Day 1: Marrakech » High Atlas Mountains » Ait Benhaddou » Ouarzazate
Your driver will pick you up from your hotel/riad or Marrakech airport. We begin by driving through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Along the way, we stop for panoramic views and to visit Berber villages where life has remained unchanged for centuries.
The highlight of the day is a visit to the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a fortified village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been featured in famous films and series such as Gladiator, Alexander, and Game of Thrones.
We then continue to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa, and explore Atlas Studios, one of the largest film studios in Africa. Overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Day 2: Ouarzazate » Dades Valley » Todra Gorge » Erfoud » Merzouga
We’ll start the second day of our 6 day private desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with a great breakfast before traveling to Tineghir for a panoramic view of lovely Berber settlements and a palm-tree-filled oasis. Toudgha Gorge, a 300-meter-high canyon, is only a short distance away; we’ll take a walk through it.
Continue to Erfoud by passing through the southern Moroccan Berber Bedouin settlements and arriving in Merzouga. Where we’ll locate our camels, preparing for a journey through the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Sahara. Along the journey, you’ll pause on a high dune to enjoy the sunset over Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes.
After the sunsets, you will go to the camp, where you will be greeted with a glass of mint tea, food, a campfire, a music party, and an overnight stay at Berber camp Merzouga.
Day 3: Merzouga » Khamlia »Taouz »Jdaid village » Ouzina desert
Wake up early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast and a shower, return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga.
Our next stop is Khamlia Village, home to people of Gnawa heritage from Sub-Saharan Africa. Here, you’ll enjoy a cup of tea while listening to their spiritual Gnawa music. We also stop at Mefis, an abandoned village with remnants of French colonial mining history.
The journey continues south towards Taouz along the old Paris-Dakar Rally route, where we explore prehistoric rock engravings. In Jdaid Village, you’ll savor Berber pizza and enjoy traditional tea.
By late afternoon, we arrive at the peaceful Ouzina Desert, where you’ll check into your hotel and spend the night surrounded by desert silence.
Day 4: Ouzina » Merzouga» Rissani » Ziz Valley » Midelt
After breakfast, we drive back towards Merzouga and then to Rissani, a historic town famous for its vibrant traditional market. This is where locals trade spices, animals, and crafts in a truly authentic atmosphere.
We continue to Erfoud, where you can visit fossil workshops and discover amazing prehistoric treasures found in the area.
Next, we pass through the lush Ziz Valley, Morocco’s main producer of dates. Stop at panoramic viewpoints to admire the palm groves stretching for miles. Along the way, we visit the Errachidia dam, an important water source for the region.
Finally, we drive to Midelt, a mountain town between the Middle and High Atlas, where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Medilt » Azrou » Ifrane » Meknes » Fes
After breakfast, we head north through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to the playful Barbary macaques. You can feed them and take photos.
We then visit Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets.
The journey continues to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Highlights include Bab Mansour, the grand entrance gate, Sahrij Souani (the city’s historic lake), and the bustling Lhdim Square.
A short drive from Meknes takes us to Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman archaeological site, with mosaics and columns dating back over 2,000 years.
In the evening, we reach Fes for your overnight stay.
Day 6: Guided tour sightseeing Fes
After breakfast, embark on a guided city tour of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and cultural capital.
We start with the grand Royal Palace gate, then enter the UNESCO-listed Medina of Fes, one of the largest medieval cities in the world. Through Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate), discover narrow alleys filled with souks, artisans, and historic monuments.
Highlights include the Medrasa Bouanania, the Najjarine Fountain, the world-famous Tanneries, and the University of Al Quaraouiyine, considered the oldest university in the world.
The tour also includes the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and a visit to a hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the entire medina. Finally, return to your riad, marking the end of your 6 days Marrakech to Fes tour.
