This is our favourite way to travel across Morocco from south to north, ending in the cultural heart of Fes rather than doubling back. Over five unhurried days you cross the High Atlas, wander the film-set kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, follow the gorges and valleys to the Sahara, and spend two nights near the Merzouga dunes. It is a rich, varied journey with your own English-speaking local guide handling every detail so you can simply enjoy the road.
Meet your local guide
Your local guide
Hassan Moujane
A local Moroccan guide who runs this route year-round.
Crossing the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass
The UNESCO kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and film town of Ouarzazate
The Skoura oasis, Rose Valley and dramatic Dades Valley
Walking through the towering Todra Gorges
Two nights near the Erg Chebbi dunes with a camel ride and desert camp
Meeting Gnaoua musicians in Khamlia and visiting a nomad family
The palm-lined Ziz Valley and the cedar forests near Azrou
The Roman ruins of Volubilis before arriving in Fes
What's included
Included
Private air-conditioned vehicle with your own local guide
Hotel pickup in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
Four nights of accommodation, including a night in a private desert camp
Camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes for each traveler
Breakfasts and dinners as per the itinerary
English-speaking local guide throughout
Not included
International flights and visa
Lunches
Monument and site entrance fees
Drinks
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Valley
A big first day over the mountains to the famous kasbah, the film studios and on to the Dades Valley.
Pickup
Marrakech, We collect you from your accommodation and set off across the High Atlas, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka Pass at over 2,200 metres with views of Berber villages and green valleys. (Around 8:00 AM)
Stop at
Ait Benhaddou, Time to explore this UNESCO-listed clay ksar, famous from Game of Thrones and Gladiator, and climb to the top for a wide view over the valley. (UNESCO site)
Lunch
Near Ait Benhaddou, We pause for lunch near the kasbah before continuing toward the desert. (Lunch (own account))
Pass by
Ouarzazate, Skoura Oasis and Rose Valley, We continue past Ouarzazate, gateway to the desert and home of the Atlas Film Studios, then through the Skoura palm oasis and the Rose Valley. (Scenic drive)
Overnight
Dades Valley, We arrive among the striking rock formations of the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel. (Dinner included)
Day 2
Dades Valley - Todra Gorges - Erfoud - Merzouga
Through the gorges and fossil towns to the dunes, ending with a camel ride and a night at camp.
Stop at
Todra Gorges, A short walk through this dramatic canyon, where cliffs rise up to 300 metres on either side of the valley floor. (Photo stop and walk)
Pass by
Erfoud, We pass small Berber towns and reach Erfoud, known for its fossils and dates, on the edge of the desert. (En route)
Camel ride
Erg Chebbi Dunes, Merzouga, After a welcome tea, a local Berber guide leads you by camel across the dunes to watch the sunset from a high crest. (Sunset)
Overnight
Desert Camp, Dinner is served at your private tent, followed by Berber music and drumming around the fire beneath the stars. (Private tent, dinner included)
Day 3
Merzouga Desert - Khamlia - Mifis Mine - Nomads
A full day exploring the desert around Merzouga, ending at a hotel in the area.
Stop at
Khamlia Village, After sunrise and breakfast, we visit Khamlia to meet the Gnaoua community and hear a short live performance rooted in African rhythms and traditional instruments. (Live music)
Stop at
Mifis Mine, We visit the old Mifis mine, once worked by the French, where you can see how minerals were once extracted. (Local history)
Stop at
Nomad Family and Oasis, We call on a local nomad family to learn how they live in the desert, then stop at an oasis where crops and date palms are still grown. (Cultural visit)
Overnight
Merzouga, In the late afternoon we check into a hotel in Merzouga for dinner and an overnight stay. (Dinner included)
Day 4
Merzouga - Ziz Valley - Midelt - Boulaajoul
We leave the desert and head north, watching the landscape shift from sand to green mountains.
Pass by
Ziz Valley, We drive through the beautiful Ziz Valley, lined with palm trees and small villages tucked between the cliffs. (Scenic drive)
Lunch
Midelt, We pass through Errachidia and reach Midelt, a town in the Middle Atlas, where we stop for lunch. (Lunch (own account))
Overnight
Boulaajoul, We continue to Boulaajoul for the night before completing the journey to Fes. (Overnight stay)
Day 5
Boulaajoul - Azrou - Volubilis - Fes
Through cedar forests and Roman ruins to Morocco's cultural capital.
Pass by
Cedar Forest near Azrou, We drive through the cedar forest near Azrou, home to old cedar trees and the well-known Barbary macaques. (Scenic drive)
Stop at
Volubilis, After passing Meknes we stop at Volubilis, one of the best-preserved Roman sites in North Africa, with colourful mosaics, columns, gates and temples over 2,000 years old. (Roman ruins)
Return
Fes, We continue to Fes, Morocco's cultural capital, arriving in the late afternoon and dropping you at your accommodation. (Arrive late afternoon)
Your route on the map
Follow the route day by day. Press play to trace the drive across the map.
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5
Accommodation
4 nights in riads and small hotels we use ourselves, plus a night in a desert camp out in the Sahara. Want to see the actual rooms first? Ask us and we will send photos.
Good to know, your questions answered
Q.Is it safe?
100% private with an experienced local guide; thousands of couples, families and solo women travel with us safely every year.
Q.Will my guide speak English?
Yes, fluent English, plus Français and Espanol. Real stories, not silence.
Q.Isn't it a lot of driving?
Private air-conditioned vehicle, your pace; we break the long days with the best stops and never rush.
Q.Will I be taken to shops?
No forced shopping, no commission stops, we only stop where you want.
Q.How does tipping work?
Up to you, with clear honest guidance up front. No pressure.
Q.Hotels and camp?
Hand-picked riads and a private desert camp with real beds, or choose your own.
Reviews / What travellers say
Real reviews from our travellers
5.028 reviews on Tripadvisor
JJaap KLabuan Bajo, Indonesia
A great tour, an absolute must
We went on a great tour. The two of us and Hassan Moujane who was our driver and guide. We are an older couple, Jaap is 83, Griet 77. A lot was taken into account that Jaap cannot walk for more than an hour. Hassan always reserved a room on the ground floor or on the first floor in the riads and hotels. Everything perfectly arranged. Very important was also the friendliness, the presence and the helpfulness of our driver. And what we also really liked was the relaxed Mood, we could ask him anything and we had a nice time together. We were very happy to have made a wonderful 16 day trip this way: an absolute must!!!
AAnniek V
A magical journey
I travelled solo from Marrakech to the desert with this fantastic organisation. Everything was arranged down to the last detail and Hassan made the trip a fantastic one. A long but beautiful and safe drive to the Royal Oasis desert camp where I was welcomed with open arms with an unprecedented hospitality from the whole family. They showed me all the hidden gems of the desert with the beautiful camp as a starting point. Waking up every day with the most beautiful sunrise and going to sleep with the most beautiful sunset in a silence you can't experience anywhere. Hassan also took care of the drive back to Marrakech with the necessary stops for coffee and fresh juices, music made the trip even more beautiful through a breathtaking landscape. Also in Marrakesh they arranged a nice riad for me including my transport to the airport. It was a magical journey thanks to Hassan and his whole team and warm family. Thank you for the wonderful memories!
AAna L
POPOFLOTILLA
Without a doubt, our trip to Morocco (11 days) made sense to which we went to the desert accompanied by this incredible family. Not only are they close, generous and attentive, but they love their work and culture so much that you can’t help but get into it and get carried away with the passion they put into everything. The food, lodging, treatment, scenery and experience have been wholeheartedly spectacular and much more than recommended.
MMuhiddin S
Amazing Experience!
Mr. Hasan and I spent the most fun and amazing hours of our trip to Morocco with my family. He took us to the village of amazigh, the black desert and desert lake. We also watched fish fossils together. If you want unforgettable memories, I highly recommend Mr. Hasan!
MMechtild B
Tour with Saharaway and Moroccotripaway
Hassan is a very nice person, he is a very good driver, very caring and service-minded. He tells interessant facts about Morrocco. And we had a lot of fun. He is also good in English, French, Spanosh and some words of Dutch.
Çınar restorantNevsehir, Türkiye
Highly Recommended
Our safari in Merzouga was truly memorable. From the Sahara Desert to the Black Desert, from the Berber home to the fossil sites, we’ve been all around, and every stop is detailed, clear and delightfully described. We had the opportunity to get up close to Berber culture, and South African entertainment added a touch of color to the tour. The Berber pizza we ate at the end of the tour was legendary and very tasty. It was a very fun, full and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Recommendation for everyone with confidence.
MMohanpuri
Ait Ben Haddou trip
We took a day trip from Agafay to Ait Ben Haddou. Our guide Hassan was very kind and showed us many interesting places on the way there and back. Very nice experience!
