Morocco Atlas Mountains Desert Merzouga 6-day itinerary

Overview:

Experience the best of southern Morocco on this 6-day Morocco desert tour, combining the High Atlas Mountains, Berber villages, ancient kasbahs, dramatic valleys and the Merzouga Sahara Desert.

Your journey begins with a comfortable airport transfer to your riad in Marrakech, followed by a guided visit to the Atlas Mountains village of Imlil. You then start your desert adventure, crossing the High Atlas and visiting Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley and Todra Gorge before reaching Merzouga.

In the Sahara, enjoy a camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes, sunset and a night in a desert camp. The journey continues through Rissani, the Ziz Valley, Midelt, the Middle Atlas and Ifrane, ending in Fes.

Route: Marrakech → Imlil → High Atlas → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes.

Highlights: Marrakech to Fes itinerary

• Explore Atlas Mountains and Imlil
• Walk through traditional Berber villages
• Visit the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
• Discover the beautiful Dades Valley
• Walk through the spectacular Todra Gorge
• Ride camels across Sahara dunes
• Watch the Sahara sunset and sunrise
• Spend a night in a desert camp
• Drive through the scenic Ziz Valley
• Visit the Middle Atlas cedar forests
• See the Barbary macaques near Azrou

Day 1 – Arrival in Marrakech – Airport Transfer to Riad

Arrival at Marrakech Airport. Our driver will meet you and transfer you to your riad in the Medina. After check-in, meet your local guide and enjoy a short introduction to Marrakech. Overnight in Riad.

Day 2 – Marrakech – Imlil Day Trip

After breakfast, travel to Imlil, a beautiful mountain village in the High Atlas. Enjoy a guided walk through the surrounding Berber villages, valleys and mountain landscapes. Have lunch with a local family before returning to Marrakech in the afternoon. Overnight in Riad.

Day 3 – Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Begin your desert tour after breakfast. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and visit the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. Continue through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley. Overnight in Dades.

Day 4 – Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert

Explore the Dades Valley before continuing to the spectacular Todra Gorge. Drive through the Ziz Valley and Erfoud toward Merzouga. In the afternoon, ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes and watch the sunset. Spend the night in a Sahara desert camp.

Day 5 – Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Aguelmame Sidi Ali

After breakfast, leave Merzouga and travel through the spectacular Ziz Valley toward Midelt. Continue through the Middle Atlas landscapes to Aguelmame Sidi Ali, a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by rugged scenery. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and spend the night near the lake.

Day 6 – Aguelmame Sidi Ali – Azrou – Ifrane – Volubilis – Fes

After breakfast, continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains toward Azrou, with a stop in the cedar forest to see the Barbary macaques. Continue to Ifrane, then travel toward the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Explore the archaeological site and its impressive Roman mosaics before continuing to Fes. Upon arrival in Fes, we will drop you off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your 6-day Morocco adventure.

• Hotels & Accommodation
  Marrakech – 2 nights: Riad Bijoux
  Dades Valley – 1 night: Eden Boutique Hotel and Spa Dades
  Merzouga – 1 night: Dihya Desert Luxury Camp
  Aguelmame Sidi Ali – 1 night: Hotel Xaluca Spa Aguelmame Sidi Ali

Accommodation: All stays are carefully selected for comfort, location, and an authentic Moroccan experience. Exact hotels or riads may vary depending on availability.

What’s Included

• Private transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking driver/guide
• Airport transfer on arrival in Marrakech
• Local mountain guide in Imlil
• 2 nights accommodation in Marrakech with breakfast
• 1 night accommodation in Dades Valley with dinner and breakfast
• 1 night in a Sahara desert camp with dinner and breakfast
• Camel ride in Merzouga for sunset
• 1 night accommodation in Aguelmame Sidi Ali with breakfast and dinner
• Visit to Ait Benhaddou
• Visit to Todra Gorge and Dades Valley
• All fuel and transportation costs
• Drop-off in Fes

What’s Not Included

• Lunches and drinks
• Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
• Personal expenses
• Tips for drivers, guides, and hotel staff
• Travel insurance
• Any services not mentioned in the included section