5-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Dades & Todra Gorges

Overview

Fes to Marrakech in five days via the Sahara: the Middle Atlas cedar forests, a night camping in the Erg Chebbi dunes, Todra and Dades gorges, and Aït Ben Haddou.

Highlights

• The scenic Middle Atlas Mountains en route to the Sahara
• A camel trek through the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset
• A night in a traditional Berber desert camp under the stars
• The towering cliffs of Todgha Gorges and the Dades Valley
• The historic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The Tizi n'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains
• The vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech's historic landmarks

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1. 1

   Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Errachidia – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

   Journey through the Middle Atlas toward Merzouga via Ifrane and Azrou's cedar forest, with lunch in Midelt, then Erfoud and Merzouga, ending with a sunset trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes and camp dinner with Berber music.

2. 2

   Merzouga – Tinghir – Todgha Gorges – Boumalne Dades

   Travel through desert landscapes to Tinghir, known for its palm groves and oasis, then the dramatic Todgha Gorges with 300-meter-high limestone cliffs, before crossing the Dades Valley to Boumalne Dades.

3. 3

   Boumalne Dades – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate

   Visit cooperatives featuring traditional rose water distillation in the Valley of Roses, then Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa," with its Atlas Film Studios.

4. 4

   Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

   Explore Ait Ben Haddou, a historic ksar and UNESCO site, then cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, passing Berber villages, before arriving in Marrakech.

5. 5

   Explore Marrakech – End of Tour

   A local guide leads a cultural city tour visiting Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs.