Desert escape and Gorges Trekking Tour

5 Days Desert and Trekking Morocco Tour from Marrakech

Days

5 Days

Marrakech

Starts in Marrakech

Fes

Ends in Fes

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Tour Overview

BTM Accommodations

Carefully selected hotels, Kasbahs, Riads. Includes one night in a traditional Berber camp

BTM Guidance

Qualified multilingual local guides / drivers.

BTM Transportation

Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle(s), mini bus or motor-coach

BTM Destinations

Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Roses Valley, Dades Valley, Merzouga (Sahara Desert), Ziz Valley, Fes

5 Days Desert and Trekking Morocco Tour from Marrakech

Itinerary

Conducting preliminary research on flights from your nearest airport to find the most cost-effective options for landing in and departing from Morocco would be valuable. Please note that our tours are flexible, and we can commence from any city that aligns with your schedule.

DAY 1: Marrekech to Dades Valley, Atlas Mountains Pass and the road of 1000 Kasbahs

Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Skoura Oasis → Roses Valley → Dades Valley

On this first day in your 5 days desert tour your guide and driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation or port of entry before escaping the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. You will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) and is the highest mountain pass in North Africa. The road passes through various villages typical of the northern slopes of the Atlas, where corn can be seen ripening in the sun on the packed-earth roofs of the stone houses and snow during winter time.

On the way you will cross the territory of the powerful Glaoua tribe where a number of ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries can be seen dotting the countryside before you reach Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village classified by UNESCO as one of the world's cultural treasures. At Ait Benhaddou we will stop for lunch and to give you some time to explore the kasbah for yourself.

Our journey will continue towards the Skoura Oasis, filled with dense palm groves crossed by a network of tracks running between kasbahs, ksours, and farms. We will head towards the Roses Valley and into the Dades Valley on the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs", passing the fortresses of M'Goun and the countless traditional Berber adobe houses, sometimes barely distinguishable from the rocks themselves, that perch along the riversides. We will spend the night in the Dades Valley.

DAY 2: Dades Valley surroundings exploration

Dades Valley, Bouteghrar, and the Roses Valley

After enjoying breakfast, we'll embark on a full-day excursion through the enchanting landscapes of Dades Valley and Roses Valley. We'll traverse terraced crops and marvel at the lush greenery of M’Goun Valley. Continuing our journey, we'll ascend to a pass leading us through a juniper forest into the scenic  Valley adorned with numerous adobe casbahs.

Next, we'll explore the heart of the Roses Valley, admiring the burgeoning fields of roses intermingled with cereal crops. These rose gardens serve as the source for producing rose products. Along the way, we'll visit local villages, explore the town and market, and witness the process of distilling rose oil.

Finally, we'll return to your hotel in Dades Valley, where you'll spend the night, reflecting on the day's unforgettable experiences

DAY 3: Dades Valley to the Desert of Merzouga

Dades Valley → Todra Canyon → Erfoud → Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert

After having breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we will drive to Tinghir, a former military outpost on the banks of the Oued Todra, where olive, pomegranate, and orange trees flourish. The road through the Todra Gorges follows the right bank of the river, which is covered with palm trees and is one of the most beautiful oases in Morocco.

You will then continue farther east into the narrowest and most spectacular section of the gorges, where we will take some time to wander among the towering rock walls of the narrow corridors. That afternoon we will leave for Erfoud, crossing the palm grove of Tinjdad and Touroug, and visit a workshop where local fossils are produced. Afterwards we will continue straight to the desert village of Merzouga, which lies right on the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

Upon your arrival, you will be greeted  at the kasbah. You'll have the opportunity to freshen up from the drive and enjoy a refreshing glass leave all unnecessary luggage behind in safe rooms in our kasbah. Afterward, you'll take on a 3 mins 4WD ride to meet your camels and begin the ride, you have the option to continue with the 4WD ride upon your request in case you get tired (or 4WD transfer if you can't do the camels).

