Discover the magic of Morocco on this unforgettable 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes. Travel from the vibrant Red City of Marrakech, over the High Atlas Mountains, through ancient kasbahs and dramatic gorges, to the stunning Sahara Desert of Merzouga.
Along the way, you will explore traditional Berber villages, lush valleys, deep canyons, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while enjoying Morocco's warm hospitality and rich culture.
Your journey begins in Marrakech and leads you over the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass, past the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and the film city of Ouarzazate. Continue through the beautiful Dades Valley and the impressive Todra Gorge.
Then reach the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, where you'll enjoy a camel trek, watch a breathtaking desert sunset, and spend a magical night in a luxury Sahara desert camp under a sky full of stars.
On this 5 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour, you will also visit nomad families, listen to traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia, and travel through the green Ziz Valley and the cedar forests of Azrou.
The tour ends with a full guided day in the ancient medina of Fes, giving you a complete experience of Morocco's desert, mountains, valleys, and imperial cities in just five days.
Tour Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Starting Point: Marrakech (Airport or Hotel)
Ending Point: Fes (Airport or Riad/Hotel)
Main Destinations: Marrakech, High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley (1 Night), Todra Gorge, Merzouga Desert (2 Nights), Khamlia Village, Ziz Valley, Azrou Cedar Forest, Ifrane, Fes (1 Night). More Tours
Highlights
Tour Highlights
Cross the high peaks of the High Atlas Mountains via the panoramic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m).
Tour the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (seen in Gladiator).
Explore Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa," and the fragrant Valley of Roses.
Walk between the towering 300-meter-high limestone canyon walls of Todra Gorge.
Spend 2 full nights in the Merzouga Sahara Desert (1 night hotel + 1 night luxury camp).
Enjoy an exciting 4x4 desert safari to visit authentic nomadic families in their desert tents.
Experience live spiritual Gnawa music in Khamlia village and visit Lake Dayet Srij.
Take an unforgettable sunset camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
Sleep in a private luxury Sahara desert camp with hot showers, dinner, and campfire music.
Drive past millions of green date palms along the dramatic cliffs of the Ziz Valley.
See and feed wild Barbary macaques in the ancient Cedar Forest of Azrou.
Visit the clean alpine mountain town of Ifrane ("Switzerland of Morocco").
Take a full-day certified guided walking tour of the ancient medieval Fes Medina.
Day by day
5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Your private 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. Meet your professional English-speaking driver-guide and set out toward the High Atlas Mountains.
Climb through the winding roads of the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m elevation), stopping along the way for panoramic photos of deep valleys and traditional mud-brick Berber villages.
Descend toward the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided walking tour through this ancient fortified clay village, famously featured in blockbuster Hollywood movies like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.
Continue past Ouarzazate and the fragrant Valley of Roses to reach the scenic Dades Valley. Check into your hotel overlooking the green canyon, enjoy dinner, and relax for the night.
Overnight: Hotel/Riad in Dades Valley Meals: Dinner included
Day 2
Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud (Fossils) – Merzouga Desert (Hotel near Dunes)
After breakfast, drive through the Dades Valley to admire the unique geological rock formations known as the "Monkey Fingers." Continue toward Tinghir to explore the spectacular Todra Gorge, walking along the shallow riverbed beneath towering 300-meter-high limestone cliff walls.
After lunch near the gorge, travel east toward the Sahara Desert, stopping in Erfoud, a town famous worldwide for ancient fossil quarries and date palms, where you can visit an artisan workshop.
In the late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga at the foot of the golden Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Check into a comfortable desert hotel located right on the edge of the dunes. Relax by the swimming pool, take a barefoot walk on the sand, and enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner.
Overnight: Hotel in Merzouga (overlooking the dunes) Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 3
Full Day Merzouga Sahara Safari – Nomads – Khamlia – Sunset Camel Trek – Luxury Camp
Wake up to the fresh desert air and enjoy breakfast overlooking the dunes. Today is dedicated entirely to an in-depth 4x4 desert safari exploring the wilderness around Erg Chebbi, driving across off-road sand tracks and historic Paris-Dakar Rally routes.
Visit an authentic nomadic Berber family living in traditional woven tents in the remote desert plains. Share a warm cup of Moroccan mint tea with them, learn about their ancient nomadic customs, and discover how they survive in the Sahara's harsh environment.
Next, travel to Khamlia village to enjoy an energetic live performance of spiritual Gnawa music played with metal castanets and drums. Visit Lake Dayet Srij, and stop at a local village cafe for lunch to taste the famous local specialty: Berber pizza (Medfouna).
In the late afternoon, mount your camel for an unforgettable sunset camel trek across the golden dunes. Arrive at your private luxury Sahara desert camp, enjoy a gourmet dinner, listen to live Berber drum music around the campfire, and sleep in a private luxury tent under the stars.
Overnight: Luxury Sahara Desert Camp in Merzouga Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 4
Merzouga (Sahara Sunrise) – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
Wake up early to witness the breathtaking spectacle of a Sahara sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, followed by breakfast at the camp. Return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 vehicle and meet your driver to begin your journey north toward Fes.
Drive along the picturesque Ziz Valley, stopping to photograph the sweeping palm canyon, and cross the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains to reach Midelt for lunch. In the afternoon, drive through the peaceful Cedar Forest of Azrou to see and feed friendly wild Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat.
