Marrakech To Fes Via The Sahara Desert
Erg Chebbi is a stunning expanse of Sahara Desert dunes in southern Morocco, stretching for approximately 22km from north to south and up to 5km wide at its broadest point. The highest dune reaches around 884m and lies towards the northern end of the Erg. Among the sweeping sands are several natural oases, where water can be found surprisingly close to the surface.
The journey towards the desert oases begins with a fascinating overland drive through the changing landscapes of southern Morocco. The road itself forms an important part of the adventure, with numerous opportunities to stop, cool down, take photographs and meet local people. As the landscape gradually becomes more remote, the first magnificent dunes of Erg Chebbi come into view.
This Sahara Desert trek runs all year round and can depart on any date of your choice.
We usually have several treks departing each week, which you are welcome to join. Please get in touch to discuss your preferred dates.
The trek can be booked independently, including transfers from Marrakech, or incorporated into a tailor-made Morocco holiday. We can combine your desert adventure with time in Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlantic Coast or other parts of the Sahara Desert.
Our mountain and desert treks can also be combined with other Moroccan experiences, including the Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert and Atlantic coast, allowing us to create a memorable Morocco adventure holiday tailored to your interests and available time.
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads don't have access via car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
You will be dropped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel. Our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
Route Details
Day 01
Marrakech - High Atlas - Telouet - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate
We depart from Marrakech at 8.00am and head south across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, following the winding road over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The journey offers magnificent views across the rugged mountain landscape, with opportunities to stop and admire the scenery along the way.
We visit the atmospheric Telouet Kasbah before continuing through the beautiful Ounila Valley towards Ait Benhaddou. This remarkable fortified village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its distinctive mud-brick architecture and fascinating history.
From Ait Benhaddou, we continue to Ouarzazate, often known as the ‘Hollywood of Africa’ thanks to its long association with the international film industry. After arriving in the city, there is time to relax and explore before our overnight stay in Ouarzazate. Approx. 5 hours’ driving.
Day 02
Ouarzazate - Dades Valley - Todra Gorges
We leave Ouarzazate and travel east towards the spectacular Dades Valley, following the scenic route through Morocco’s famous Valley of the Roses. As we continue into the Dades Valley, the landscape becomes increasingly lush, with fertile green fields, fig and almond trees, traditional villages and small hamlets scattered among the rugged mountain scenery.
The route offers a fascinating glimpse of rural Moroccan life as we pass through remote communities and beautiful agricultural landscapes. We then continue towards the dramatic Todra Gorges, one of the most impressive natural attractions in the High Atlas Mountains, where towering cliffs rise above the river valley.
We spend the night in a traditional kasbah overlooking the river, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Approx. 5 hours’ driving.
Day 03
Todra Gorges - Erfoud - Merzouga Dunes (Erg Chebbi)
We leave the Todra Gorges and head towards the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes, travelling through the arid landscapes and volcanic mountains of the Anti-Atlas. Along the way, we pass through Tinejdad, an important local centre surrounded by palm groves and traditional villages.
We continue to Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops, where local craftsmen transform fossil-rich stone from the surrounding mountains into beautifully polished tables, ornaments and other decorative pieces. After exploring the town, we continue towards the vast sea of golden sand at Erg Chebbi.
As we travel deeper into the Sahara Desert, the landscape becomes increasingly remote and the first towering dunes suddenly appear on the horizon. We continue into the dunes by camel, arriving at our traditional Berber desert camp where we spend the night in a tent beneath the stars. Approx. 5 hours’ driving.
Day 04
Erg Chebbi - Ziz Valley - Midelt - Azrou - Ifrane - Fes
After breakfast, we set off by camel across the dunes, returning to our hotel at the edge of the Erg Chebbi desert. There is time for a quick shower and to freshen up before beginning the long journey towards Fes.
We travel north through the changing landscapes of southern Morocco, stopping along the way to enjoy spectacular panoramic views across the Ziz Valley before crossing the High Atlas Mountains once again. We then reach Midelt, where we stop for lunch before continuing through the Middle Atlas towards Azrou.
Our route takes us through the magnificent cedar forests around Ifrane, with an opportunity to spot the Barbary macaques that live among the trees. We then continue towards the historic and atmospheric city of Fes, one of Morocco’s most fascinating cultural destinations. Approx. 9 hours’ driving.
Note: This itinerary is a guideline and may be adapted to suit local conditions.
Equipment
Please ensure you have packed all safety essentials. See the Equipment List here if you're unsure of what to bring. Our guides will conduct a final gear check in Imlil before we commence the ascent to the higher altitudes of the Toubkal massif.
Tour Rates
Flexible Pricing
1 person : 770€
2 - 3 people : 505€/person
4 - 7 people :385€/person
8 - 12 people : 360€/person
What Is Included?
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4x4 / mini-bus with English speaking driver
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1 night in a hotel at Toghra gorges With dinner & breakfast
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1 overnight camping on the Dunes with dinner & breakfast
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Camel ride on the dunes.
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1 night in a hotel in Ourzazate with dinner & breakfast
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
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Lunches
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Entrance fee (Monuments visits)
Accommodation & Shelters
One night in a hotel in Ouarzazarte and then the next in a kasbah overlooking the river. The third night is in a Berber camp.
NB: we always have access to our Guesthouses, Dar Adrar or the Eco Lodge in Ouirgane.
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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Good trainers for valley treks
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Personnel First aid Kit
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Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
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Lightweight daypack
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Torch and batteries
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Towel & all personal toiletries
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Ask us to see what we have
What Is Appropriate Attire In Morocco?
Morocco is a conservative and religious country, which means you always need to be mindful of your clothing choices. This is especially true in the country’s more rural areas, which include the Sahara Desert and its surrounding villages. As a general rule of thumb, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private”. For women, this means covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee.
High Energy Meals
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milkLunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met. Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the Atlas Mountains? Reach out to us for detailed trek inquiries, tailor-made itineraries, or any questions about our Berber-led adventure tours.
Email: aztat.trek@gmail.com
Phone: +212 668-760165
Location: Imlil, Morocco
Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day. NB: Left luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.