DAY 1: MARRAKECH → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → AIT BEN HADDOU → OUARZAZATE

Your tour begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. The road heads south into the High Atlas Mountains, with stops at scenic viewpoints along the way. You’ll also visit the historic Telouet Kasbah — once the powerful stronghold of the El Glaoui family and known as the Palace of Glaoui.

Around midday you’ll arrive in Ait Ben Haddou. After lunch, you’ll have time to explore the ancient kasbah — a UNESCO-listed fortified village that has appeared in many internationally famous productions.

The drive continues to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa”. You can optionally visit the Atlas Studios — one of the largest film studio complexes in the world — or the Taourirt Kasbah, another impressive fortified village once owned by the El Glaoui family. After a relaxing evening at your hotel, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Approximate driving distance: 204 km
Approximate driving time: 4 hours

DAY 2: OUARZAZATE → SKOURA → KELAAT M’GOUNA → BOU THARAR → DADES VALLEY

After breakfast, the drive heads to Skoura — an extraordinary oasis of over 4,000 hectares of palm trees that once served as a caravan stop between the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Here you’ll visit the remarkable Amridil Kasbah, which offers a window into daily kasbah life more than 300 years ago.

The route continues to Kelaat M’Gouna, home of the Valley of Roses. If you’re visiting in spring, you’ll see the valley in full bloom. From there, the drive passes through Berber villages on the way to Bou Tharar, before taking an adventurous off-road route toward the Dades Valley. Along the way, you’ll visit a Berber family living in a mountain cave, where you’ll be welcomed with tea and a glimpse of their traditional way of life.

On arrival in the Dades Valley, there’s time to relax at your hotel, take a walk, or join a guided hike through the Monkey Fingers Canyon (on request). Dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel follow.

Approximate driving distance: 144 km
Approximate driving time: 3 hours

DAY 3: DADES VALLEY → TODRA GORGE → MERZOUGA DESERT

After breakfast, the drive heads east toward the Sahara. Along the way you’ll pause for a walk through the Todra Canyon and panoramic views of the Tinghir oasis.

By afternoon you’ll reach the Merzouga desert. A camel ride carries you into the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll watch a spectacular sunset from a high dune. On arrival at your luxury camp, you’ll be welcomed with tea and shown to your private tent. After dinner, the evening unfolds around the campfire with drumming, Berber songs, and a sky full of stars.

Approximate driving distance: 310 km
Approximate driving time: 5 hours

DAY 4: FULL DAY EXPLORING THE MERZOUGA DESERT

An early wake-up catches the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, the day’s exploration begins in Khamlia, a small village known for its Gnawa music — a traditional style with roots in Sub-Saharan Africa. The route then continues off-road to the abandoned village of M’Fis, once home to working galena mines.

You’ll then visit a nomadic family living near the Erg Chebbi dunes, where traditional Berber hospitality and insights into their way of life await.

After lunch, you’ll check in to a charming riad overlooking the golden dunes. Relax by the pool, rest, or walk out to the dunes for another sunset. If you’d prefer a second night at the camp instead, just let us know when booking.

Approximate driving distance: 57 km
Approximate driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes

DAY 5: MERZOUGA DESERT → ZIZ VALLEY → IFRANE → FES

An early riser is rewarded with another glorious sunrise over Erg Chebbi from the comfort of your riad. After breakfast, the drive north to Fes begins, with stops at the Ziz Valley for panoramic views of its palm groves, the cedar forest near Azrou (where Barbary macaques are often spotted), and the alpine-feeling town of Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco”.

You’ll arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your riad.

Approximate driving distance: 500 km
Approximate driving time: 7 hours 30 minutes

IMPORTANT NOTES

– The tour can also be done in reverse — see the 5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech.
– This route includes off-road sections, so we use well-equipped 4×4 vehicles for comfort and performance.
– Driving times above do not include stops for sightseeing and lunch.
– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
– Your luggage stays with you throughout; during camel trekking, a 4×4 will bring it to the camp so it’s there on arrival.
– The guided hike of the Monkey Fingers Canyon is available on request before the tour begins.
– Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and good walking shoes are recommended.
– All our luxury camps offer private tents with en-suite bathrooms.