5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes itinerary

In this article, we will provide an outline of the stops along the route from Marrakech to Fes that will take you across the desert over the

The Desert of Merzouga

The desert of Merzouga has become more important to Morocco’s tourism and economy in recent years. In recent years, the stunning golden sand dunes there have made it one of Morocco’s top tourist attractions. Despite its location far to the southeast of Morocco, just around 50 kilometers separate it from the Algerian border. Travelers travel for many days only to spend the night in a tent with a Berber family. The desert may be a long distance off for some, so they choose to drive there. 

Trips to the desert are not the only destinations available to visitors who book trips. Tours in Morocco often revolve on the desert of Merzouga and the many activities it provides. When the Merzoug family settled in the area, they gave the region its current name, Merzouga. Tourist dollars are the region’s primary economic driver. Some communities, though, can’t survive without agriculture. From the town of Tighmert to the city of Khamlia in the desert of Merzouga, the distance is around 30 kilometers (km). 

The desert is known as Erg Chebbi. Many more deserts may be seen, though, if you go far enough towards Rmlia and Jdaid. About ten percent of visitors to Merzouga go to the Znigui desert, which is the most well-known of the region’s deserts. Travelers go to the Merzouga desert for the camel rides and glamping amid the dunes for which it is known. Not to mention the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

This is the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah.

On our five-day desert trip from Marrakech to Fes, we want to stop at the ancient stronghold of Ait Benhaddou. It is located on the very point of the High Atlas Mountains, some 30 kilometers from the city of Ouarzazate. In 1987, this town was included to the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites because of its historic significance as a walled settlement. One of the best examples of excellent Moroccan architecture, Ait Benhaddou is still standing and being used today. 

The fact that it was constructed by Berbers yet inspired by Islamic design further adds to its singularity. Big fortifications like walls and towers were built there for defense. Authentic Moroccan clay art is used to decorate its towers. One of the wealthiest families in Moroccan history, the Thami el Glaoui, is rumored to have constructed it in the 11th century. Although its residents have long since abandoned it in favor of greener pastures elsewhere, the structure itself has remained standing for millennia. 

There are now just approximately 40 families left in the area, and most of them don’t even reside in the main village proper; instead, they’ve moved over the river. Because of the large number of visitors that visit the region each year—over 130,000—tourism is the primary source of revenue. In addition to being a popular tourist attraction, this kasbah is also often used as a location in films. Citing several works, including “Gladiator,” “Lawrence of Arabia,” and others, as examples. The warmth and friendliness of the locals, and of Moroccans more generally, is undoubtedly the main draw for visitors from both within and outside the country.

Ouarzazate

It’s imperative that you visit the entrance to the Sahara. On the five-day desert journey from Marrakech to Fes, the stunning city of Ouarzazate will serve as a stop along the way. Because of its proximity to an international airport, it is a popular starting point for desert vacations in Morocco. Since Ouarzazate is home to the world’s largest solar power facility, it may be the most significant city in this field. This latter is off-limits to the general public except when used in the filming of Hollywood productions.

Halfway between the city of Merzouga and the Sahara Desert. Thus, it has become one of the most popular attractions. Its Berber origins indicate that “the city without noise” is implied by its name. Indeed it doesn’t have much noise but well-known internationally. Atlas Studios is the main reason people visit. There are really two Atlas Studios in this city, which you will discover when you arrive. As a primary example, there is the most popular studio, the Oscar Studio.

 It’s around 5 kilometers north-northwest of the downtown area. Incredible vistas of historic architecture may be seen here. In contrast, the CLA Atlas Studio is located farther away than the Oscar studios. In fact, despite being the city’s oldest studio, it receives less visitors than other attractions. Additionally, Ouarzazate is not only a great place to visit, but also a great place to film television shows and movies. There’s Prison Break Season 5 as an example.

Trip to the Sand Dunes

On day three of your five-day desert journey from Marrakech to Fes, you’ll see a wide variety of fascinating locations. The excursion will take you into the heart of the desert, where you’ll meet local Berbers and learn about their way of life. As a first stop, we often pay a visit to some nomadic Berber families. These folks still choose the nomadic life in tents. The majority of today’s residents of Merzouga and the surrounding villages were formerly nomadic people. 

That is to say that everyone who now lives in a home in Merzouga was a nomad at one time, and that they all lived in tents before settling down. These nomadic people we are about to meet rely on the traditional markets of Rissani and Erfoud, respectively, to provide for their families. The simple and unique lifestyle of the desert inhabitants and Berber Nomads, who are famed for their kindness and generosity, is clearly what makes these people worth the visit. Secondly, the desert excursion enables you to see the Gnawa tribe. People from several other nations, including Niger, Gabon, and Mali, were represented. 

