Tour Overview

This 7-day journey offers an immersive exploration of Morocco’s most captivating landscapes, blending imperial cities, dramatic mountain ranges, lush oases, and the vast Sahara Desert. Traveling from Fes to Marrakech, the route crosses the Middle Atlas, the golden dunes of Merzouga, the remote beauty of Erg Chegaga, and the legendary valleys of the south.

Along the way, you will discover ancient kasbahs, palm-filled valleys, traditional Berber villages, and historic caravan routes that once connected North Africa to sub-Saharan trade. Nights are spent in carefully selected accommodations, including luxury desert camps that provide comfort, privacy, and an unforgettable atmosphere beneath star-filled skies.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking authenticity, diverse scenery, cultural depth, and the true spirit of the Moroccan desert—far beyond the ordinary tourist routes.

Tour Highlights

• Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques
• Journey through the stunning Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s longest and most beautiful palm oases
• Overnight stay in a luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi, with sunset walks on golden dunes
• Sunrise experience in the Sahara Desert with changing colors and dramatic light
• Exploration of the towering Todgha Gorges and the picturesque Dades Valley
• Crossing the remote Saghro Mountains via the spectacular Tizi-n-Tazzazerte Pass
• Walks through the lush Dra’a Valley, lined with ancient kasbahs and palm groves
• Visit to Kasbah Tamnougalte, one of the oldest fortified villages in southern Morocco
• Discovery of Tamgroute, known for its green pottery, underground village, and historic Quranic library
• Off-road 4×4 adventure from M’hamid to the vast Erg Chegaga dunes, the largest dunes in Morocco
• Camel ride at sunset atop the high dunes of Chegaga
• Overnight in a luxury desert camp in Chegaga, surrounded by silence and endless sand
• Crossing Lake Iriki and fossil-rich desert landscapes
• Stop in Taznakht, famous for traditional Berber rugs and weaving
• Visit to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to Marrakech

Detailed program of the 7 Days itinerary from Fes to Marrakech via the desert

Day 1: Fes → Merzouga Desert

Your adventure begins with an early departure from Fes, heading south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we stop near Azrou, where Barbary macaques roam freely among the cedar forests. The journey continues to Midelt, known for its apple orchards and mountain scenery, where lunch is enjoyed at the foot of Mount Ayachi.

In the afternoon, we cross the Tizi-n-Talremt Pass and descend into the spectacular Ziz Valley, famous for its endless palm groves and lush oasis stretching for kilometers. Traditional fortified villages (ksars) dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into rural desert life. Passing through Errachidia and Erfoud, a town renowned for fossils and dates, we arrive at the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Upon arrival at your desert camp, you are welcomed with Moroccan tea. There is time to wander the dunes and admire the sunset before settling into a luxury desert camp featuring private bathrooms, king-size beds, elegant Moroccan décor, and a serene atmosphere under the stars.

Day 2: Merzouga → Dades Gorges

An early riser is rewarded with a magical desert sunrise as the dunes shift in color and light. After breakfast, enjoy a final walk across the sand before departing toward Tinghir and the dramatic Todgha Gorges, where lunch is planned.

The route passes through Tinjdad and the fertile Todgha Valley, offering opportunities for short walks through river-fed gardens or along the towering canyon walls. Later in the day, we continue through the scenic Dades Valley, arriving at the Dades Gorges for an overnight stay in a charming hotel or traditional kasbah.

Day 3: Dades Gorges → Agdez

After breakfast, we head south across the rugged Saghro Mountains, an area known for its volcanic landscapes and remote beauty. Crossing the scenic Tizi-n-Tazzazerte Pass, the journey leads to the village of N’Qob, far from the usual tourist routes.

From here, we travel westward, crossing the Dra’a River at Tansikht, then follow the river north through palm-lined oases and historic kasbahs. We arrive in Agdez, gateway to the Dra’a Valley, for the night.

Nearby lies Kasbah Tamnougalte, one of the oldest kasbahs in the region. Partially inhabited and partially in ruins, it offers deep insight into the valley’s past. The day also allows time to stroll through the surrounding oasis and villages.

Day 4: Agdez → M’hamid

Following breakfast, we visit the kasbah before continuing deeper into the Dra’a Valley, partly off-road, toward Zagora, where lunch is taken. The drive follows ancient caravan routes between the river and the mountains, with views of lush gardens and mud-brick fortresses. There is time for a relaxed walk through the oasis.

South of Zagora, we stop at Tamgroute, known for its traditional green pottery. You may also visit the historic Quranic library with its rare manuscripts and explore the underground village.

In the afternoon, the road leads to M’hamid, where the asphalt ends and the true Sahara begins. Tonight is spent in a luxury desert camp, offering comfort, privacy, and a peaceful setting surrounded by dunes.

Day 5: M’hamid → Erg Chegaga

After breakfast, there is time to explore the old village of M’hamid and its ancient kasbahs. Later, a 4×4 adventure takes you off-road for about 60 km toward the vast Erg Chegaga dunes.

The journey crosses varied desert landscapes, including sand dunes (erg), gravel plains (reg), rocky plateaus (hammada), and a remote sacred oasis. Far from civilization, the silence and immensity of the desert become truly unforgettable. The Chegaga dunes, the largest in Morocco, rise up to 300 meters and stretch for more than 35 km.

A camel ride leads you to the base of the tallest dune to watch a spectacular sunset. You spend the night in a luxury camp, enjoying refined comfort amid the endless sands.

Day 6: Chegaga → Ouarzazate

After breakfast, the journey continues across another 90 km of desert terrain, passing Lake Iriki, fossil-rich areas, and striking mountain scenery. The first village after the desert, Foum Zguid, is the perfect stop for lunch and a refreshing break.

We then travel north through palm oases and rolling hills to Taznakht, a Berber town famous for its hand-woven rugs and carpets. After lunch, the road leads to Ouarzazate, where you spend the night in a traditional riad.

Day 7: Ouarzazate → Marrakech

After breakfast, we visit the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic filming location for movies such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. You will have time to explore the ksar before lunch.

The journey continues to Kasbah Telouet, once the lavish residence of the powerful Pasha of Marrakech, Thami El Glaoui. Although the interior remains closed due to damage from the September 2023 earthquake, the exterior can still be admired while a local guide shares its rich and dramatic history.

In the afternoon, we cross the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains, arriving in Marrakech by late afternoon, marking the end of an unforgettable desert journey.