8 Days tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Your driver picks you up at your riad or hotel in Fes at 8:00 AM. First, we climb into the Middle Atlas and stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco”. Next, we cross the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques often sit by the road; please watch them, but do not feed them.

Then, we stop for lunch in Midelt, between the Middle and High Atlas. Afterwards, the road follows the gorges and palm groves of the Ziz Valley to Erfoud. Finally, we reach Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, in the late afternoon.

After a mint tea, your camel trek in Merzouga begins. The ride takes about one hour, so you reach the camp at sunset. Later, you share a Berber dinner and listen to drums around the fire.

Overnight

Private tent in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi, with dinner and breakfast.

Day 2: A Day in the Merzouga Desert

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, then have breakfast at the camp. Today you explore the Merzouga area at a relaxed pace.

After breakfast, we explore the area around Erg Chebbi by 4×4. First, we visit a nomad family in their goat-hair tent and share a mint tea. Then, we stop in Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music.

Depending on the season, we also see the lake of Dayet Srji, where flamingos sometimes stop. In the afternoon, you have free time to rest or climb the dunes.

Overnight

Hotel in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani Market – Merzouga

After breakfast, we drive to Rissani through rocky landscapes and small villages. There, you explore the market, where farmers and craftsmen sell spices, fresh produce and traditional goods. In addition, it is a good place to try medfouna, the “Berber pizza”.

In the afternoon, you return to your hotel to relax.

Overnight

Hotel in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast.

Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

After breakfast, we leave the Sahara and drive west through Erfoud. Then, we walk in the Todra Gorge, where limestone walls rise about 300 metres. Finally, we continue to the Dades Valley, known for its red rocks and kasbahs.

Overnight

Hotel in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast.

Day 5: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, we follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the Rose Valley and Kelaat M’Gouna. Then, we stop in the palm grove of Skoura before reaching Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa”.

Next, we visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar, and have lunch nearby. Afterwards, we cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) and stop at an argan oil cooperative. Finally, we reach Marrakech around 5:30–6:00 PM.

Overnight

Riad in Marrakech, with breakfast.

Day 6: Marrakech with a Local Guide

Today a local guide shows you Marrakech. First, you walk through the medina, a maze of lanes full of craftsmen and hidden courtyards. Then, you see the Koutoubia minaret and Jemaa el-Fna square.

Next, you explore the souks of spices, leather, lanterns and ceramics, and visit one of the historic palaces or gardens. In the afternoon, you have free time for a hammam, a rooftop café or a cooking class.

Overnight

Riad in Marrakech, with breakfast.

Day 7: Marrakech – Essaouira – Marrakech

Today you swap the energy of Marrakech for the calm of the coast. First, we drive about 3 hours to Essaouira, whose walled medina faces the Atlantic. Then, you explore the fishing port and the long beach.

For lunch, you can try fresh fish from the port. In the late afternoon, we drive back to your riad in Marrakech.

Overnight

Riad in Marrakech, with breakfast.

Day 8: Marrakech – Airport

After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, we drive you to Marrakech Menara Airport.

Drop-off

Marrakech airport.