Five days lets you pair the Red City with an overnight in the Sahara. This Marrakech itinerary blends the medina and gardens with a High Atlas crossing to the Erg Chebbi dunes and back.
Day by day
Your 5-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Marrakech medina
Koutoubia, the souks, the Ben Youssef Medersa and Jemaa el-Fna at dusk — orient yourself in the old city with a guided morning walk.
- Koutoubia Mosque (exterior)
- Souk Semmarine
- Ben Youssef Medersa
- Jemaa el-Fna at sunset
- 2
Day 2
Palaces & gardens
Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Jardin Majorelle and the YSL museum, finishing with a hammam before the early start for the desert.
- Bahia Palace
- Saadian Tombs
- Jardin Majorelle
- Traditional hammam
- 3
Day 3
Over the Tizi n'Tichka to the dunes
Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stop at the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou near Ouarzazate, and continue through the Dadès Valley toward Merzouga.
- Tizi n'Tichka pass
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Dadès Valley
- 4
Day 4
Erg Chebbi & a desert camp
Reach the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga, ride camels into the sand at sunset and overnight in a desert camp under the stars.
- Erg Chebbi dunes
- Camel trek
- Desert camp
- 5
Day 5
Return to Marrakech
The long scenic drive back via Ouarzazate and the Atlas, with stops for photos and lunch — arriving Marrakech in the evening.
Good to know
Practical notes
- The Sahara is a real commitment of driving — two of the five days are largely on the road, but the scenery is the experience.
- A private 4x4 with a driver-guide is the comfortable way to do this loop.
- Pack a warm layer: desert nights are cold even in summer.
Frequently asked
Can you reach the Sahara from Marrakech in 5 days?
Yes — five days is the realistic minimum for an overnight at Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) and back, crossing the Atlas via Aït Ben Haddou. Fewer days means too much driving for too little desert.
Is the drive to the Sahara worth it?
For most travellers, yes — the Tizi n'Tichka pass, Aït Ben Haddou and the Dadès Valley are highlights in themselves, not just transit. A private driver makes the long days comfortable.
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