5 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- From 2 to 18
- Ouarzazate
This magnificent 5-day journey takes you through the most diverse and captivating landscapes of Morocco, linking the legendary desert gateway of Ouarzazate with the imperial splendour of Fes and Marrakech. Beginning in the cinematic city of Ouarzazate, you will travel east through the dramatic Dades and Todra gorges to Tinghir, then push deep into the Sahara to reach the iconic golden dunes of Merzouga — one of the most breathtaking destinations in all of Africa.
From the Sahara, the route sweeps north through the cedar forests and mountain lakes of the Middle Atlas, passing through Ifrane — Morocco’s charming alpine town — before arriving in the ancient imperial city of Fes. The tour concludes with a scenic drive south to Marrakech, completing an extraordinary cross-Morocco arc through desert, mountain, and medina.
1. Dades Valley & Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
Travel east from Ouarzazate along one of Morocco’s most scenic roads, past rose-pink kasbahs, palm-filled valleys, and dramatic canyon landscapes all the way to Tinghir.
2. Todra Gorge — Tinghir
Stand in awe at the foot of the Todra Gorge, where sheer canyon walls rise 300 metres above the narrow river bed — one of the most dramatic natural wonders in Morocco.
3. Merzouga & the Erg Chebbi Dunes
Arrive at the edge of the great Sahara at Merzouga, where the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes rise over 150 metres high. Enjoy a camel trek into the dunes at sunset and spend a magical night at a traditional desert camp under a sky full of stars.
4. Cedar Forests & Barbary Macaques — Middle Atlas
Journey north through the wild cedar forests of the Middle Atlas near Azrou, where Morocco’s famous Barbary macaques roam freely among ancient trees.
5. Ifrane — Morocco’s Little Switzerland
Discover the charming mountain town of Ifrane, with its European-style chalets, clean alpine air, and pristine streets — one of Morocco’s most surprising and delightful surprises.
6. Fes — The Living Imperial City
Immerse yourself in the ancient medina of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest car-free urban area, with its labyrinthine alleys, tanneries, madrasas, and centuries of living history.
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Dades Valley – Tinghir
Depart Ouarzazate heading east along the celebrated Road of a Thousand Kasbahs — one of Morocco’s most scenic drives, winding past ancient earthen fortresses, lush rose valleys, and dramatic desert scenery. Pass through Skoura with its famous palm grove and kaleidoscopic kasbahs, continuing through the Dades Valley to El Kelaa des Mgouna, the “Capital of Roses.” Explore the winding roads and spectacular rock formations of the Dades Gorge before continuing to Tinghir, a beautiful oasis town nestled between palm groves and rocky mountains. Visit the breathtaking Todra Gorge in the late afternoon, where canyon walls soar 300 metres overhead.
- Accommodation: Tinghir
- Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Tinghir – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast, leave Tinghir and travel southeast through ever-changing desert landscapes towards the Sahara. Pass through the ancient fossil-rich town of Erfoud, famous for its marble workshops filled with 350-million-year-old marine fossils. Continue to Rissani, the historic gateway to the Sahara and birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, then arrive at Merzouga on the edge of the magnificent Erg Chebbi. In the late afternoon, mount a camel and ride into the golden dunes for a stunning sunset experience. Spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp, dining under a canopy of stars with live Gnaoua music around the fire.
- Accommodation: Merzouga Desert Camp
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Merzouga – Midelt – Ifrane
Rise before dawn to catch the extraordinary spectacle of sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, as the light shifts from pink to gold across the sand sea. After breakfast, begin the long journey north, leaving the Sahara behind. Pass through Errachidia and continue up into the Middle Atlas, stopping near Azrou in the ancient cedar forest where Morocco’s Barbary macaques live wild among the trees. Continue through the beautiful Michlifen plateau to arrive in Ifrane — one of Morocco’s most surprising towns, with its European-style architecture, clean mountain air, and alpine atmosphere. Stroll the tidy streets and admire the famous stone lion sculpture.
- Accommodation: Ifrane
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4: Ifrane – Fes
After a leisurely breakfast in Ifrane, make the scenic drive north to Fes — Morocco’s oldest imperial city and cultural capital. Upon arrival, begin your exploration of Fes el-Bali, the world’s largest living medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the ancient souqs of the medina, visit the famous Chouara Tannery for its vivid coloured vats, and marvel at the ornate architecture of the Bou Inania Madrasa. Spend the afternoon getting pleasantly lost in the 9,000 alleys of the medina, discovering artisan workshops, ancient fountains, and hidden courtyards. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Fassi riad restaurant.
- Accommodation: Fes
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5: Fes – Marrakech
After breakfast, embark on the scenic drive south from Fes back to Marrakech. The route takes you across the Middle Atlas mountains through changing landscapes of cedar forests, Berber plateaus, and fertile valleys. Pass through Khénifra and continue south through Beni Mellal and the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region, with views of the High Atlas on the horizon growing as you approach Marrakech. Arrive in the Red City in the late afternoon, completing an extraordinary 5-day arc from Sahara to imperial medina across the heart of Morocco.
- Accommodation: Marrakech
- Meals: Breakfast
Included Services
- Private transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide throughout the tour
- Pick-up in Ouarzazate
- Drop-off in Marrakech
- 4 nights accommodation (hotels, riads, and desert camp)
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (4 dinners, 4 breakfasts)
- Camel trek at sunset in Merzouga
- Desert camp experience at Erg Chebbi
- Visit to Todra Gorge
- Cedar forest stop near Azrou
- Fuel and all road expenses
Excluded Services
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
- Local guides in Fes medina (recommended, available on request)
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities (quad biking, sandboarding, hammam)
- Visa fees if applicable
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