MMechtild B
Tour with Saharaway and Moroccotripaway
Hassan is a very nice person, he is a very good driver, very caring and service-minded. He tells interessant facts about Morrocco. And we had a lot of fun. He is also good in English, French, Spanosh and some words of Dutch.
VVíctor M
Morocco
Punctual helpful and good professionals always watching us and explaining everything that can be explained from Marrakech to the Saharan desert recommended to a hundred
HHoarau P
Thank you for a great stay!
I was able to stay only 3 days in Morocco (stay far too short), and Moroccotripway knew how to optimize my visit to offer me a rich, authentic and unforgettable experience, activities (dune tour, camel ride, cultural visits...) than recommendations of establishments (Royal Oasis Camp, various restaurants...).
Hassan was a very caring guide and passionate about his job and the culture of his country that he knew how to share to enrich my stay.
I am delighted to have trusted Morrocotripway to organize and make this trip a success. I highly recommend!
YYeroboam S
Amazing.
Unforgettable experience, get out of your comfort zone and live something like that..there are no words.
We stayed 7 days, from the second 1 we were picked up at the airport you could see what it was going to be, but since he picked us up Hassan changed everything, close, friendly, willing to help and whatever it takes, super friendly, made us laugh a lot. I would recommend it 100%, there will be next time and it will be with the
Nnadia s
Amazing!
A great trip!! Loved it! I would certainly repeat. Thank Hassan and his brother for their help and attention!!! Both lovely throughout the trip!
See you soon.
EEloyMataro, Spain
9-Day Tour of Morocco
We have done a 9-day tour of Morocco (including Fes, one night in the desert, Ouarzazate and Marrakech). We loved the country and we think the route is very balanced with more activity days and others with more rest time. Our driver and guide Hassan has been very attentive and helped us in everything we needed, if we repeat we will definitely return with Moroccotripway. We are delighted!!
DDaphnée I
INCREDIBLE
A wonderful experience full of splendid different landscapes, delicious meals, a lovely culture and unforgettable memories.
Hassan make you more than confortable and you cannot find such a good mood, an ability to anticipate all your needs, a sincere kindness and an outstanding professionalism.
I only can wish you to live this experience with Moroccotripway and to discover this beautiful country as this agency will show it to you, as a simply and traditional way.
Thank you so much Moroccotripway.
MmajonchiParis, France
Hassan, the one you need to discover the treasures of Morocco
Hassan was a PERFECT driver/guide: flexible, smiling, careful ... knowing his country perfectly.
We highly recommend it.
Daniel & Marylène
EElise L
Unforgettable stay!!!!
Beautiful stay!!!!
A big thank you for this tailor-made stay from Marrakech to the dunes of Merzouga with two nights at the camp.
An enchanted break lived by our whole little family.
The scenery is breathtaking and the welcome incredible, a journey we are not about to forget, stars full of eyes
SSteve D
Circuit Marrakech Merzouga
Oct 2024
"A superb 3-day tour with Hassan, who knew how to make this experience unforgettable. We discovered beautiful landscapes throughout Morocco, up to a desert camp where we could admire a breathtaking sunset. Many thanks to Hassan for his professionalism and kindness throughout the stay. I highly recommend!"
Steve
PPatrick IReunion Island
Superb tour in the south of Morocco
We had a great stay in Morocco thanks to a tailor-made tour concocted by Hassan who guided us throughout our stay. From Marrakech to Merzouga then back via Agadir, the trip was very pleasant and exotic. We loved the passages in the Amridil kasbah, oases and desert. A flawless support and organization that we warmly recommend to our friends.
AAlexi_hcs
A fantastic tour of Morocco!
Oct 2024
We left for 9 days with Casablanca as our starting point and Marrakech as our destination, passing through Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fez, Erfoud, Ouarzazate, and many other places! Hassan has been a great driver, but he is much more than that: he advised us, guided us and told the story of his country throughout the trip. Respectful, polite, kind and very helpful, Hassan did everything to ensure that our trip went as well as possible and that we kept in memory the memorable moments! Riads and rooms/suites have always been great, as have the restaurants where we had lunch. The camel ride and sunset in the dunes of Merzouga, tea among nomadic Berber women and Hassan's jokes will remain unique moments for us!
In short, we recommend Morrocotripway 100% and are delighted with our holidays!
