TEL:+212 618-893170
moroccoepicjourney@gmail.com
This five-day off-the-beaten-path tour links Marrakech with Fes at a relaxed pace, weaving in some of southern Morocco’s most memorable settings: the High Atlas Mountains, the Glaoui Kasbah of Telouet, the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Skoura, Kelaat M’Gouna and the Valley of Roses, the Dades Gorge, Todgha Gorge, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga, the Ziz Valley, and Ifrane. You experience the unique lifestyle of a Berber family living in mountain caves, enjoy a full day of Sahara desert exploration, connect with a nomadic family residing in the desert, ride camels across the dunes for sunset and sunrise, and spend an unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp — all while travelling comfortably in 4×4 vehicles, venturing off-road to hidden gems away from the standard tourist routes.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: MARRAKECH -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH -> OUARZAZATE
Your tour starts with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. As you begin the journey, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we stop at various points to soak in the breathtaking scenery and explore the historic Telouet Kasbah, once the powerful stronghold of the El Glaoui family, also known as the Palace of Glaoui.
Arriving at Ait Ben Haddou around noon, you’ll have the option to enjoy lunch before delving into the enchanting Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This ancient site has served as the backdrop for numerous iconic films and TV series, including The Mummy, Gladiator, and segments of Game of Thrones.
Continuing on, we head to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the Hollywood of Africa and a gateway to the desert. Here you’ll find the famous Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in the world. You can choose to explore the studio sets or proceed to the Taourirt Kasbah, another remarkable fortified village once owned by the El Glaoui family. After marveling at the Kasbah’s beauty, we transfer you to your hotel for a relaxing evening, followed by dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Approximate driving distance/time: 204 km / 4 hours
DAY 2: OUARZAZATE -> SKOURA -> KELAAT M’GOUNA -> BOU THARAR -> DADES VALLEY
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel before we set off for Skoura, an awe-inspiring oasis boasting over 4000 hectares of palm trees. This area once served as a vital stopover for camel caravans travelling between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean to Sub-Saharan Africa. At Skoura, you’ll encounter the magnificent Amridil Kasbah, offering insights into daily life within the Kasbah walls over 300 years ago.
After exploring the Kasbah, our journey continues to Kelaat M’Gouna, home to the famous Rose Valley. If you’re visiting during springtime, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the valley, admiring the blooming roses in full splendor.
Leaving Kelaat M’Gouna behind, our journey continues through charming Berber villages as we head towards Bou Tharar. From there, we take an adventurous off-road route to reach the Dades Valley. Along the way, we stop to visit a nomadic Berber family residing in a mountain cave, where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea and experience their unique way of life firsthand.
Upon reaching the Dades Valley, we check into your hotel, giving you a chance to unwind. You can opt for a leisurely walk in the Dades Valley or choose a guided hike through the Monkey Fingers Canyon, offering captivating rock formations, slot canyons, and breathtaking vistas.
As evening descends, savor a delicious dinner and enjoy a restful night’s sleep at your hotel, soaking in the tranquil ambiance of the Dades Valley.
Approximate driving distance/time: 144 km / 3 hours
DAY 3: DADES VALLEY -> TODRA GORGE -> MERZOUGA DESERT
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, we begin an exciting journey to the Merzouga desert.
Along the way, we stop to take a leisurely walk through the Todra Canyon and to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the Tinghir oasis.
In the afternoon, we reach the Merzouga desert. Here you’ll embark on an authentic camel ride through the dunes, watching a spectacular sunset from atop a high dune. Upon arrival at your luxury camp, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a cup of tea before being escorted to your private luxury tent. After unwinding and indulging in a delightful dinner at the camp, you can gather around the campfire to enjoy the rhythmic beats of drums and traditional Berber songs beneath a star-filled sky.
Approximate driving distance/time: 310 km / 5 hours
DAY 4: MERZOUGA DESERT EXPLORATION
Today, for those up early, catch the stunning sunrise. After a tasty breakfast, get ready for an exciting day exploring the Merzouga desert.
Start your adventure with a visit to Khamlia, a small village famous for its unique Gnawa music, a traditional style played by locals with roots in South African countries. Then we head off-road to M’Fis, an abandoned village known for its Galena mines, a mineral used in cosmetics.
Experience the nomadic lifestyle firsthand by visiting a family living near the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Here you’ll be welcomed with traditional Berber hospitality and gain insight into their way of life, far from modern civilization.
After lunch, we journey to a charming riad offering picturesque views of the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Take some time to relax or swim before catching the sunset. Later, enjoy a leisurely walk to the dunes for another mesmerizing sunset.
