5-day private trip through the Moroccan desert from Marrakech to Fez

Discover the diverse landscapes and rich culture of southern Morocco on this 5-day adventure from Marrakech to Fez. Travel from the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara, visiting ancient kasbahs, traditional Berber villages, and spectacular natural wonders. Experience camel riding through the dunes of Erg Chebbi, spend a night in a desert camp under the stars, and explore the cinematic city of Ouarzazate, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. This tour offers a perfect combination of Morocco’s mountains, deserts, and cultural heritage.

• Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
• Explore the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• Visit Ouarzazate, with its historic kasbahs and film studios.
• Travel through the fragrant Valley of Roses and the picturesque Dades Valley.
• Walk through the Todra Gorge, with cliffs up to 300 meters high.
• Enjoy camel rides at sunset and sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
• Spend a night in a desert camp with traditional Berber hospitality.
• Discover oases, nomadic settlements, and the lively market in Rissani.
• Travel through the picturesque Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains.
• Visit the cedar forests near Azrou and observe the Barbary macaques.
• Stop off at Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture.

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

Your 5-day private tour of the Moroccan desert from Marrakech to Fez begins with a morning pick-up in Marrakech. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, enjoying panoramic views of valleys, peaks, and traditional Berber villages along the route.

Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its adobe architecture and cinematic history. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch before continuing on to Ouarzazate, a city known for its film studios and historic kasbahs. End the day with a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, spending the night amid spectacular canyon landscapes.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Erfoud → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, continue east to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon flanked by high cliffs and dotted with palm groves. Continue through Berber villages and fertile oases, passing through towns such as Tinjdad and Erfoud.

Arrival in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi stretch out before you. Get ready for your desert experience and enjoy your first night in this magical setting.

Day 3: Exploration of the Merzouga Desert and Camel Ride

Start the day with breakfast before exploring the imposing dunes of Erg Chebbi, some of which are over 250 meters high. Visit the Tissardmine Oasis and a traditional nomadic settlement to learn about life in the desert.

Stop off at Khamlia, a village founded by Malian descendants, where you can enjoy Gnawa music accompanied by mint tea. Return to Merzouga for lunch, then set off on a camel ride to the dunes. Arrive at the desert camp at sunset, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, and spend the night under the vast starry sky of the Sahara.

Day 4: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt

After sunrise and breakfast, leave the desert behind and travel northwest through the picturesque Ziz Valley, a green corridor lined with palm trees and dotted with villages. Continue towards Midelt, located at an altitude of 1,500 meters between the High and Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop along the way to take photos and enjoy the mountainous landscape. Dinner and overnight stay in Midelt.

Day 5: Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fez

On the last day, pass through small villages such as Zaida and Timahdit on your way to Fez. Visit the cedar forests near Azrou, home to Barbary macaques. Continue to Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its clean streets and alpine architecture. Arrive in Fez in the afternoon, concluding your 5-day private tour of the Moroccan desert from Marrakech to Fez.