6-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga

Our private tour begins with a drive towards the Atlas Mountains, stopping in the town of Ifrane, often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco. We’ll then visit the famous cedar forest near Azrou, home to the wild Berber apes. From there, we continue through the Tiz N’Talghemt mountain pass and the Ziz Gorge, where we can stop to take pictures and enjoy some local mint tea. We’ll pass through Midelt and continue south to Merzouga. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a local Riad.

Day 2: Merzouga Desert – Camel Ride to the Camp

Today we’ll explore the desert region around the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll have the opportunity to see the nomads’ way of life and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Sahara. We’ll visit the black village of Khamlia, where we’ll enjoy the spiritual Gnawa music. For lunch, we’ll taste a traditional Berber pizza in the ancient town of Rissani. In the late afternoon, we’ll ride camels to watch the sunset over the dunes and spend the night in a desert camp. We’ll enjoy a traditional tagine dinner, drink mint tea, and listen to Berber music around a campfire under the stars and the moonlit desert sky.

Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge

We’ll wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, then return to a local hotel where you can freshen up and have breakfast. After that, we head towards the Todra Gorge, passing through several Berber villages along the way. We’ll have time to walk in the gorge, which is the highest and narrowest in Morocco. In the afternoon, we continue to the Dades Gorge, where we’ll enjoy views of the unique rock formations known as “monkey toes.” Dinner and overnight at a hotel or riad in the Dades Gorge.

Day 4: Dades Gorge – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we continue our journey towards Ouarzazate, traveling along the famous road of a thousand Kasbahs. We’ll stop in Kalaat Mgouna, the center of the Valley of Roses, known for its rose products and annual festival. From there, we continue to Ouarzazate, where we’ll spend the night at a local hotel.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Today we’ll visit the famous Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for movies like Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and the TV series Game of Thrones. After visiting the kasbah, we’ll drive through the Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass in the High Atlas and continue to Marrakech. Overnight at a local hotel in Marrakech.

Day 6: Marrakech – Guided City Tour

Today will be spent exploring Marrakech with a local guide. We’ll visit the main attractions of the city including the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, the Koutoubia Mosque, the souks, the Royal Palace, and several museums. We’ll also explore the modern part of the city called Gueliz, including the Menara Gardens and the Majorelle Garden. Our tour ends with a transfer to your hotel or the airport.