The 6 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech takes you on a one‑way journey from Morocco’s cultural capital to the vibrant “Red City,” passing through cedar forests, palm‑filled valleys, the golden Sahara dunes, and dramatic mountain passes. This route maximizes your adventure without backtracking, offering a perfect blend of imperial history, Berber culture, and desert magic.
You’ll begin with a guided tour of Fes, visiting its iconic tanneries, madrasas, mosques, and the Royal Palace gate. Then you’ll travel south through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou (home to Barbary apes) to Midelt. On day three, you’ll admire the stunning Ziz Valley oasis before reaching Merzouga.
A full day in the Sahara includes Gnawa music in Khamlia, encounters with nomads, and a sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes – followed by a night in a desert camp with Berber drumming and stargazing.
From there, you’ll return through Rissani, walk the towering Todra Gorge, and overnight in Ouarzazate. Your final day takes you to the UNESCO‑listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and across the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass before arriving in Marrakech.
Begin your adventure with a guided exploration of Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital. Discover iconic landmarks including the Andalusia Mosque, the vibrant tanneries, El‑Attarine Madrasa, Quarraouine Mosque, the Royal Palace gate, the historic Bab Boujloud, and the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel or riad in Fes.
After breakfast, depart Fes and journey toward Midelt. Travel through the picturesque town of Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to the region’s Barbary apes (monkeys). Enjoy scenic drives through forests, past natural springs, and alongside traditional Berber villages before arriving in Midelt for dinner and an overnight stay.
Continue your journey south from Midelt toward the Sahara Desert, passing through Erfoud. Admire the stunning Ziz Valley oasis with its vast palm groves, noting the dramatic shift in landscape as you approach the desert. Arrive in Merzouga, settle into your hotel or riad near the dunes, and enjoy dinner ahead of tomorrow’s desert immersion.
Dedicate today to exploring the Merzouga desert region. Visit the village of Khamlia to experience soulful Gnawa music, discover abandoned mines, potentially meet Berber nomads, and see the lush palm oases. In the afternoon, embark on an unforgettable camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to witness a spectacular desert sunset. Enjoy dinner, traditional Berber drum music around the campfire, and spend a magical night at your desert camp under the stars.
Rise early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After returning for breakfast and a shower, depart toward Ouarzazate. Stop in Rissani to explore its historic sites and traditional market (souk). Continue the journey, making a key stop for a walk through the dramatic, towering cliffs of Todra Gorge. Arrive in Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” for dinner and your overnight stay in a riad or traditional kasbah.
Following breakfast, explore Ouarzazate by visiting the historic Taourirt Kasbah and the renowned Atlas Film Studios. Continue to the magnificent Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its appearance in numerous films. Afterwards, journey across the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), stopping for lunch and panoramic views along the way. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where your incredible 6‑day journey concludes.
Lunches and drinks
Entrance fees to optional sites
Tips for guides and drivers