Our camel trek experience is adjustable, allowing you to choose a duration ranging from a brief 10 minutes to an immersive 2 hours. Both options include ample time for pausing to witness the breathtaking sunset and capture stunning photographs before reaching your private tent in our luxury camp or similar in the middle of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

Upon reaching the camp, you'll be shown  your tent and treated to the dinner, followed by traditional music around the campfire. Assistance will be available in arranging any possible additional excursions or activities of your interest during your desert stay experience.

Overnight in the silence of the desert, and you can relax outside stargazing and marvel at the Milky Way spreading across the pitch-black night sky.

DAY 4: Off-road desert discovery tour & Tea with Nomads

If you would like to wake up early so that you can watch the spectacle of sunrise, when the color of the sand contrasts beautifully with the play of shadows on the dunes - after which you might want to try your hand at sand-boarding down them. After a refreshing shower and breakfast, we will ride the camels or fun 4X4 off-road drive through the dunes back to the kasbah in Merzouga town, we will be able to relax for a couple hours before taking a 4WD off-road tour around the dunes. On the tour we will visit the oasis of Merzouga, the nomadic depository, and Khamlia Village, where we will be able to hear gnawa music from the local people who are descendants of ex-slaves that found their way to Morocco from Senegal via the Salt Route. We will continue on to meet desert nomads in their tents and discover their way of life.

We will also visit the nearby Lake of Merzouga, with its diverse population of birds. Afterwards we will leave for Rissani. Once called Sijilmassa, this was the meeting place for the salt caravans coming from Timbuktu, Mali. Here you'll be able to walk through the souk, where you will be able to find spices, vegetables, and clothes. After having a pizza lunch in Rissani we will drive back to our Kasbah, where we will be greeted with a glass of tea or glass of wine and have some time to relax by the pool if available watching the sunset. In the evening we will dine on Moroccan cuisine and enjoy traditional live music, sit down and chat with locals, or enjoy some drumming lessons.

DAY 5: Desert Sunrise, Oases, Monkeys, and the Cultural Capitol of Morocco Fes

Merzouga → Erfoud → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou forest → Ifrane → Fes

After breakfast, we will retrace our steps through Erfoud to the dramatic Ziz Valley, a spectacular gash in the hills that surround the Ziz Oasis, the largest oasis in Morocco. The region is dotted with deserted kasbahs, palm trees, and mud-brick villages, and is a photographer's paradise. After passing through a barren plain of scrub and desert on the other side of the mountains, we will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, from which we will have a fantastic view of the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains rising behind the town.

The different landscapes we will cross is unbelievably diverse, ranging from rocky, sun-baked plains to cedar-covered mountains and deep, spectacular canyons. In the hills south of Azrou we might be lucky enough to spot a troupe of the Barbary Apes that still make their home in the local forests. We head onward to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco. After having crossed the plains we will arrive in the evocative city of Fes, which is the cultural capital of Morocco and one of the most complete medieval Islamic cities in the world. Our guide will help you find your riad and leave you to settle in for the night.

What is Included:

  • Transportation/Fuel: 5 days air-conditioned 4WD vehicle or  minivan.
  • Services of a qualified multilingual local guide / driver.
  • Comprehensive sightseeing with guidance.
  • 2 nights in well-recommended hotels/kasbahs/riads.
  • 2 nights in a Berber desert Nomadic luxury camp (private tent).
  • Camel ride (one camel per individual).
  • Meals as stated - Dinner & breakfast daily (HB)
  • Sand-boarding (free and optional -this activity is undertaken at your own risk-).
  • Traditional Music live show in desert
  • Travel Insurance: Passenger travel insurance per pax per 5 days (within the vehicle only).

