6 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Your adventure begins with an early departure from Marrakech. You will cross the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, reaching an altitude of 2,260m for breathtaking panoramic views. A major highlight awaits at the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar that has starred in films like Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. After lunch in Ouarzazate, known as “Morocco’s Hollywood,” you’ll continue through rose-strewn valleys to the rugged Dades Valley. Your day concludes at a traditional lodge, perfectly situated to enjoy the terraced hills turning gold at sunset.

The morning brings a visit to the spectacular Todra Gorge, where you can enjoy a refreshing walk between its towering 300-meter-high cliffs. As you depart the rocky canyons, the landscape softens into the golden hues of the Sahara. Upon arriving in Merzouga in the afternoon, a camel caravan will be waiting. Your serene ride at sunset will carry you across the Erg Chebbi dunes, which glow like molten copper. At the desert camp, Berber hosts will greet you with mint tea before a dinner under a blanket of stars, often accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums around a campfire.

Rise before dawn to climb a sandy peak and witness the sunrise painting the desert in shifting colors. After breakfast at the camp, the day is dedicated to authentic desert experiences. You will visit nomadic families in their tents and explore the village of Khamlia, where the descendants of enslaved Africans keep the spiritual tradition of Gnawa music alive. Depending on the season, you may take a 4×4 excursion to see flamingos at a seasonal lake. As dusk falls, you will return to the desert camp or opt for the comfort of a village guesthouse.

After leaving the desert behind, your first stop is the bustling market in Rissani, the last major trading post before the vast Sahara. The journey then takes you through the verdant Ziz Valley, a striking contrast of palm groves and ruined kasbahs against the former arid landscape. As night falls, you will arrive in Midelt, a town nestled in the mountains. The fresh air and surrounding apple orchards here provide a welcome and cool respite from the desert heat.

Today’s journey through the Middle Atlas reveals yet another side of Morocco’s diversity. You will stop in the cedar forests near Azrou, where troops of playful Barbary macaques often approach visitors. The landscape transforms once more as you reach Ifrane, an Alpine-style town often called “Moroccan Switzerland” due to its unique architecture. In the afternoon, you will arrive in the imperial city of Fez, where you will check into a tranquil riad—a peaceful haven nestled within the vibrant medina.

Your final day is dedicated to exploring Fez, the cultural and intellectual heart of Morocco. A local guide will lead you through the world’s largest medina, a labyrinth of centuries-old alleyways where donkeys are still the main transport. Key sights include the ancient University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859, the famous tanneries with their vibrant dye pits, and souks filled with exquisite handicrafts. Listening to the call to prayer echo through the city, you will feel how this imperial city masterfully preserves its deep traditions while welcoming modern travelers.