With five days based in Marrakech, you can go beyond the classic 3-day desert trip and see two deserts at a relaxed pace. This 5-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech avoids long driving days.
Day by day
| Day | Route | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Draa Valley | Zagora |
| 2 | Zagora – 4×4 to Erg Chigaga | Chigaga camp |
| 3 | Chigaga – Foum Zguid – Tazzarine | Guesthouse |
| 4 | Merzouga dunes, Khamlia, camel ride | Merzouga camp |
| 5 | Todra – Dades – back to Marrakech | – |
Why five days?
- Shorter daily drives, more time at each stop.
- Two different deserts: wild Chigaga and iconic Erg Chebbi.
- Time to enjoy the camps instead of rushing.
This route matches our 5-day Zagora and Merzouga tour. With one day less, choose the 4-day version.
Tips
- Keep one day in Marrakech before or after the tour.
- Pack a small bag for the camps.
- Book luxury camps in advance in high season.
What makes Erg Chigaga special
After Zagora, a 4×4 track crosses dry lakes and rocky plains to the remote Chigaga dunes. Camps there are isolated and quiet, perfect for stargazing. Two days later, Merzouga’s tall orange dunes offer a completely different atmosphere, which is the charm of this two-desert loop.
Choosing between Merzouga and Erg Chigaga in 5 days
A 5-day trip from Marrakech gives enough time for either desert. Merzouga offers higher dunes, easy access and many activities, while Erg Chigaga feels wilder but requires a 4×4 track. If this is your first Sahara trip, Merzouga with a night in the Dades Valley is the most balanced choice; for a sense of adventure and quieter nights, choose Chigaga via Zagora and M’Hamid.
What is usually included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver and fuel.
- Nights in guesthouses or kasbah hotels, plus one or two nights in a desert camp.
- Camel ride at sunset, dinner and breakfast in the camp.
- Optional: local guides in Aït Ben Haddou and the gorges, lunches, activities like sandboarding.
Ask for our 5-day Sahara route from Marrakech or compare with the 4-day Zagora and Merzouga tour.
Day by day at a glance
| Day | Route | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate | Ouarzazate or Skoura |
| 2 | Draa Valley – Zagora – M’Hamid | Desert camp (Chigaga) or Dades |
| 3 | Desert – Todra or Erg Chigaga | Merzouga or Chigaga camp |
| 4 | Merzouga – Dades Valley | Dades Gorges guesthouse |
| 5 | Dades – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech | Marrakech |
This 5 day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech can start any day of the week. Your driver picks you up at your riad in the morning and drops you back on the last evening. If you want more time in the dunes, you can add a second night in camp.
Remember that the longest day is usually the return to Marrakech: leave early to cross the Atlas in daylight.
For families or travellers who prefer a slower pace, the same five days can be organised with only one night in the desert and two nights in the valleys, giving more time for walks in the Dades and Todra gorges and less time in the car each day.
Key takeaways
- Two deserts in five days.
- Relaxed pace.
- Starts and ends in Marrakech.
See all Morocco tours.
To prepare your trip, also see the official website of the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
FAQ: 5 day morocco itinerary from marrakech
Is 5 days too long for a desert tour?
No, it allows a relaxed pace and two different deserts.
Does the 5-day tour return to Marrakech?
Yes, it is a loop starting and ending in Marrakech.
Can I end in Fes instead?
Yes, the itinerary can be adapted to finish in Fes.
What is included?
Private transport, accommodation, breakfasts and dinners and camel rides; lunches and drinks are usually extra.