Camel Ride Trips6-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
The slow, complete loop through southern Morocco. Reach the Sahara by the quiet road through the Draa Valley, the Mharech gorges and Ouzina, spend two nights around the Erg Chebbi dunes with a camel trek, the Tissardmine oasis and Gnawa music in Khamlia, then return through the Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley and the Valley of Roses.
Who is the 6-day southern loop for?
Travelers who want the real south of Morocco without long driving days: the Draa Valley palm groves, remote desert tracks, two nights in Merzouga and the gorges, all in a loop from Marrakech. For a shorter loop, see the 5-day round trip.
- 1 night Ouarzazate
- 1 night riad near Mharech
- 1 night desert camp
- 1 night hotel in Merzouga
- 1 night Dades Valley
How much driving is there on the 6-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour?
The whole route covers about 1,200 km by road. On this 6-day tour, 1 of the 6 days have little or no driving. Times below are approximate and include short stops for photos, lunch and visits.
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate | about 220 km | 3–4 hours with stops |
| Day 2 | Ouarzazate → Agdez → N'Kob → Tazarine → Mharech | about 260 km | 4–5 hours with stops |
| Day 3 | Mharech → Ouzina → Merzouga | about 130 km | 2–3 hours with stops |
| Day 4 | Exploring Merzouga | about 60 km | Short drives by 4x4 |
| Day 5 | Merzouga → Rissani → Erfoud → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley | about 280 km | 4–5 hours with stops |
| Day 6 | Dades Valley → Valley of Roses → Skoura → Marrakech | about 320 km | 5–6 hours with stops |
Local desert team
We are based in Rissani, next to Merzouga, so the camels and camp are run by our own people.
Private vehicle
Air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan with your own English-speaking driver-guide.
Your pace
Stop for photos, tea and short walks whenever you like.
Three comfort levels
Basic, Mid-Range or Luxury hotels and desert tents.
6-Day Southern Loop Itinerary
- Day 1
Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate
Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed kasbah, then continue to Ouarzazate, known for its film studios.
Overnight: Hotel in Ouarzazate, dinner included
- Day 2
Ouarzazate → Agdez → N'Kob → Tazarine → Mharech
Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, then follow the Draa Valley past palm groves, kasbahs and Berber villages. Continue through N'Kob, Tazarine and Alnif to the Mharech gorges.
Overnight: Local riad, dinner included
- Day 3
Mharech → Ouzina → Merzouga
Cross the remote desert landscapes around Ouzina to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Free time, then a camel trek into the dunes for sunset and a night in a nomad tent.
Overnight: Desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, dinner included
- Day 4
Exploring Merzouga
Sunrise over Erg Chebbi, then breakfast. Visit the Tissardmine oasis and meet nomad families, listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia, and relax or climb the dunes in the afternoon.
Overnight: Hotel in Merzouga, dinner included
- Day 5
Merzouga → Rissani → Erfoud → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
Visit the traditional market of Rissani and the fossil workshops of Erfoud, explore the Todra Gorge and continue to the Dades Valley.
Overnight: Hotel in the Dades Valley, dinner included
- Day 6
Dades Valley → Valley of Roses → Skoura → Marrakech
Drive through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura palm groves, then cross the High Atlas back to Marrakech.
Tour ends at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
Choose Your Comfort Level
Choose the level that suits you. The route and guides stay the same; only the hotels, riads and desert camp change.
Basic
- Clean 2–3 star hotels and guesthouses
- Simple traditional riads
- Standard tent in a desert camp
- Private rooms, breakfast included
Mid-Range
- Selected 3–4 star hotels
- Traditional riads with character
- Comfort desert tent with private bathroom
- Private rooms, breakfast included
Luxury
- Premium 4–5 star hotels and boutique riads
- Suites available on request
- Luxury desert tent with en-suite bathroom
- Breakfast included, selected dinners
Included & Not Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotels and riads during the tour
- Night in a nomad tent in a desert camp
- Camel trek in Merzouga
- 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Activities not listed in the itinerary
Questions About the 6-Day Southern Loop
How is this different from the 3 or 5-day tours?
It takes the quieter southern road through the Draa Valley and Mharech to reach the desert, spends two nights in Merzouga and returns by the gorges, so you never drive the same road twice.
How many nights in the desert?
Two nights in Merzouga: one in a desert camp and one in a hotel by the dunes.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner every night. Lunches and drinks are not included.
Can I choose a different hotel level?
Yes. This tour is available in Basic, Mid-Range and Luxury. The route, driver-guide and local guides stay the same; only the hotels, riads and desert camp change, along with the price.
How much driving is there on the 6-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour?
The whole route covers about 1,200 km by road. On this 6-day tour, 1 of the 6 days have little or no driving. The longest day is Day 6, Dades Valley → Valley of Roses → Skoura → Marrakech: about 320 km, 5–6 hours with stops. All times are approximate and include short stops.
How do I pay for this tour?
Send a 20% deposit by PayPal, Payoneer or international bank transfer (SWIFT) and your tour is confirmed automatically. Pay the remaining 80% on the first day of the tour, in cash (EUR, USD or MAD) or online. Cancel 11 days or more before the tour for a full refund of your deposit. See our booking terms.
Other tours from Marrakech: 3-day, 5-day round trip and 7-day Marrakech to Fes.
Your Journey, Your Pace, Your Morocco
Tell us your dates and we'll prepare this private tour around you, with clear pricing and no obligation.