Overview

This 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is designed for travelers who want to immerse themselves fully in the magic of the Sahara. With two nights in the Merzouga desert, this itinerary offers a more relaxed pace and a deeper connection to the desert landscape and its culture. Journey through the Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs, and end your adventure in the bustling "Red City."

Highlights

Travel from Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara desert.
Journey through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas cedar forests.
Enjoy two nights in the Merzouga desert, allowing for a full day of exploration.
Ride a camel at sunset and sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Spend one night in a traditional Berber desert camp and one in a hotel at the dune line.
Explore the desert with a 4x4 tour, visiting nomads and Khamlia village.
Walk through the Todra and Dades Gorges.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga We begin our journey from Fes, traveling south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. We'll stop in Ifrane, known as "Morocco's Switzerland," and the cedar forests of Azrou to see the Barbary apes. We continue through the scenic Ziz Valley, arriving in Merzouga in the late afternoon. You will spend the night in a hotel at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Day 2: Merzouga Desert Exploration (4x4, Nomads, Gnawa Music) Today is dedicated to exploring the desert. We will take a 4x4 tour to visit a nomadic family and learn about their way of life, search for fossils, and visit Khamlia village to enjoy traditional Gnawa music. In the afternoon, you can relax at the hotel or explore the dunes on your own. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Merzouga.

Day 3: Merzouga → Camel Trek → Night in Desert Camp After a relaxing morning, you'll prepare for your camel trek in the afternoon. You will ride into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a spectacular sunset. Arrive at a traditional Berber desert camp, where you'll enjoy a Moroccan dinner, listen to music around a campfire, and sleep under the stars.

Day 4: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley Wake up to a magnificent sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the camp, you'll ride your camel back to Merzouga. We then depart for the Dades Valley, stopping first at the impressive Todra Gorge for a walk. We continue along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," arriving in the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 5: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech On our final day, we drive through the Dades Valley and continue to Ouarzazate. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. Finally, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where the tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation.

What's Included

Private A/C vehicle transportation.
Experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
4 nights of accommodation (3 hotels, 1 desert camp).
Daily breakfasts and dinners.
Camel trek in Erg Chebbi.
4x4 tour for desert exploration.

What's Not Included

Lunches and drinks.
Entrance fees to monuments.
Personal expenses and tips.

Why Choose This Tour?

The 5-day tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly experience the Sahara. The extra day in the desert allows for a much deeper cultural immersion and exploration than shorter trips. It's the perfect choice for those who want to absorb the peacefulness of the desert and see more than just the dunes, all at a relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main advantage of the 5-day tour? The extra day and night in Merzouga allow for a full day of 4x4 exploration to visit nomads and Khamlia village, which is not possible on shorter tours. It provides a more relaxed and comprehensive desert experience.

What is the accommodation like? You will stay in comfortable hotels and one night in a traditional Berber desert camp with private tents and shared bathroom facilities.

Is this a one-way trip? Yes, this is a one-way tour that starts in Fes and ends in Marrakech, making it a convenient way to travel between the two imperial cities.