Epic 5-Day Marrakech to Fez Desert Tour: Kasbahs, Gorges & Sahara Wonders

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation, leaving behind the bustling streets of Marrakech as you journey east towards the famed Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic desert citadels and a backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters.

Travel through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m), the highest road pass in Morocco. Along the way, enjoy several stops to admire the spectacular scenery, sip on coffee, take photos, and experience the charm of traditional Berber villages dotting the landscape.

At the summit, begin your descent and take a scenic detour toward the Kasbah of Telouet, once the opulent residence of the powerful Glaoui tribe. This kasbah, famous for its elaborate tilework and historical significance, has also served as a filming location for numerous movies.

From Telouet, follow the winding route through the Ounila Valley, a hidden gem filled with stunning rock formations, fertile gardens, and small Berber settlements nestled into the hillsides. The dramatic hues of the valley make for an unforgettable drive.

Upon arrival at Ait Ben Haddou, explore this UNESCO-listed fortified village, which once played a crucial role in the ancient Salt Road trade route, where merchants transported gold, ivory, salt, and slaves from sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech. Situated along the Ounila River, the kasbah offers a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Accommodation: Riad Tamdakht (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Transportation: Private SUV

After breakfast, we continue our journey to the nearby city of Ouarzazate, often referred to as the "Hollywood of the Desert." Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous film studios and explore the historic Taourirt Kasbah, a stunning example of Berber architecture. This region has served as a backdrop for countless films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Black Hawk Down.

Leaving Ouarzazate behind, we follow the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs, heading towards Skoura Oasis. Nestled among palm groves, Skoura is home to the Kasbah Amridil, a beautifully restored adobe fortress that offers a fascinating insight into traditional Moroccan architecture. Thanks to its thick walls, the kasbah naturally regulates temperature, making it an enduring masterpiece of desert engineering.

Continuing our adventure, we drive towards Kelaat M’Gouna, also known as the Valley of Roses. This region, located between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, is Morocco’s largest producer of rose oil and rose water, products that are integral to the local economy and culture. Here, we will enjoy a picnic lunch in a picturesque spot, surrounded by the valley’s stunning natural beauty.

From Kelaat M’Gouna, we take a scenic drive north along the Mgoun River to Bou Tharar, where the road turns off the beaten path. Venturing into the rugged mountains, we meet the Ait Atta Berber nomads, who still live in cave dwellings. We’ll pause to share a cup of traditional mint tea with them, offering a rare glimpse into their way of life.

The journey then continues along rocky trails as we enter the breathtaking Dadès Gorge. Driving through the Valley of Dadès, we’ll make a few stops to take in the spectacular views, including the bizarre rock formations known as "Monkey Fingers". Finally, we arrive at our hotel in Dadès Gorge, where we’ll unwind and spend the night surrounded by the region’s dramatic landscapes.

Accommodation: Riad Dades Paradise (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner | Breakfast
Transportation: Private SUV

After breakfast, we begin our day with a visit to the spectacular Dadès Gorge, then make our way back through Boumalne Dadès, passing through the vibrant Berber villages that dot the valley. Our journey continues to Tinghir, home to a stunning palm grove that stretches for miles, creating a lush oasis in the midst of the arid landscape.

From here, we head to the dramatic Todgha Gorge, where sheer rock walls soar 300 meters high, creating one of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural wonders. You’ll have time to trek through the canyon, taking in the towering cliffs and witnessing climbers tackling the rugged rock faces.

After exploring the gorge, we continue east toward the Sahara Desert, stopping for lunch in Tinjdad or Touroug, depending on our appetite and the pace of the journey.

As we approach Erfoud, you’ll notice curious piles of sand lining the roadside—these are the khettarat, ancient underground water channels ingeniously designed to minimize evaporation in the desert heat. You’ll have the chance to climb down and experience the coolness below ground, marveling at the remarkable engineering of this traditional irrigation system.

Erfoud, a town known for its figs and fossils, offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s prehistoric past. We’ll visit a local craft workshop, where fossil-rich stones are skillfully transformed into beautiful decorative and functional pieces.

From here, we continue our journey toward the golden dunes of Merzouga. At the edge of the desert, we’ll meet our camel caravan and set off on an unforgettable ride into the heart of the dunes. As the sun begins to set, take your time to capture stunning photos, share laughter, and soak in the serenity of the Sahara.

After the mesmerizing desert sunset, we’ll continue our camel trek to the Sahara Stars Camp, where you’ll be warmly welcomed with traditional mint tea. After settling into your tent and freshening up, a delicious dinner awaits under the vast desert sky.

Accommodation: Sahara Stars Camp (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner | Breakfast

Transportation: Private SUV

Today, we embark on an exploration of the vast Erg Chebbi dunes, a stunning sea of golden sand sculpted by the wind. We’ll take a circuit around the desert, where you’ll have the chance to witness the ever-changing contrasts of the dunes and gain insight into the nomadic way of life. Along the way, we’ll meet Berber families who continue to live in traditional tents, offering a rare glimpse into their enduring customs and hospitality.

Our journey then takes us to Rissani, a fascinating desert town steeped in history. As a former caravan hub, Rissani was once a vital trading post, connecting the Sahara to the rest of Morocco. The town’s vibrant souk (market) remains a bustling center of commerce, where locals trade everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and livestock. Rissani is also known for its cultural diversity, with Berber, Arab, and Saharan communities easily distinguishable by their traditional clothing styles and colors.

After immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere of Rissani, we return to our hotel at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you can unwind in a peaceful setting and take in the beauty of the desert under the stars.

Accommodation: Riad Azawad (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner | Breakfast

Transportation: Private SUV

An early wake-up call allows you to experience one of the most magical moments in the desert—sunrise over the highest dune of Erg Chebbi. Watching the first light of day paint the golden sands in hues of orange and pink is an unforgettable sight. After soaking in the beauty of the morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast at the camp before packing up and making your way back—either by camel trek or 4x4—to meet your driver.

Leaving the dunes behind, we journey north through the stunning Ziz Valley, renowned for its endless palm groves and abundant date production. Along the way, you’ll notice numerous ksars, fortified villages built by merchants to safeguard their valuable goods. We’ll pause at a scenic viewpoint to admire the breathtaking Aoufous Oasis, a lush haven in the heart of the Tafilalte region.

Our route continues to Midelt, often called the "Apple City" due to its extensive apple orchards. As we cross the Tizi N’Talghamt Pass, enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Moulouya River valley and the surrounding mountains. A lunch stop in Midelt offers a chance to rest and recharge before the final leg of our journey.

After lunch, we travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through the Cedar Forest near Azrou, where we may spot Barbary macaques (wild monkeys) playing among the ancient trees. We also stop in Ifrane, known as the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its European-style architecture and clean, crisp air.

By the end of the day, we arrive in Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. After a long yet scenic journey, we drop you off at your accommodation, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.