5 DAYS FROM MARRAKECH TO FES VIA SAHARA
DAY 1: MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS – AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH – OUARZAZATE
Your 5 days tour from Marrakech to Fes starts with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. As you begin your journey, you will be treated to stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we will stop at various points to soak in the breathtaking scenery and explore the historic Telouet Kasbah, once the powerful stronghold of the El Glaoui family, also known as the Palace of Glaoui.
Arriving at Ait Ben Haddou around noon, you will have the option to enjoy lunch before delving into the enchanting Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This ancient site has served as the backdrop for numerous iconic films and TV series, including The Mummy, Gladiator, and segments of Game of Thrones.
Continuing our journey, we will head to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the Hollywood of Africa and a gateway to the desert. Here, you will find the famous Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in the world. You can choose to explore the studio sets or proceed to the Taourirt Kasbah, another remarkable fortified village once owned by the El Glaoui family. After marveling at the Kasbah’s beauty, we will transfer you to your hotel for a relaxing evening, followed by dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
DAY 2: OUARZAZATE – SKOURA – KELAAT M’GOUNA – BOU THARAR – DADES VALLEY
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel before we set off for Skoura, an awe-inspiring oasis boasting over 4000 hectares of palm trees. This area once served as a vital stopover for camel caravans traveling between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean to Sub-Saharan Africa. At Skoura, you will encounter the magnificent Amridil Kasbah, offering insights into daily life within the Kasbah walls over 300 years ago.
After exploring the Kasbah, our journey continues to Kelaat M’Gouna, home to the famous Rose Valley. If you are visiting during springtime, you will have the opportunity to stroll through the valley, admiring the blooming roses in full splendor.
Leaving Kelaat M’Gouna behind, our journey continues through charming Berber villages as we head towards Bou Tharar.
From there, we will take an adventurous off-road route to reach Dades Valley. Along the way, we will make a stop to visit a Nomadic Berber family residing in a mountain cave, where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea and experience their unique way of life firsthand.
Upon reaching Dades Valley, we will check into your hotel, providing you with a chance to unwind. You can opt for a leisurely walk in Dades Valley or choose to embark on a guided hike through the Monkey Fingers Canyon, offering captivating rock formations, slot canyons, and breathtaking vistas.
As evening descends, savor a delicious dinner and enjoy a restful night’s sleep at your hotel, soaking in the tranquil ambiance of Dades Valley.
DAY 3: DADES VALLEY – TODRA GORGE – MERZOUGA DESERT
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, we will begin an exciting journey to the Merzouga desert.
Along the way, we will make a stop to take a leisurely walk through the Todra Canyon and to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the Tinghir oasis.
In the afternoon, we will reach the Merzouga desert. Here, you will embark on an authentic camel ride through the dunes, watching a spectacular sunset from atop a high dune. Upon arrival at your luxury camp, you will be warmly welcomed with a cup of tea before being escorted to your private luxury tent. After unwinding and indulging in a delightful dinner at the camp, you can gather around the campfire to enjoy the rhythmic beats of drums and traditional Berber songs beneath a star-filled sky.
DAY 4: SAHARA TOUR
Today, for those up early, catch the stunning sunrise. After a tasty breakfast, get ready for an exciting day exploring the Merzouga desert.
Start your adventure with a visit to Khamlia, a small village famous for its unique Gnawa music, a traditional style played by locals with roots in South African countries. Then, we will head off-road to M’Fis, an abandoned village known for its Galena mines, a mineral used in cosmetics.
Experience the nomadic lifestyle firsthand by visiting a family living near the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Here, you will be welcomed with traditional Berber hospitality and gain insight into their way of life, far from modern civilization.
After lunch, we will journey to a charming riad offering picturesque views of the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Take some time to relax or swim before catching the sunset. Later, enjoy a leisurely walk to the dunes for another mesmerizing sunset.
Please remember, you can also choose to spend another night at the camp. Let us know your preference when booking.
DAY 5: MERZOUGA DESERT – ZIZ VALLEY – IFRANE – FES
Today marks another chance to rise early and witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes from the comfort of your charming riad
Following a hearty breakfast, we will begin our journey to Fes. Along the way, we will make several stops at remarkable destinations, including the picturesque Ziz Valley, a captivating cedar forest near Azrou where you may encounter Barbary monkeys, and the scenic town of Ifrane, often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco.
You will arrive in Fes by late afternoon. Your guide will ensure you are dropped off at the nearest accessible location to your hotel or riad, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable 5-day off-the-beaten-path tour from Marrakech to Fes.
Included
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Professional English speaking guide/driver throughout your journey
- 5 days private transportation by (A/C comfortable 4x4/ minivan ) with fuel included
- 4x4 tour and around desert
- lodging for 4 nights
- Overnight accommodation in OUARZAZAT ( with dinner and breakfast )
- Overnight accommodation in Dades valley ( with dinner and breakfast )
- Overnight accommodation in Merzouga ( with dinner and breakfast )
- Overnight accommodation in Desert camp (with dinner and breakfast )
- 1 hour camel trekking (camel each)
- Sand-boarding
Not included
- Lunches / drinks
- entrances fees
- Personal expenses