Five days links Fes and Marrakech by way of the desert, taking in a run of fabulous places in a short time: Ifrane, the cedar forest, the Ziz Valley, the Merzouga Sahara, Rissani, Erfoud, the Todra and Dades gorges, and a string of kasbahs including Ait Ben Haddou and Amridil.
You start in Fes and cross the Middle Atlas by way of Ifrane, the cedar forest, Midelt and the Ziz Valley to the desert at Merzouga. A full second day is given to the Merzouga region by 4×4, with nomads, Khamlia, and the flamingo lake. The return leg runs west through Rissani and Erfoud to the Todra and Dades gorges, then the Roses Valley, Skoura and Ouarzazate, and finally over the High Atlas past Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech.
The tour starts with an early pick-up from the airport or your accommodation in Fes. You drive south through Imouzzer to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, then continue to the cedar forest of the Barbary macaques. You reach Midelt for lunch, then head to the desert through the Tizi n’Tilghmt pass and along the Ziz river.
In the afternoon you reach the Sahara at Merzouga and switch to camels to cross the sand, pausing on a high dune for the sunset. You continue to the luxury camp for Berber drum music and dancing around the fire under a wide sky of stars. Dinner and overnight at the camp.
Approx. 7 hours driving · Overnight: Luxury desert camp, Merzouga
An early start is a must, to watch the sunrise over the desert. You return by camel to Merzouga. The day is given to the Merzouga region — dunes, a wild lake, mines, fossil grounds, and oases.
You drive off-road to an ancient eyeliner mine, then visit a nomad family over Berber tea. Next is Khamlia village for Gnaoua music and dance. Free time for lunch. Afterwards you walk in a palm grove, then drive to the wild lake of Merzouga, the flamingo lake. Dinner and overnight.
Approx. 2 hours driving · Overnight: Hotel in Merzouga
After breakfast you leave the desert for Rissani, with a large souk (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays). After the souk you continue to Erfoud for a fossilised-marble workshop, then through the Touroug and Tinjdad palm groves to the Todra Gorge. Free time for lunch. You continue to the Dades Valley through Boumalne Dades, with stops at the “monkey fingers” rock formations and a viewpoint over the valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Approx. 5 hours driving · Overnight: Hotel in the Dades Valley
After breakfast you continue to Kalaat M’Gouna to visit the Roses Valley. Free time for lunch. You then drive through the Skoura palm grove and visit the Amridil Kasbah. Finally you reach Ouarzazate, where you visit the film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Approx. 2.5 hours driving · Overnight: Hotel in Ouarzazate
On the last day you set off to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You then continue to Marrakech across the Tizi n’Tichka pass and the High Atlas, with stops for lunch and photos. Finally you are dropped off at the airport or your accommodation in Marrakech. The tour is also available in reverse, from Marrakech to Fes.
Approx. 3.5 hours driving
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It is a private experience: only the travellers who make the enquiry take part, with no one else joining. Our focus is on high-quality, personalised trips, which is why we mainly run private tours.
The camel ride runs from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on which camp you stay in. If you’d rather not ride, the camp has a 4×4 that carries people and luggage in and out. ATVs can also be arranged at extra cost.
The tent at the luxury camp is private and has a private bathroom with hot running water.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best, with mild, pleasant weather across most regions. Winter is good too, especially in the south and the desert.
Either an SUV (4×4) or a minivan, both air-conditioned. The 4×4 is a Land Cruiser Prado (up to 4 passengers); minivans are a Mercedes Vito Tourer, Ford Tourneo, or similar (up to 8 passengers). For groups larger than 8, a minibus for up to 18 can be provided.