5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga

Your journey begins with an early pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. Leave behind the city’s vibrant chaos and head into the majestic High Atlas Mountains, ascending toward the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. The drive offers panoramic views of mountain villages, lush valleys, and terraced farms — a photographer’s dream.

Along the way, you’ll stop at small Berber villages for photo breaks and local insight before reaching the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified kasbah and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time to walk through the winding clay alleys of this ancient village, which has been featured in films like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Jewel of the Nile.

After lunch with views of the kasbah (not included), continue to Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Optional visits include the Atlas Film Studios or the historic Kasbah Taourirt.

The day ends in Skoura Oasis, a peaceful palm-filled town scattered with traditional kasbahs. Overnight in a guesthouse surrounded by gardens and date palms.

🛏️ Overnight: Kasbah guesthouse in Skoura
🍽️ Meals: Dinner included

After breakfast, begin your journey along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, with scenic views of old mud-brick fortresses and lush valleys. Pass through the fragrant Valley of Roses (especially stunning from April to May) and visit local cooperatives that produce natural rosewater and beauty products.

Continue into the breathtaking Dades Valley, carved by the river over centuries. You’ll drive past unique rock formations known as the Monkey Fingers, and winding mountain roads with dramatic viewpoints.

After lunch, head to the incredible Todra Gorges, a paradise for hikers and rock climbers. The gorge walls rise up to 300 meters, and you’ll have time to walk along the riverbed, take photos, or enjoy mint tea in a local café.

Tonight, stay in a small hotel near the gorges, enjoying traditional Berber hospitality and cuisine.

🛏️ Overnight: Hotel in Todra Gorge area
🍽️ Meals: Dinner and breakfast included

After breakfast, leave the mountains and follow the road toward the desert. You’ll pass through Tinjdad and Erfoud, a town known for fossil and marble workshops. Visit a local fossil museum or shop if interested.

Then, stop at Rissani, a traditional market town and spiritual center. Its souk is rich with spices, textiles, donkeys, and dried fruits — a great stop for travelers wanting to explore an authentic Moroccan marketplace.

By mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here begins your Sahara experience.

Mount your camel and trek across the orange sand dunes as the sun sets over the desert. After 1–1.5 hours,  set in the heart of the dunes — and enjoy a warm welcome with mint tea.

Dinner is served around a fire under a sky full of stars, followed by Berber drumming and storytelling. You’ll sleep in your own private tent — either standard or luxury depending on your preference.

🛏️ Overnight: Private tent in Merzouga desert camp
🍽️ Meals: Dinner and breakfast included
🐪 Experience: Camel ride, sunset trek, sandboarding optional

Begin your day in the peaceful silence of the Sahara. After enjoying a traditional breakfast in the camp, you’ll start a 4×4 desert adventure directly from the dunes. No need to return to Merzouga town — your guide and vehicle will meet you near the camp.

Start your exploration by driving through the Erg Chebbi dunes and heading toward the village of Khamlia, where you’ll meet the Gnawa community, originally from sub-Saharan Africa. They will welcome you with live spiritual music, traditional instruments, and stories of their history and culture.

Next, drive deeper into the desert to visit Berber nomadic families living in handmade tents near the Algerian border. These warm and hospitable families will offer you tea and show you how they survive in one of the harshest environments, using ancient traditions passed down for generations.

The tour continues through the striking black desert – a landscape of volcanic rocks, fossil plains, and dry lake beds such as Dayet Srji (often visited by migratory birds in winter, including flamingos when water is present).

You’ll also visit mining areas where fossils and desert minerals are found, and panoramic viewpoints perfect for stunning desert photography.

In the afternoon, return to Merzouga village and check in at your comfortable hotel or riad near the dunes. You’ll have time to rest or enjoy optional activities such as quad biking, a sunset dune walk, or simply relax on a rooftop terrace with tea.

🛏️ Overnight: Hotel or riad in Merzouga with private shower and A/C
🍽️ Meals included: Dinner and breakfast
🚙 Activity: Full-day desert 4×4 tour, cultural visits, fossil exploration

After breakfast, begin your journey north toward Fes. Travel through the long, scenic Ziz Valley, one of the largest palm oases in Morocco, with several photo stops along the way.

Stop in Midelt for lunch (not included), nestled between the High and Middle Atlas Mountains, known for apple production and fresh mountain air.

Afterward, continue through the cedar forests of Azrou, where you’ll likely see wild Barbary macaque monkeys. Stop for photos and a short walk before heading to Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its clean streets, alpine-style houses, and cool climate.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Fes and drop-off at your riad or hotel. End of the tour.

🛬 Drop-off: Your accommodation in Fes
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast included