5-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga

Tour Details

Day 1: Fes – Middle Atlas – Cedar Forest – Merzouga

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Fes, traveling through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, a charming town known for its Alpine-style architecture, and continue to the cedar forests near Azrou, where wild Barbary macaques roam freely, often interacting playfully with visitors. As you journey south, the landscape shifts from lush forested peaks to desert plains, passing through traditional Berber villages. Arriving at the edge of the Sahara, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes rise dramatically before you. A refreshing drink and a traditional dinner mark the start of your desert experience, accompanied by the soft strains of Berber music.

Day 2: Explore the Sahara – Camel Ride – Desert Camp

Begin your day with breakfast before venturing to nearby desert villages. Visit Khamlia, a small settlement renowned for its Gnawa music traditions, and learn about the village’s fascinating cultural heritage. Spend time with a local nomadic family, enjoying mint tea while discovering their traditional lifestyle far from modern civilization. In the late afternoon, embark on a camel trek into the heart of the dunes, stopping at a high vantage point to watch a spectacular desert sunset. As night falls, settle into a traditional desert camp, where you can enjoy a homemade Moroccan meal and gather around a campfire, listening to Berber music under a star-studded sky.

Day 3: Sahara Sunrise – Rissani – Todra Gorges

Wake early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, observing how the shifting light transforms the desert landscape. After breakfast, journey back to the desert edge and begin your drive toward Todra Gorges. Stop in Rissani, a historic town and former center of trade, and continue through Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops. Explore the Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon carved through the eastern High Atlas Mountains, where towering cliffs and palm-lined valleys create a dramatic and serene environment. Enjoy a short hike to fully appreciate the beauty of this natural wonder, then settle in for dinner and an overnight stay in the area.

Day 4: Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, travel through the stunning Dades Valley, a landscape of winding roads flanked by layered rock formations and traditional Berber villages. Continue to the town of Kelaat Mgouna, renowned for its rose products and, if visiting in May, the annual Rose Festival. Stop at the fertile oasis of Skoura, surrounded by palm groves and offering impressive views of the Atlas Mountains. Later, explore the historic kasbah of Taourirt, an exceptional example of traditional Moroccan architecture. Conclude the day in Ouarzazate, enjoying the evening in this vibrant desert town.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

Start the day with a visit to Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic kasbahs, celebrated as the backdrop for numerous international films. Explore the ancient village and its historic structures before crossing the High Atlas Mountains. The route offers panoramic views, winding mountain roads, and encounters with traditional Berber villages. Stop at viewpoints along the way to admire the dramatic scenery of valleys, peaks, and waterfalls. Continue over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, descending into Marrakech, where your 5-day desert adventure concludes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s deserts, mountains, and rich cultural heritage.

Excluded