6-Day Journey from Fes to Marrakech via Erg Chebbi Desert

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a pickup from your riad in Fes. Leaving the city behind, the road slowly climbs into the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first pause is in Ifrane, a clean and peaceful town with alpine-style houses, very different from the rest of Morocco.

A little further south, you enter the cedar forests near Azrou, where wild Barbary apes often roam freely among the trees. After enjoying the fresh mountain air, the journey continues through wide landscapes toward Midelt, a small town between the Middle and High Atlas, where you’ll stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, the scenery changes dramatically as you descend toward Errachidia and follow the lush Ziz Valley, lined with thousands of palm trees and traditional villages built along the river. Several panoramic stops allow you to fully appreciate this contrast between desert and oasis. By late afternoon, you arrive in Merzouga, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise quietly behind your hotel. Dinner and overnight near the dunes.

After breakfast, you set out in a 4×4 to explore the desert surroundings. You’ll visit Khamlia village, known for its Gnawa music, where the descendants of sub-Saharan Africans share their rhythms and stories. The journey continues across desert tracks to discover nomadic families living in simple tents, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle shaped by the Sahara.

Later, you stop near Merzouga Lake (seasonal), which attracts birds such as flamingos when water is present. In the afternoon, you return to the edge of the dunes to prepare for one of the highlights of the trip: a camel ride into the heart of Erg Chebbi.

As the sun sets, the dunes glow with warm colors. At the desert camp, you enjoy dinner, Berber drumming, and a peaceful night under a sky full of stars.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, a quiet and unforgettable moment. After breakfast, you leave the desert and head toward Rissani, once a major trading center and still an important market town in the region.

The road continues through palm-filled valleys and rocky landscapes until you reach the impressive Todra Gorges, where massive cliffs rise on both sides of a narrow canyon. You’ll have time to walk along the river and enjoy lunch nearby.

In the afternoon, the drive takes you through scenic roads toward the Dades Valley, famous for its kasbahs and dramatic rock formations. Dinner and overnight in a traditional guesthouse or kasbah.

After breakfast, you travel through the Valley of Roses, especially lively in spring when rose fields bloom around El Kelaa M’Gouna. Continuing along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, you reach the palm oasis of Skoura, where old fortified homes still stand among palm trees.

Next comes Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinematic city, before arriving at the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. You’ll have time to explore this UNESCO-listed village, known for its earthen architecture and role in famous films.

In the afternoon, you cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying panoramic views and Berber villages along the way. Arrival in Marrakech in the evening. Overnight in a riad or hotel.

Today is dedicated to discovering the soul of Marrakech with a local guide. You explore the historic Medina, wandering through its narrow streets and colorful souks. Highlights include the Koutoubia Mosque, the elegant Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs.

In the afternoon, you visit Jemaa el-Fna Square, alive with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and food stalls. As night falls, the square transforms into a vibrant open-air theater. Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, you head west toward the Atlantic coast to visit Essaouira, a relaxed seaside town known for its white walls and blue doors. You explore the old medina, walk along the Skala ramparts, and watch fishermen bringing in their daily catch at the harbor.

On the way, you stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative to learn how this valuable oil is traditionally produced. In the late afternoon, you return to Marrakech, marking the end of your 6-day journey through Morocco.