6-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga 

Begin your extraordinary journey with a morning departure from your accommodation in Fes, heading south toward the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert beyond. Your first destination is the charming alpine town of Ifrane, renowned for its clean streets, European-influenced architecture, and beautifully manicured gardens that create an atmosphere reminiscent of a Swiss mountain village. Continue to the surrounding ancient cedar forests near Azrou, where you’ll have the delightful opportunity to observe and photograph the friendly Barbary macaques that inhabit these magnificent woodlands. These playful monkeys often approach visitors, creating memorable encounters in their natural forest habitat. Journey through the Tizi n’Talghamt mountain pass, enjoying spectacular views of the changing landscapes as you descend from the mountains. Pass through the town of Midelt, nestled in a valley between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, where you can stop for lunch and take in the impressive mountain scenery. Continue your route through the stunning Ziz Gorge, where dramatic rock formations frame the road and traditional Berber villages cling to the hillsides. Stop at panoramic viewpoints to capture photographs of the breathtaking Ziz Valley, an extensive oasis where thousands of date palms create a lush green corridor stretching through the arid landscape. Enjoy a glass of refreshing mint tea while admiring the valley views. As the terrain gradually transforms into desert landscape, watch for your first glimpse of the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes rising on the horizon. Arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon or early evening, where you’ll check into your comfortable accommodation at the edge of the Sahara. Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring traditional Moroccan cuisine and relax after your scenic journey, preparing for tomorrow’s desert adventures. 

Day 2: Merzouga Desert Exploration – Camel Trek – Desert Camp Experience 

After a leisurely breakfast, dedicate this entire day to discovering the fascinating desert region surrounding the towering Erg Chebbi dunes. Begin with an exploration of the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Sahara. Venture into the desert to visit nomadic families who continue to live in traditional tents, maintaining their ancestral way of life in this challenging environment. Learn about their remarkable adaptation to desert conditions, their customs, and their deep connection to this vast landscape. The contrast between the golden sand dunes, black desert hamada, and occasional green oases creates a stunning visual experience. Continue to the village of Khamlia, known for its unique Gnawa culture. Here, you’ll be captivated by the hypnotic rhythms and spiritual music performed by local musicians whose ancestors journeyed from sub-Saharan Africa centuries ago. Experience the soulful beats of traditional drums and the melodic sounds that have been passed down through generations. Journey to Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region and a historic trading post on trans-Saharan caravan routes. Explore this authentic Saharan town and enjoy a traditional Berber pizza for lunch, experiencing local culinary specialties. As the afternoon sun begins to soften, return to Merzouga to begin one of the most memorable experiences of your journey. Mount your camel and embark on a trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes, swaying gently with the rhythmic gait of your camel as you venture deeper into the golden sea of sand. Watch in awe as the setting sun transforms the desert into a masterpiece of brilliant colors, painting the dunes in shades of gold, orange, crimson, and purple. Arrive at your traditional Berber camp nestled among the towering dunes, where warm hospitality awaits. Enjoy a delicious tagine dinner prepared with traditional methods, sip sweet mint tea, and gather around the campfire as local musicians play traditional Berber drums and songs. Marvel at the incredible display of stars filling the desert sky, unpolluted by city lights, and experience the profound peace of the Sahara night. Sleep in a comfortable tent, lulled by the silence of the desert. 

Day 3: Desert Sunrise – Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley 

Rise before dawn for an experience that will remain etched in your memory: watching the sunrise over the Sahara Desert. As the first rays of light touch the dunes, observe the magical transformation as colors shift and shadows dance across the sand, and the desert awakens to a new day. After this enchanting moment, ride your camel back across the dunes to Merzouga, where you’ll return to your accommodation for a hearty breakfast and a refreshing shower. Begin your journey westward toward the Atlas Mountains, leaving the desert landscape behind as you venture into regions of dramatic gorges and fertile valleys. Travel through traditional Berber villages where life continues much as it has for centuries, with locals tending their gardens, herding livestock, and maintaining ancient irrigation systems. Arrive at the spectacular Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural wonders. Here, massive limestone cliffs rise vertically to heights of 300 meters, creating a narrow canyon barely wide enough for the road and river that flow through it. The sheer rock faces are popular with rock climbers from around the world who come to test their skills on these challenging routes. Take time to walk through the gorge, feeling dwarfed by the towering walls, listening to the sound of the clear river, and enjoying the cool shade provided by the canyon. Continue your journey to the beautiful Dades Valley, traveling along roads that wind through stunning landscapes of rocky formations, lush palm groves, and ancient kasbahs. Check into your accommodation in the Dades region, where you’ll enjoy dinner and overnight rest surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the valley. 

