6-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Travel from Fes through the Middle Atlas and into the Moroccan Sahara.
Enjoy more time to discover Merzouga, Erg Chebbi and the landscapes around the desert.
Continue through the Todra Gorges, Dades Valley and historic kasbahs before reaching Marrakech.

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt

Depart from Fes and travel towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane before continuing through the cedar forest region. The road passes mountain scenery and open plateaus before reaching Midelt, located between the Middle and High Atlas ranges. Enjoy several opportunities to admire the changing landscapes along the way. Arrive in Midelt in the afternoon and settle into your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy this mountain town before continuing towards the Sahara on the following day.

Day 2: Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast, travel south through the Tizi n’Talghamt pass and towards the Ziz Valley. Discover the palm groves, villages and canyon scenery that make this region distinctive. Continue through Erfoud and Rissani, historic towns connected to the trade routes of the Tafilalet. The road then leads to Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy your first views of the Sahara. Depending on the arrival time, you may have an opportunity to watch the sunset over the dunes.

Day 3: Discover Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi Dunes

Spend the day exploring the Merzouga region. After breakfast, discover the villages and desert landscapes around Erg Chebbi. You can learn about local traditions and enjoy the scenery of this Saharan area. Depending on your selected package, activities such as a camel ride or a desert excursion may be arranged. The afternoon is a good time to relax near the dunes and enjoy their changing colours. Overnight in your booked accommodation or in a desert camp if this option is included in your reservation.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Tinghir

After breakfast, leave Merzouga and travel towards Rissani. Depending on the day, you may have an opportunity to explore its traditional market and historic centre. Continue towards the Todra Gorges, where high cliffs rise above a green oasis. Enjoy time to walk through the gorge and admire the natural scenery. The route then continues to Tinghir, a town surrounded by palm groves and traditional villages. Arrive at your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening in the region.

Day 5: Tinghir – Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Skoura

After breakfast, travel through the Dades Valley, known for its rock formations, villages and kasbahs. Continue towards the Valley of Roses, where agricultural landscapes and traditional settlements line the route. The scenery changes with the seasons, offering different views throughout the year. Continue to Skoura, a large oasis famous for its palm groves and earthen architecture. Enjoy time to discover the surroundings before settling into your accommodation for the night.

Day 6: Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, travel towards Ouarzazate and continue to Ait Ben Haddou. This fortified village is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its traditional earthen buildings and historic lanes. Enjoy time to explore the site and admire the views over the valley. Later, cross the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka pass. The road offers impressive views of mountain villages and valleys before descending towards Marrakech. Arrive in the city later in the day and transfer to the agreed drop-off point.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a full day in Merzouga?

Yes, the third day is dedicated to discovering the Merzouga region.

Does the itinerary include Ait Ben Haddou?

Yes, the village is visited on the final day before crossing the High Atlas.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends in Marrakech on the sixth day.