What is not included:

  • Flights
  • Lunch
  • Tips, entrance fees,drinks & personal items

Marrakech to Dades Valley

We will meet you upon your arrival in Marrakech or directly from your accommodation, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city towards the High Atlas Mountains. Through the highest mountain pass in North Africa and across the Glaoui territory, we will pass countless ancient Kasbahs and fortified granaries that dot the countryside. From there we continue on to Ouarzazate, a bustling southern city often referred to as "The Hollywood of Morocco" owing to the many famous films shot on location such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Kingdom of Heaven, as well as several seasons of the hit show, Game of Thrones.

Here, we will stop for lunch and explore the nearby Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, the most famous kasbah inMorocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the backdrop for many of the films and shows shot on location. As the afternoon sun wanes, we will wind through several oases and end our drive for the day in the lush Dades Valley.

Dades Valley to The Sahara + Camel Trek

Following breakfast we continue our drive along the banks of the Todra valley, where olive, pomegranate, and orange trees flourish, until we reach the Todra Gorge, where we will take some time to wander among the towering rock walls of the narrow corridors. As we descend into the desert plains, the landscape gives way to a vast stony plain that marks the edges of the Sahara. Upon our arrival, we will leave all unnecessary luggage behind in safe rooms at a nearby hotel before mounting our camels and trekking into the towering dunes of the Moroccan Sahara. Here we will have ample free time for you to explore and take in the beauty and vastness of the desert dunes. Once the sun sets, a Moroccan dinner will be served alongside live music around the campfire, after which you are free to explore again - this time in the company of a million stars exploding against the pitch-black sky, and the all-encompassing silence of the Sahara at night.

Desert Culture + Tea with Nomads + Camel Trek

Watching the sun rise amongst the dunes is a magical experience, and not to be missed. Your breakfast will be waiting for you upon your return, after which you will have the opportunity to visit the nomadic communities around Merzouga, stopping for tea in the souks, and enjoying the traditional Gnawa music. As the mid-day sun wanes, we will mount our camels and trek into the pink sands of the Moroccan Sahara; here, we will have ample free time for you to explore and take in the beauty and vastness of the desert dunes. Once the sun sets, a Moroccan dinner will be served alongside live music around the campfire, after which you are free to explore again - this time in the company of a million stars exploding against the pitch-black sky, and the all-encompassing silence of the Sahara at night.

Desert Sunrise, Oases, Monkeys, and the Cultural Capitol of Morocco Fes

After breakfast, we will retrace our steps through Erfoud to the dramatic Ziz Valley, a spectacular gash in the hills that surround the Ziz Oasis, the largest oasis in Morocco. The region is dotted with deserted kasbahs, palm trees, and mud-brick villages, and is a photographer's paradise. After passing through a barren plain of scrub and desert on the other side of the mountains, we will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, from which we will have a fantastic view of the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains rising behind the town. The different landscapes we will cross is unbelievably diverse, ranging from rocky, sun-baked plains to cedar-covered mountains and deep, spectacular canyons. In the hills south of Azrou we might be lucky enough to spot a troupe of the Barbary Apes that still make their home in the local forests. We head onward to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco. After having crossed the plains we will arrive in the evocative city of Fes, which is the cultural capital of Morocco and one of the most complete medieval Islamic cities in the world. Our guide will help you find your riad and leave you to settle in for the night.

5 Days Desert and Trekking Morocco Tour from Marrakech

Highlights
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Best Travel Morocco

Tours notes
BTM Icon

We exclude the entrance fees to monuments and cultural sights from the tour total cost in order to not charge you for things you might not be interested in visiting, Please let us know if you need a list of all the monuments that require a fee for entry.

BTM Icon

Our tours are designed to be flexible and accommodating. Our knowledgeable guide will offer various options ( both paid and unpaid worth to visit ) for objectives and sights not only in each city but also along the way. Additionally, we're committed to offering the best possible experience for our clients.

