5 Days Marrakech to Fes

This 5 days tour Marrakech to Fes takes you across the High Atlas Mountains to explore ancient kasbahs, including Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet, before continuing through Ouarzazate, Skoura, Rose Valley, and the dramatic Dades and Todra Gorges. Journey onward to Merzouga, where you’ll enjoy desert life, cultural encounters, and a camel trek into the golden dunes for a magical night under the stars. The adventure concludes with a scenic drive through the Ziz Valley, cedar forests of Azrou, and Middle Atlas landscapes before arriving in Fes.

Day 1: Marrakech – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

Your driver will pick you up in the morning from your hotel or riad in Marrakech for the journey across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), the highest road pass in Morocco. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of mountain landscapes dotted with traditional Berber villages. Stop to visit the remarkable Kasbah Telouet, once the extravagant residence of the powerful Glaoui tribe. Continue to the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a historic fortified village that has served as the backdrop for many films, including Gladiator. The day ends in Ouarzazate, where you will have dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Rose Valley – Dades Gorge

After breakfast, visit the famous film studios of Ouarzazate and the impressive Kasbah Taourirt. The journey then continues off-road through the lush palm oasis of Skoura before heading to the Rose Valley, known for its fragrant rose products such as oils, soaps, and creams. Travel onwards through the unique rock formations of the Tamnalt Hills before arriving at the spectacular Dades Gorge, where red and mauve cliffs rise dramatically above the valley. Overnight stay in Dades Gorge with dinner and breakfast.

Day 3: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Merzouga

After breakfast, explore the Dades Valley, stopping to see the fascinating rock formations known as the “Monkey Toes” and the 19th-century Kasbah of Ait Yul. Continue towards Tinghir and the Todra Valley, with its traditional Berber villages and palm groves. At Todra Gorge, walk beneath towering 300-meter cliffs, a favorite spot for rock climbers. The journey continues through Erfoud and Rissani, where you will stop for lunch, before arriving in Merzouga. Here, you will be welcomed with mint tea and settle into your accommodation at the edge of the Sahara.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert Exploration & Camel Trek

After breakfast, begin your desert exploration with a visit to Khamlia village to experience the music and traditions of the Gnawa people, descendants of former slaves from Sudan. Visit Merzouga’s seasonal lake, a haven for birdlife including flamingos, and stop at a nomadic family’s tent to discover Berber handicrafts. In the afternoon, embark on a camel trek led by an experienced guide into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the sunset and spend the night in a desert camp, either under the stars or in a traditional Berber tent, with dinner served around the campfire.

Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Fes

Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the dunes, then return by camel to the village for breakfast and a shower. Depart for Erfoud and Errachidia, continuing through the beautiful Ziz Valley with its palm groves. Stop for lunch in Midelt before driving through the cedar forests of Azrou, where you may spot Barbary apes, and passing the Middle Atlas Mountains. The tour ends with your arrival in Fes in the late afternoon.