5 Day Morocco Tour - From Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Marrakech to the heart of Morocco’s stunning natural landscapes. Climb through the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, marveling at the breathtaking views as you make your way to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa.” Explore the historic Kasbah Taourirt and enjoy a delicious local lunch before continuing along the “Road of the Thousand Kasbahs,” taking in the fascinating “sandcastles” that line the route. Stop in the rose-filled town of Kalaat Mgouna and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Dades Gorges, where you’ll spend the night.

The next day, venture to the towering Todra Gorges, where the lush palm groves and soaring canyon walls will leave a lasting impression. Cross the desert to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll witness the breathtaking sunset and sunrise on a camel trek through the golden sands. Delve deeper into the local Berber culture, visiting ancient villages and experiencing the vibrant souk in Rissani, before continuing your journey through the Draa Valley and the unique geological formations surrounding Ouarzazate. Culminate your adventure with a visit to the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has graced the silver screen, before returning to Marrakech.

5 Days

1+ Age

Marrakech

Best Deals

Destination

Marrakech
Departure

We'll pick you up from your place
Departure Time

Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a departure at 9:30 AM
Return Time

Approximately 8:30 PM
Dress Code

Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hat and light jacket

Day 1: Marrakech - Ouarzazate - Roses Valley - Dades Gorges

We’ll begin our exciting day by picking you up from your Hotel or Riad at 8:30 AM. Our journey will take us through the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters, offering breathtaking views as we climb through the High Atlas Mountains. On the way to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” we’ll pass through picturesque Berber villages and stunning landscapes. In Ouarzazate, we’ll visit The Studio Cinema and the magnificent Kasbah Taourirt, a historic monument honoring the Glaoui family. After enjoying a delicious lunch with local cuisine, we’ll drive along the “Road of the Thousand Kasbahs,” marveling at the fascinating “sandcastles” along the way. We’ll stop at Kalaat Mgouna, known as “Rose’s Kastel,” famous for its roses and annual festival during the May harvest. The day concludes with dinner and a cozy overnight stay in a hotel in the heart of the Dades Gorge.

Day 2: Dades Gorges - Todra Gorges - Erg Chebbi Dunes

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll depart from the Dades Gorges, driving toward Tinhir and the Todra Gorges. The lush palm groves along the valley are known for their breathtaking beauty, and as we drive along the winding road, the towering canyon walls—reaching up to 300 meters—will leave a lasting impression. After leaving the gorges, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Erfoud, where we’ll visit a fossil craft workshop. From here, we’ll head to the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes. Take a moment to relax with a cup of tea before embarking on a one-hour camel ride through the dunes, where the clean air and beautiful sunset will create unforgettable moments. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable desert camp.

Day 3: Deep Cultural and Nomadic Lifestyle Experience

We’ll start the day early to catch what may be the best sunrise of your life from the top of the dunes. Afterward, you’ll ride your camel back to the hotel in Merzouga for breakfast. Today, we’ll explore the Berber villages surrounding the dunes, giving you a closer look at Berber culture. We’ll visit the Mifiss mines and cross the desert plateau, passing through the village of Khamliya. In Merzouga, we’ll visit the Musicians of Khemlia, a century-old Gnaoua group that performs ancient trance music. Next, we’ll drive to Rissani, the ancient capital of the Alaouite Sultans and a key market town for Sub-Saharan camel caravans. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the bustling souk. Lunch will be enjoyed in a local family’s home, where you can chat with the hosts and share a cup of tea. The afternoon is free for you to relax at a hotel with stunning views of the dunes and a swimming pool. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif - Agdez - Ouarzazate

Start your day with an early morning hike up the dunes to witness another breathtaking sunrise. After breakfast and a refreshing shower at the camp, we’ll depart for Rissani, where you can explore the vibrant souk once more. We’ll then continue our journey through the Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s longest palm grove valleys, admiring the charming adobe Kasbahs and Berber villages along the way. As we approach Ouarzazate, you’ll notice the unique geological formations of the Draa Valley and Ait Saoun col. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a hotel in Ouarzazate.

Day 5: Ouarzazate - Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll visit the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as the backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters, including *Gladiator*, *The Mummy*, and *Alexander*. Enjoy a one-hour walking tour of this historic site before we head toward the Atlas Mountains, where we’ll stop for a delightful lunch. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey through the Tizi N' Tichka pass, arriving in Marrakech in the early evening. We’ll drop you off at your hotel, concluding an unforgettable journey.