5-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

• Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka Pass with panoramic viewpoints.
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a historic fortified village.
• Visit the cinematic city of Ouarzazate and see its famous kasbahs and studios.
• Drive through the Dades Valley and the Valley of Roses.
• Walk along the Todra Gorge, a breathtaking canyon flanked by 300-meter cliffs.
• Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes during sunset and sunrise.
• Experience traditional Berber hospitality in a desert camp under the stars.
• Explore desert oases, nomadic settlements, and the lively market town of Rissani.
• Travel through the scenic Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas Mountains.
• Visit Azrou’s cedar forests and see wild monkeys in their natural habitat.

Stop in Ifrane, “Little Switzerland” of Morocco, for alpine-style architecture.

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech. Travel along the Tizi N’Tichka pass (2,260m), taking in sweeping views of the High Atlas Mountains and stopping at small traditional Berber villages along the route.

Next, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a striking fortified village of clay buildings that has featured in many international films. Enjoy lunch in the area before continuing to Ouarzazate, known for its film studios and historic kasbahs. The day concludes with a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, where you spend your first night immersed in the dramatic canyon landscapes.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Erfoud → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, journey east through the Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon flanked by towering cliffs and dotted with palm groves. Continue through Berber villages and fertile oases, passing towns such as Tinjdad and Erfoud.

Arrive at Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, where the endless golden dunes of Erg Chebbi await. This evening, settle in and prepare for your desert experience.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Exploration & Camel Trek

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before exploring the Erg Chebbi dunes, some of the tallest in Morocco, rising over 250 meters. Drive past the historic Paris-Dakar route and the nearby Algerian border, visiting the Tissardmin Oasis and a traditional nomadic settlement to learn about desert life and customs.

Stop in Khamlia, a village founded by Malian descendants, and enjoy Gnawa music while sipping Moroccan mint tea. Return to Merzouga for lunch, then prepare for a camel trek into the dunes. Arrive at your desert camp in time for sunset, relax under the silence of the desert, and enjoy a traditional dinner with Berber hospitality. Spend the night under the starlit Sahara sky.

Day 4: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt

After sunrise and breakfast, depart the desert and travel northwest toward the town of Midelt, crossing the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its palm groves and dramatic landscapes. Midelt sits at 1,500 meters above sea level and is nestled between the High and Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop along the way to admire the views and take photos. Enjoy dinner and an overnight in the region.

Day 5: Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes

On the final day, journey toward Fes through small villages such as Zaida and Timahdit. Stop at the cedar forests near Azrou, where you may see monkeys in their natural habitat. Continue to Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets. Finally, arrive in Fes in the evening, marking the end of your 5-day desert adventure filled with mountains, deserts, and cultural experiences.