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Private Sahara Desert Tour

6 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

Aït Ben HaddouDraa ValleyOuzina DunesErg ChebbiTodra & DadesKhamlia Gnawa
★★★★★ 4.9 · 120+ verified reviews

A deeper six-day desert adventure from Marrakech, off the beaten track through the Draa Valley, remote oases and the dunes of Ouzina and Erg Chebbi. Meet nomads, hear Gnawa music in Khamlia and explore the great gorges of the south.

Duration6 Days / 5 Nights
Tour TypePrivate & Custom
VehicleA/C 4×4 or Van
RouteMarrakech → Sahara → Marrakech
StaysHotels, Kasbahs & Camp
DepartureDaily · 7:30–8:00
Tour Overview

Six Days Deep into the Moroccan Sahara

This 6-day private tour is for travellers who want to go further into the desert. From Marrakech you cross the Atlas to Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, then follow the Draa Valley and Anti-Atlas to remote gorges, oases and the dunes of Ouzina and Erg Chebbi. Along the way you camp in the Sahara, meet nomadic families, visit the Gnawa village of Khamlia and explore Rissani, Todra and the Dades Valley before returning to Marrakech.

MarrakechAït Ben HaddouDraa ValleyMharechOuzina DunesMerzougaRissaniTodra GorgeDades ValleyMarrakech
Highlights

What Makes This Tour Special

  • Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass
  • Explore Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate film studios
  • Follow the palm-lined Draa Valley
  • Off-road through the Ouzina and Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Camp in the Sahara and meet nomad families
  • Hear Gnawa music in Khamlia village
  • Discover Rissani and its historic markets
  • Explore the Todra and Dades gorges
Day by Day

Your 6-Day Itinerary

Tap any day to read the full plan. Every itinerary is private and can be tailored to your pace and interests.

1DAY

Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

High Atlas & Film Kasbahs

Departing Marrakech at around 8am, we cross the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m) and stop at Aït Ben Haddou, the largest and most famous kasbah in Morocco. Continuing to Ouarzazate, we visit the film studios before dinner and an overnight stay in town.

Overnight in Ouarzazate · hotel
2DAY

Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Mharech Gorges

Anti-Atlas & Oases

After breakfast and a visit to Tourirt Kasbah, we cross the Anti-Atlas via the Tizi Tinifift pass and follow the Draa Valley through Agdez, N'Kob and Alnif, passing Berber villages and kasbahs, to reach the Mharech gorges for the night.

Overnight near Mharech · kasbah
3DAY

Mharech – Ouzina Dunes – Merzouga

Off-road to the Dunes

Today we travel the desert tracks toward the dunes of Ouzina, passing lonely oases and dry river beds and stopping in Berber villages. Reaching Erg Chebbi, we share a Berber lunch before transferring to a desert camp for dinner and a night in the Sahara.

Overnight in a desert camp · Erg Chebbi
4DAY

Merzouga – Desert & Nomads – Khamlia

Dunes, Nomads & Gnawa Music

We watch sunrise over dunes that rise above 250m, then explore Erg Chebbi along the old Dakar Rally track, visiting the oasis of Tissardmin and the tents of nomadic families. In Khamlia village we meet the Gnawa community, whose roots trace back to Mali, over mint tea and music, before a free afternoon for the sunset.

Overnight in Merzouga · hotel
5DAY

Merzouga – Rissani – Todra – Dades

Markets & Gorges

After breakfast we visit Rissani, the first capital of the Alaouite dynasty, with its large traditional markets, and Erfoud, known for its fossils. We then travel to the spectacular Todra Gorge and on to the Dades Valley for dinner and the night.

Overnight in the Dades Valley · hotel
6DAY

Dades – Valley of Roses – Marrakech

Kasbahs & the Road Home

On our final day we follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs from the Dades Valley, stopping at Kalaat M'Gouna in the Valley of Roses and the palm groves and famous kasbah of Skoura, before crossing the Atlas back to Marrakech.

Tour ends in Marrakech · drop-off at your hotel
Inclusions

What's Included & What's Not

Included

  • Private pick-up & drop-off at your hotel
  • Private A/C vehicle (4x4 or van)
  • Experienced English / Spanish-speaking driver-guide
  • Accommodation in hotels, riads & kasbahs
  • One night in a Sahara desert camp
  • Breakfasts & dinners as per itinerary
  • Camel ride and off-road desert tour
  • Sandboarding on request

Not Included

  • Lunches
  • Drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments
  • Tips & gratuities
  • Anything not mentioned above
Reviews

What Our Travellers Say

★★★★★

“Every day was perfectly organised. Sleeping in the desert camp and waking up to the sunrise over the dunes was the highlight of our whole trip.”

SM
Sarah & MichaelCouple · United States
★★★★★

“Our driver was kind, safe and full of knowledge. The kasbahs and gorges were stunning. A truly authentic Morocco experience.”

JL
JuliaSolo traveller · Canada
★★★★★

“A wonderful private tour for our family. Flexible, comfortable and never rushed. The kids loved the camel ride in the Sahara.”

LC
LorenzoFamily · Italy
★★★★★

“Everything was exactly as promised. Beautiful hotels, warm hosts and breathtaking desert scenery. Highly recommended.”

AK
AnnaCouple · Germany
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?

Pick-up is usually between 7:30 and 8:00 AM from your hotel, though the exact time can be adjusted to suit you.

Is this a private tour?

Yes — it is fully private for you and your group, with your own driver-guide and vehicle. Up to four passengers travel comfortably in a 4×4; larger groups use a spacious minivan.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Absolutely. The pace, stops and accommodation can all be tailored to your preferences. Just tell us what you would like and we will build the perfect version for you.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light jacket for the cooler desert nights. Sandboarding is available on request at the desert camp.

Are entrance fees included?

Admission fees to monuments and any local guides are paid directly at each site and are not included in the tour price.

How do I book?

Send us your preferred dates through the quote form or on WhatsApp. A small deposit secures your tour and the balance is settled on arrival.

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Want to Customise This Tour?

Start elsewhere, add a night in the desert or change the pace. We are a local Moroccan family and we tailor every itinerary to match your travel style.

Plan Your Custom Tour