5-Day Authentic Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech Overview:
For an extraordinary desert expedition, look no further than our 5-day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to the captivating Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Unlike shorter 3-day tours that rush you through the experience, our extended itinerary allows you to savor the journey, with ample time to explore enchanting sites along the way.
With a minimum of 4 days, you'll have the chance to break the journey each way, unveiling hidden gems along the route. Arriving early at the hotel nestled at the foot hills of Erg Chebbi dunes, you can relish serene moments with a cup of traditional tea. Engage with the local culture as you encounter nomads dwelling in caves, embark on guided explorations of palm groves, or indulge in invigorating hikes in the breathtaking Dades Valley or the majestic Todra Gorges.
Our extended tour goes beyond camel trekking and a night stay in a deep desert camp. We curate a diverse array of enriching activities and sights to make your Sahara experience truly unforgettable. From witnessing awe-inspiring sunsets over the dunes to stargazing under the vast desert sky, every moment is a celebration of the desert's natural wonders.
Embrace the magic of the Sahara with our exceptional 5-day Desert Tour, carefully crafted to provide you with an authentic and immersive desert adventure. Join us now for an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes and time-honored traditions of the Sahara Desert, brought to you by Authentic Sahara Tours.
5-Day Authentic Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech Itinerary:
Day 1: Marrakech - Anti Atlas - Agdez - Zagora
Embark on a memorable journey from your riad/hotel in Marrakech, departing early morning. The route takes you through the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the renowned Tichka Pass (2260 m), an awe-inspiring road pass offering breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, valleys, and charming Berber villages scattered along the way. Marvel at the diverse landscapes with an array of colors that unfold before your eyes.
During the scenic drive, you'll have the opportunity to visit several kasbahs, each with its own unique charm. Continuing through the picturesque Draa river valley, lined with lush palm trees, your journey leads you to Zagora, where you'll spend the night in a traditional kasbah, immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Discover the beauty of Morocco's landscapes and the allure of its historical treasures on this unforgettable expedition, thoughtfully curated for you. Join us now for an extraordinary experience brought to you by our team at Authentic Sahara Tours
Day 2 : Zagora - Off road - Ouzina Desert
Today, following a delicious breakfast, you'll embark on a captivating desert adventure, unveiling the authentic and lesser-known marvels of Morocco. Our route will lead us to the historic crossroads of old caravans, where precious commodities like sugar, cotton, and rice once traversed the country, weaving tales of ancient trade.
Intriguingly, our journey will traverse parts of the famed Paris-Dakar Rally routes, immersing us in the essence of this prestigious race's Moroccan section. Be enchanted as we meander through the picturesque Draa Valley, traverse the scenic Oum Geran Plateau, and discover quaint Berber villages seemingly nestled amidst a mesmerizing nowhere.
Crossing the enigmatic black desert ergs, we'll savor a delightful picnic lunch beneath the comforting shade of an Acacia tree. A moment to cherish amidst the untamed wilderness.
As the afternoon sun begins to wane, we'll find ourselves at our oasis-like hotel in Ouzina Desert, ready to unwind and bask in the tranquility of this unique and authentic Moroccan experience.
Day 3: Moroccan Desert Adventure: Ouzina to Erg Chebbi Dunes
In the morning, our first destination is the charming village of Ouzina, where a mere 14 families reside amidst the enchanting adobe houses. Immerse yourself in the local culture as we explore various highlights, including a visit to the bustling bakery, where women gather to chat and bake bread, fostering a sense of community and tradition. Discover the heart of the village as we engage with the Ouzina association and visit the local school. A truly authentic experience awaits as we conclude with a delightful tea time shared with a hospitable local family.
Continuing our journey, we venture to Khamlia, a traditional Saharan village inhabited by people originally hailing from Mali. Revel in the captivating ambiance as traditional music, rhythmic drumming, and lively dancing fill the air. Take a leisurely stroll around the village, witnessing its farmed plots amidst the sandy terrain, a testament to resilience and resourcefulness..
As we arrive in Merzouga, a momentous shift awaits. Embark on an iconic camel trek over the golden sands, leading you to a captivating Bedouin-style camp. Climbing to the summit of a nearby dune, we'll be treated to a breathtaking sunset view, painting the horizon with warm hues. The day culminates with a heartwarming meal by the comforting fire, forging lasting memories under the desert sky.
Day 4: Merzouga - Todra Gorge - Dades Valley
Rise with the sun to witness a breathtaking desert sunrise, followed by a delightful open-air breakfast at the camp. Bid farewell to the enchanting Merzouga region and its dunes as we set out on an unforgettable journey to the oasis town of Tinghir.
Soon, we arrive at the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge, a remarkable series of deep-sided canyons adorned with towering cliffs that soar to an impressive height of 300 meters (985 feet). Considered the most magnificent cliffs in southern Morocco, Todra Gorge offers a mesmerizing display of natural landscapes, featuring dramatic cliff-like terrain and meandering streams that grace the palmeraies.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll have ample time to explore the majesty of this gorge, soak in the refreshing waters of the Todra River, and indulge in a delightful lunch amidst this serene and captivating setting.
