Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 5 Days

Pick up from your riad/hotel in Fes. Then, go for the Sahara desert, home to the Erg Chebbi dunes. We will pass through the alpine town of Ifrane. Then, we will visit the cedar forest in Azrou, where the monkeys are.

After that, we will drive across the Middle Atlas Mountains. We’ll spend most of the day winding through forests, springs, rocky cliffs, and Berber villages. They’re all beautiful. We’ll stop in Midelt for lunch. Then, we’ll admire the panoramic views of the palm trees and the green valley in the Sahara at Ziz Valley. Then, we will continue to Merzouga, where you will have a relaxing night in the hotel. You’ll be fully rested for tomorrow’s Sahara adventure.

Today we will explore the desert. We will see the Erg Chebbi dunes, the largest in Morocco. You’ll have this morning to explore Merzouga. Then, prepare for a memorable night under the stars. We will visit the Gnawa people, who are originally slaves from Sudan. We want to experience their music and lifestyle. Enjoy the panoramic view behind the Erg Chebbi of dunes.

Afterward, we will visit the nomads’ families in their tents. Having tea with them will give you a new sense of life. In the afternoon, meet your camel. Then, trek through the desert, over the red dunes, until all you see is sand and sky. The quiet is broken only by the occasional camel snort and the soft sound of their steps on the sand. Stop to watch the sunset along the way to your camp.

After admiring the dunes and landscapes, enjoy a Moroccan dinner under the stars by the campfire. After dinner, you will gather around the fire. You will admire typical Berber music, played on drums, under a starry sky.

We will wake up early to watch the best sunrise of your life. It will cast different shadows and colors over the sea of dunes. Then, we will return to a local hotel for a hot shower and breakfast. We will leave Merzouga for Rissani. It has the largest, most crowded weekly market in southern Morocco. We will walk to see the craft stores, the dates market, and the animal trades (goats, sheep, donkeys, camels, and cows). Then, we will continue to Erfoud, famous for its fossilized marble.

After that, we will reach the Todra Gorges, the highest oasis valley gorge in Morocco. We will watch the panoramic views of the old mud Berber villages overlooking the valley. Go to the Gorge and walk under the 300m high red cliff. Many rock climbers come to enjoy their sport there.

We’ll drive through the Dades Valley. We’ll end our day with a night in a nice hotel in the Valley’s heart.

Leave Dades Valley for Ouarzazate. We’ll take the Thousand-Kasbah road and stop at Kalaat Mgouna, “the rose city.” It’s known for its roses and a May festival. Then, we’ll reach the palm groves of Skoura. You’ll be impressed by the landscapes and the palm tree shadows on the road. No one seems in a hurry to leave.

After 45 km, we’ll arrive in Ouarzazate, “the Hollywood of Africa.” The town has one of the biggest studios. Many Hollywood blockbusters and historical TV shows, including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, used the homes of the wealthy and powerful as backdrops.
If you are a fan of A Game of Thrones, you will recognize it.

After breakfast in the hotel, we can visit Taourirt Kasbah. This former Glaoui residence, on the town’s edge, is one of Morocco’s most beautiful kasbahs. After that, we will drive outside the town to enjoy a private visit to the Atlas Corporation Studios. Before we head to the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate.

The Kasbah is a red earth castle on the ancient Kasbah road. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has also been the backdrop for many films. They include Lawrence of Arabia, The Last Temptation of Christ, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.

Then, our Fes Merzouga Desert trip will end by crossing the high Atlas mountains. We’ll pass through the Berber town of Taddert. Then, we’ll cross the 2260-meter-high Tizi-in-Tichka pass. We’ll stop for views and to take pictures of the Berber villages and the beautiful landscapes. Before we reach the red city, Marrakech, we drop you off at your hotel/Riad or Airport and end our services.

The 5 days Sahara desert tour from Fes to Marrakech will be coming to an end! We truly hope you enjoyed the trip with our team!