Khamlia, located approximately 4 kilometers from Merzouga’s city center, is currently home to Berbers who speak the Tamazight language. They assimilated into Berber culture and emerged as pivotal figures in the development of modern-day Merzouga. Since they’ve become so popular, they’ve constructed a mansion and called it Dar Gnaoua; it’s where they record albums and put on events. Visitors from all over the world, as well as local Moroccans, go there to experience an authentic slice of Moroccan culture. Also, the Moroccan National Automobile Museum is included in the trip.

Valleys

Beautiful valleys line the majority of the routes we travel on on our five-day desert trip from Marrakech to Fes. All of them have one thing in common: stunning beauty. Due to the vast differences in size and significance amongst them, we will be discussing them in order of significance. To begin, there is the Draa (sometimes spelled Dra) valley, which may be found in the southeastern High Atlas Mountains. After flowing for almost 1,100 kilometers, it is the longest river and valley in Morocco.

 Indeed, vast palm and olive groves flourish there. Agdz and Ouarzazate are the primary urban areas that profit from the valley’s produce. Many Berber settlements, however, are located along this river and rely on this latter as their primary source of revenue. The Ziz valley is the second largest producer of dates in the nation. Its location between Erfoud and Errachidia makes it convenient for both. The city of Erfoud celebrates the valley and its dates with an annual celebration. Between Marrakesh and the Merzouga desert is where you’ll find the most of the other major valleys. 

The first is the Ounila valley, which is also the valley in front of the Ait Benhaddou citadel. The name of this section of the river, Oued El Maleh, comes from the Arabic words for “salty river,” referring to its characteristically briny taste. The name comes from its previous life as a marketplace for salt. The second is the Rose Valley, which is widely used in the cosmetics industry. Lastly, Boumalne is home to a number of smaller valleys, including the Dades.

The Works of Erfoud and Rissani

There are a few cities in Morocco, particularly in the southeast, that have played significant roles in the development of the nation. A 5-day desert journey from Marrakech to Fes will undoubtedly take you to some of the most significant desert cities in the nation, including Rissani and Erfoud.

Rissani

Rissani, capital of the Tafilalt area, is the first place to look at. The Berber term for “jug” is “Tafilalt.” It was the primary station for caravans traveling from Niger to northern Morocco, thus its other name, Sijilmassa. That led to its eventual fame and decades of success. The present royal family and the Alaouiet dynasty may trace their roots back to this same city. One of the reasons Tafilalt is considered one of Morocco’s largest Oases is because of its extensive palm grove. Moreover, in Rissani sits the greatest traditional Souk in the Southeast if not in the entire nation. 

The locals still rely on time-tested methods of transporting and selling goods. The majority of people and goods are still transported by donkeys and horses. The Rissani region contributes to the growth of the desert and the economy of Morocco by harvesting a large quantity of dates. On Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, the souks are busier and more goods are on display, so the community gathers here often. Rissani and Erfoud account for the vast majority of purchases, indicating that they are a bustling commercial hub.

Erfoud

Alternatively, the picturesque city of Erfoud may be found around 50 kilometers from the Merzouga desert. There are several small workshops in the region that generate a wide variety of fossils all through the year, making the Southeast the region’s primary supplier of fossils. Erfoud also has an annual festival dedicated to celebrating and showcasing various types of dates. Since people from all over the world, not only those interested in Moroccan dates, visit this festival, it serves as a showcase for cuisines from all over the world.

Forests of Ifrane and Cedar

The cedar forest and Ifrane will be included in your Marrakech to Fes desert journey that lasts for five days. The city of Ifrane, sometimes known as “Little Switzerland of Morocco,” is the first stop on any tourist’s itinerary. The Middle Atlas Mountains, where it is situated, boast one of the world’s most pleasant climates. The Berber origin of the word Ifrane is etymologically linked to the concept of caves. 

It is the cleanest city in Africa and the sixth cleanest city in the world, earning it the nickname “the Switzerland of Morocco.” Its prominence as a popular skiing destination is undeniable. During the winter months, it is swamped with visitors from all over the world. And Ifrane is home to Morocco’s finest academic institution, Al Akhawayn University. Many people from all over the world, not only Moroccans, go to this latter location. It is also notable as the location of the Atlas lion statue, which is a major draw for visitors.

 Supposedly, this later was constructed by a German prisoner in attempt to secure his release. On the road to Fes, you’ll also be able to stop by a cedar grove. Located close to the city of Azrou, this forest is also known by the name Gouraud Forest. Several species that were formerly common in this area have now perished. The Barbary macaque is all that draws tourists these days.