5-Day Tour: Marrakech to Fes via the Merzouga Desert
5-Day Desert Tour: Marrakech – Merzouga – Fes
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Telouet Kasbah – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Departure from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8:30 AM in a private vehicle. We begin our journey across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka pass (2,260 m), the highest road in Morocco. Along the way, we’ll stop at scenic viewpoints to take photos of the panoramic landscapes and traditional Berber villages.
We then take a detour to the remote Telouet Kasbah, a former stronghold of the Glaoui family. After the visit, you’ll have time to enjoy a traditional lunch in town.
In the afternoon, we continue through the breathtaking Ounila Valley, passing by small Berber villages with homes built of adobe. We reach the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its impressive kasbah and its use as a film location for Gladiator, The Mummy, Sahara, and more.
After exploring the site, we proceed to Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Desert.” Dinner and overnight stay at a local hotel.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Nkob – Merzouga – Camel Trek & Desert Camp
After breakfast, we head south through the scenic Draa Valley, home to Morocco’s longest river. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to admire the lush palm groves, fortified villages, and impressive kasbahs.
Lunch stop will be in Nkob or Alnif. Then we continue our journey to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Upon arrival, we leave the vehicle behind and embark on a camel ride into the heart of the desert.
Arriving at the desert camp, you’ll settle into a traditional Berber tent made of camel hair. Enjoy dinner under the stars and spend the night surrounded by the tranquil silence of the Sahara.
Day 3: Merzouga – Nomad Families – Tissardmine Oasis – Khamlia Village – Erg Chebbi Dunes
This is a full day dedicated to discovering the wonders of the desert.
Start the day early to witness a breathtaking sunrise from atop a nearby dune. After returning to the camp, a hearty breakfast awaits before we begin our day’s explorations.
We’ll travel along the base of the Erg Chebbi dunes, home to Morocco’s highest dune (over 250 meters). Following a trail once used in the Paris-Dakar Rally, we reach the Tissardmine Oasis and fossil quarries, then visit nomadic families to learn about their lifestyle and customs.
We continue to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the vast Erg Chebbi dune field. Our last stop is the village of Khamlia, known for its residents of Malian descent and their spiritual Gnawa music. Enjoy a traditional mint tea while listening to a live performance.
In the afternoon, transfer to your hotel in Merzouga. Free time to relax or enjoy the sunset over the nearby dunes. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After breakfast, we leave the desert and drive to the town of Rissani, where we visit its traditional market (open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays).
Next, we visit the fossil workshops in Erfoud before continuing through the lush palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. Around midday, we reach the Todra Gorges—towering canyon walls shaped by the Todra River. This site is a favorite among hikers and rock climbers.
Enjoy free time for lunch and a short walk through the gorge to take in the magnificent scenery.
In the afternoon, we drive through the Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of Figs, and stop at the dramatic rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers.” Dinner and overnight in the Dades Gorges.
Day 5: Dades Gorges – Rose Valley – Skoura – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast, we enjoy panoramic views from a strategic lookout in the Dades Valley. The road continues along the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” dotted with ancient fortresses and picturesque villages.
We pass through the fragrant Rose Valley and the vast Skoura palm grove before arriving in Ouarzazate. Here, we visit the Taourirt Kasbah, once home to the powerful Glaoui family. Optional visits include the Atlas Film Studios and the Cinema Museum.
After lunch in town, we head back to Marrakech, crossing the Tizi N’Tichka pass once more. As we descend, the arid desert landscapes give way to colorful mountain views.
We arrive in Marrakech around 6:00 PM. Transfer to your accommodation and end of our services.