Fes, Morocco· Concierge · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 GMT+1
Fes el Bali · Photo: William John Gauthier from Sweden, CC BY-SA 2.0
This 5-day route crosses from Fes to Marrakech through the Middle Atlas cedar forests, two nights at the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, the Dadès and Todra gorges and Aït Ben Haddou. Five days is the shortest way we plan the desert from Fes: the dunes are a full day's drive from the city, and fewer days leave one rushed night in camp.
The classic overland route from Fes to Marrakech across the Middle Atlas and the desert: cedar forests and Berber towns, two nights in the dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga, the Dadès and Todra gorges, and Aït Ben Haddou before arriving in Marrakech. Best for travellers crossing morocco end to end.
Day 1
Leave Fes and climb into the Middle Atlas, through the cedar forests of Ifrane and Azrou (look for Barbary macaques), the Ziz Valley and its palm gorges, reaching the dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga by evening for a camel ride and the first night in a desert camp.
On the way: Ifrane & Azrou cedar forest, Barbary macaques, Ziz Valley, Erg Chebbi dunes, Desert camp
Day 2
Sunrise from the dune crest, then the Rissani market and the old ksour, lunch in a local house and Gnawa music in Khamlia. Back to camp for sunset and a second night under the stars.
On the way: Sahara sunrise, Rissani market, Khamlia Gnawa music, Second camp night
Day 3
West along the old caravan route through Tinghir to the dramatic Todra Gorge, ending in the Dadès Valley with its kasbahs and rock formations for the night.
On the way: Tinghir oasis, Todra Gorge, Dadès Valley, Kasbahs
Day 4
The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the Skoura palm oasis and Ouarzazate, Morocco's film capital, to the UNESCO ksar of Aït Ben Haddou — a fortified earthen village rising above the river. Overnight nearby.
On the way: Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, Skoura oasis, Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou
Day 5
Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with sweeping mountain views and Berber village stops, descending into Marrakech by evening — the end of the overland crossing.
On the way: Tizi n'Tichka pass, High Atlas views, Berber villages, Arrival in Marrakech
One long driving day, then shorter ones.
IfraneThis is a one-way crossing from Fes to Marrakech — best done with a private car and driver-guide given the distances.
Pack a warm layer: desert and mountain nights are cold even in summer.
Day one is the long one (Fes to Merzouga); after that the driving days are shorter and the desert day has almost none.
Longer, shorter or further: the same guides and drivers, a different route.
3 days in FesThree days to explore Fes el-Bali plus the craft quarters, the Andalusian side, and a day trip to Roman Volubilis and imperial Meknes.See the days
Morocco's imperial cities in 5 daysFive days through Morocco's imperial north: the great medina of Fes, Roman Volubilis, the gates of Meknes, and the calm capital of Rabat with its kasbah, Hassan Tower and Chellah.See the days
3 days in Morocco's imperial heartlandThree days centred on Morocco's imperial heartland: the great medina of Fes el-Bali, a day trip west to imperial Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, then a slower second Fes day for the viewpoints, gardens and craft quarters.See the daysRead these before you fix your dates for this route.
