6-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

Your 6-day tour from Marrakech to Fes begins with a departure from your hotel in Marrakech. Drive through the winding roads of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, stop to visit the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed site famous for its impressive architecture and its role in films like Gladiator and Babel.

After a tour of Ait Ben Haddou, continue to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert and home to the famous Atlas Film Studios. Visit the ancient Taourirt Kasbah, an iconic site in the city. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

• Overnight: Ouarzazate
• Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Dades Valley – Todra Gorge

After breakfast, the journey continues through the Skoura Oasis, known for its palm groves and kasbahs, and then onto the Valley of Roses, famous for its annual Rose Festival. You’ll then head toward the stunning Dades Valley, where you can take in the beautiful rock formations and lush landscape.

In the afternoon, drive through the picturesque valley to reach the spectacular Todra Gorge, a deep canyon with towering red rock walls. Here, you can take a short hike through the gorge or simply enjoy the awe-inspiring views. Spend the night in a traditional riad in the area.

• Overnight: Todra Gorge
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast, continue your tour through the desert landscapes, passing by palm groves and Berber villages. On the way, visit Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils and traditional craftsmanship. From here, you’ll drive towards Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

In the afternoon, begin your camel trekking adventure into the Sahara Desert, where you’ll ride across the golden dunes to reach your desert camp. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the night under the stars in a Berber camp.

• Overnight: Desert Camp in Erg Chebbi
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Merzouga – Sahara Desert Exploration

Today is dedicated to exploring the vast Sahara Desert. Start with an early morning sunrise camel ride over the dunes, followed by a day of desert activities. You can choose to visit a nearby nomadic village, experience the traditional music of the Gnawa people, or explore the unique landscape surrounding the dunes.

After a full day of discovery, enjoy a peaceful evening at your desert camp with a delicious dinner under the starry sky.

• Overnight: Desert Camp in Erg Chebbi
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Fes

After an early breakfast in your desert camp, depart from Merzouga and begin the journey towards Fes, traveling through the breathtaking Ziz Valley. This region is famous for its palm groves, dramatic gorges, and lush landscapes that contrast with the desert scenery. Along the way, pass through traditional Berber villages and see the transition from the desert to the greener landscapes of the Middle Atlas.

You’ll stop for lunch along the way in a local restaurant, then continue through the scenic routes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Pass through Errachidia and Midelt, but instead of stopping overnight, drive onwards through the Cedar Forests of Azrou, where you’ll get a chance to observe the native Barbary macaque monkeys.

The journey concludes with your arrival in the ancient city of Fes in the evening, marking the end of your 6-day tour from Marrakech to Fes.

• Overnight: Fes
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (stop en route)

Day 6: Fes – Departure

After breakfast at your riad in Fes, enjoy the morning at your leisure to explore the city or prepare for your departure. Fes, as one of Morocco’s imperial cities, offers a wealth of historical and cultural experiences to explore if you have additional time.

• • Meals: Breakfast