5-Day Sahara & Kasbahs

A journey with a story.

Give the Sahara more time. This five-day route pairs the Atlas crossing and southern kasbahs with a full day around Merzouga, then breaks the return journey with a night near Ouarzazate. There is space for unhurried stops, a desert sunrise and the accommodation style you prefer.

Route: Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

Your day-by-day itinerary

Suggested programme. Timing, access and included services are agreed in your confirmation.

1. Day 1 — Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → DadesCross the High Atlas, explore the earthen village and continue to the Dades area, allowing time for stops and an evening at your chosen hotel. Your driver plans safe photo stops and breaks around the mountain road. At Aït Ben Haddou, choose how much walking suits you before continuing towards Dades. The first evening is kept simple so you can settle in and enjoy the setting; dinner arrangements depend on your chosen accommodation.
2. Day 2 — Dades → Todra → MerzougaWalk in the gorge before travelling towards the Sahara. Arrive in time for the camp transfer arranged in your booking. Pause in the Todra area for fresh air and photographs, then continue east with a lunch stop along the way. On arrival near the dunes, meet the camp team and take your prearranged camel or vehicle transfer. Pack a small overnight bag if advised and bring a layer for the evening.
3. Day 3 — A day around MerzougaSpend a slower day in the dune region. Request a village visit, local music experience or a guided desert outing. Motorised activities are optional extras. This day is deliberately flexible. Choose a slower morning after sunrise, ask about local music and village visits or request a guided desert outing. Quad and buggy activities are separately quoted. We agree which night is spent at a hotel and which at camp so you know exactly where you will sleep.
4. Day 4 — Merzouga → OuarzazateTravel west through changing desert landscapes, with rest stops and lunch along the way. Overnight near Ouarzazate breaks the return journey. Enjoy breakfast before the road journey back towards Ouarzazate. Your driver coordinates lunch and comfort stops, with short scenic pauses where practical. An overnight here keeps the final Atlas crossing for the following day and gives you time to rest before continuing.
5. Day 5 — Ouarzazate → MarrakechChoose an optional kasbah or film-studio stop, then return over the mountains. Your driver adapts the timing to road conditions. Choose a focused morning visit if it fits the departure plan, then cross the mountains towards Marrakech. Studio or kasbah admissions and guides are optional. Confirm your final hotel address beforehand; if you have an onward flight, ask us to review the timing before booking it.

Your journey on the map

Approximate connections, not driving directions. Final route and stops are confirmed before booking.

Your stay along the way

Accommodation category, room arrangements and included meals are agreed in your personalised quotation. Tell us whether you prefer a riad, hotel or desert camp where available. No specific property is reserved until we confirm it with you.

Good to know

Share your group size, travel date and any special requests. The final vehicle, exact timings and inclusions are confirmed by our team before you pay. Walking routes and stops can be adjusted where possible.

For multi-day journeys, some stages involve long drives. We plan rest stops and can propose extra nights for a gentler pace. Religious sites, monuments and activities remain subject to local access and operating conditions.