5 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Enjoy an unforgettable 5 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour through the spectacular landscapes of Morocco. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, discover the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, explore the Dades Valley and admire the impressive Todra Gorges. The journey continues to the golden dunes of Merzouga, where you will experience a camel ride and spend a magical night in a Sahara desert camp.
Discover the traditional villages, palm groves and desert landscapes of southern Morocco before travelling north through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains. Visit the cedar forest near Azrou and the charming town of Ifrane before reaching Fes. This private tour combines cultural discoveries, spectacular scenery and an authentic Sahara experience.
5 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
After breakfast, depart from Marrakech and travel towards the High Atlas Mountains. Cross the spectacular Tizi n Tichka pass, enjoying panoramic views of mountain peaks, traditional Berber villages and beautiful valleys. Several stops will be possible along the way to admire the scenery and take photographs. Continue towards the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional earthen architecture and impressive fortified village.
After exploring the kasbah, continue towards Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the Sahara. Travel through the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses, passing traditional villages and beautiful landscapes. In the afternoon, arrive in the Dades Valley, famous for its dramatic rock formations and winding roads. Check in at your hotel or riad, enjoy dinner and spend the night surrounded by the peaceful scenery of the valley.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, leave the Dades Valley and travel towards Tinghir and the impressive Todra Gorges. Enjoy a walk through the narrow canyon, where enormous limestone cliffs rise above the river. Take time to admire the natural scenery and discover this remarkable part of southern Morocco. Continue towards the desert through traditional villages, palm groves and the Tafilalet region. Pass through Erfoud, known for its fossils and date palm landscapes, before reaching Merzouga.
Upon arrival at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, prepare for an unforgettable camel ride across the golden Sahara. Travel through the dunes as the sun sets and enjoy the changing colors of the desert landscape. Arrive at your desert camp, where a traditional Moroccan dinner will be served. Enjoy local music and a peaceful evening beneath the stars before spending the night in a comfortable private desert tent.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Khamlia – Nomadic Families – Erg Chebbi
Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the camp, return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4 vehicle. Today is dedicated to discovering the desert region and its traditional way of life. Travel by 4×4 across the dunes and visit Khamlia village, famous for its traditional Gnawa music and warm hospitality. Enjoy a moment with local residents and discover the cultural traditions of the Sahara.
Continue towards the desert surroundings to admire panoramic viewpoints, seasonal lakes and remote landscapes. Depending on local conditions, you may also have the opportunity to visit a nomadic family and learn about their traditional lifestyle. Return to Merzouga in the afternoon and check in at a hotel or riad near the dunes. Enjoy dinner and spend a relaxing night in the desert region.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Midelt
After breakfast, leave Merzouga and travel towards Rissani, an important traditional town known for its historic market and its connection with the ancient caravan routes. If the market is open on the day of your visit, you can discover its traditional atmosphere and local products. Continue towards Erfoud and the spectacular Ziz Valley, where extensive palm groves and traditional villages follow the river through the desert landscape.
Enjoy scenic stops along the valley before continuing north through the changing landscapes of eastern Morocco. Travel towards Errachidia and Midelt, a peaceful town situated between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, admire mountain scenery and traditional rural life. Upon arrival in Midelt, check in at your hotel, enjoy dinner and spend the night before continuing towards Fes the following day.
Day 5: Midelt – Cedar Forest of Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
After breakfast, depart Midelt and continue your journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Travel towards the cedar forest near Azrou, where you can enjoy a pleasant stop surrounded by ancient trees and natural landscapes. The forest is known for its Barbary macaques, which may sometimes be seen in their natural environment. Continue towards Ifrane, a charming mountain town known for its clean streets, alpine-style architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
After enjoying a stop in Ifrane, continue towards Fes through the beautiful landscapes of the Middle Atlas. Arrive in Fes in the afternoon or evening, depending on traffic and the stops along the route. Your professional driver/guide will drop you off at your hotel or riad. Your 5-day private journey from Marrakech to Fes ends with unforgettable memories of the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert and the cultural heritage of Morocco.
Included
- Private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional driver/guide throughout the tour
- Pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech
- Drop-off at your accommodation in Fes
- One night in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley
- One night in a desert camp in Merzouga
- One night in a hotel or riad in Merzouga
- One night in a hotel in Midelt
- Four breakfasts
- Four dinners
- Camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Transfer to and from the desert camp by camel or 4×4
- 4×4 excursion around the Merzouga desert
- Fuel and transportation expenses
Excluded
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
- Local guides at monuments and historical sites
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned in the included section