5 Days from Marrakech to Fes: Kasbahs and Dunes

This 5-day tour of kasbahs and dunes goes from Marrakech to Fes through the desert. You visit Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorges, and then you sleep among the Erg Chebbi dunes. Along the way, you also discover the local traditions, the food and the varied architecture of southern Morocco.

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

After meeting at the agreed place, we head south-east across the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m). On the way, we stop to enjoy the views and the Berber villages, and we have lunch at a local restaurant. Then we visit the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Films such as Alexander, Gladiator and Babel were shot here. In the afternoon, we continue to Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa, and stop for photos at the Atlas Studios. Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Kelaat M’Gouna – Dades Valley

After breakfast, we drive via Skoura to visit the 17th-century Kasbah Amridil. Then we continue to Kelaat M’Gouna, the capital of roses. Here we stretch our legs on a path to the nomad families who live in caves, and they welcome us with mint tea. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to the Dades Valley. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Tinejdad – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast, we drive towards Erg Chebbi through Tinghir, the old Berber and Jewish capital. On the way, we visit the Todra Gorges, with many panoramic stops. Then we have lunch in Tinejdad. In the afternoon, we continue through Erfoud, the capital of fossils, and Rissani to the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Merzouga – Khamlia – nomad family – dunes and camel ride

Your first day in the desert starts with a drive to the village of Khamlia, where you enjoy Gnawa music and dances. Then we drive off-road to a nomad family to discover their way of life over a cup of tea. After that, we stop for lunch in the shade of a desert tree. In the afternoon, we return to the hotel for mint tea and get ready for the camel ride.

The ride to the camp takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. On the way, you watch the sunset and can slide down a high dune. Finally, you feel like a nomad as you spend the night under millions of stars with Berber music.

Day 5: Erg Chebbi – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes

Get up early to photograph the sunrise from the top of a high dune. After breakfast, you ride back to the hotel by camel. Then we drive towards Fes via Erfoud, the city of fossils and dates, and visit a local fossil workshop. Later, we cross the High and Middle Atlas, with panoramic views, and have lunch in Midelt. In the afternoon, we continue to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, through the cedar forest with its monkeys. Finally, we arrive in Fes and drop you off at your accommodation, at the end of your journey of kasbahs and dunes.

Kasbahs and dunes: practical information

The “5 Days from Marrakech to Fes: Kasbahs and Dunes” itinerary is a private tour, so you travel only with your own group, driver and vehicle. In addition, you choose the start date, and we adapt the hotels and the pace to your budget. To book it, send us your request or write to us on WhatsApp, and we will reply within 24 hours. Before you decide, you can also read our reviews on Tripadvisor or see more Sahara desert tours.

If this itinerary is not to your liking, please contact us and we will adapt it to suit you.