DESRT TOURS
6-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Adventure
About this tour
Experience Morocco’s most iconic landscapes on this 6-day journey from Marrakech to Fes. Traverse the High Atlas Mountains, explore historic kasbahs, and immerse yourself in the vast beauty of the Sahara Desert. Enjoy camel trekking across Erg Chebbi dunes, spend a night under the stars in a luxury desert camp, and visit traditional Berber villages, palm-filled oases, and bustling souks. Along the way, discover Morocco’s cinematic history in Ouarzazate and experience the serene desert atmosphere, making this an unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Explore UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou and Taourirt Kasbahs
Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka pass
Camel trekking and overnight stay in a luxury desert camp
Witness magical desert sunrises and sunsets over Erg Chebbi dunes
Discover nomad villages and Berber cultural traditions
Evening entertainment with traditional music, dances, and local cuisine
Learn about local crafts, including fossil workshops in Erfoud
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Depart Marrakech in the morning, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Stop along the way to admire panoramic mountain views and traditional Berber villages. Visit the iconic UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified village featured in many international films. Continue to Ouarzazate to explore Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Studios before overnighting at a nearby oasis.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Valley – Todra Gorge
After breakfast, travel through Skoura Oasis and visit the restored Kasbah Amerhidil. Continue to the Valley of Roses to see local rose products being crafted. Head toward Dades Valley, known for dramatic landscapes and scattered kasbahs, and finish the day at Todra Gorge, perfect for walking and photography among its towering cliffs and palm-lined river.
Day 3: Todra Gorge – Tinjdad – Erfoud – Merzouga
Begin with a morning hike in Todra Gorge. Travel through Tinjdad and Erfoud, exploring fossil workshops and ancient irrigation channels. Arrive at Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga and embark on a camel trek to your luxury desert camp. Climb the dunes for a spectacular sunset, enjoy dinner, and spend a magical night under the stars.
Day 4: Merzouga – Desert Exploration and Nomad Villages
Rise early to watch the desert sunrise, then return to camp by camel. Spend the day exploring the surrounding desert, visiting nomad camps and the Gnawa village of Khamlia to experience their unique music and traditions. Return to your camp for dinner and another peaceful night in the Sahara.
Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fes
Depart the desert and head north, stopping in Rissani to explore the traditional souk. Visit fossil workshops in Erfoud and continue through the scenic Ziz Valley and Errachidia oases. Capture photos of breathtaking landscapes before reaching Midelt for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Azrou to visit cedar forests and spot Barbary monkeys. Continue to Ifrane, known as “Moroccan Switzerland,” before completing the journey in Fes, a city rich in history and culture, marking the end of your 6-day adventure.
What to Know Before Your 6-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Trip
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for mountains, dunes, and oasis trails
- Light clothing with a warm layer for cool desert nights
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection
- Small backpack for essentials, water, and camera
- Camera to capture kasbahs, dunes, gorges, and palm-filled valleys
Tips for First-Time Travelers:
- Carry cash for desert excursions, villages, and markets
- Dress modestly in traditional areas and Berber villages
- Stay hydrated in the desert and mountains
- Roads may be winding and travel times longer than expected
- Always ask before photographing locals
Climate Overview:
- Marrakech: Hot summers, mild winters
- High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka: Cool, snow possible in winter
- Todra Gorge & Dades Valley: Warm days, cooler nights
- Merzouga: Hot days, cold desert nights
- Ziz Valley, Midelt & Middle Atlas: Mild days, cool evenings
- Fes: Hot summers, mild winters
Main Distances:
- Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate: 200 km (~4-5h)
- Ouarzazate → Skoura → Valley of Roses → Dades → Todra Gorge: 180 km (~4h)
- Todra Gorge → Tinjdad → Erfoud → Merzouga: 180 km (~4h)
- Merzouga → Rissani → Erfoud → Midelt: 250 km (~5h)
- Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes: 250 km (~5h)
