5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech

The 5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga and Zagora is the perfect journey for travelers who want to experience both of Morocco’s most famous deserts. This unique itinerary combines the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, the rocky plateaus of Zagora, the vast Draa Valley, and the timeless kasbahs of southern Morocco. It is an ideal adventure for those seeking nature, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.

Highlights 5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Explore Ifrane, Azrou, and the Cedar Forest
Camel trekking and overnight in a Merzouga desert camp
Visit Khamlia, nomad families, and the black desert
Explore Rissani and its traditional market
Cross Alnif, Tazarine, and the vast landscapes of the Anti-Atlas
Experience the Zagora desert and ride camels at sunset
Follow the majestic Draa Valley, the longest oasis in Morocco
Visit Ouarzazate and the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
Cross the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass
End your trip comfortably in Marrakech

5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga and Zagora Deserts – Full Itinerary

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Your 5-day desert adventure begins with a scenic drive from Fes to the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, known for its alpine-style houses and clean, fresh air. You then continue to the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to Morocco’s native Barbary macaques. Here you can enjoy a short walk among tall cedar trees and take memorable pictures with the monkeys. The road climbs through stunning mountain landscapes dotted with Berber villages before reaching Midelt, known for its apple orchards.

After lunch, the journey continues to the south, passing through the magnificent Ziz Valley, a lush palm grove stretching along the river and offering panoramic viewpoints. In the afternoon you arrive at Merzouga, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise majestically from the desert. You ride camels across the dunes and admire an unforgettable sunset before reaching your Sahara camp. After dinner, enjoy Berber drums under the stars and spend an exceptional night in a traditional or luxury desert tent.

Day 2: Merzouga Exploration – Khamlia – Black Desert – Nomads – Rissani – Merzouga

Start the day by enjoying the beautiful sunrise over the desert. Visit Khamlia village and listen to traditional Gnawa music. Cross the black volcanic desert with its unique lunar landscapes. Meet Berber nomad families and learn about their simple desert life. Continue to Rissani and explore its traditional market and historic ksars. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Return to Merzouga and relax or enjoy optional quad or buggy activities. Dinner and overnight at a hotel facing the dunes.

Day 3: Merzouga – Alnif – Tazarine – Draa Valley – Zagora Desert

After breakfast, you leave Merzouga and begin your journey toward the Zagora Desert, a completely different landscape composed of wide plateaus, acacia trees, and endless stretches of rocky desert. You pass through the villages of Alnif and Tazarine, traveling through a quiet and authentic desert region popular among fossil hunters.

The scenery gradually transforms as you approach the Draa Valley, the longest palm grove in Morocco, stretching for more than 200 kilometers. You follow the valley’s oasis filled with date palms, kasbahs, and small Berber villages until reaching Zagora, known as the gateway to the Sahara. In the late afternoon you ride camels into the dunes to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Night in a desert camp with dinner, local music, and a peaceful atmosphere under the stars.

Day 4: Zagora – Agdez – Ait Saoun – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou

After breakfast in the camp, you depart toward Agdez, a small village at the beginning of the Draa Valley, famous for its ancient fortress-style houses. You cross the Ait Saoun Pass, a scenic mountain road offering breathtaking views of the Anti-Atlas. The journey continues to Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa, where legendary movies and series like Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones were filmed.

After visiting the area or exploring the Taourirt Kasbah from outside, you drive to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Morocco’s most iconic ksar. This ancient fortified village made of clay is an architectural masterpiece. You can explore its narrow alleys, discover local houses, meet artisans, and climb to the top for a panoramic view of the oasis and mountains. Dinner and overnight in a charming hotel near Ait Ben Haddou.

Day 5: Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Marrakech

On the last day, you travel across the High Atlas Mountains, following a spectacular route filled with Berber villages, terraced fields, and dramatic landscapes. The drive includes a crossing of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road in Morocco at 2,260 meters, offering wonderful photo opportunities. You can stop in argan oil cooperatives to learn about the traditional extraction process. In the afternoon you arrive in Marrakech, where your driver drops you off at your riad or hotel, marking the end of your 5-day tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga and Zagora deserts.