BTM Icon

We intentionally exclude dinners in urban areas or big cities for two main reasons. Firstly, dining at Riads or hotels in city settings tends to be relatively expensive. Secondly, the presence of a variety of restaurant options in cities allows our clients to choose according to their budget and preferences.

BTM Icon

We can arrange cooking classes/ Hammam & SPA  / Hot air balloon / ATV Quads / Dune buggies and any additional activiy available in any destination upon request.

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

We have over 20 years of experience crafting a Moroccan experience perfectly tailored to our guests needs. These are our most common itineraries, to be used as starting points in developing yours.

DAY 1: Marrekech to Dades Valley, Atlas Mountains Pass and the road of 1000 Kasbahs

Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Skoura Oasis → Roses Valley → Dades Valley

On this first day in your 5 days desert tour your guide and driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation or port of entry before escaping the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. You will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) and is the highest mountain pass in North Africa. The road passes through various villages typical of the northern slopes of the Atlas, where corn can be seen ripening in the sun on the packed-earth roofs of the stone houses and snow during winter time.

On the way you will cross the territory of the powerful Glaoua tribe where a number of ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries can be seen dotting the countryside before you reach Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village classified by UNESCO as one of the world's cultural treasures. At Ait Benhaddou we will stop for lunch and to give you some time to explore the kasbah for yourself.

Our journey will continue towards the Skoura Oasis, filled with dense palm groves crossed by a network of tracks running between kasbahs, ksours, and farms. We will head towards the Roses Valley and into the Dades Valley on the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs", passing the fortresses of M'Goun and the countless traditional Berber adobe houses, sometimes barely distinguishable from the rocks themselves, that perch along the riversides. We will spend the night in the Dades Valley.

DAY 2: Dades Valley surroundings exploration

Dades Valley, Bouteghrar, and the Roses Valley

After enjoying breakfast, we'll embark on a full-day excursion through the enchanting landscapes of Dades Valley and Roses Valley. We'll traverse terraced crops and marvel at the lush greenery of M’Goun Valley. Continuing our journey, we'll ascend to a pass leading us through a juniper forest into the scenic  Valley adorned with numerous adobe casbahs.

Next, we'll explore the heart of the Roses Valley, admiring the burgeoning fields of roses intermingled with cereal crops. These rose gardens serve as the source for producing rose products. Along the way, we'll visit local villages, explore the town and market, and witness the process of distilling rose oil.

Finally, we'll return to your hotel in Dades Valley, where you'll spend the night, reflecting on the day's unforgettable experiences

DAY 3: Dades Valley to the Desert of Merzouga

Dades Valley → Todra Canyon → Erfoud → Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert

After having breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we will drive to Tinghir, a former military outpost on the banks of the Oued Todra, where olive, pomegranate, and orange trees flourish. The road through the Todra Gorges follows the right bank of the river, which is covered with palm trees and is one of the most beautiful oases in Morocco.

You will then continue farther east into the narrowest and most spectacular section of the gorges, where we will take some time to wander among the towering rock walls of the narrow corridors. That afternoon we will leave for Erfoud, crossing the palm grove of Tinjdad and Touroug, and visit a workshop where local fossils are produced. Afterwards we will continue straight to the desert village of Merzouga, which lies right on the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

Upon your arrival, you will be greeted  at the kasbah. You'll have the opportunity to freshen up from the drive and enjoy a refreshing glass leave all unnecessary luggage behind in safe rooms in our kasbah. Afterward, you'll take on a 3 mins 4WD ride to meet your camels and begin the ride, you have the option to continue with the 4WD ride upon your request in case you get tired (or 4WD transfer if you can't do the camels).

Our camel trek experience is adjustable, allowing you to choose a duration ranging from a brief 10 minutes to an immersive 2 hours. Both options include ample time for pausing to witness the breathtaking sunset and capture stunning photographs before reaching your private tent in our luxury camp or similar in the middle of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

Upon reaching the camp, you'll be shown  your tent and treated to the dinner, followed by traditional music around the campfire. Assistance will be available in arranging any possible additional excursions or activities of your interest during your desert stay experience.

