5 Day Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech: Atlas, Sahara & Atlantic Coast
Why Choose This 5 Day Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech
This 5 day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech shows you mountains, desert and ocean in one loop. To begin with, you cross the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. Then you ride a camel in Erg Chigaga, visit the walled city of Taroudant and end on the Atlantic coast in Essaouira.
Throughout the trip, you also travel privately in a 4×4 with your own driver-guide. As a result, the pace is always yours. In addition, breakfast and dinner are included every day.
However, if you prefer the high dunes of Merzouga, see our 5 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Route | Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Tamegroute – Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriqui – Taznakht – Taroudant – Essaouira – Marrakech |
| Nights | Ouarzazate, a desert camp at Erg Chigaga, Taroudant and Essaouira |
| Meals | Breakfast and dinner included |
| Price | From 565 € to 665 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 5 Day Morocco Itinerary
- To begin with, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
- Then visit the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and Kasbah Taourirt.
- Afterwards, see the green pottery and old library of Tamegroute.
- Later, ride a camel in Erg Chigaga and sleep in a desert camp.
- After that, walk along the old walls and souks of Taroudant.
- Also see goats climbing argan trees on the way to the coast.
- Finally, explore the blue and white medina of Essaouira.
5 Day Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech: Day by Day
Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
To begin with, your driver picks you up at your riad in Marrakech in the morning. Then you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres. Along the way, you also stop in Berber villages for photos and mint tea.
After that, you visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a famous film set. Later, you continue to Ouarzazate and see Kasbah Taourirt. Finally, you spend the night in Ouarzazate.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Erg Chigaga
Then, after breakfast, you follow the palm groves and kasbahs of the Draa Valley to Zagora. In Tamegroute, you also visit the green pottery workshops and the old Quranic library.
Later, the asphalt ends at M’Hamid, and your 4×4 crosses the desert to Erg Chigaga. Then you ride a camel for about one hour into the dunes for the sunset. Finally, dinner and Berber music are waiting at your desert camp.
Day 3: Erg Chigaga – Lake Iriqui – Taznakht – Taroudant
If you wake early, watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you cross the desert for about three hours on the old Paris–Dakar rally tracks, past Lake Iriqui.
Then you stop in Taznakht, a town known for its Berber carpets. After that, you cross the Anti-Atlas to Taroudant, an inland city with earthen walls and busy souks. Finally, you spend the night in Taroudant.
Day 4: Taroudant – Argan Country – Essaouira
After a walk in Taroudant, you drive west through argan country. On the way, you may also see goats climbing the argan trees to eat the fruit.
Later in the afternoon, you reach Essaouira, a relaxed town on the Atlantic. Then you explore its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and watch the fishing boats in the port.
Day 5: Essaouira – Argan Cooperative – Marrakech
After a free morning in Essaouira, you drive back to Marrakech. On the way, you also visit a women’s cooperative that makes argan oil by hand. Finally, your driver drops you at your riad in Marrakech in the afternoon.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Day 3 is the longest day, because you leave the desert by 4×4 before the long drive to Taroudant. In addition, bring a windproof jacket for Essaouira, where the trade winds blow most afternoons. Finally, try the grilled fish at the port stalls, because it comes straight from the boats.
Photo Gallery
What Is Included
- Included
- Help to plan your 5 days in Morocco
- Private air-conditioned 4x4, so you travel in comfort
- Four nights in hotels, riads and a desert camp
- Breakfast and dinner every day, with a special dinner at the camp
- Guided visits in Ouarzazate, Taroudant and Essaouira
- Camel ride in Erg Chigaga
- Water and snacks during the tour
- Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tips
- Entrance fees to monuments
Good to Know Before You Book
- Pickup: we also collect you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the morning.
- Off-road: you reach Erg Chigaga and leave it by 4×4 on desert tracks.
- Long day: Day 3 takes about 8 hours, although your driver plans regular stops.
- Lunches: lunches are not included, so your guide also suggests good local restaurants.
- Luggage: take a small bag to the camp, while large suitcases stay in the vehicle.
- Best time: spring and autumn are the most pleasant, because summer is very hot in the desert.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 5 Day Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech
Group size |
Price per person |
Total price |
|---|---|---|
2 travellers
|
665 €
|
1,330 €
|
3 travellers
|
625 €
|
1,875 €
|
4 travellers
|
590 €
|
2,360 €
|
5 travellers
|
565 €
|
2,825 €
|
6 travellers
|
565 €
|
3,390 €
|
Prices are per person in euros, because every tour is private. For 7 or more travellers, also ask us for a group quote.
Ready to plan your private Morocco tour?
Send us your dates and group size, and we will reply with a free quote. Of course, you can also ask us any question before you book.
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Then we send you a free, tailored quote.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- 100% private tour with your own driver
- Itinerary adjusted to your dates
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Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Erg Chigaga → Taroudant → Essaouira → Marrakech
FAQ About the 5 Day Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes. In fact, families, couples and older travellers all enjoy it. Besides, we can shorten the camel ride for children or older guests.
What should I pack for the 5 day Morocco itinerary?
Above all, pack light clothes for the day and warm layers for the evening. Also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and good shoes. Also see our guide on what to wear in the Sahara.
Which meals are included in the 5 day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech?
Breakfast and dinner are included every day, with a special dinner at the camp. However, lunches are not included, so your guide suggests good places to eat.
Is there Wi-Fi during the tour?
In general, most hotels in Ouarzazate, Taroudant and Essaouira have Wi-Fi. In Erg Chigaga, however, there is little or no signal.
What is the best time for this tour?
In general, the best months are March to May and September to November. In July and August, however, the desert is very hot.
How long is the camel ride?
In general, the camel ride lasts about one hour at sunset. If you prefer, you can also explore the dunes by 4×4 instead.
What is the desert camp like?
In general, it is a comfortable camp with real beds and Berber decoration. In addition, the tents have private bathrooms.
Can I change the 5 day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech?
Yes. Since the tour is private, you can add a night in the desert or change the pace. Just tell us before you book.
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