Enjoy a slower, more comfortable journey from Fes to Marrakech with an immersive Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) Sahara experience. Over 5 days, you’ll cross the Middle Atlas, visit scenic valleys and gorges, spend time in the desert beyond the camel trek, and travel the classic southern route via Dades, Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou before reaching Marrakech. This option is ideal if you want more stops, less rushing, and extra time in the desert.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
- Pick-up in Fes and drive through the Middle Atlas
- Stop in Ifrane and the cedar forest (time permitting)
- Lunch stop around Midelt
- Scenic drive via Ziz Valley and Erfoud
- Arrive in Merzouga and overnight in a hotel/riad near the dunes
Day 2: Merzouga Area Exploration → Desert Camp
- Morning/afternoon desert discovery (options can include: Gnawa village (Khamlia), lake (seasonal), fossil/market stops, or 4×4 dune tour)
- Late afternoon camel trek into the dunes (or 4×4 transfer)
- Sunset, dinner, Berber music, overnight in desert camp
Day 3: Merzouga → Rissani/Erfoud → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley
- Sunrise in the desert, breakfast
- Return to Merzouga by camel/4×4
- Drive toward Todra Gorges for a walk and photos
- Continue to Dades Valley for dinner and overnight (hotel)
Day 4: Dades → Valley of Roses → Skoura → Ouarzazate
- Drive through the Valley of Roses and Skoura oasis
- Scenic stops along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Arrive in Ouarzazate (optional: Kasbah Taourirt / Atlas Studios—time permitting)
- Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate (hotel)
Day 5: Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → High Atlas → Marrakech
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO ksar)
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka
- Arrive and drop-off in Marrakech
