We will start our 5 Days from Marrakech to Fes and Merzouga Desert, traveling through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via Ouarzazate. Along the way, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou and explore Ouarzazate, known as “the Hollywood of Africa”, with a photo stop at the famous Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Africa.
We will continue through the Roses Valley and Dades Valley, heading towards the Merzouga Desert, where you will enjoy a camel trekking experience and spend the night in a Berber tent in the heart of the dunes. You will also explore the Erg Chebbi dunes, meet nomads, and visit the Berber villages.
After the desert experience, we will head towards Fes, passing through Rissani market, Erfoud, the beautiful Ziz Valley, Midelt, and Azrou cedar forest, where you can see Barbary monkeys. As well as Ifrane (the Moroccan Switzerland) in the Middle Atlas Mountains, before arriving in Fes.
1st Day: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
After meeting at the agreed location, we will start our journey southeast through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi N’tichka Pass (2,260 m). Enjoy scenic stops to admire panoramic views and traditional Berber villages.
We will visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, and a filming location for movies such as Gladiator, Babel, and Alexander. After lunch, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”, where we will stop for photos at Atlas Studios. Dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
2nd Day: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Kelaat M’Gouna – Dades Valley
Today, we drive to Boumalne Dades via Skoura, where we visit the 17th-century Amridil Kasbah. We continue to Kelaat M’Gouna, the Valley of Roses, where you can take a short break.
We then visit nomadic families living in caves, share a traditional cup of mint tea, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue to Dades Valley. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
3rd Day: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
Breakfast, we head towards Erg Chebbi dunes, passing through Tinghir. And visiting the spectacular Todra Gorges, with impressive cliffs rising over 300 meters.
After lunch in the area of Touroug, we continue to Erfoud, known as the fossil capital, and then to Merzouga Desert. Arrival at the hotel near the dunes where you will spend the night.
4th Day: Merzouga – Khamlia – Nomads – Camel Trek & Desert Camp
Today we explore the desert region. We visit Khamlia village, known for its traditional Gnawa music. Continue off-road to visit a nomadic family, where you will enjoy tea and learn about their lifestyle.
After lunch in a peaceful desert setting. You will ride camels into the dunes of Erg Chebbi to reach your desert camp, enjoy a magical sunset, try sandboarding, and spend the night under a sky full of stars. With Berber music around the campfire.
5th Day: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
Wake up early to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast and a shower, we depart towards Fes, stopping in Erfoud to visit a local fossil workshop.
We continue through the Ziz Valley, cross the High and Middle Atlas Mountains, and stop for lunch in Midelt. In the afternoon, we pass through Azrou cedar forest, where you can see monkeys, and visit Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”, before arriving in Fes. Drop-off at your accommodation.
What’s Included:
- Private transport with air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional driver/guide
- Fuel
- 3 nights in hotel or riad (dinner & breakfast included)
- 1 night in desert camp (dinner & breakfast)
- Camel ride in the desert
- Sandboarding in the dunes
Not Included:
- Drinks and lunches
- Flight tickets
- Entrance tickets
- Hotel in Marrakech
Looking for a different duration?
We also recommend our 3-days tour, 4-days tour, and 7-day tours from Marrakech, designed to give you flexibility and a deeper experience of Morocco depending on your travel time.