5 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech to Fes

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Tizi N Tichka Pass – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate

Your 5-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour starts with a pick-up from your accommodation or the airport in Marrakech. First, you’ll journey through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, making panoramic stops along the way to capture incredible views of the rugged terrain. As you drive through the Tizi N Tichka pass, the dramatic landscapes of snow-capped peaks and terraced fields unfold before your eyes. These natural wonders will undoubtedly leave you in awe.

Next, you’ll explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been a backdrop for famous movies such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Afterward, continue to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “gateway to the desert.” Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner and spend the night at a hotel, ready for the next day’s adventures.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Skoura Palm Groves – Amridil Kasbah – Rose Valley – Dades Valley

After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate, where famous films like Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator were filmed. Then, you’ll explore the Taourirt Kasbah, an ancient fortified mud castle. Afterward, head east to Skoura Palm Groves and visit Amridil Kasbah, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco, surrounded by lush palm trees.

Continuing your journey, stop in Kalaa Magouna to explore the famous Rose Valley, which is renowned for its rose products such as rose water and perfumes. Every May, the Rose Festival brings a vibrant celebration of the valley’s floral bounty. You will then drive through the Dades Valley, stopping at the “Monkey Fingers” rock formation, where you can admire panoramic views. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the night in Boumalne Dades.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Sahara

After breakfast, we continue to Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most dramatic natural landscapes. The Todra River has carved out towering cliffs that rise as high as 300 meters, creating a stunning canyon. After exploring this natural wonder, you’ll drive through the Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves, making a stop for lunch on the way.

In the afternoon, you’ll reach Merzouga, a small village that serves as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you can experience the magic of the desert. The sunset over the dunes is a breathtaking sight that you’ll never forget. Continue your journey to the luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy traditional Berber music and a delicious dinner around a campfire. Spend the night under the stars in this tranquil desert setting.

Day 4: Explore Merzouga – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga Lake – Erg Chebbi

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Sahara Desert, a truly unforgettable experience. After breakfast, we’ll head back to Merzouga, where we’ll begin a day of exploration. First, we’ll visit an eyeliner mine, where locals still extract the mineral. Then, we’ll visit the nomadic Berber families, who welcome us into their woven tents for a cup of Berber tea and a glimpse into their traditional way of life.

Next, we’ll visit Khamlia Village, home to descendants of Sub-Saharan African slaves, and enjoy a performance of Gnaoua music, a unique genre that blends traditional African rhythms with Moroccan melodies. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the Merzouga Palm Grove before heading to Merzouga Lake, known as Flamingo Lake, where you can enjoy birdwatching. Afterward, return to your hotel for another restful night.

Day 5: Merzouga – Erfoud – Midelt – Cedars Forest – Ifrane – Fes

On the final day of your tour, you’ll wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Sahara Desert, followed by a hearty breakfast. Then, we’ll drive to Rissani, an ancient trading town where you can explore the lively souk. From there, we’ll continue through Erfoud, a town famous for its fossilized marble workshops, and follow the Ziz River to the Ziz Valley, known for its stunning views.

After a lunch break in Midelt, continue through the cedar forests near Ifrane, where you can spot the Barbary macaques. We’ll also visit Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, due to its alpine-style houses and cool climate. Finally, the tour ends in Fes, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation or the airport.