Experience

5 days from Marrakech to the Sahara and back

Marrakech · Aït Benhaddou · Merzouga · Todra Gorge 17–21 Aug 20265 daysby Mohamed
6 comments

A road trip over the High Atlas to the Erg Chebbi dunes, returning through the Dades and Todra gorges.

The story

We hired a driver in Marrakech and took it slow: five days instead of the usual three. The extra time made all the difference - no 5am starts, time to walk around Aït Benhaddou before the tour buses, and a whole afternoon in the dunes.

Day by day, as it happened

5 days · 10 stops

Day 1Mon 17 Aug

Marrakech to Ouarzazate

  1. Koutoubia Mosque

    Place Marrakech 08:00 ≈ €0
    Worth it

    Quick stop before leaving the city.

  2. Tizi n'Tichka pass

    Place High Atlas 11:00 ≈ €2
    Worth it

    Hairpin bends and huge views at 2,260 m.

    Tip
    Stop at the top for mint tea, not at the first café on the climb.

  3. Aït Benhaddou

    Place Ouarzazate province 15:00 ≈ €3
    Must do

    The ksar is smaller than it looks in films but beautiful at golden hour.

    Tip
    Climb to the granary at the top for the best view.
Day 2Tue 18 Aug

Through the Dades Valley

  1. Dades Gorge road

    Place Boumalne Dades 10:00
    Worth it

    The famous switchbacks - worth the detour.

  2. Riad in Tinghir

    Stay Tinghir ≈ €45
    Worth it

    Simple and clean, great tagine.

Day 3Wed 19 Aug

Into the dunes

  1. Todra Gorge walk

    Activity Tinghir 09:00 ≈ €0
    Must do

    Walk 20 minutes past the hotels to lose the crowds.

  2. Camel trek to the camp

    Activity Merzouga 17:30 ≈ €45
    Must do

    About 1h15 to the camp, timed for sunset over Erg Chebbi.

    Tip
    Wear long trousers - the saddle rubs.

  3. Desert camp

    Stay Erg Chebbi
    Worth it

    Dinner, drums and a sky full of stars.

Day 4Thu 20 Aug

Sunrise and the long drive

  1. Sunrise on the dunes

    Activity Erg Chebbi 06:30 ≈ €0
    Must do

    Climb the dune behind the camp - absolutely worth the early alarm.

Day 5Fri 21 Aug

Back to Marrakech

  1. Lunch in Ouarzazate

    Food & drink Ouarzazate 13:00 ≈ €12
    Worth it

    Long drive day - break it up here.

Practical advice

What it cost
≈ €940
Total reported by the traveler for 5 days.

Tips for future travelers

Agree the price of the driver per day, fuel included. Bring cash - many places outside Marrakech don't take cards.

Lessons learned

Desert nights are cold even in spring. Pack a warm layer.

What I would do differently

Spend two nights at the desert camp instead of one.

Discussion

Questions about this trip? Ask the traveler.

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