Day 4: Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Ouarzazate 

After breakfast with views of the Dades Valley, continue your journey along the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where countless fortified villages and ancient structures line the route on both sides. These impressive earthen buildings, some beautifully preserved and others standing as evocative ruins, showcase traditional Moroccan architecture and tell stories of the wealthy families and tribal leaders who once controlled these valleys. Stop at Kalaat M’Gouna, the heart of the fragrant Valley of Roses. This region is famous for its Damascus roses that bloom in profusion each spring, typically during April and May, when the annual Rose Festival celebrates the harvest. Local cooperatives produce rose water, cosmetics, and other rose-based products using traditional methods passed down through generations. Even outside the blooming season, the valley’s beauty and the hospitality of its residents make it a memorable stop. Continue through landscapes that shift from lush valleys to arid plateaus as you approach Ouarzazate. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Desert” or “Morocco’s Hollywood,” this city has served as the filming location for numerous blockbuster movies and popular television series, thanks to its perpetual sunshine, dramatic desert landscapes, and world-class film studios. Arrive in Ouarzazate and check into your accommodation, where you’ll enjoy dinner and rest for the night, with the option to explore the city’s evening atmosphere or relax after your day of travel through Morocco’s stunning southern landscapes.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, begin with an optional visit to the famous film studios of Ouarzazate, where you can explore elaborate sets and learn about the numerous international productions filmed here, including scenes from “Gladiator,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” “The Mummy,” and popular series like “Game of Thrones.” Depart for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, undoubtedly the most photographed and cinematically famous kasbah in Morocco. This remarkably preserved fortified village, constructed entirely from earthen materials, rises dramatically against the hillside like an ancient pyramid. Its distinctive architecture, with clustered buildings, narrow passages, and defensive towers, represents the pinnacle of southern Moroccan design. Walk through the ancient streets and climb to the top of the kasbah for panoramic views across the valley and the modern village below. Your guide will share stories about the kasbah’s history, its role in protecting trans-Saharan trade routes, and its starring role in countless films. Continue your journey into the High Atlas Mountains, beginning the ascent toward the Tizi n’Tichka pass. This winding mountain road climbs to an elevation of 2,260 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Stop at scenic viewpoints to capture photographs of snow-capped peaks (in winter and spring), deep valleys, terraced agricultural plots clinging to mountainsides, and traditional Berber villages built from the same red earth as the mountains themselves. Enjoy lunch at a mountain restaurant, savoring the cool mountain air and spectacular scenery. As you descend the northern slopes of the Atlas Mountains, watch the landscape gradually transform from rugged peaks to the fertile Haouz Plain surrounding Marrakech. Arrive in the vibrant red city by late afternoon or early evening, where you’ll check into your accommodation. Spend your first evening relaxing or taking an initial stroll to get a feel for this magical city, perhaps visiting the famous Jemaa el-Fna square as it comes alive with food stalls, storytellers, musicians, and entertainers as the sun sets.

Day 6: Marrakech – Guided City Tour & Departure

On your final day, enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech if time allows. Begin in the historic medina, admiring the exterior of the Koutoubia Mosque and wandering through the vibrant souks. Discover the city’s artistic heritage with visits to palaces, museums, and the Royal Palace exterior.

Experience the energy of Jemaa el-Fna square, and, if time permits, explore Gueliz, stroll through the Menara Gardens, or visit the Majorelle Garden.

If time is short, you will be transferred directly to your hotel or the airport, concluding your 6-day journey through Morocco’s stunning landscapes, from the Sahara’s golden dunes to the bustling streets of Marrakech.