The family: Coucou, Mimi, Lucas3G & Sir Alex
AAnneMontpellier, France
A magical experience
Oct 2024
It was my dream to visit Morocco and MoroccoTripWay made this dream come true. It was perfect from A to Z. I travelled with my teenage daughter and we felt like two princesses :) We had two different guides/drivers, Ali and Hassan, and both of them were so nice, caring, respectful, funny at times, showing us the best views and places of interest along the way, explaining us lots of things we didn't know...You can really feel they love their country and want to share their culture with you, and that make a big difference! The cars were very spacious and comfortable, and we really felt safe the whole trip. We went for a 7 days tour from Marrakech, with stops in Essaouira, Agadir, Teroudant, Dades and the roses valley, Merzouga desert, Ouarzazate...All the riads we stayed in were great, specially the ones in Essaouira and Dades! And of course...the camp in the desert...We met absolutely lovely people there, the Berbers have something very special about them. We felt so welcomed. The camp in itself is wonderful, luxurious with everything you need, so calm in the middle of the desert. The camels ride was wonderful too, we had the chance to ride them just the two of us before the rest of the group joined us later on. All along that road trip, we listened to music both Ali and Hassan enjoyed. It was fun and we loved discovering arabic and berber songs. We really felt spoiled, and taken care of all the way. We never lacked anything. Hassan would always make sure you have water, he's really helping all the time. And he's a great photographer too! If I go back to Morocco (I will for sure!) I will definitely go again with Morocco Trip Way. I trust them 100%! It's very important to feel like this when you discover a country for the first time and want the best experience ever, specially on a short time. I already miss Moroccans, Ali, Hassan, the delicious food, the riads, the souks, and the breathtaking landscapes that make this country unforgettable. Thanks so much to MoroccoTripWay for this magical experience.
FFernando M
Very good experience on the Morocco tour
Oct 2024 • Couples
We toured Morocco, Fez, Merzouga, Ouarzazate and Marrakech and the organization was very good. Both the local guides and the desert travel days.
Hassan was our Guide-Driver most days and we can not be happier.
It is attentive, punctual and always attentive to anything we might need.
He is a very friendly person and made our trip very pleasant and comfortable.
In the end it was a private trip and in the vehicle we were, very comfortable and great.
We highly recommend your company to make the tour of your choice in Morocco.
Thank you Hassan!!
BBeatriz E
Very good organization and fantastic treatment
Hassan's treatment was fantastic. The organization very good, we had no problem. We had a great time!!
The desert is a unique and the camel ride to watch the sunset in the dunes: the best!!
LLorena P
Tour 4 days. Marrakech-Dades-Merzouga-Ouarzazate. Amazing experience.
We cannot put into words the experiences we have experienced with Hassan. We have done a 4 day tour. Marrakech-Dades-Merzouga-Ouarzazate-Marrakech. We have been together and the experience will be remembered for the rest of our lives. We will go back to Morocco to see new places but we are sure it will be with Hassan, a great Pro and better person. Responsible, friendly, friendly, always attentive and super fun from the moment we arrived.
It has taken us to amazing places, great places to eat , have coffee and the best stops for photos (he is also a great photographer!!!!). We have no words to thank Hassan for this experience.
The super-comfortable vehicle and a super-driver... he'll make you remember your ride for the rest of your life. Recommended 100% if you are thinking of traveling to Morocco and taking a tour.
AAntonio C
SUPER TRIP!!
The experience of traveling to Morocco has been amazing!!! The best of all made!!
HASSAN is a great person! Very friendly, polite, punctual and is for everything you need! It's the best you can touch!!!
We will repeat for sure!!!
Your brother Antonio!!
YYann V
An unforgettable discovery
We had an amazing time during the visit with Hassan our Guide! From start to finish, the experience was unforgettable. We had the chance to visit many beautiful places, each more impressive than the last. The food was exceptional, authentic and delicious, giving us a real glimpse of the local cuisine. The highlight was the camel ride through the dunes, a thrilling and fun experience. To top it off, we had an amazing evening at Camp Royal Oasis. Hassan’s knowledge, hospitality and energy made this visit unforgettable. I highly recommend!
Yann
CCamille S
Perfect stay! Perfect Driver and Guide!
