Morocco Atlas Mountains, Desert & Merzouga: 6-Day Itinerary
This private 6-day itinerary takes you from Marrakech to Fes through the best of southern Morocco: over the High Atlas Mountains, through the kasbahs and gorges, into the Sahara at Merzouga for a camel trek and desert camp, then north through the Middle Atlas to finish with a full day exploring Fes. No backtracking to Marrakech, and no rushed days.
Marrakech → High Atlas → Aït Benhaddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas → Fes
Highlights
- Tizi n’Tichka pass over the High Atlas
- UNESCO kasbah of Aït Benhaddou
- Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
- Two nights near the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Sunset camel trek and luxury desert camp
- Cedar forests and Ifrane
- Full day in the Fes medina
- Private vehicle and driver throughout
Itinerary
Marrakech – High Atlas – Aït Benhaddou – Dades Valley
Pick-up in Marrakech and the drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Explore the historic kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, continue through Ouarzazate, and spend the night in the Dades Valley.
Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga
Walk into the dramatic Todra Gorge, then head east as the landscape opens up and the first dunes appear. Settle into your accommodation near Erg Chebbi.
The Sahara: camel trek and desert camp
A day dedicated to the desert. In the afternoon, ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes, stop for sunset among the sand, and spend the night in a luxury Sahara camp.
Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes
North through the Ziz Valley palm groves, Midelt and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, past Ifrane, arriving in Fes in the evening.
Explore Fes
A full day in Fes: the historic medina, souks and artisan workshops, the madrasas and the famous leather tanneries.
Departure from Fes
After breakfast, your journey ends. We can arrange your Fes airport transfer, a return to Marrakech, or an extension to Chefchaouen or Casablanca.
Included
- Private comfortable vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Marrakech pick-up, Fes drop-off
- Hotel accommodation
- Sahara desert camp
- Camel trek
- Daily breakfast
Not included
- Lunches
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Activities not in the itinerary
Driving times
Day 3 is spent in the desert, and day 5 is a day in Fes, with no long drives. Times below are driving only. Stops for photos, visits and meals come on top.
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech to the Dades Valley | about 320 km | about 6 hours |
| Day 2 | Dades Valley to Merzouga, via the Todra Gorge | about 270 km | about 5 hours |
| Day 4 | Merzouga to Fes | about 470 km | about 8 hours |
Best time to go
The best time for this tour is March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant in the cities, the mountains and the desert. Summer (June to August) is very hot inland and in the Sahara, so we start early and plan camel rides for sunset and sunrise. In winter (December to February) cities are mild and sunny, but desert nights are cold and snow can sometimes close the mountain passes for a few hours, so pack warm layers.
Your 6-day Atlas Mountains & Merzouga itinerary route
- Marrakech
- Aït Benhaddou
- Boumalne Dades
- Tinghir
- Merzouga
- Midelt
- Ifrane
- Fes
What our travellers say about their trip
★★★★★ 5.0 on Tripadvisor · 41 reviews
It was absolutely incredible
“This trip to Morocco was an absolute dream!!! I’m never going back to planning my own trips again…”
Amazing experience
“Beautiful country, beautiful landscapes, nice people. Best trip ever. A place you must visit.”
Love it!!
“One of the best holidays in my life, the place is so beautiful…”
Great place to visit!
“A great place to visit! Beautiful country with amazing views and Hamid is an amazing guide!”
Best experience ever!
“Had an absolutely incredible time! I will 100 percent book this experience again…”
Enjoyed everything!
“Hamid is a great, kind person, the best to work with.”
6-day Atlas Mountains & Merzouga FAQ
Is 6 days enough for the Atlas Mountains and Merzouga?
Yes. Six days connects Marrakech, the High Atlas, southern Morocco, Merzouga and Fes in one route. Because it is one-way to Fes, you do not lose a day driving back to Marrakech from the desert.
Who is this itinerary for?
Couples, families, friends and first-time visitors who want a private trip combining mountains, desert and an imperial city, and who prefer to finish in Fes.
Can I return to Marrakech instead of finishing in Fes?
Yes. The standard route ends in Fes, but we can arrange a return to Marrakech or extensions to Chefchaouen or Casablanca.
When is the best time for this itinerary?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Summer is very hot in the Sahara, and winter nights are cold in the desert and mountains.
How long is the drive each day?
The longest driving day is day 4, Merzouga to Fes: about 470 km, about 8 hours of driving. The other days are shorter. There are stops for photos, visits and meals along the way, and the driving times table on this page shows every day.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. Because the tour is private, we can adjust the pace and add extra stops for children. Tell us their ages when you book so we can plan the day around your family.
