My 5-Day Morocco Tour: Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Review

So, you are probably thinking about going to Morocco, right? I was in that same spot, scrolling through pictures of orange sand dunes and really interesting looking old cities. The whole idea felt just a little bit overwhelming, to be honest. Figuring out how to get from the city to the Sahara seemed like a huge puzzle. That is why a pre-arranged tour felt like the right move, you know? So, I went for a 5-day trip that started in Marrakech and went all the way to the Merzouga desert, and as a matter of fact, it was quite an experience. I honestly wanted more than just a vacation; I really hoped to feel the country a little, and this tour more or less delivered on that front.

Leaving the City for the High Atlas Mountains

Our first day basically started super early, leaving the noisy streets of Marrakech behind us. It’s pretty amazing how quickly the landscape changes, like, you go from city sounds to this quiet stillness almost immediately. We were soon driving up into the High Atlas Mountains, and seriously, the roads are incredibly windy. Anyway, our driver was an absolute professional, so you feel completely safe. The main event of the drive is arguably the Tizi n’Tichka pass, which is almost 7,500 feet up and offers views that are just kind of unbelievable.

Later that day, we pretty much stepped into a whole different world at Aït Benhaddou. You’ve probably seen this place in movies, like Gladiator, and standing there in person is a bit surreal, I mean, it really is. It is an old fortified village, or ksar, made entirely of earth and clay, and you can just feel the history there. Then, we moved on to Ouarzazate, sometimes called the “Hollywood of Africa” because of its big movie studios, which was an interesting stop, for example. We ended our day in the Dadès Valley, staying in a lovely little riad tucked between these amazing red rock formations, you know? It felt so peaceful after a really long day of traveling, honestly.

Through Canyons and Toward the Golden Dunes

The next morning, we took a walk through the Todra Gorge, and at the end of the day, that was a real highlight for me. You are walking along this little river with these huge canyon walls rising up on both sides, and it really makes you feel very, very small in the best way possible. From there, it was back on the road, and you could just see the landscape getting flatter and a lot more sandy. You know that you are getting closer to the desert; it’s like the world is slowly turning a different color.

And then, just like that, we arrived in Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Okay, so seeing them for the first time is something I will never forget. They are these massive, flowing mountains of orange sand, literally as far as you can see. Instead of a car, our next ride was a camel. Getting on one of those animals is an experience in itself, sort of awkward and funny. The ride into the desert as the sun began to set was just quiet and kind of beautiful. All you hear is the soft padding of the camel’s feet on the sand, which is actually a very calming sound.

A Night in the Sahara Under a Ceiling of Stars

Our home for the night was a traditional Berber desert camp, which was actually much more comfortable than I expected. The tents are pretty spacious, with real beds and stuff inside. After we settled in, we had dinner together in a big tent, and obviously, they served us a delicious tagine. The best part, to be honest, was what came after dinner. We all sat around a crackling campfire while our Berber hosts played drums and sang. It was just a little bit magical, you know, listening to that music under the open sky.

Speaking of the sky, I mean, I have never seen so many stars in my entire life. There is basically zero light pollution out there, so the sky is just this incredible blanket of light. You can see the Milky Way so clearly, and it’s just absolutely stunning. Waking up the next morning before sunrise was a bit tough, I mean, it was still cold and dark. But we climbed up one of the highest dunes, and watching the sun slowly rise and light up the endless sand was worth every bit of lost sleep, seriously. It’s a view that’s almost impossible to describe in words.

The Long Drive Back with a New Perspective

So, after that amazing sunrise, we had our camel ride back to the edge of the desert. The dunes somehow looked completely different in the bright morning light, you know? Then, of course, it was time for the long drive back to Marrakech. I’m not going to lie, it is a very, very long day in the car, so you should be prepared for that. But anyway, the scenery is still incredible and you are not going back the exact same way.

This time, we actually drove through the Draa Valley, which is famous for its huge stretch of palm trees, apparently one of the biggest in the country. It was such a striking difference from the rocky mountains and the orange sand we had been seeing, this ribbon of green in the middle of a dry landscape. We made a few stops along the way for photos and to stretch our legs. Finally, as evening came, we were back in Marrakech. It was a little bit strange to be back in the middle of all the noise and activity after the deep quiet of the desert. You definitely feel like you’ve been on a real adventure.

Helpful Tips Before You Take This Tour

Frankly, if you’re thinking about this tour, there are a few things that are good to know beforehand. I put together a little list that I think might be helpful for your planning. Read our full review: [5-Day Morocco Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Full Review and Details].

What I learned is that a good attitude is probably the most important thing you can pack. You just have to go with the flow, because at the end of the day, things don’t always go exactly as planned, and that’s part of the fun.

• Clothing is key: So, you should really pack layers. It can be quite warm during the day and then get pretty cold at night, especially in the desert and mountains. A light jacket, a hat, and sunscreen are things you absolutely must bring.
• The Car Rides: As I was saying, there is a lot of driving. So just know that going in. It’s a great chance to listen to music or a podcast, or honestly, just look out the window because the view is almost always interesting.
• Bring Some Cash: While the big things are paid for, you’ll definitely want some Moroccan Dirhams with you. It’s just easier for buying little souvenirs, drinks, or for tipping your driver and local guides, you know?
• Food and Water: The meals included were typically good, lots of tagine and couscous. However, it is a really good idea to buy large bottles of water whenever you stop, just to stay hydrated.
• About the Stays: The hotels and riads were generally nice and clean, but you have to remember they are not like five-star city hotels. They are more traditional and full of character. The desert camp was an amazing experience, sort of like camping but a bit more comfortable.

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