We finish a 10-day tour in Morocco with many stages each more beautiful than the last and we return with stars full of eyes. We were accompanied over these 10 days by Hassan, our 5-star driver! He is much more than a driver, he is a whole person with a lot of benevolence, mood and kindness. Schedules are always very well respected, everything is clear and every Trip Tip on his part is good to take. Whether in English, French or even Spanish, he always did his best to accompany us with a network of knowledge around him that ensured that every restaurant proposal on the way, every arrival in our accommodation was perfectly coordinated. We keep a memorable memory of our time in the Merzouga desert, where Hassan again introduced us to great people he knows very well since it is organized as a family. Everything is thoughtful, organized and our desires were respected each time or even more than we imagined. Bravo for the driving and comfort of the vehicle in all circumstances. Always a nice word to know if we are comfortable, if the air conditioning is correct.
We recommend 1000%. Thank you again Hassan for your explanations regarding the different visits , your understanding and patience at all times and for all the excellent advice.
SSéverineSaint-Michel-en-l'Herm, France
3 DAYS OF DREAMS
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Hadou – Dadès Valley
Our driver Hassan picked us up at our Pension to take us to Dades Valley.
We crossed the Tizi-N-Tichka road which crosses the Atlas Mountains, the highest point of which rises to 2,660 meters.
On your way, we were able to observe many Berber villages until we reached Kasbah AMRIDIL. It is an architectural gem that testifies to the ingenuity and richness of Moroccan heritage.
Then head to Ouarzazate, the city of cinema, while crossing the impressive palm grove of Skoura before dropping off our bags in a beautiful Riad (Riad Rihana Tamlat) in Dadès.
We were treated to a magnificent musical performance by all the staff.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Sahara Desert
After a good breakfast, Hassan our Guide took us for a walk through the beautiful and imposing Todra Gorge. A river flows through its sumptuous 300 m high gorges shaped by erosion.
We then discovered the fossil village of Erfoud, Hassan booked us a Hostel in the desert for breathtaking lunch. Oh, my God, that was just sublime.
We went back on the road to discover the famous dunes of Erg Chebbi where we took a camel ride at sunset.
Afterwards, Hassan took us to the heart of the desert in a Berber camp (Royal Oasis Camp) far from mass tourism where we spent the night. We were able to enjoy the serenity and calm of the place under the stars. A hearty typical meal was served before giving way to the typical Berber musical entertainment.
Day 3: Sahara Desert – Marrakech
We were able to admire the sunrise, then after our breakfast, Hassan our Guide took us back to Marrakech to the communicated place, with
a few stops on the road.
We spent 3 days of dreams with a Guide at the top.
I recommend ++++
EEliseo S
Friendliness, attention, experience and security. All great
The trip to Morocco was spectacular, we loved the whole family.
Hassan was our Guide Driver in this experience and I highly recommend him is a wonderful person, attentive , punctual and very very friendly . He made our trip very easy, recommending places to visit, where to eat.... he was watching us at all times.
It was an experience I would repeat with my eyes closed.
I recommend it !!!!
DDéborah
The best agency in whole Morocco and beyond
Morocco trip way is a unique must do experience in this fabulous country.
I have travelled with them many times, in couples, with friends, alone and with my family and each single time was special and unforgettable and I will tell you why you chose book with them.
The guide Hassan speaks perfectly many languages such as English, Spanish or French which makes communication and sharing easier and nicer. He also anticipates all your needs which makes you trip relaxing and really enjoyable. Full of humour, knowledge and joy, he is the perfect guide but also a « hors pair » driver which is quite important in Morocco.
Concerning the tour, it’s more than you will ever dream of. You will have contact with the locals, taste the delicious local food, participate to traditions and live a real human experience among the Berbers people
The hotels or riads chosen are fabulous with great comfort and nice breakfasts always nicely located so that you are free to move in security.
As for the car, it is spacious and cozy just what you need to admire the breathtaking Moroccan landscapes.
In a nutshell, Morroco trip way is a mind blowing agency which gives you a lifetime tour you will never forget. So go ahead, don’t hesitate, you will never be disappointed.
Yes. It is entirely private, with just your group, your own vehicle and your own local guide from Marrakech to Fes.
Will my guide speak English?
Yes. Your local guide speaks English throughout, and in the cities we can arrange a local guide as well.
How much driving is involved?
This is a cross-country route, so there are several hours of driving on most days. The roads are scenic and we stop regularly for photos, walks and meals.
What is included in the desert camp?
The desert night includes a private tent, dinner, breakfast and a camel ride into the dunes. If you would rather not ride, we can arrange a 4x4 transfer to camp instead.
