5-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Start your 5-day desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga at 08:30, departing from your hotel and journeying southwards towards the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Traverse the awe-inspiring Atlas Mountains and marvel at the stunning landscapes en route. The vistas from these mountains, overlooking valleys and Berber villages nestled into the mountainsides, are simply breathtaking.

Following a crossing of the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, North Africa’s highest peak at 2260 meters, venture onto a side road leading to Kasbah Telouet, once the illustrious seat of the El Glaoui family, also known as the Palace of Glaoui.

Continuing your descent from the mountains, arrive at the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its cinematic history, having served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood blockbusters. Just outside Ouarzazate, a stop at the Atlas Studios offers a glimpse into the magic of movie sets and their unique transformations.

Conclude the day in Ouarzazate, where you will spend the night in a charming riad

Traverse the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs and the refreshing Valley of the Roses, where you can explore local cooperatives producing cosmetic items from the abundant roses.

Arriving at the breathtaking Dades Gorge, immerse yourself in nature with a stroll along the Boumalne Dades River before settling into your hotel in the gorges for the night

After breakfast, enjoy a walk through the Boumalne Dades Valley to discover the Berber way of life in the oases before continuing your journey to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes.

En route, stop at the Todra Gorges for a short hike along the canyons, followed by lunch overlooking the gorges. Journeying towards Erfoud, observe the unique “khettarat” water channel system and explore a local workshop showcasing the art of transforming fossil-rich rocks.

Arriving in Merzouga, embark on a camel ride into the Sahara Desert, where you’ll witness a mesmerizing sunset atop Erg Chebbi. Enjoy an evening of traditional Moroccan entertainment and dinner before retiring to a nomad tent for the night.

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’re an early riser, catch the awe-inspiring sunrise over the dunes before returning to your hostel on camelback. After breakfast, depart for Rissani and Erfoud, then journey northwards to Errachidia along the Ziz Valley and Tafilalte Valley, renowned for its palm trees and fortified kasbahs.

Pause for lunch in Midelt, nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, before traversing the Tizi-n-Talremt pass, offering scenic views of green oaks and cedar trees. Conclude your desert adventure in Fes, where your driver will transfer you to your hotel, marking the end of your memorable journey from Marrakech to Fes.