Your adventure begins with an early departure from Fes, heading south through the scenic landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is in the alpine-style town of Ifrane, nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco,” famous for its European architecture, clean streets, and surrounding cedar forests. Continue to the majestic Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to the Barbary macaques, where you can interact with the monkeys and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Journey through winding roads towards Midelt, located between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, where you’ll stop for lunch and admire views of snow-capped mountains during winter. After lunch, the road descends into the spectacular Ziz Valley, lined with thousands of palm trees, fortified villages, and kasbahs that paint a picture of traditional Moroccan life. Pass through Errachidia and continue to Erfoud, a desert gateway renowned for fossil workshops and its annual Date Festival. As you approach Merzouga, marvel at the changing colors of the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Upon arrival, your camels will be waiting for a guided trek into the Sahara, where you’ll ride over rolling dunes, enjoy a breathtaking sunset, and capture unforgettable photos. At night, settle into a traditional or luxury desert camp, savor a delicious Moroccan dinner, listen to Berber drumming around the campfire, and admire a magical night sky filled with stars before resting in your private tent.

After breakfast in Boumalne Dades, continue your journey along the scenic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, where countless fortified villages and ancient mud-brick houses dot the landscape. Travel through the fertile Valley of Roses, famous for its annual rose festival, fragrant gardens, and traditional distilleries producing rose water and cosmetics. Stop at Skoura to admire its lush palm groves and visit the historic Kasbah Amridil, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco. Continue toward Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” with optional visits to the Atlas Film Studios and the ancient Kasbah Taourirt, both showcasing the region’s cinematic and cultural heritage. After lunch, explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a spectacular ksar famous for its earthen architecture and as a filming location for classics such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Wander through its maze-like alleys, climb to panoramic viewpoints, and soak in the history of this trading post on the old caravan route. In the afternoon, drive across the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, with stops at Berber villages, mountain viewpoints, and argan oil cooperatives where local women produce the precious oil by hand. By evening, you arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where bustling souks, historic palaces, and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square mark the perfect end to your unforgettable desert adventure from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga.