5 Days Tour To Morocco Sahara Desert From Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley

Departure from Marrakech

Your journey begins with an early morning departure from Marrakech, where you’ll leave the lively souks and vibrant streets behind as you head towards the High Atlas Mountains. The scenic drive through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass—the highest in North Africa—offers breathtaking views of towering peaks, deep valleys, and traditional Berber villages nestled into the mountainside.

Visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah

Our first major stop is at the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a striking example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture. This ancient fortified village has served as the backdrop for many famous films and TV shows, and as you wander through its narrow alleys, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Lunch in Ouarzazate

After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, we continue to the nearby city of Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch and have the opportunity to visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah or explore the local film studios that have earned Ouarzazate its cinematic reputation.

Drive to Dades Valley

In the afternoon, we drive through the Valley of Roses and the palm-filled Skoura Oasis before arriving at the Dades Valley. This region, known for its dramatic rock formations and lush landscapes, is often referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” We’ll spend the night in a charming hotel or riad, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)

Exploration of Todra Gorge

After breakfast, we set off towards the spectacular Todra Gorge, a natural wonder with towering limestone cliffs that rise dramatically on either side of a narrow canyon. The gorge is one of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural attractions, and we’ll take some time to explore its stunning landscapes before continuing our journey.

Journey to Merzouga

Leaving the Todra Gorge behind, we continue our drive towards the desert town of Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi Dunes. As we approach Merzouga, the landscape transforms into vast expanses of golden sand, signaling our arrival at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we’ll pass through small towns such as Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, each with its own unique charm.

Camel Trek into the Sahara

Upon reaching Merzouga, we’ll trade our vehicle for camels and embark on a camel trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi Dunes. As the sun sets over the Sahara, casting long shadows across the dunes, you’ll experience the magic of the desert like never before. This trek leads us to a traditional Berber camp, where you’ll spend the night.

Overnight in a Desert Camp

The evening in the Sahara is a truly unique experience, with a traditional Moroccan dinner served under the stars. You’ll enjoy the tranquility of the desert, with the only sounds being the gentle breeze and the soft music of Berber drums. The clear, star-filled sky provides a perfect backdrop for a night of reflection and relaxation.

Day 3: Merzouga to Fes

Sunrise Over the Dunes

Start your day with an early wake-up call to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara Desert. Watching the first light of day illuminate the golden dunes is an unforgettable experience. After breakfast at the camp, we’ll return to Merzouga by camel and prepare for our journey to Fes.

Travel Through the Ziz Valley

As we leave Merzouga, our route takes us through the beautiful Ziz Valley, known for its extensive palm groves and stunning vistas. The valley is a lush oasis in the arid landscape, and we’ll make several stops along the way to take in the views and visit some of the local villages.

Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains

The journey continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you’ll pass through scenic cedar forests and small Berber towns. We’ll make a stop in the town of Azrou, famous for its ancient cedar trees and the Barbary macaque monkeys that inhabit the area.

Arrival in Fes

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. Fes is known for its ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its vibrant souks filled with traditional crafts and goods. We’ll spend the night in a traditional riad, where you can unwind and prepare for the next day’s explorations.

Day 4: Exploring Fes

Guided Tour of Fes Medina

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the historic Fes Medina, one of the largest and oldest in the world. The medina is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, bustling markets, and ancient mosques, each with its own unique charm. Highlights of the tour include visits to the Al Quaraouiyine University, one of the oldest universities in the world, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the iconic Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud).

Exploring the Tanneries and Artisan Quarters

Fes is famous for its traditional tanneries, where leather goods are still made using ancient techniques. You’ll have the chance to visit the Chouara Tannery, one of the city’s oldest and most iconic tanneries, where you can observe the process of making leather from start to finish. Afterward, we’ll explore the artisan quarters, where you can see craftsmen at work creating everything from pottery to textiles.

Dinner and Overnight in Fes

After a full day of exploring Fes, you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant. The evening is yours to relax, explore more of the medina, or simply enjoy the ambiance of your riad. The night will be spent in Fes, allowing you to soak in the city’s rich history and culture.

Day 5: Fes to Casablanca via Rabat

Departure from Fes

On the final day of your tour, we’ll depart Fes and head towards Casablanca, with a stop in the capital city of Rabat. The journey takes us through the rolling hills and fertile plains of northern Morocco, offering a final chance to take in the country’s diverse landscapes.

Visit to Rabat

In Rabat, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the city’s key attractions, including the Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret of an ambitious mosque built in the 12th century, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a beautifully ornate tomb that houses the remains of the Moroccan king and his sons. Rabat is also home to the Royal Palace and the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, offering a rich glimpse into Morocco’s history and royal heritage.

Arrival in Casablanca

The tour concludes with an arrival in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub. Here, you’ll have the option to visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive mosques in the world, known for its stunning architecture and oceanfront location. After a brief exploration of Casablanca, your journey comes to an end, leaving you with memories of an unforgettable Moroccan adventure.