5 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Your grand Moroccan desert tour begins this morning as we meet you at your Riad in Fes. We will set off on our journey south, watching as the urban landscape gives way to the rolling hills of the Middle Atlas. Our first pause will be in Ifrane, a surprising town known as “Morocco’s Switzerland” for its pristine parks and alpine-style homes.

From there, we will venture into the quiet majesty of the Cedars Forest, a protected national park. Here, amidst ancient cedar trees, you will have the delightful opportunity to meet and even feed the region’s resident Barbary Macaques. We’ll continue our scenic drive, stopping for lunch in Midelt, before climbing over the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass. The world changes before your eyes as we descend into the magnificent Ziz Valley, a brilliant green canyon of palm trees that carves its way through the arid rock. The anticipation builds until, in the late afternoon, the first golden dunes of the Sahara appear on the horizon.

Arriving in Merzouga, you will be welcomed and prepare to trade your vehicle for a camel. Your unforgettable trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes begins, timed perfectly to allow for a pause atop a high dune to witness a truly magical desert sunset. Afterwards, you will arrive at our luxury desert camp, where a delicious traditional dinner and the enchanting sound of Berber drums around a campfire await you under an immense, star-filled sky.

Waking up to the serene silence of the Sahara is an experience in itself, made all the more special by the spectacle of a desert sunrise painting the dunes in soft hues of pink and gold. After a wonderful camp breakfast, you’ll ride your camel back to Merzouga village to meet your driver for a day of deep exploration. Today’s 4×4 Sahara adventure takes you off-road to discover the hidden treasures of the vast Erg Chebbi region. We will visit an ancient mine, and then share in a moment of true connection as we are welcomed into a traditional nomadic tent for a cup of Berber tea.

This is a humbling and authentic opportunity to learn about a resilient way of life that has existed for centuries. Our journey continues to the spirited village of Khamlia, where you will be captivated by the soulful sounds and powerful rhythms of Gnawa music, a deep-rooted part of Saharan culture. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a peaceful walk through a verdant palm grove, an oasis of life in the desert.

Our final stop of the day is the seasonal wild lake of Merzouga, a sanctuary for various migratory birds, including, at times, flamingos. Tonight, you will enjoy dinner and a comfortable night’s rest at a hotel in Merzouga, allowing for quiet reflection on your profound day.

After a final desert breakfast, we bid farewell to the Erg Chebbi dunes and begin our journey west on the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Our first stop is the historic town of Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region. If our visit falls on a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), you’ll experience the vibrant energy of its traditional souk. We then continue to Erfoud, a town famous for its rich fossil deposits.

We will visit a local workshop where you can see how ancient marine life, captured in stone millions of years ago, is skillfully cut and polished. Our drive will take us through the beautiful palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad before we arrive at our next incredible natural wonder: the Todra Gorges. Here, the Todra River has carved a spectacular canyon with towering red cliff walls that rise over 300 meters high. We’ll take time for a leisurely walk along the river, allowing you to fully appreciate the scale and raw beauty of this place.

After lunch, we’ll continue to the stunning Dades Valley. You’ll be mesmerized by its winding roads and unique rock formations, famously known as the “monkey fingers,” before we capture stunning panoramic photos from a viewpoint overlooking the valley. Tonight, dinner and your overnight stay will be in a charming hotel nestled in the heart of the Dades Gorge.

Following a delightful breakfast, our Fes to Marrakech itinerary continues through a landscape of incredible diversity and beauty. We travel towards Kalaa Magouna, the heart of the fragrant Roses Valley. This area is famous for its Damask roses and the annual Rose Festival held each May.

You will have the opportunity to visit a local women’s cooperative to see their wonderful array of artisanal rose products, from pure rose water and oils to fragrant soaps and cosmetics. After driving along this fragrant path, we arrive at the enchanting palm groves of Skoura.

This sprawling oasis is a sea of green palms, home to many ancient and fortified kasbahs. We will visit the beautifully preserved Kasbah of Amridil, stepping inside its historic walls to explore the traditional architecture and learn about life in a kasbah. Our final destination for the day is Ouarzazate, a city that has earned the nickname ‘Hollywood of Africa’ for its prominent role in the international film industry.

We will visit one of the famous film studios and explore the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, a magnificent and sprawling fortress that stands as a testament to the region’s historic power. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in a comfortable hotel in Ouarzazate.

On the final day of your grand adventure, we travel to one of Morocco’s most iconic sites: the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This breathtaking fortified village, a protected UNESCO World Heritage site, will feel like stepping onto a film set. Its timeless beauty has served as a backdrop for countless epic movies and shows, including Gladiator, The Mummy, Alexander, and Game of Thrones.

You’ll have ample time to wander its labyrinthine alleys, climb its ancient ramparts, and feel the weight of centuries of history in its mud-brick walls. From here, our journey takes us towards the majestic High Atlas Mountains. We’ll pass through the historic region of Telouet before beginning our dramatic ascent over the famous Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. Reaching an altitude of 2,260 meters, the pass offers absolutely stunning panoramic views of the rugged peaks and valleys dotted with traditional Berber villages.

We will make several stops for photos and a final lunch before beginning our descent. As the afternoon unfolds, the landscape softens, and we arrive in the vibrant, enchanting city of Marrakech. We will ensure a seamless end to your journey with a drop-off at your hotel, Riad, or the airport, leaving you with a lifetime of memories from your truly grand Morocco desert tour.