Stop in the alpine town of Ifrane, known as the "Switzerland of Morocco," to photograph the famous stone Lion Statue before completing the drive to the ancient imperial city of Fes to check into your riad.
Overnight: Traditional Riad in Fes Meals: Breakfast included
Day 5
Full-Day Guided Walking Tour of Fes Medina – Drop-off (Departure)
After breakfast at your riad, meet your certified local guide for an unforgettable historical walking tour of Fes el-Bali, the ancient medieval medina and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the labyrinth of over 9,000 narrow, car-free streets, discovering hidden architectural treasures at every corner.
Visit Al-Qarawiyyin University (recognized by UNESCO as the oldest operating university in the world), the Bou Inania Madrasa, the golden brass doors of the Royal Palace, and the historic Jewish Quarter (Mellah).
Watch master craftsmen at work in the artisan souks, visit a traditional ceramic workshop, and see the famous Chouara Tanneries where leather is dyed using natural medieval methods. End your day enjoying a panoramic view of the medina from the Borj Nord fortress before your driver drops you off at your riad, hotel, or Fes Saïss Airport (FEZ).
Meals: Breakfast included
Inclusions
Included
Pick-up from your accommodation or airport in Marrakech.
Drop-off at your hotel, riad, or Fes Saïss Airport (FEZ) in Fes.
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 hotel/riad in Dades Valley.
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 an authentic traditional riad in Fes.
4 Breakfasts and 3 Dinners (Dades Valley, Merzouga Hotel, Desert Camp).
Sunset and sunrise camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Official certified local guide for the full-day Fes Medina walking tour.
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 Fes on Day 4.
—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 Marrakech to Fes?
The Smartest One-Way Route (Zero Backtracking)
Travel in a straight, scenic line from Marrakech through the High Atlas, Dades Valley, Sahara Desert, and Middle Atlas Mountains to Fes without repeating any roads, saving you precious travel time.
2 Full Nights in the Merzouga Sahara Desert
Enjoy a complete, unrushed Sahara experience with one night in a desert hotel and one night in a private luxury Sahara desert camp, plus a full-day 4x4 nomad safari across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
Certified Guided Tour of Fes Medina
Conclude your tour with an in-depth walking tour of the world's oldest medieval city led by an official certified local historian guide exploring ancient madrasas, palaces, and artisan tanneries.
Spectacular Canyons & Mountain Passes
Walk inside the giant 300-meter limestone cliffs of Todra Gorge, explore the "Monkey Fingers" rock formations of Dades Valley, and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m).
Authentic Cultural Encounters
Share tea with nomadic Berber families in their desert tents, listen to live Gnawa music in Khamlia, and see wild Barbary monkeys in the ancient Cedar Forest of Azrou.
Private Comfort and Complete Flexibility
Travel in a private, modern, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced professional English-speaking driver-guide, enjoying the freedom of customized photo stops, rest breaks, and authentic Moroccan hospitality at every step.
Photos
Tour Gallery
Questions
FAQs About 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
How much does the 5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes cost?
The price for this private 5-day tour starts from €420 to €580 per person, depending on the total number of travelers in your private group, travel season, and selected hotel/camp tiers (Standard charming riads or 5-star Luxury accommodations).
Why is a 5-day tour better than a fast 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes?
A 3-day tour spends most of the time driving with very little time in the desert. On this 5-day tour, you spend 2 full nights in Merzouga with a 4x4 nomad safari, enjoy an easy drive to Fes, and receive a dedicated full-day guided walking tour of Fes on Day 5.
What is the luxury Sahara desert camp in Merzouga like?
The luxury camp in Erg Chebbi features spacious private canvas tents equipped with comfortable real beds, private en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, electricity, and traditional Moroccan decor. You will enjoy a fresh Moroccan dinner and live Berber drum music around the campfire under the stars.
How is luggage handled during the camel ride in Merzouga?
Your main luggage remains safely transported directly to your luxury tent in a 4x4 support vehicle. You only need to carry a small daypack with your camera, water, and personal essentials on the camel.
Can we travel to the desert camp by 4x4 vehicle instead of riding a camel?
Yes, absolutely! If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can travel directly to the luxury desert camp inside the comfortable 4x4 vehicle at no extra charge.
How long is the drive from Merzouga to Fes on Day 4?
The drive from Merzouga to Fes is approximately 470 km (290 miles) and takes about 7 to 8 hours, broken up with scenic stops in the Ziz Valley, lunch in Midelt, monkey-spotting in the Cedar Forest of Azrou, and a coffee break in Ifrane.
Is the guided walking tour of Fes Medina private?
Yes! You will have your own dedicated, certified local historian guide in Fes on Day 5, ensuring a personalized walking tour at your own pace.
What is the best time of year to take this 5-day tour?
The best times to book this tour are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when daytime temperatures across the mountains, desert, and imperial cities are mild and pleasant. However, the tour operates comfortably year-round.
Can special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) be accommodated?
Yes. All hotels, traditional riads, and our luxury desert camp cater easily to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and halal diets upon request. Please notify us when booking.
Can this tour be done in reverse (from Fes to Marrakech)?
Yes! Because this is a 100% private tour, we can easily run the exact same itinerary in reverse, starting with a pick-up in Fes and concluding with a drop-off in Marrakech.
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