The ksar of Ait Ben Haddou above the dry riverbed

5-day student trip

5 Days Marrakech, Atlas & Sahara Student Trip

The same mountain-and-desert adventure as our 4-day loop, but with an extra day that turns rushed driving into proper visits, short hikes and time to talk with local people along the way.

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Duration: 5 days
Start: Marrakech
End: Marrakech
Group type: School, University, Study abroad
Tour style: Private group trip
Sahara included: Yes
Private transport: Yes

Tour overview

Shorter driving days make this route better suited to school groups and to university programs who want learning stops rather than just scenery from the window.

Marrakech → High Atlas → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades → Todra → Merzouga → Marrakech

What Students Can Learn

Amazigh language, identity and village life
River erosion and the formation of gorges
Traditional irrigation (khettara and seguia) in the oases
The role of film production in the Ouarzazate economy

Highlights

Village walk in the High Atlas
Ait Ben Haddou ksar
Dades and Todra gorges
Two sunsets in the south
Desert camp in Erg Chebbi

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou
Cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass with stops in mountain villages. Afternoon guided visit of Ait Ben Haddou and overnight nearby.
Driving: Approx. 4–5 hours
Day 2: Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Short visit to Ouarzazate, then the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs' through the Rose Valley region to the Dades Valley. Optional easy walk among the rock formations.
Driving: Approx. 3–4 hours
Day 3: Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga
Walk through the Todra Gorge, lunch in Tinghir, then continue to Merzouga for a camel trek or 4x4 transfer to a desert camp.
Driving: Approx. 5 hours
Day 4: Merzouga – Ouarzazate
Sunrise over the dunes, optional visit to Khamlia village, then the long drive west with breaks.
Driving: Approx. 7 hours with stops
Day 5: Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Return over the High Atlas to Marrakech, arriving early afternoon.
Driving: Approx. 4 hours

Driving times are estimates and depend on road conditions, weather and the number of stops.

Accommodation

Riads, guesthouses, hotels and a desert camp where relevant, chosen to suit student groups. The exact properties and level are confirmed in your proposal.

Meals

Usually breakfast daily and dinners on the road and at the desert camp. Meal plans are agreed in the proposal and dietary needs can be planned in advance.

Typically included

Private transport with driver, accommodation as agreed, meals as agreed, desert camp and camel trek or 4x4 where the route includes the Sahara. Final inclusions are listed in your proposal.