Overview
Escape the rush of daily life and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the desert on a leisurely 6-day tour departing from Marrakech. Amidst one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, experience the timeless traditions of nomadic communities, witness mesmerizing sunsets over the dunes, and gaze at the stars in an entirely new light.
Embark on a private 6-day adventure from Marrakech, enjoying a VIP experience throughout your journey. Your dedicated professional guide, fully accredited and knowledgeable, ensures you discover Southern Morocco in the most immersive way possible. With our private day tours and activities, you’ll savor the wonders of Morocco while creating cherished memories. Let the exploration begin!
Highlights of the 6-Day Tour from Marrakech
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Gorges via Telouet and Ait Benhaddou (325 km)
Your private 6-day journey begins in Marrakech, offering stunning views of the Atlas Mountains as we traverse the Tizi N’Tichka pass, reaching an elevation of 2260m. Our first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, renowned for its appearances in blockbuster films like “Gladiator” (2000) and the acclaimed HBO series “Game of Thrones” (2013).
Continuing on, we’ll arrive in Ouarzazate, known as “The Gateway to the Desert.” Here, we’ll explore the Atlas Film Studios and the historic Taourirt Kasbah. Our route then leads us to the picturesque valley of Roses, famous for its annual Rose Festival. Finally, we’ll journey to Dades Gorges, nestled amid breathtaking canyons, where our first night awaits in a traditional riad or hotel, featuring complimentary dinner and breakfast.
Day 2: Dades Gorges to Merzouga via Draa Valley and Rissani (269 km)
Today’s leg of our 6-day adventure takes us to Todra Gorge, a vibrant, narrow canyon favored by outdoor enthusiasts. We’ll traverse The Ziz Valley to reach Erfoud via Tinjdad, a charming oasis town known as the entrance to the striking Erg Chebbi dunes. Erfoud is renowned for its unique fossils and their skilled craftsmen.
While here, we can visit a local fossils workshop where artisans craft exquisite home furniture from fossils. Next, we embark on a journey to the Sahara Desert, arriving at Merzouga. At the desert’s edge, we switch to desert ships—camels—to navigate the undulating dunes, led by seasoned guides. We’ll pause to witness a mesmerizing desert sunset as the sand changes hues, and you can enjoy sandboarding.
Our night unfolds at a well-appointed Merzouga Desert Camp, where we’ll reside in Berber-style tents. This remarkable night is highlighted by an authentic, starlit Berbere dinner accompanied by tribal music (Drums) around a desert campfire.
Day 3: Exploring Merzouga Area and Visiting Nomad Families (40 Km)
The third day of our 6-day adventure in Marrakech is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga desert. You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your experience, choosing between camel trekking or exploring the desert in the comfort of a 4×4. We’ll also visit the Khamlia village, celebrated for its traditional Gnawa music.
Our 4×4 excursion continues to the abandoned town of Mefes, known for its lead mines, which have been a source of various minerals since the French colonial period. We can’t miss the chance to visit a gracious nomadic family residing behind the Merzouga dunes. Our evening concludes at a Riad/Hotel in the Merzouga area.
Day 4: Merzouga to Fes via Ziz Valley, Azrou Cedar Forest (467 km)
Following breakfast at the hotel, we journey through Rissani, home to the region’s largest souk, before reaching Midelt in the Atlas Mountains via the Ziz Valley and its lush palm groves.
Here, we can savor a local restaurant for lunch before heading to the Azrou cedar forest, home to Barbary Apes. Our journey continues to Fes, where we’ll spend the night at a local hotel.
En route, we’ll visit Ifrane city, known for its captivating architecture, verdant gardens, immaculate streets, and renowned Ski resort of Michlifen. Thanks to its remarkable characteristics and location, Ifrane is often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.”
Day 5: Fes City Tour with Local Guide and Transfer to Casablanca (295 km)
We commence our sightseeing tour of Fes, the oldest city in Morocco, with a local guide, navigating its winding streets and narrow alleys. Fes boasts the world’s oldest university and comprises three distinct parts: Fes el Bali (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981), Fes-Jdid, and the modern Ville Nouvelle, constructed during the French colonial era.
Our guided tour encompasses visits to the Tanneries, the Attarine museum, and the Moulay Idriss mausoleum. You’ll explore various cooperatives and relish picturesque vistas of the entire Medina of Fes.
After concluding the tour and enjoying lunch, we embark on a drive to Casablanca, where we’ll dine and lodge in Morocco’s largest city, celebrated for its economic significance.
Day 6: Casablanca Sightseeing and Return to Marrakech (241 km)
Our final day features visits to Casablanca’s prominent attractions and monuments, including the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque. Following our exploration, we depart for the enchanting red city of Marrakech, concluding our 6-day Marrakech Desert Tour by dropping you off at your accommodation or the airport.
1 Review
My wife and I enjoyed the cultural and culinary experiences offered on the Marrakech to Fes via Sahara tour. The hospitality at every stop was heartwarming.