Best 5 Day Morocco Itinerary

DAY 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate:

5-day itinerary in Morocco. The first day of your 5-day tour from Marrakech will start when your private driver or guide will pick you up for an interesting drive through the spectacular High-Atlas Mountains with their panoramic views and rich culture.

Directly crossing the High Atlas via Tizi-n-Tichka, we will venture into the heart of the mountains to the Telouet Castle that looms in the distance as you approach the village. The Glaoui family built Telouet as a way to control the caravan route connecting Marrakech and the Sahara. Even though the castle is now in ruins, you can still see how extravagant the Glaoui family’s life was. 

Then, after, we will go to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, which represents a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco. The Kasbah is a bastion from the 16th century that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have opportunities to discover the region and eat a meal there before heading to Ouarzazate, the Moroccan capital of film, where big blockbuster movies like Gladiator, Les Chemins de la Liberté, Laurence of Arabia, and the Kingdom of Heaven have been made, and visit the Atlas studio. There to have will be dinner at the hotel where we’ll spend the night.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Merzouga Desert:

5-day itinerary in Morocco. On the second day, you’ll leave for the Todra Gorges after a sumptuous breakfast. A stunning 300m golden mountain. When you arrive, take a stroll along the way, and you might catch a glimpse of climbers scaling the 300m at the Todra. In the afternoon, your driver will continue crossing Tinjdad, Erfoud, and Rissani and then arrive at Merzouga.

You will arrive in the Merzouga Sahara desert later in the day, where you will change from your 4×4 car to a single private camel for a long ride. Join a unique excursion around the desert on camelback with an experienced camel guide. He will provide you with a few tips on how to enjoy the best dunes and a beautiful sunset view. After heading to the camp, a delicious dinner will be served to you; meanwhile, you join Gnawa music players for a night under the stars in a Sahara tent.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Nomads Families – Khamlia Village:

Your journey is still going on, and the third day will let you get up early and watch the sunrise in the depths of the desert. It’s worth it to see the most spectacular sunrise you’ve ever seen at the top of a dune close to the camp.  When the sun rises, we return to Merzouga on the camels, where a hearty breakfast is waiting for you.

After breakfast, you’ll take a big turn around the dunes, passing by two oases of Merzouga, the wandering deposit, the village of KHAMLIA (village of the Gnaoua), mines of MIFISS, the plates desert with the meeting of the Berber nomads of the desert, oasis TISSARDMINE, and return to the hotel.

Day 4: Merzouga – Draa Valley – Dades Gorges- Ouarzazate:

Dunes of Erg Chebbi, you can watch the sunrise over the dunes. We’ll then head back to the hotel for breakfast and a shower, before heading off to explore the tourist area of Rissani, including the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif and the palm grove, to continue the trip toward Nkoub, where you will have lunch. Continue your trip through the Draa Valley to Dades Gorges, to reach Ouarzazate again on the way back, where you can have dinner at your hotel and spend the night.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait ben Haddou kasbah – Marrakech:

5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga after Breakfast will be our first activity on the last day of the 5-day itinerary in Morocco, before traveling to Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, one of the most famous fortified villages in Morocco. This “Granada of the Desert” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been the backdrop for many films.

Following, traveling through the Tizi n’Tichka mountains, and making stops on the way to enjoy the superb views and authentic Berber villages while we’ll have lunch at a restaurant in the middle of the Atlas, then continue to Marrakech, the arrival will be in the afternoon, and here to finish your fantastic 5-day itinerary in Morocco.

FAQ

Yes, 5 days in Morocco is enough to experience a mix of culture, history, and nature. You can visit imperial cities like Fes or Marrakech, explore the Sahara Desert, and even stop at iconic sites like Aït Ben Haddou or the Atlas Mountains.

What is the best 5-day Morocco itinerary?

A popular 5-day itinerary includes:

• Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech or Casablanca

• Day 2: Travel to the desert via Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate

• Day 3: Camel trek in Merzouga and overnight in a luxury desert camp

• Day 4: Drive to Fes via Ziz Valley and Midelt

• Day 5: Explore Fes before departure

Other options:

• 5 days from Rabat to Marrakech via Merzouga

• 5 days in northern Morocco (Chefchaouen, Fes, Meknes)

Can I visit the Sahara Desert in 5 days?

Absolutely. A 5-day Morocco desert tour is ideal for reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga without rushing. You’ll have time for a camel ride, sunset views, sandboarding, and a night in a luxury Sahara camp.

Should I start in Marrakech, Casablanca, or Rabat?

All three cities are good starting points, but:

• Marrakech is best for the Sahara and southern Morocco tours.

• Rabat is ideal for combining imperial cities and the desert.

• Casablanca offers good flight connections and a city + desert balance.

What’s the best time to visit Morocco for 5 days?

The best months are:

• Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) for pleasant weather.

• Avoid peak summer (June–August) for desert trips, as it gets very hot.

What should I pack for 5 days in Morocco?

• Light clothing for the day, layers for cool desert nights

• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat

• Comfortable shoes for walking

• Small backpack, reusable water bottle

• Scarf or shawl (for sun or modesty in some areas)