Experience the beauty of Morocco on an unforgettable 5 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga and Back to Fes. This private Morocco tour takes you from the historic city of Fes through the Middle Atlas Mountains, beautiful valleys, dramatic gorges, and the golden Sahara Desert before returning to Fes.
Your journey starts in Fes and heads south through the mountain town of Ifrane, the peaceful Cedar Forest of Azrou, and the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its green palm groves and dramatic landscapes. You will then arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
In the Merzouga Sahara Desert, you will have plenty of time to explore the area. Enjoy a private 4x4 desert excursion, visit local nomad families, listen to traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia village, and discover the desert landscapes around Erg Chebbi. At sunset, enjoy a memorable camel ride across the golden dunes before spending the night in a comfortable luxury desert camp under the stars, with traditional Berber music around the campfire.
Continue your journey through the beautiful landscapes of southeastern Morocco. Visit the historic town of Rissani, explore the impressive Todra Gorge, and spend time in the scenic Dades Valley. The return journey then takes you through the Ziz Valley, Errachidia, Midelt, the Middle Atlas Mountains, and Ifrane before arriving back in Fes.
This 5 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga and Back to Fes is designed for travelers who want to experience the Sahara Desert, mountains, valleys, local culture, and traditional Moroccan landscapes while returning to Fes at the end of the trip.
Tour Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Starting Point: Fes (Airport, Hotel, or Riad)
Ending Point: Fes (Airport, Hotel, or Riad)
Main Destinations: Fes, Ifrane, Azrou Cedar Forest, Midelt, Ziz Valley, Merzouga Desert (2 Nights), Rissani, Erfoud, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Errachidia, Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane, Fes. More Tours
Highlights
Tour Highlights
Direct pick-up in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech on a seamless one-way route with no backtracking.
Visit the clean alpine mountain town of Ifrane ("Switzerland of Morocco").
See and feed wild Barbary macaque monkeys in the ancient Cedar Forest of Azrou.
Drive past millions of green date palms along the dramatic cliffs of the Ziz Valley.
Spend 2 full nights in the Merzouga Sahara Desert (1 night desert hotel + 1 night luxury camp).
Enjoy an exciting 4x4 desert safari to visit authentic nomadic families in their tents.
Experience live spiritual Gnawa music in Khamlia village and visit Lake Dayet Srij.
Taste the famous local specialty: homemade Berber pizza (Medfouna) for lunch.
Take an unforgettable sunset camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
Walk between the towering 300-meter-high limestone canyon walls of Todra Gorge.
Spend a night in the picturesque Dades Valley and a night in the cinema hub of Ouarzazate.
Tour the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (seen in Gladiator).
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the panoramic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) to Marrakech.
Day by day
5 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech Itinerary
Day 1
Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga
Your 5 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga and Back to Fes begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Fes. Meet your friendly driver and start your journey south toward the Sahara Desert.
Your first stop is Ifrane, a clean and charming mountain town often called the "Switzerland of Morocco." Take some photos and enjoy the cool mountain air before continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Next, drive through the Cedar Forest of Azrou, where you may see Barbary macaque monkeys among the ancient cedar trees. After that, continue to Midelt, known for its apples and mountain scenery, where you can stop for lunch.
In the afternoon, continue toward the desert through the stunning Ziz Valley, famous for its green palm groves, rocky cliffs, and beautiful landscapes. Make a short stop in Erfoud, known for fossils and dates, before continuing to Merzouga near the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
Check into a comfortable hotel near the dunes, enjoy dinner, and relax before your full day of Sahara adventure tomorrow.
Overnight: Hotel in Merzouga Meals: Dinner included
Day 2
Full Day in Merzouga Desert – 4x4 Excursion – Nomads – Khamlia – Camel Ride – Luxury Desert Camp
Today is the highlight of your Morocco desert tour. After breakfast, get into a 4x4 vehicle for an exciting desert excursion around the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Start by following the desert tracks toward a traditional nomad family living in the Sahara. Enjoy a cup of Moroccan mint tea and learn about their traditional way of life.
Continue to Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people. Enjoy traditional Gnawa music before continuing to Lake Srij, where you may see birds depending on the season.
After lunch at a local restaurant, return toward the dunes and enjoy some free time before your camel experience.
In the late afternoon, meet your camel guide and begin your sunset camel ride across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Ride through the peaceful Sahara while watching the sun set over the sand.
Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you will enjoy Moroccan mint tea, a traditional dinner, live Berber drum music around the campfire, and a peaceful night under the stars.
Overnight: Luxury Sahara Desert Camp in Merzouga Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Wake up early to enjoy a beautiful Sahara sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the camp, return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 vehicle to meet your driver.
Begin your journey west toward the Dades Valley. Stop in Rissani, a historic desert town known for its traditional market, dates, and local products.
Continue through Erfoud and travel toward Tinghir through changing desert landscapes.
Next, visit the impressive Todra Gorge, one of the most beautiful natural attractions in southern Morocco. Take a relaxing walk between the tall limestone cliffs and enjoy the peaceful river and palm oases.
After lunch, continue toward the scenic Dades Valley. Arrive at your hotel or riad surrounded by red rock formations and green gardens.
Enjoy dinner and relax after a beautiful day of exploring southern Morocco.
Overnight: Hotel/Riad in Dades Valley Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 4
Dades Valley – Skoura Oasis – Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains
After breakfast, continue your 5 Days Morocco Tour from Fes to Merzouga and Back to Fes toward Ouarzazate.
Drive through the beautiful landscapes of the Dades Valley and along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Continue toward the peaceful Skoura Oasis, known for its palm groves and traditional clay kasbahs.
Arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the "Hollywood of Africa." Visit the Kasbah Taourirt and, if time allows, the Atlas Film Studios, where many international movies and TV shows have been filmed.
After exploring Ouarzazate, continue toward the High Atlas Mountains and enjoy the changing scenery as you travel through mountain valleys and traditional Berber villages.
Depending on the timing, you can stop for photos along the way before continuing toward the Tizi n'Tichka Pass area.
Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a comfortable hotel in the High Atlas region or near Marrakech.
Overnight: Hotel/Riad in the High Atlas or Marrakech area Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 5
Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Tizi n'Tichka Pass – Marrakech
After breakfast, begin the final day of your 5 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech. Leave Ouarzazate and continue toward the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
Explore this historic UNESCO World Heritage Site, a beautiful traditional earthen village built along the old caravan route. Walk through its narrow streets and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape. Ait Ben Haddou is also famous as a filming location for movies and TV shows such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.
After the visit, continue toward the High Atlas Mountains and cross the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass, reaching an elevation of around 2,260 meters. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountain peaks, valleys, and traditional Berber villages along the way.
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and continue the scenic drive toward Marrakech.
Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel, riad, or the airport, completing your 5 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Meals: Breakfast included
Inclusions
Included
Pick-up from your accommodation or airport in Fes.
Drop-off at your hotel, riad, or airport in Marrakech.
Private, modern air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or comfortable minivan) with fuel.
Professional English-speaking local driver-guide throughout the tour.
1 Night in a comfortable desert hotel in Merzouga (overlooking the dunes).
1 Night in a private luxury Sahara desert camp in Erg Chebbi (Merzouga).
1 Night in a comfortable hotel/riad in Dades Valley.
1 Night in a comfortable hotel in Ouarzazate.
4 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners (Merzouga Hotel, Desert Camp, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate).
Sunset and sunrise camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Live Berber drum music around the desert campfire.
All hotel and local accommodation taxes.
Not Included
—International and domestic flight tickets.
—Lunches and daily personal drinks.
—Entrance fees to monuments, museums, and film studios.
—Dinner in Marrakech on Day 5.
—Personal travel insurance and personal expenses.
—Optional activities (such as quad biking / ATV in the dunes).
—Tips and gratuities for the driver and local guides.
Why book with us
Why Choose Our 5 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech?
Complete One-Way Morocco Tour (No Backtracking)
This 5 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech starts in Fes and ends in Marrakech, so you see all the best sights across Morocco without wasting time driving back to your starting city.
Full Day in the Sahara Desert with Camel Ride
Unlike shorter tours, this Morocco desert tour gives you a full day in Merzouga. Enjoy a 4x4 desert excursion, visit nomad families, listen to Gnawa music, and take a magical camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset — all without rushing.
Luxury Desert Camp Under the Stars
Spend an unforgettable night in a luxury Sahara desert camp with real beds, private bathrooms, hot showers, a delicious dinner, and live Berber drum music around the campfire under a sky full of stars.
Relaxed Overnights in Dades Valley & Ouarzazate
Breaking the return journey with overnight stays in both Dades Valley and Ouarzazate allows you to explore the gorges, valleys, and film studios at a comfortable, leisurely pace.
See Morocco's Most Famous Landmarks
In just five days, visit the Cedar Forest, Ziz Valley, Todra Gorge, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the High Atlas Mountains — all in one amazing Morocco tour.
Private Transport and Expert Local Guide
Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle with a friendly English-speaking driver-guide. Stop for photos, coffee, and sightseeing whenever you want — the schedule is flexible and made for you.
Photos
Tour Gallery
Questions
FAQs About 5 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Where does the 5-day desert tour start and end?
This tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel, riad, or airport in Fes and finishes with a drop-off at your hotel, riad, or Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) in Marrakech. Because it is a one-way trip, you travel across Morocco without ever having to drive back to your starting point.
Is this a private tour or a shared group tour?
This is a 100% private Morocco tour. You will have your own private, air-conditioned vehicle and an experienced English-speaking driver-guide. You can stop for photos, coffee, and bathroom breaks whenever and wherever you want.
How long is the camel ride in Merzouga?
The sunset camel ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes to reach your luxury desert camp. You will also have the option to ride camels back the next morning at sunrise.
What if I cannot or do not want to ride a camel?
No problem at all! If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can travel directly to and from the luxury desert camp inside our comfortable 4x4 vehicle at no extra charge.
What is the luxury desert camp like?
The luxury Sahara camp provides real comfort in the desert. You will sleep in a private, spacious tent with a comfortable real bed, clean linens, electricity, and a private en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet and a hot shower.
What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes all 4 breakfasts at your hotels and camp, as well as 4 delicious traditional Moroccan dinners. Lunches, snacks, and drinks are not included, but your driver will stop at clean, quality local restaurants along the route.
What should I pack for this 5-day desert tour?
We recommend packing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for daytime, a warm jacket or sweater for cool desert nights, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf for the desert wind, and a power bank for your camera or phone.
Is this tour suitable for families with kids and elderly travelers?
Yes, this 5-day tour is great for all ages because it is well-paced and not rushed. Since it is a private tour, you set the pace, and your driver can make extra stops whenever you or your family need to rest.
What is the best time of year to take this Morocco tour?
The best months to take a Morocco desert tour are from September to May, when daytime temperatures are pleasant. However, this tour runs all year round, and all our vehicles and accommodations have air-conditioning and heating.
Can this 5-day itinerary be customized?
Yes! Because it is a private tour, the itinerary can be easily adjusted to fit your arrival time, departure flight, accommodation preferences, or special requests. Simply let us know before booking.
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