Overview
This tour takes you across the majestic High Atlas Mountains, through ancient kasbahs and lush valleys, into the heart of the Merzouga desert, where you’ll ride camels at sunset and sleep under a star-studded sky. Along the way, discover dramatic gorges, palm-filled oases, and charming mountain towns before arriving in Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Designed for travelers seeking both comfort and authenticity, this tour blends scenic drives, immersive cultural stops, and once-in-a-lifetime desert experiences into one seamless adventure.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins early in the morning as we depart Marrakech, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of terraced valleys, traditional Berber villages, and snow-capped peaks in winter. Our first major stop is the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a famous fortified village and backdrop for countless films and TV shows. After exploring its ancient streets and earthen architecture, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Here, we visit the Taourirt Kasbah and have lunch before heading through the dramatic landscapes of Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses. The day ends in Dades Valley, where we stay in a charming riad or kasbah surrounded by dramatic rock formations and lush palm groves.
After breakfast, we drive through the stunning Dades Gorges, stopping to admire the fascinating rock formations and panoramic viewpoints. We continue to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering cliffs popular among climbers and hikers. After exploring and enjoying lunch, the journey leads us deeper into the desert landscape, passing through Erfoud—famous for its fossil workshops—before arriving at Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, a camel caravan awaits to take you across the golden sand dunes at sunset, an unforgettable sight. Arriving at our luxury desert camp, you’ll be welcomed with traditional mint tea, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars, and experience Berber drumming around the campfire before spending the night in a private tent beneath the vast desert sky.
Rise early to witness a magical Sahara sunrise from the top of the dunes, then ride your camel or 4x4 back to Merzouga village. After breakfast, we begin the journey to Fes, passing through the lush Ziz Valley with its endless palm groves and ancient ksars. We stop in Midelt, nestled between the High and Middle Atlas mountains, for lunch before continuing through scenic cedar forests—home to the playful Barbary macaques. As we drive through the charming “Little Switzerland” of Morocco, Ifrane, admire its European-style architecture and clean mountain air. By evening, we arrive in Fes, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation, marking the end of a breathtaking journey across Morocco’s most diverse and enchanting landscapes.
Includes/Excludes
Included
- Private, air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver/guide
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
- Accommodation: 1 night in Dades Valley (hotel/riad) & 1 night in luxury desert camp
- Breakfast and dinner on both nights
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes (sunset & sunrise)
- Sandboarding activity in the desert (optional)
- Local guide in Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and tips for guides/drivers