5-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Adventure via Erg Chebbi
Overview
Embark on a thrilling 5-day journey from Fes to Marrakech via the Erg Chebbi Desert, where you’ll explore Morocco’s stunning landscapes and immerse yourself in its rich culture. This extended trip gives you the chance to visit the famous cedar forest, traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains, and journey through the scenic Ziz Valley. Enjoy unforgettable moments like camel trekking in Merzouga, watching mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises over the dunes, and spending a night in a traditional desert camp under the starry sky. Along the way, discover the beauty of Berber villages, interact with nomadic families in Todra Gorge, and visit iconic sites such as the Dades Valley and Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
Highlights
This journey offers an immersive experience of Morocco’s natural beauty, traditional culture, and desert adventure.
Start your adventure with a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through the picturesque ski resort of Ifrane and the craft center of Azrou, known for its cedar woodwork. After reaching Midelt for lunch, we continue our journey across the Zad Pass (2,178m) and through Errachidia and the Ziz Valley. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes as we head toward Erfoud and finally arrive at the magnificent Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Spend the night at a Merzouga hotel, enjoying a traditional dinner and relaxing before your desert adventure begins.
After breakfast, we’ll begin our exploration of the Erg Chebbi dunes, passing by oases, the village of Khamlia (known for its Gnaoua music), Mifiss mines, and the vast desert plateaus where Berber nomads live. We’ll visit the oasis of Tissardmine before returning to the hotel to start your camel caravan adventure. As you ride into the dunes, enjoy the magnificent sunset and the serene desert environment. Overnight, you’ll sleep in traditional Berber tents at a desert camp, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night under the stars.
Wake up early to catch the stunning desert sunrise before riding camels back to the hotel. Afterward, we head to Rissani and Erfoud, known for its fossil marble plants. We’ll also visit the palm plantations of Touroug and Tinjdad before stopping for lunch at the Toudra Gorges. In the afternoon, we continue on to the Dades Valley and the impressive Dades Gorges. After a day of exploration, we’ll check into a local hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we head back through the Dades Valley, passing the stunning Rose Valley with its beautiful kasbahs and ksours. We’ll stop for lunch in Kelaa M’gouna before exploring the palm groves of Skoura and visiting the Kasbah Amredhyle. The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, and we’ll enjoy a lovely dinner at a hotel before spending the night.
On the final day, we’ll begin with a visit to Ouarzazate, where we’ll explore the Kasbah of Taourirt, Tifoultout, and the famous film studios. We’ll then head to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, one of Morocco’s most iconic sites. From there, we make our way through the Tizi N’Tichka pass to Marrakech, taking in the stunning mountain views along the way. Our 5-day desert journey concludes when we drop you off at your accommodation in Marrakech late in the afternoon or evening.
