Tour Overview
Sahara Desert · Marrakech Tour · Guided Trekking5 days of Sahara Desert exploration through stunning landscapes, experiencing camel rides, desert camps, and authentic nomadic culture. This carefully curated Marrakech tour 5 days journey offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort in Morocco's magnificent Sahara Desert.
Our 5 day Sahara Desert landscapes tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the magnificent desert landscapes of the Sahara. Discover the majestic Chegaga dunes and experience a wonderful journey with the nomads of the Sahara. This trek has been specifically designed to showcase the most spectacular aspects of the Moroccan desert while ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the journey.
We invite you to take a scenic route through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass (2,260 m above sea level). This Marrakech tour adventure combines luxury camping with authentic cultural experiences. You'll have the opportunity to witness stunning sunsets over golden dunes, sleep under star-filled skies, and learn about traditional Berber culture from local guides.
This 5-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech has been designed as an accessible adventure with moderate stages, allowing time to explore dunes, oases, and experience authentic encounters with desert nomads. Whether you're an experienced trekker or new to desert adventures, this journey offers something truly special for everyone.
Tour Highlights
What makes this Sahara Desert trek unique- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tichka Pass from Marrakech
- Visit Ouarzazate with its exceptional southern architecture
- Cross the Berber village of Agdez and the famous Draa Valley palm groves
- Discover the traditional lifestyle of Sahara Desert nomads
- Experience camel trekking in the magnificent dunes of Erg Chegaga
- Magical evenings at desert bivouacs with traditional dinners around campfires
- Witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises over golden sand dunes
- Visit traditional villages and learn about Berber culture and traditions
- Explore the Fint Oasis, a hidden gem near Ouarzazate
Detailed Itinerary – 5 Days
Sample program, adaptable to your preferencesMarrakech – Ouarzazate – Agdez – Zagora
Our tour departs by bus towards the south via the renowned high mountains of the Tichka Pass (at an altitude of 2,260 m), and the small Berber villages of the Ounila Valley, a Berber valley with splendid architecture. After a coffee break in the city of Ouarzazate, we will continue to the Draa Valley from the city of Agdez. A walk in the cool of the palm grove will provide an opportunity to discover the landscape offered by this oasis punctuated by kasbahs and douars, magnificent examples of the traditional earthen architecture of southern Morocco. You will spend the night in a hotel amidst these magnificent landscapes of the Draa Valley in the city of Zagora.
Zagora – Oulad Driss
The next day, after breakfast, we will head towards the gateway to the desert: M'hamid. After crossing Zagora, the date capital, we will stop in Tamegroute to visit the pottery workshops and the Quranic library, famous for housing splendid manuscripts dating back to the 11th century. We will continue for lunch in Oulad Driss. Then, you will begin your hike to enjoy the cool air. Oulad Driss is a picturesque village with earthen buildings, typical of the region, and a spectacular setting between mountains and palm groves. After leaving the village, you can take trails that wind through the palm groves of the Draa Valley. The date palms that stretch as far as the eye can see create pleasant shade and a striking contrast with the arid landscape of the surrounding mountains. If you're lucky, you might spot some springs or irrigation canals that feed this fertile region. The streams and the water that flow through them are essential to life in this arid valley. You will spend the night in a hotel surrounded by these magnificent landscapes of the Draa Valley in the village of Oulad Driss.
A day dedicated to the desert. Lunch with the nomads – the sacred oasis – Erg Chegaga
In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, depart by 4×4 across the dunes to reach the nomads' tents. This day will offer a unique opportunity to discover the nomadic lifestyle and the simplicity of desert life. Deep in the dunes, you'll enjoy the magnificent landscapes and vastness of the desert. We'll then return to the bivouac for a rest before setting off on camelback to admire the sunset over the dunes. Dinner and the evening will be spent on-site, in the comfortable bivouac.
Erg Chegaga – Foum Zguid – Oasis of Fint
Head south to reach the dried-up Lake Iriki. This area was once a popular spot for nomadic caravans. The imposing mountain ridges are undoubtedly among the most beautiful remote landscapes. We'll arrive at the small town of Foum Zguid where we'll have lunch. We'll then head back to Taznakht, the capital of saffron and carpets, before arriving in Ouarzazate, where we'll spend the night in a riad in the Fint Oasis.
Fint Oasis – Marrakech
After breakfast, a detour will take us to the palm grove of the Fint Oasis, a magnificent mountain oasis 10 km from Ouarzazate, a veritable green setting amidst rocks whose unspoiled nature is still preserved from mass tourism. We'll offer a visit to the Taourirt Kasbah, a beautiful, remarkably well-preserved adobe building. After lunch, we'll depart via the Tizi N'Tichka Pass to Marrakech, where we'll arrive in the late afternoon.
What's Included / Not Included
To prepare your budget comfortably- Full board from Marrakech to Marrakech
- Overnight stays at hotel, riad, and bivouac
- Transfers with Tourist Transport
- Services of a mountain guide
- Camels for desert trekking
- 4×4 vehicles for the Sahara exploration
- All entrance fees to sites and monuments
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and staff
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Meals and overnight stays in Marrakech
- Optional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Practical Details
Duration, level, seasons & participantsTour Route Map
Explore the Sahara Desert trekking route from MarrakechFrequently Asked Questions
Some answers before you goThe tour is rated as moderate, with comfortable transportation between locations and gentle walking in desert conditions. It's suitable for anyone in good health who enjoys light activity. The camel trekking portions are gentle and suitable for beginners. For more information about preparing for desert adventures, check out our Complete Guide to Traveling and Exploring Morocco.
Summer months in the Sahara Desert can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). From October to May, temperatures are more comfortable for exploring, typically ranging from 15-30°C (59-86°F) during the day. For detailed safety information about traveling in Morocco, visit our Morocco Safety Guide.
You'll stay in comfortable hotels and riads in cities and authentic desert bivouacs during the desert portion. Our accommodations offer proper beds, traditional Moroccan meals, and facilities while maintaining authentic experiences. All accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and authentic Moroccan character.
Light walking before departure is recommended. Bring comfortable shoes, light-colored clothing for sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Evenings can be cool, so pack layers. A detailed equipment list will be provided upon booking your Marrakech tour adventure. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your journey.
The Chegaga dunes are among the highest and most spectacular in Morocco, reaching up to 300 meters in height. Unlike the more touristy Erg Chebbi, Chegaga offers a more remote and authentic desert experience. The vastness of the dunes and the sense of isolation create a truly magical atmosphere, especially at sunrise and sunset when the light transforms the landscape into breathtaking shades of gold and orange.
Morocco is a Muslim country with conservative traditions, especially in rural areas. We recommend dressing modestly, particularly when visiting villages and religious sites. Women should consider covering shoulders and knees. It's also respectful to ask permission before photographing local people. Your guide will provide additional cultural guidance throughout the journey to ensure respectful interactions with local communities.