5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech via desert

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Fes, heading southeast toward the Sahara Desert. On the way, you’ll drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing the picturesque cedar forests near Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and the town of Azrou, where you can spot Barbary apes in the wild. Continuing through the towns of Midelt and Errachidia, you’ll pass by the Ziz Valley, which is famous for its palm groves and date farms. Arriving in Merzouga in the late afternoon, you’ll be greeted by the sight of the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, a perfect spot for your first desert experience. After a traditional Moroccan dinner, spend the night in a local hotel or at a desert camp.

Overnight in Merzouga.

Start the day early with a camel trek into the Sahara Desert. You’ll ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, reaching a perfect spot to watch the sunrise. The early morning light over the dunes creates a magical and peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, you’ll visit the desert’s nomadic families and learn about their way of life in the harsh environment of the Sahara. You can also try sandboarding on the dunes, or simply relax and take in the serene desert landscape. Return to your desert camp for lunch and enjoy the quiet afternoon. In the evening, gather around a campfire for a traditional Moroccan dinner and enjoy Berber music under the stars.

Overnight in a desert camp or hotel in Merzouga.

After breakfast, leave Merzouga and head toward Erfoud, a town known for its fossils and date production. You can visit a local workshop to see how fossils are crafted into decorative items. Continue your journey to the Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most beautiful natural landmarks. The narrow canyon features towering cliffs, some as high as 300 meters, and is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing. After exploring the gorges, continue your journey to the Dades Gorges, another spectacular canyon known for its unique rock formations, including the famous “Monkey Fingers.” You’ll spend the night in a guesthouse or hotel near Dades Gorges.

Overnight in Dades Gorges.

On day four, start your journey with a visit to Kelaat Mgouna, also known as the Rose Valley, where roses are cultivated for various beauty products. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to visit during the Rose Festival (usually in May). Continue through the Skoura Oasis, a beautiful town surrounded by palm groves and dotted with ancient kasbahs. Then, head to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its role in film production. Here, you can visit the Atlas Film Studios, which have been the filming location for numerous international movies, including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. You can also visit the stunning Kasbah Taourirt, a beautiful example of traditional Moroccan architecture.

Overnight in Ouarzazate.

On the final day of your tour, visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic kasbahs. This ancient fortified village has been featured in numerous films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring the site, you’ll continue your drive through the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying scenic views and winding mountain roads as you approach Marrakech. You’ll arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your desert adventure.

Arrival in Marrakech.