5 Days from Fes to Merzouga and Marrakech

Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Departure from Fez

The journey begins in the historic city of Fez, famous for its medieval medina and its great importance in Moroccan culture and education. From here, we head south, passing through the Middle Atlas mountains.

Ifrane: The Switzerland of Morocco

Our first stop is in Ifrane, a small town known for its European-style architecture and cool climate. Nicknamed “The Switzerland of Morocco,” Ifrane is a picturesque place with well-maintained gardens and a sense of tranquility, which contrasts with the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

Cedar Forest and Barbary Apes

Next, we head to the Cedar Forest, one of Morocco’s most famous areas, known for its stunning vegetation and ancient cedar trees. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot the Barbary apes, a native species that inhabits these forests.

Ziz Valley: Winds of the Desert

After this visit, we enter the Ziz Valley, a vast region known for its palm groves and as the gateway to the desert. As we descend, the landscape changes, revealing the first signs of the desert: dunes, arid lands, and clear skies.

Arrival in Merzouga

In the afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, where we begin our desert adventure. From here, we ride camels to venture into the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi, a sea of sand stretching over 50 kilometers. As night falls, we spend the night in a desert camp, enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner under a starry sky.

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Sunrise over the Dunes

We rise early to witness a sunrise over the Sahara’s dunes, an experience that connects you to the vastness of the desert. The changing colors on the horizon as the sun lights up the dunes is one of the most striking images in Morocco.

Rissani: The Spice Market

After breakfast at the camp, we head to Rissani, a historic city and an important trading point in the region. It is famous for its market, one of the most traditional in Morocco, where spices, textiles, crafts, and local products are sold.

Todra Gorge

We continue our journey toward the Todra Gorge, a breathtaking canyon where rock formations rise up to 300 meters high. This is an excellent place for a walk among the stone walls, surrounded by a unique and spectacular landscape.

Dades Valley: An Unforgettable Landscape

Our trip continues to the Dades Valley, famous for its dramatic landscapes and rock formations. This valley is known for its “rock fingers,” a series of natural formations rising above the valley, creating a surreal panorama. We spend the night in one of the cozy accommodations in the area.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate

Ait Benhaddou: The Ksar of a Thousand Movies

On the morning of the third day, we begin our journey toward Ait Benhaddou, an ancient ksar (fortified village) that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. This clay village, with its towers and walls, has been the setting for numerous films, including Gladiator and The Mummy. It’s a fascinating place to explore and learn about traditional Moroccan architecture.

Ouarzazate: The Gateway to the Desert

Next, we head to Ouarzazate, a city known as the “gateway to the desert.” Ouarzazate is famous for its film studios, where many international movies and series have been shot. We visit the film studios, as well as the Taourirt Kasbah, a mud fortress that was once the residence of the pasha’s family.

Night in Ouarzazate

We spend the night in Ouarzazate, where you can enjoy the local hospitality and relax after a day filled with adventures.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Tizi n’Tichka Pass

On the fourth day, we begin our journey to Marrakech, crossing the stunning Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which traverses the High Atlas mountains. As we ascend, the landscape becomes more arid and mountainous, offering spectacular views.

Arrival in Marrakech

In the afternoon, we arrive in Marrakech, the “Red City.” Marrakech is famous for its vibrant medina, bustling souks, and the stunning Jemaa el-Fna square, where you can find everything from storytellers to food stalls and street musicians.

Day 5: Exploring Marrakech

The fifth day is dedicated to exploring Marrakech. We visit the Medina of Marrakech, where we can admire the Koutoubia, the city’s famous mosque, and stroll through the Majorelle Gardens, an oasis of color and tranquility in the midst of the city’s hustle. We also visit Jemaa el-Fna Square, where you can experience a unique atmosphere surrounded by vendors, artists, and snake charmers.

Conclusion

This 5-day journey from Fez to Merzouga and Marrakech is one of the best ways to experience the diversity of Morocco. From the Atlas mountains to the dunes of the Sahara, passing through ancient kasbahs and vibrant imperial cities, this trip offers a complete immersion into the country’s cultural and natural richness. If you’re looking for an itinerary that combines adventure, history, and stunning landscapes, this is the perfect trip for you.