5 Days Family Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and Back

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

Your family’s adventure begins with a 8:00 AM pickup from your Marrakech hotel in our private, air-conditioned vehicle. We immediately embark on a scenic drive, crossing the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains. We’ll make several stops at strategic viewpoints for photos and to let the kids enjoy the magnificent landscapes.

Our first major stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient fortified village, a backdrop for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones, becomes a real-life castle exploration for children. We’ll have lunch at a restaurant overlooking the kasbah before continuing our short journey to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.”

Here, families can choose to visit the Atlas Film Studios to see props and sets from famous movies, a surefire hit with kids. Afterwards, we check into our family-friendly hotel, ideally one with a pool for a refreshing evening swim. Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Valley of the Roses – Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge

After a leisurely breakfast, we drive through the picturesque Valley of the Roses (especially stunning in spring), stopping at a cooperative where local women make rosewater products—a fun and fragrant experience for the senses.

We then continue into the Dades Valley, marveling at the unique “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. The journey leads us to the spectacular Todra Gorge. This is a major highlight for families, offering a gentle, flat walk along the riverbank between towering 300-meter canyon walls. It’s a natural playground where kids can safely climb on small boulders and skip stones in the water.

We’ll enjoy lunch in a nearby village before checking into our hotel in the area. Priority is given to hotels with swimming pools, providing the perfect way to unwind and have fun after a day of exploration. Dinner and overnight in the Todra Gorge/Dades area.

Day 3: Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert (Sahara Adventure)

After breakfast, we depart for the Sahara Desert. En route, we may stop in Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops—a fascinating stop where kids can learn that the desert was once an ocean floor.

The excitement builds as the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. Upon arrival in Merzouga, we check into a charming desert auberge (inn) where you can leave your main luggage and freshen up.

In the late afternoon, the magic begins as you meet your gentle camels for a sunset trek into the heart of the dunes. Each child will have their own camel, led carefully by an experienced guide. (For very young children, a 4×4 vehicle can be arranged). You’ll arrive at your private luxury desert camp as the stars emerge. The camp features private en-suite tents, sandboards for dune sliding, and offers incredible stargazing. The evening concludes with a delicious dinner around a campfire under the vast Saharan sky. Overnight in the desert camp.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert Exploration – Drive Back to Ouarzazate

Early risers can climb a dune for a spectacular Saharan sunrise. After breakfast at the camp, we take a leisurely camel or 4×4 ride back to the auberge.

The morning is dedicated to exploration. We recommend a fun 4×4 desert safari to visit a nomadic family for a short, respectful cultural visit and perhaps some sandboarding on the larger dunes.

After these adventures, we begin our return journey, driving back towards Ouarzazate. The drive is broken up with rest stops, and we will have lunch along the way. We arrive in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon, checking back into our family-friendly hotel with a pool—a welcome sight for everyone. Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After a final breakfast in Ouarzazate, we begin our journey back to Marrakech. We will cross the High Atlas Mountains once more, with opportunities for last-minute photos and souvenir shopping at local cooperatives.

We will stop for lunch along the way. You can expect to arrive back at your Marrakech accommodation in the late afternoon (approximately 5:00 PM), filled with incredible memories of your family’s grand Saharan adventure.

Every family is unique. If this itinerary doesn’t perfectly fit your dreams, dates, or your children’s ages and interests, please just contact us.

We specialize in crafting 100% customized journeys. Whether you want to add more days, include a cooking class, stay in a specific type of accommodation, or adjust the pace, we will work with you to create the perfect Moroccan adventure for your family.

Let’s build your dream trip together!