5-Day tour from Fes to Marrakech

Start your 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech with a morning departure at 08:30 from your hotel or riad in Fes. Journey southwards, passing through Ifrane, affectionately nicknamed the Switzerland of Morocco, where houses boast sloping roofs—a unique feature in this North African country, designed to withstand the winter snowfall.

Continuing onwards, your route takes you over the Middle Atlas Mountains and through the Tizi-n-Talremt pass, meandering along scenic roads lined with oak and cedar trees as far as Azou. Here, a stop is made to observe Barbary macaques playing and foraging for treats.

Following this, proceed to Midelt for lunch, known as the “apple capital” and nestled at the foot of Ayachi Mountain. Continuing further south, travel alongside the mountains, soaking in beautiful views and passing through Berber villages. As you descend the mountains, marvel at the extensive green oases and towering palm groves, marking the beginning of the Ziz Valley.

Arriving in Errachdia and then Erfoud, renowned for its date festival and fossils, visit a local workshop to witness the skilful transformation of fossil-rich rocks into practical and decorative artefacts.

Finally, arrive at the dunes of Merzouga for a sunset camel ride, reaching the desert camp near the Erg Chebbi dunes (250m). From the summit of the dunes, witness a spectacular sunset. Here, amidst the Erg Chebbi dunes, dine and spend the night in a desert camp among the vast dunes.

After breakfast, explore the Merzouga region, beginning with a visit to the Gnawa people residing in Khamlia. Renowned for their expertise in Gnawa music, originally brought to the region through the sub-Saharan slave trade, they will treat you to a captivating performance of this unique musical style.

Next, head to the historic town of Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, the current ruling royal family of Morocco. Surrounded by several ksars, fortified villages adorned with numerous towers, Rissani boasts a bustling souk and an open market held three times a week. Stroll through the souk, where a variety of items such as spices, vegetables, household items, and handmade crafts are sold. Rissani sits on the former site of Sijilmassa, a crucial meeting point for the salt caravans originating from Timbuktu in Mali.

In the afternoon, embark on a camel ride led by an experienced guide, traversing the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga to witness the breathtaking sunset over the desert. Dinner will once again be served in the camp, followed by an evening of nomadic music and drumming around a cosy campfire.

If you rise early, witness the serene spectacle of the sunrise painting the dunes in enchanting colours. After breakfast, return to your hotel on camelback and begin your journey eastwards to Marrakech.

Travelling on the paved road, reach Tinjdad. Notice the strange piles of sand following the road, the heads of the “khettarat,” ingenious underground water channels designed to minimise evaporation in the desert heat. Experience the coolness below ground and marvel at the ancient engineering involved.

In the Todra Gorges, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the valley, followed by a riverside stroll through the villages and mountains. Upon arrival at Dades Gorges, enjoy a walk amidst stunning rock formations, kasbahs, and picturesque villages. Spend the night in a beautiful guest house overlooking the valley.

After breakfast, continue your journey through the Valley of the Roses, with an optional stop at the cosmetics cooperative in Kalaat M’Gouna, which manufactures cosmetic products from the abundant valley roses.

Then, travel along the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs to Skoura Oasis, where you visit Kasbah Amredhil with its museum. This kasbah, once depicted on the old 50 dirham banknote, has been beautifully restored and is well worth a visit.

Before reaching Ouarzazate, stop to visit the Atlas Studios, known for their versatile sets and offering a unique experience of movie sets.

Spend the night in a beautiful riad.

After breakfast, a one-hour drive takes you to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, explore the kasbah, renowned for its use as a filming location for numerous Hollywood blockbusters.

Drive along the Ounila Valley with its prosperous villages, stunning mountains, and views of Telouet. Reach Kasbah Telouet, once the palatial residence of the Lords of the Atlas, the Glaoui Family. Although now in ruins, be pleasantly surprised by the architectural marvel of this historic home. Lunch will be either here or later in the mountains.

Cross the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass and arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon. Your driver will transfer you to your riad, concluding your 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.