Discover the beauty of southern Morocco on this 5-day desert tour from Fes to the Sahara Desert and Ouarzazate. Travel through the Middle Atlas, visit the cedar forests of Azrou, and cross the lush Ziz Valley to reach Merzouga. Ride camels into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, sleep in a Berber desert camp, and meet nomadic families.
Explore the ancient market of Rissani, see the palm groves of the Draa Valley, and tour the famous film town of Ouarzazate. Journey through the Valley of Roses, Dades Valley, and the dramatic Todra Gorge before returning to Fes.
Your adventure starts at 8:00 AM from Fes. First, we visit Ifrane, known as “Morocco’s Little Switzerland”. Then we stop in Azrou’s cedar forest, where you can see Barbary monkeys.
After lunch in Midelt, we drive through the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm trees and stunning views. By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. You’ll relax and stay overnight at a comfortable hotel or riad.
After breakfast, we explore the area around Merzouga. First, we visit Khamlia village, where you’ll enjoy Gnawa music. Then we travel across the black desert and visit an old mining village.
And we meet a Berber nomadic family, enjoy mint tea, and learn about their desert life. In the afternoon, you’ll ride a camel into the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, watch a beautiful sunset, and spend the night in a Berber camp with dinner and music under the stars.
Start the day with a stunning sunrise in the Sahara (desert). After breakfast, return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga village. Then we drive to Rissani, famous for its traditional souk (market), especially lively on market days.
We continue through desert landscapes and reach the Draa Valley, filled with palm trees. In the afternoon, we arrive in Ouarzazate, called the “Hollywood of Africa” for its famous movie studios. Overnight stay in a hotel.
After breakfast, we drive the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Stop in Skoura to visit Kasbah Amredhil, then head to the Valley of Roses, where you can visit local shops making rose products.
We then explore the beautiful Dades Valley, known for its unique rock formations, and later visit the Todra Gorges, with tall cliffs and stunning views. You’ll stay overnight in a local guesthouse near the gorge.
Enjoy a final breakfast in the valley before we start the return journey to Fes. Along the way, we pass through Berber villages and beautiful views of the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Merzouga: Erg Chebbi dunes and desert camping.
Fes: Al Quaraouiyine University and Chouara Tannery.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Bargaining is expected in souks, but do so respectfully.
Greetings are important; a simple “Salam alaikum” (peace be upon you) goes a long way.
Popular souvenirs include:
Handmade rugs and carpets
Argan oil products
Traditional pottery and ceramics
Spices and teas
Leather goods
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and warm layers for cooler desert nights. Modest attire is recommended for visiting religious sites.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for exploring medinas and sturdy sandals for the desert.
Accessories: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a scarf for protection against sun and sand.
Other essentials: A reusable water bottle, camera, power adapter, and personal toiletries.
This tour offers a blend of Morocco’s most iconic experiences:
Cultural immersion: Explore ancient medinas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and traditional Berber villages.
Natural wonders: From the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains and lush valleys, the tour showcases Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
Historical depth: Visit historic kasbahs, ksars, and cities that have played pivotal roles in Morocco’s history.
Authentic experiences: Enjoy camel rides, desert camping, and interactions with local communities.
The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the desert, while winters can be chilly in the mountains.
