This journey connects the spiritual heart of Fes with the vibrant energy of Marrakech by crossing the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. You will spend two nights on the road—one in a traditional desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes and another in the Dades Valley. It is a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and authentic Berber culture.
Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your accommodation in Fes. We leave the city behind as we climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is the alpine town of Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” We continue to the cedar forests near Azrou, where you can observe the friendly Barbary apes in their natural habitat.
We pause for lunch in the town of Midelt, nestled between the Middle and High Atlas. In the afternoon, we descend towards the Sahara, following the Ziz Valley with its dramatic gorges and palm groves. Upon reaching the village of Merzouga, you will be greeted by your camels. We trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset paint the sand in shades of orange and gold. Your night is spent in a traditional Berber desert camp, where you will enjoy dinner and live music around the campfire.
Wake up early to capture the sunrise over the Sahara. After breakfast, you will ride your camels back to Merzouga. We then depart towards the town of Rissani, known for its bustling traditional market and history as the origin of the current Moroccan royal dynasty.
Our journey continues through impressive palm groves to the Todra Gorges. Here, towering limestone cliffs create a spectacular natural passageway, perfect for a short walk and photos. We then drive through the Dades Valley, passing by the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. You will spend the night in a comfortable hotel or riad overlooking the valley.
After breakfast, we follow the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” towards Ouarzazate. We pass through the Kelaa M’Gouna region, known as the Valley of Roses. We arrive in Ouarzazate, where you have the opportunity to visit the Atlas Film Studios, where movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed.
The highlight of the day is the visit to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning example of southern Moroccan architecture. After exploring the Kasbah, we cross the final stretch through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, enjoying panoramic views. We arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where we will drop you off at your accommodation.
