DAY 1: FES → IFRANE → ZIZ VALLEY → MERZOUGA DESERT

Your tour begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Fes. The first stops include Ifrane (“the Switzerland of Morocco”) and the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques are often seen in the wild. The drive continues through the scenic Ziz Valley with its long ribbon of palm groves.

You’ll reach the Merzouga desert in the afternoon. Your camels will be waiting for an authentic ride across the dunes, with a stop on a high dune for a spectacular sunset. On arrival at your luxury camp, a welcome tea precedes dinner, and the evening unfolds around a campfire with drumming, Berber music, and a long night under the stars.

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

DAY 2: MERZOUGA DESERT DISCOVERY

The day begins with the option of catching the sunrise from the dunes. After breakfast, you’ll set out on a day of 4×4 exploration. The first stop is Khamlia, a village famous for its Gnawa music style. From there, the route goes off-road to M’Fis, an abandoned village with historic galena mines.

You’ll then visit a nomadic family living near the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll experience traditional Berber hospitality and learn about their way of life firsthand. After lunch, you’ll check in to a charming riad with views of the dunes — time to relax or swim before a late-afternoon walk to the dunes for another sunset.

(If you’d rather spend a second night at the desert camp instead of the riad, just let us know at booking.)

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

DAY 3: MERZOUGA DESERT → RISSANI → TODRA GORGE → DADES VALLEY

After breakfast at your riad, the drive heads to the Dades Valley via Rissani, the Tinghir Oasis, and the Todra Canyon. If your visit falls on a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), you can explore the traditional souk in Rissani — a lively scene of local crafts, spices, and street food.

You’ll walk beneath the towering cliffs of the Todra Gorge before the drive continues to the Dades Valley. Dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel follow.

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

DAY 4: DADES VALLEY → BOU THARAR → KELAAT M’GOUNA → SKOURA → OUARZAZATE

After breakfast, the day begins with a guided hike through the Monkey Fingers Canyon, with its unique rock formations and spectacular views — an easier stroll through the Dades Valley is also an option.

The drive then leaves the Dades on an off-road route to Kelaat M’Gouna, with a visit to a nomadic Berber family living in a mountain cave near Bou Tharar. You’ll share tea and experience their way of life firsthand before continuing to Kelaat M’Gouna, famous for its Valley of Roses (particularly beautiful in spring).

The route continues to Skoura, a vast palm oasis that was once a key stop on the caravan trails between the Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Africa. You’ll visit the Amridil Kasbah, a 300-year-old kasbah with a rich history. The day ends in Ouarzazate, where dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel await.

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

DAY 5: OUARZAZATE → AIT BEN HADDOU → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → TELOUET KASBAH → MARRAKECH

After breakfast, you’ll explore Ouarzazate — the “Hollywood of Africa” and gateway to the desert — visiting the Taourirt Kasbah and the Atlas Studios.

The drive then heads to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a striking example of earth architecture that has appeared in many internationally famous productions. After lunch, the route climbs into the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic old road through the Glaoui Kasbah of Telouet — once a fortified stronghold of the powerful El Glaoui family, also known as the Palace of Glaoui.

The drive continues with scenic viewpoints across the High Atlas before descending into Marrakech in the afternoon. The tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation.

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

IMPORTANT NOTES

– Driving times above don’t include stops for lunch and sightseeing.
– The tour can also be run in reverse — see the 5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes.
– Because of the off-road sections, we use 4×4 vehicles (Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX or similar) rather than vans or minibuses.
– Your luggage stays with you throughout the trip; during the camel trek, a 4×4 transports it to the camp so it’s waiting when you arrive.
– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
– If you’re interested in the guided hike through the Monkey Fingers Canyon, please let us know when booking.
– We recommend sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes.
– Your guide may suggest a visit to a small Berber shop where you can try on traditional dress and take photos at no cost — buying anything is entirely optional.
– Prefer not to ride a camel? A 4×4 will take you to the camp at no extra cost.
– All our luxury camps feature private tents with en-suite bathrooms.