Overnight in the silence of the desert, and you can relax outside stargazing and marvel at the Milky Way spreading across the pitch-black night sky.

DAY 4: Off-road desert discovery tour & Tea with Nomads

If you would like to wake up early so that you can watch the spectacle of sunrise, when the color of the sand contrasts beautifully with the play of shadows on the dunes - after which you might want to try your hand at sand-boarding down them. After a refreshing shower and breakfast, we will ride the camels or fun 4X4 off-road drive through the dunes back to the kasbah in Merzouga town, we will be able to relax for a couple hours before taking a 4WD off-road tour around the dunes. On the tour we will visit the oasis of Merzouga, the nomadic depository, and Khamlia Village, where we will be able to hear gnawa music from the local people who are descendants of ex-slaves that found their way to Morocco from Senegal via the Salt Route. We will continue on to meet desert nomads in their tents and discover their way of life.

We will also visit the nearby Lake of Merzouga, with its diverse population of birds. Afterwards we will leave for Rissani. Once called Sijilmassa, this was the meeting place for the salt caravans coming from Timbuktu, Mali. Here you'll be able to walk through the souk, where you will be able to find spices, vegetables, and clothes. After having a pizza lunch in Rissani we will drive back to our Kasbah, where we will be greeted with a glass of tea or glass of wine and have some time to relax by the pool if available watching the sunset. In the evening we will dine on Moroccan cuisine and enjoy traditional live music, sit down and chat with locals, or enjoy some drumming lessons.

DAY 5: Desert Sunrise, Oases, Monkeys, and the Cultural Capitol of Morocco Fes

Merzouga → Erfoud → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou forest → Ifrane → Fes

After breakfast, we will retrace our steps through Erfoud to the dramatic Ziz Valley, a spectacular gash in the hills that surround the Ziz Oasis, the largest oasis in Morocco. The region is dotted with deserted kasbahs, palm trees, and mud-brick villages, and is a photographer's paradise. After passing through a barren plain of scrub and desert on the other side of the mountains, we will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, from which we will have a fantastic view of the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains rising behind the town.

The different landscapes we will cross is unbelievably diverse, ranging from rocky, sun-baked plains to cedar-covered mountains and deep, spectacular canyons. In the hills south of Azrou we might be lucky enough to spot a troupe of the Barbary Apes that still make their home in the local forests. We head onward to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco. After having crossed the plains we will arrive in the evocative city of Fes, which is the cultural capital of Morocco and one of the most complete medieval Islamic cities in the world. Our guide will help you find your riad and leave you to settle in for the night.

What is Included:

  • Transportation/Fuel: 5 days air-conditioned 4WD vehicle or  minivan.
  • Services of a qualified multilingual local guide / driver.
  • Comprehensive sightseeing with guidance.
  • 2 nights in well-recommended hotels/kasbahs/riads.
  • 2 nights in a Berber desert Nomadic luxury camp (private tent).
  • Camel ride (one camel per individual).
  • Meals as stated - Dinner & breakfast daily (HB)
  • Sand-boarding (free and optional -this activity is undertaken at your own risk-).
  • Traditional Music live show in desert
  • Travel Insurance: Passenger travel insurance per pax per 5 days (within the vehicle only).

What is not included:

  • Flights
  • Lunch
  • Tips, entrance fees,drinks & personal items

More tours you might like

Featured tours

We are experts at creating a Moroccan experience perfectly tailored to our guests needs. These are some of our most popular itineraries, and they may be customized to the utmost extent of your imaginations.

CONTACT Best TRAVEL mOROCCO

Email, phone, or snail mail - we've got it all.

+212 677 365 421 (WhatsApp)
+212 661 469 661
hello@besttravelmorocco.com

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Casablanca 20300 Morocco

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