."

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can we customize this to start or end in Fes?

Yes! This route is flexible. We can modify it to end in Fes after the desert (via Midelt and Ifrane) or start in Fes and end in Marrakech. Just let us know your preference.

Is the drive very long?

The daily driving time is very reasonable on this 5-day itinerary (averaging 4-6 hours), allowing plenty of time for sightseeing, photos, and relaxing.

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Private Tour From
€450 / person
*Price varies by group size. Discounts for groups 4+.
Estimated Total --
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