Our journey continues as we bid adieu to Tinghir and venture towards the captivating Dades Valley. Upon reaching Boumalne Dades, we embark on a secondary route leading to the wondrous Dades Dorges. Brace yourself for a delightful surprise as you witness the striking rock formations, picturesque kasbahs, and charming stone and pisé villages. Along the riverbanks, lush cultivations of almond, fig, walnut, and polar trees paint a scenic panorama, offering one of the most breathtaking drives in the world.
Prepare to be captivated by the beauty of this glorious road as it leads us through an extraordinary landscape, making each moment of this journey truly unforgettable.
Day 5: Dades Valley - Skoura - Ouarzazate- High Atlas - Marrakech
After a delightful breakfast, we embark on a brief but enchanting stroll through the majestic gorges before resuming our thrilling 5-day Morocco desert adventure. Our route follows the captivating Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of the Roses, where the fragrant blooms add a touch of beauty to the landscape. As we traverse the famed "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," be prepared to be immersed in the rich history and cultural wonders that lie ahead.
Next on our itinerary is a visit to Ouarzazate, a city steeped in allure and charm. A stop for lunch in the picturesque village of Ait Benhadou awaits, where time seems to stand still. This renowned UNESCO-protected site has served as the backdrop for numerous iconic films, including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, making it a treasure trove for film enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Our journey continues as we traverse the Tichka Pass, unveiling awe-inspiring vistas as we make our way back to the vibrant city of Marrakech. This scenic pass, the highest road pass in Morocco, offers panoramic views of the mountains and valleys, an unforgettable sight to behold.
Join us for this captivating expedition, meticulously designed to capture the essence of Morocco's desert landscapes and cultural heritage, presented by Authentic Sahara Tours
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Pricing :
Private Desert Tour:
The price varies depending on the number of travelers, the season and accommodation choice, it can start from 450€ per person for groups and families to 550€ per person for couples
Small Group Desert tour:
the price for the shared group tour is fixed at 650€ per person, it might seem a bit higher than some so called "similar" offers in the market but do not be fooled, our groups are limited to 8 people max and require only 4 participants to start. The small number makes the tour quite similar to a private one with flexibility, same quality accommodation choice and attention from the company, hotels and driver.
The price includes :
- An air conditioned 4x4 or Minivan, depending on the number of the group
- Fuel
- English/French/Spanish speaking driver during the tour
- Pick up & Drop off at your Marrakech & Fes accommodations
- Overnight in Dades gorges or Skoura in a traditional comfortable Hotel. Possibility to upgrade to a deluxe hotel on a private tour
- Camel Trek to overnight in Luxury Camp with Ensuite-bathroom and shower
- Private rooms/tents
- Dinner and breakfast are daily included
- Free time to explore the sites such as Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, Walks, Canyons, Breaks for photos,..Etc
- Local guide in Ait Ben Haddou
- No forced Shopping
- No hidden costs
Extra costs to be expected :
- Lunch (Full Menus cost an average of 10€, and you can order "á la carte" in most places)
- Drinks ( if you drink a lot of water, you can purchase a package of 6 bottles from a small shop)
- Gratuities (optional)
1. What's the difference between private and shared tour?
The main differences between private and shared tours are the vehicle, you will only be sharing the transportation, rooms and tents are private, and even for meals you can chose to stay separated from the group if that is your preference. The other difference is that private tours are guaranteed, once you confirm your booking, we are commited to offer the tour, however shared tours depend on demand and require a minimum of 4 participants to run, if the minimum number is not met, you have the choice between a free cancellation or negotiate a deal to continue as a private tour.
2. Is it possible to have vegetarian/vegan food ?
Yes it is possile to provide vegetarian or vegan food during the tour, all you need is to let us know during the booking process and maybe remind your driver during the tour.
3. Is it possible to reach the camp without riding the camels?
Yes the camp has a dedicated 4x4 car to transport the luggage and clients who are not interested in riding the camels at all or at least do it only once. If you go on a private tour, you will be traveling in a comfortable 4x4 car that can access the camp if needed.
4. Does the camp have private bathrooms ?
Yes our camp is considered a luxury camp yet we include it in our basic packages without a significant raise in the price, all the tents are equipped with ensuite bathroom and showers
5. Can I take my luggage during the tour?
Yes, you can take your luggage during the tour, the vehicles are spacious enough to hold many big suitecases, and your luggage will be with you at all times so it's safe, even in the desert, your luggage will be transported to the camp with a 4x4 car to the tents.
Inquire NowHow to pay for the tour:
To confirm any tour or activity, we require a small deposit to be paid over PayPal to our Group Creator, the balance is due in cash at the pick up, to be paid to your driver in euros or equivalent in dirhams
Credit cards :
Unfortunately we do not accept payments with credit cards because they are not very popluar nor practical in Morocco and they generate so many fees and hold some security risks
Is it possible to pay the total with PayPal:
Normally we ask for the balance payments in cash because paypal also has many transaction fees and operational delays since it's an international institution. We can in some cases accept the full payment via paypal however a 5% fee will be applied to cover the extra transaction charges. In case you are considering this method, it is best to arrange the payment before the tour.
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