5 Days in Morocco: 3 Itineraries With the Sahara Desert
Five days is not long for a country as diverse as Morocco, but it is enough to see a great imperial city and spend a night under the stars in the Sahara, if you plan well. As a local family from Merzouga, here are our three favourite ways to spend 5 days in Morocco.
Which Itinerary Is Right for You?
| Itinerary | Best for | Driving |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Marrakech and the Sahara (loop) | Flying in and out of Marrakech | Long, scenic |
| 2. Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara | Seeing two cities, no repeated road | Long, scenic |
| 3. Marrakech + fly to the desert | Less driving, more time in the dunes | Short |
Itinerary 1: Marrakech and the Sahara
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech: medina, souks, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Jemaa el-Fna at sunset |
| Day 2 | Drive over the High Atlas, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, night in the Dades Valley |
| Day 3 | Todra Gorge, arrive in Merzouga, sunset camel ride, night in a desert camp |
| Day 4 | Sunrise on the dunes, long drive back to Marrakech |
| Day 5 | Marrakech: Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden, hammam, departure |
See the highlights of the city in 10 must-see things in Marrakesh.
Itinerary 2: Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech |
| Day 2 | High Atlas, Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley |
| Day 3 | Todra Gorge, Merzouga, camel ride and desert camp |
| Day 4 | Sunrise, then north through the Ziz Valley, Midelt and the cedar forests to Fes |
| Day 5 | Fes medina and departure from Fes |
Our favourite 5-day plan: you see two imperial cities and the Sahara without driving the same road twice. Book an open-jaw flight into Marrakech and out of Fes.
Itinerary 3: Marrakech + Fly to the Desert
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Days 1 and 2 | Marrakech at a relaxed pace |
| Day 3 | Fly to Errachidia, about 2 hours to Merzouga, sunset camel ride and camp |
| Day 4 | Sunrise, 4×4 tour or quads, second night in the dunes |
| Day 5 | Sunrise and return flight |
Less time on the road and two nights in the Sahara. Our 2 nights in Merzouga desert fits perfectly. Check flight schedules, as they change by season.
What If I Do Not Want to Drive So Much?
Then choose Itinerary 3, or spend all five days between Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains and Essaouira and save the Sahara for another trip. A day trip to the dunes from Marrakech is not realistic; read why.
Tips for 5 Days in Morocco
- Book the desert part in advance, especially in spring, autumn and holidays.
- Carry cash for the desert; ATMs are limited. See our money guide.
- Pack layers: the Sahara gets cold at night. Read Does Merzouga get cold at night?
- The best months are October to April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough for Morocco?
It is enough for one or two cities and the Sahara. With more time, add Chefchaouen, Essaouira or the Atlas Mountains.
Can I see the Sahara in 5 days?
Yes. All three itineraries above include at least one night in the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Let Us Plan Your Desert Days
We are a local Berber family in Merzouga. Tell us your dates and route, and we will organise the perfect time in the dunes. Start with a camel ride and night in a desert camp or contact us on WhatsApp.