Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert Camp → Marrakech
Our 4-day Sahara tour condensed into a tight loop — this 5-day version spreads the same route over an extra day, giving you a full night in the Dades Valley and more time in the Berber villages along the Valley of Roses, instead of covering it all in one long drive.
Total driving distance is around 1,005 km round trip, shared with a small group the whole way.
≈210 km · about 3.5 hrs driving. Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stopping at the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou kasbah, before continuing to the palm oasis of Skoura for the night.
≈120 km · about 2 hrs driving. Drive through the Valley of Roses, with a stop at a local cooperative, then on to the dramatic rock formations of the Dades Gorge for an evening walk and overnight stay.
≈235 km total · about 4.5 hrs driving. Morning hike into the towering Todra Gorge (≈55 km/1 hr from Dades), then continue across the desert plains to Merzouga (≈180 km/3.5 hrs). Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a night at the shared desert camp.
≈330 km · about 5 hrs driving. Optional sunrise over the dunes, then camels back to Merzouga and a scenic drive back across the Atlas via Tinghir, arriving in Ouarzazate for the night.
≈210 km · about 3.5 hrs driving. Final crossing of the High Atlas, arriving back in Marrakech by mid-afternoon. Trip ends.
Four nights, shared throughout. Expect the same style and price bracket as these real budget properties in each location.
Simple kasbah-style guesthouses in the same bracket as Le Petit Riad (Ouarzazate) or the palm-grove guesthouses near Ait Benhaddou — mudbrick rooms, terrace views, home-cooked dinners.
A shared Berber-style camp at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, comparable to Hostel La Palmeraie or Nómade Nest Hostel — dorm-style tents, shared bathrooms, campfire music.
A budget guesthouse near the medina, similar in style and price to Le Petit Riad — clean, simple twin rooms and a rooftop terrace.
Groups are capped at 16 travelers. Departures run every Tuesday year-round — book early for October–April, our busiest season.
Prefer the tighter 4-day version instead? See our 4-Day Sahara Desert Group Tour.
Booking terms: Send an enquiry first; we confirm the departure, final price, and payment instructions by email. No payment is taken through this website.
Same core route, but spread over an extra day — you get a full night in the Dades Valley and more time in the Valley of Roses, rather than driving straight through.
Yes — the €329 price is based on shared twin or dorm-style rooms throughout. A private room upgrade is available on request for an additional cost.
Desert nights get cold even in summer — bring a warm layer, plus sunscreen, a scarf or hat for wind and sun, and comfortable walking shoes.
Absolutely — most travelers on this route arrive solo. You'll be paired with a same-gender roommate for shared rooms unless you book a private upgrade.
Departures run on fixed weekly dates regardless of group size — your trip runs even if only a few seats are booked.
Shared