Please remember, you can also choose to spend another night at the camp. Let us know your preference when booking.
Approximate driving distance/time: 57 km / 1 hour 15 minutes
DAY 5: MERZOUGA DESERT -> ZIZ VALLEY -> IFRANE -> FES
Today marks another chance to rise early and witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes from the comfort of your charming riad.
Following a hearty breakfast, we begin our journey to Fes. Along the way, we make several stops at remarkable destinations, including the picturesque Ziz Valley, a captivating cedar forest near Azrou where you may encounter Barbary monkeys, and the scenic town of Ifrane, often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco.
You’ll arrive in Fes by late afternoon. Your guide will ensure you’re dropped off at the nearest accessible location to your hotel or riad, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable 5-day off-the-beaten-path tour from Marrakech to Fes.
Approximate driving distance/time: 500 km / 7 hours 30 minutes
IMPORTANT NOTES
THE PRICE
The price varies depending on the number of travelers. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person can be. Transportation costs are fixed and shared between the travelers. The final price also depends on the accommodation category you choose, such as standard, superior, or luxury. Contact us for an exact quotation based on your group size, travel dates, and preferences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the tour private or shared?
The tour is a completely private experience. You will travel exclusively with the members of your own group, without joining other tourists. This gives you greater flexibility with the schedule, stops, pace, and overall experience.
How long is the camel ride? What is the alternative to camels?
The camel ride usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to reach the desert camp, depending on the camp location and conditions. If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can be transferred to the camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost. Quad biking and buggy excursions are also available at an extra cost.
Is the desert tent private? Does it have a private bathroom and shower?
Yes. Our luxury desert camp offers private tents equipped with private en-suite bathrooms, including a shower and hot running water.
What happens to our luggage during the camel ride?
During the camel ride, you only need to carry a small backpack with the essentials you need for the night. Your main luggage will be transported by the camp’s 4×4 vehicle and will be waiting for you at your tent when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best times to visit Morocco are generally spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when temperatures are usually pleasant across much of the country. Winter can also be an excellent time to travel, especially for exploring the southern desert regions.
What type of vehicles are used?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles:
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. We can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific requests. Please let us know when booking so we can arrange the included meals and stops along the route accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is suitable for travelers of different ages. Please note that some days involve several hours of driving to cover the distances between different regions of Morocco. Our vehicles are comfortable, and regular stops can be made during the journey.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Pick-up is available directly from Marrakech Menara Airport or your accommodation in Marrakech on the first day. The tour ends in Fes, with a drop-off at the nearest accessible point to your hotel or riad on the final day. If preferred, the itinerary can also be run in reverse from Fes to Marrakech upon request.
Expenses and additional costs
Currency exchange: Euros and US Dollars can be exchanged for Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) at banks, airports, and exchange offices. ATMs are also widely available throughout Morocco.
Cost of meals: Lunches are not included in the tour price and generally cost around 5–20 EUR per person, depending on the restaurant and location.
Bargaining: Negotiating prices in souks and traditional markets is a normal part of shopping culture in Morocco.
BOOKING PROCESS
1. Contact us
Contact us through our contact form, email, or WhatsApp and provide the number of travelers, your approximate travel date, and your preferred accommodation category.
2. Confirm your booking
A small deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Payment can be made through PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash in EUR, USD, or MAD directly to the driver upon arrival.
WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE MOROCCO TOUR?
A private tour allows you to travel at your own pace, with greater flexibility over departure times, sightseeing stops, breaks, activities, and accommodation choices.
You will have an experienced private driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group, giving you more freedom and comfort throughout the journey. Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, group of friends, or a small private group, the itinerary can be adapted around your interests and travel preferences.
Cinco días intensos y gratificantes. El paseo en camello al atardecer y la noche en el campamento de lujo fueron lo mejor del viaje.
Perfect for a family holiday. The camels, the desert camp and the nomadic family made our children happy. Very helpful driver.
Todo perfectamente organizado. Cruzar el Alto Atlas y la ruta off-road al Valle del Dades fueron emocionantes. Conductor puntual y profesional.
Ho scoperto il vero Marocco fuori dai sentieri battuti. Dalla Kasbah di Taourirt alla Valle del Ziz, ogni tappa aveva qualcosa di speciale. Drop-off a Fes perfetto.
Esperienza fantastica con tutta la famiglia. Il percorso tra le Gole del Todra e il deserto è vario e mai noioso. Ben organizzato.
