5 days Essaouira desert tour to Merzouga

5 days Essaouira desert tour to Merzouga – Sahara desert tour from Essaouira – Desert tour Morocco – Erg Chebbi desert tour from Essaouira – Essaouira to Merzouga desert trip – overnight desert camp Merzouga

This 5-day Essaouira desert tour to Merzouga takes you through Marrakech, the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, historic kasbahs, lush valleys, dramatic gorges, and finally to the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi. A complete immersion into Southern Morocco: breathtaking landscapes, authentic traditions, rich gastronomy, and an unforgettable night under the stars in a Berber desert camp in Merzouga.Day 1 –

Day 1 Essaouira desert tour – Marrakech – Atlas Mountains – Aït Ben Haddou

Your driver-guide will pick you up early from your hotel or riad in Essaouira. Leaving the ocean breeze behind, you’ll head toward Marrakech, passing through argan forests and traditional Berber villages, where locals harvest the fruit to produce Morocco’s famous argan oil.

From Marrakech, this Essaouira desert tour takes you through the stunning Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). The road offers breathtaking views of rugged peaks, fertile valleys, and picturesque mountain villages. Several stops are planned for photos or tea.

In the afternoon, arrival at the UNESCO World Heritage Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a masterpiece of South Morocco architecture and filming spot for productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Overnight stay in Aït Ben Haddou.

Day 2 – Aït Ben Haddou – Skoura Oasis – Valley of roses – Dades Gorge

After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit of Aït Ben Haddou. Wander its narrow streets and climb to the top for panoramic views of the palm grove and surrounding desert.

This Essaouira Sahara trip to Erg Chebbi continues along the legendary road of a thousand Kasbahs. Stop at Skoura Oasis to visit the Kasbah Amridil, then explore the Valley of Roses with a break in Kelaa M’Gouna, famous for its annual rose festival. Visit a cooperative to discover rose-based oils, soaps, and cosmetics.

In the afternoon, the Essaouira to Merzouga tour continues to the Dades Valley, with its surreal rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers”. Optional short guided walk. Night stay in a charming riad or guesthouse in the Dades Gorges.

Day 3 – Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

After breakfast, this 5-day tour from Essaouira goes toward Tinghir and the dramatic Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with cliffs rising 300 meters high. Enjoy a short walk by the river before continuing the journey.

In the afternoon, cross increasingly arid landscapes until Erfoud, where you’ll stop for lunch. Soon, the first golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. At Merzouga, enjoy camel tour into the Sahara.

Arrive at your Merzouga berber desert camp by camel. Settle into your private tent before dinner is served: tajine, fresh bread, salads, fruit, and tea are on the menu. Around a campfire, Nomads will share music and rhythms under one of the clearest starry skies in the world. Overnight stay in the Sahara Desert.

Day 4 – Essaouira desert tour – Merzouga sunrise – N’Kob – Agdz – Ouarzazate

Wake up before dawn to watch the sunrise over Erg Chebbi dunes, a magical experience as the desert glows gold. After breakfast, ride camels back to the village and begin the return journey north.

This Essaouira desert trip takes you through vast desert plains and traditional towns such as Alnif, Tazarine, and N’Kob. Stop in N’Kob, famous for its many mudbrick kasbahs and palm grove, for lunch. This excursion continues then to Agdz, located at the entrance of the Draa Valley, where you can explore the local souk or enjoy tea on a terrace.

This Morocco desert tour takes you in the Anti-Atlas mountains before arriving in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon. Visit the Kasbah Taourirt and, if you wish, the Ouarzazate movie studios, known for hosting many international productions. Night stay in a beautiful riad or guest house in Ouarzazate.

Day 5 – Ouarzazate – Marrakech – Essaouira

After breakfast, the return journey to Essaouira begins. You will travel back across the High Atlas mountains, with scenic stops for photos and lunch along the way. Arrive in Marrakech for a short break before continuing on to Essaouira.

Arrival at your hotel or riad in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your 5-day Essaouira to Merzouga desert tour.

For travelers seeking a wilder Sahara experience, we also offer a 5-day desert tour to the Erg Chigaga great dunes starting from Essaouira.