5-Day tour from Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara desert

We’ll depart Fes early in the morning and head south toward the Sahara Desert. Our first stop will be Ifrane, a charming city built by the French in the 1930s, often called "Morocco’s Little Switzerland" for its alpine-style architecture and famous ski resorts.

Next, we’ll drive through the cedar forests of Azrou, where you might spot playful wild monkeys—Barbary Macaques—in their natural habitat. As we cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, you’ll enjoy stunning views of rolling hills and rugged landscapes.

We’ll pause for lunch in Zaida or Midelt, then continue south through the dramatic Tizi n’Tlghoumt Pass, where the scenery slowly shifts from green mountains to golden desert. Along the way, we’ll stop for a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley, a vast oasis filled with thousands of palm trees.

By late afternoon, we’ll reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, where you will spend the night!

Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Camp or similar

On the second day of the trip, we’ll explore the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes and discover the beauty of the desert. Our first stop will be Merzouga’s seasonal lake, where, if we’re lucky, we might spot pink flamingos.

Next, we’ll head to Khamlia, a small village famous for its Gnaoua music (a traditional African drumming style). Here, we’ll relax with a refreshing mint tea while enjoying the lively rhythms.

Afterward, we’ll visit Mifis to see its fascinating mineral mines. Then, we’ll go off-roading through the black stony desert up to one of the highest peaks. From there, you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views of the Erg Chebbi dunes—perfect for photos!

Our journey continues to a nomad family’s tent, where we’ll learn about their daily life, traditions, and customs. For lunch, you can either dine with the nomads under the shade of an acacia tree or try a delicious Berber pizza at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Merzouga for a camel ride through the dunes, where you’ll witness a magical desert sunset. The day ends at a desert camp, where we’ll enjoy a traditional dinner, live drum music around a bonfire, and a night under the starry sky.

Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Camp or similar

This morning, wake up early to catch the sunrise before we begin our exciting journey to the Todra Gorges. After breakfast, a refreshing shower, and a short camel ride, we’ll hit the road.

Our first stop is Rissani, the historic capital of Tafilalet and a bustling trading hub. Here, you can explore the lively local market (Souk) and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Next, we’ll head to Erfoud, where you can visit fascinating fossil museums (if time allows). Then, we’ll continue our drive toward Tenghir, passing through Jorf, Touroug, and Tinejdad—with a possible lunch break along the way.

Once we reach Tenghir, we’ll stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking a stunning palm-filled oasis, with an ancient mud-brick village in the distance.

Finally, we’ll arrive at the Todra Gorges, where you can take a peaceful walk and marvel at its towering cliffs and breathtaking landscapes.

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Dar Ayour or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Bab Todra or similar

We’ll leave Todra in the morning and head east toward Ouarzazate, traveling along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Our first stops will be Dades Valley, with its dramatic rock formations, and Mgouna, a charming town known for its fragrant Rose Valley, where locals produce rose water, oils, and perfumes.

From there, we’ll continue to Skoura to visit the Kasbah of Ameridil, a beautifully preserved historic fortress. After some light hiking in the valley, we’ll stop for lunch before driving on to Ouarzazate, nicknamed "Africa’s Hollywood" because so many movies have been filmed in its stunning landscapes.

Before checking into the hotel, you’ll have the chance to visit the film studios, where you can see props and sets from famous movies like The Mummy, Gladiator, and Lawrence of Arabia.

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Dar Barbara or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Dar Chamaa or similar

On our final day, we’ll travel from Ouarzazate to Marrakech through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains.

First, we’ll visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a stunning 11th-century fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. This ancient clay-built kasbah is one of Morocco’s most impressive examples of traditional earthen architecture.

After exploring the kasbah, we’ll begin our scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop to admire the panoramic views, enjoy lunch or a refreshing drink, and take in the dramatic landscapes before arriving in Marrakech.