Overview
Experience a cross-country journey from Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara Desert. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, explore desert landscapes, visit historic kasbahs, and cross the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakech.
Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Fes to Merzouga via Middle Atlas Mountains
Depart from Fes in the morning and head south through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. The landscape changes from green cedar forests to arid desert terrain as you travel.
Ifrane: Stop in this mountain town, often called “Little Switzerland” for its European-style architecture and clean streets. Take a short walk and enjoy the alpine atmosphere.
Azrou: Continue to Azrou, a Berber town surrounded by cedar forests. You may spot Barbary macaques in the forest area. The town is known for its handicraft market.
Drive through the Ziz Valley, where date palm groves line the river. Pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops, before reaching Merzouga in the late afternoon.
Arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Check into your chosen accommodations for the night. You can watch the sunset over the dunes from the village.
Day 2: Merzouga to Dades Valley via Rissani and Tinghir
After breakfast in Merzouga, begin your journey toward Dades Valley. The route takes you through desert towns and dramatic gorges.
Rissani: Your first stop is Rissani, a historic market town about 20 minutes from Merzouga. This town was once the capital of the Tafilalt region and remains an important trading center. Visit the traditional souk, which operates on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday with the most activity. The market sells dates, spices, livestock, and traditional crafts. Rissani is also the birthplace of Morocco’s current ruling dynasty, the Alaouites.
Continue west through arid desert landscapes. The scenery changes as you approach the Todra River valley.
Tinghir: Arrive in Tinghir, a town known for its palm groves and proximity to Todra Gorge. The town sits at the edge of a large oasis with thousands of date palms. Take time to walk through the palm grove or visit the old Jewish quarter.
Todra Gorge: Drive into the spectacular Todra Gorge, where limestone cliffs rise up to 300 meters on either side of a narrow canyon. The gorge is only a few meters wide at its narrowest point. Walk along the river at the bottom of the gorge and enjoy the dramatic rock walls. This is a popular spot for rock climbers.
After exploring Todra Gorge, continue your journey through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.
Boumalne Dades: Arrive in Boumalne Dades, the gateway to Dades Valley. The town sits at the entrance of the valley known for its unusual rock formations and traditional kasbahs. Check into your chosen accommodations in the Dades Valley area for the night. The valley offers beautiful sunset views over the mountains.
Day 3: Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou
After breakfast in Dades Valley, begin your journey to Marrakech. The route takes you through palm oases, ancient kasbahs, and over the High Atlas Mountains.
Skoura Oasis: Drive through the Valley of Roses and arrive at Skoura, a large palm oasis dotted with traditional kasbahs. The oasis contains thousands of date palms and ancient earthen fortresses. Visit Kasbah Amridil, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco, which you can explore from the outside or enter for a small fee.
Continue west through Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert” and Morocco’s film production center. Many Hollywood movies have been filmed here, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Ait Benhaddou: Stop at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, Morocco’s most famous kasbah. This fortified village has stood for centuries on the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Walk through the narrow streets and climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The red clay architecture and towers make this one of Morocco’s most photographed locations.
After exploring Ait Benhaddou, begin the climb over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa at 2,260 meters. The winding road offers spectacular views of Berber villages clinging to mountainsides and dramatic mountain peaks.
Descend through the High Atlas Mountains, watching the landscape change from arid mountains to greener valleys. Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon or early evening. Your driver will drop you at your accommodation in the city, concluding your 3-day journey from Fes.
What’s Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (4×4 or minibus) for the entire tour
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Guided stops at Ifrane, Azrou, Rissani, Todra Gorge, Skoura, Ait Benhaddou, and other locations
- Flexible timing at each location
What’s Not Included
- Accommodations in Merzouga (Night 1) and Dades Valley (Night 2)
- Meals and drinks
- Entrance fees to sites
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses and tips
Important Information
Accommodation: You need to book your own accommodations in Merzouga (Night 1) and Dades Valley (Night 2) in advance. Choose hotels or guesthouses that fit your budget and preferences. Our driver can recommend options or take you to your chosen place.
Best time to travel: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer comfortable temperatures. Summer can be very hot (40°C+), and winter nights are cold in the mountains.
What to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers for evening, camera, and flashlight.
Physical level: Moderate. Mostly time in the vehicle with short walks at stops and sites. Suitable for most fitness levels.
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