Discovering 5 Days of Desert, Gorges & Marrakech from Fes

Itinerary

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Begin your journey with a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” before continuing to the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques. Travel via the Tiz N’Talghemt Pass and Ziz Gorge, pausing for panoramic views and local mint tea. After a lunch break in Midelt, continue south through the Ziz Valley to reach the edge of the Sahara in Merzouga. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional riad near the dunes.

Day 2: Merzouga Desert Tour & Camel Trekking

Explore the magical Erg Chebbi dunes and the surrounding desert. Visit Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music, and stop in Rissani, a historic town famous for its traditional souk. Enjoy a Berber pizza lunch before returning to Merzouga for a camel trek into the dunes. Arrive at your desert camp in time for sunset. Savor a traditional tagine dinner, gather around the campfire for Berber music, and sleep under the stars in a nomadic-style tent.

Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

After sunrise and breakfast at the camp, return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga to freshen up. Travel west to the stunning Todra Gorge, where dramatic cliffs soar up to 300 meters high—an ideal place for a short walk or photo stop. Continue through Berber villages to reach the beautiful Dades Valley, famous for its unique rock formations known as “Monkey Fingers.” Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel overlooking the valley.

Day 4: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Journey along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, with a stop at Kalaat M’Gouna, the center of Morocco’s rose-growing region. Visit Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” and the nearby Atlas Film Studios. Then explore the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified village featured in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) before arriving in Marrakech for the night.

Day 5: Marrakech Guided City Tour

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Marrakech, starting at the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and the Koutoubia Mosque. Explore the winding souks, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and several hidden gems within the medina. In the afternoon, visit the modern district of Gueliz, the Majorelle Garden, and Menara Gardens. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or Marrakech airport, marking the end of your adventure.