Tour itinerary from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga, featuring 2 nights in Merzouga (Sahara Desert), 2 nights in Dades Gorges, and 1 night in Ait Ben Haddou
Explore Ifrane,
- Visit Azrou's cedar forests and spot wild macaques
- Ride camels through the golden dunes of Merzouga
- Experience sunset and sunrise over the Sahara Desert
- Discover the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley
- Wander through Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- End the tour in the vibrant Marrakech
Your adventure begins in the spiritual and cultural capital of Fes, as you travel south into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop for a stroll through the European-style town of Ifrane, then breathe in the crisp forest air of Azrou, home to cedar trees and wild macaques. From there, the road winds through rocky ridges and leads into the sweeping Ziz Valley, rich with palm groves and centuries-old villages.
By late afternoon, you'll arrive in Merzouga, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi stretch endlessly into the horizon. A camel trek carries you into the heart of the Sahara for a magical night in a desert camp, complete with traditional music and stargazing.
Awake to a serene sunrise over the dunes — a moment of pure silence and beauty. After breakfast, enjoy a full day of exploration in the Merzouga region. Visit the spiritual Gnawa musicians in the village of Khamlia, explore fossil fields, or take a 4x4 off-road ride to meet nomadic Berber families living in the desert.
If you're feeling adventurous, try sandboarding or simply relax with tea in a shaded oasis. As the sun sets once again, return to your camp for a second enchanting evening under the stars, surrounded by nothing but dunes and desert calm.
After a final breakfast in the desert, we head west, passing through Rissani’s traditional market, where locals trade dates, spices, and handwoven goods. The road soon narrows into the towering canyons of the Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most dramatic natural wonders.
Take time to walk beneath its 300-meter cliffs before continuing into the Dades Valley, known for its layered red rock formations and hidden kasbahs. You'll spend the night in a cozy guesthouse tucked between cliffs, listening to the wind rustle through olive trees as the stars return overhead.
This day invites you to slow down and truly take in the beauty of Dades Gorges. Explore the iconic "Monkey Fingers" rock formations, climb the serpentine Tissadrine road, and venture into the fertile Rose Valley, where thousands of pink blossoms bloom each spring.
Meet artisans who create rosewater and soaps by hand, or enjoy a short hike through hidden Berber villages. Whether it’s sharing tea with locals or admiring the raw beauty of the gorge walls, today offers authentic moments that stay with you long after the journey ends.
After breakfast, your road leads toward Skoura Oasis, a green patchwork of palm trees and crumbling kasbahs. Visit Kasbah Amridil, one of Morocco’s best-preserved mud-brick fortresses, before continuing to Ouarzazate, where African deserts meet Hollywood dreams. After a short visit to the old studios or the Taourirt Kasbah, you’ll head to your final overnight stop: the legendary Ait Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a fortified village made of earth and stone, famous for appearing in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Spend the night inside or nearby the ksar — an atmospheric step back in time.
On your final day, enjoy a quiet morning walk through the winding alleys of Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The landscape changes with every turn. From arid cliffs to lush valleys, scattered villages to sweeping vistas.
By mid-afternoon, you descend into the colorful sprawl of Marrakech, where the journey ends but the magic continues. With memories of starry deserts, winding gorges, and ancient kasbahs, you’ll arrive in the Red City full of stories and soul.
Included:
- Private or shared transport (A/C vehicle)
- 2 nights in Merzouga desert camp (standard or luxury)
- 2 nights in Dades Gorges accommodation
- 1 night in Ait Ben Haddou
- 5 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- Camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes
- Guided visits and cultural stops along the route
- Experienced driver-guide
Excluded:
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Personal tips for guides and staff