5 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
Overview
Enjoy an unforgettable 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes and discover some of Morocco’s most beautiful places. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains, visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, explore green palm oases, walk through impressive canyons, and experience the magic of the Sahara Desert.
This tour takes you from Marrakech to Fes through amazing landscapes and traditional Berber villages. You’ll ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, spend a night in a desert camp under the stars, visit nomadic families, and enjoy traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia Village.
Along the way, you’ll discover Ouarzazate, Skoura Oasis, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, Ziz Valley, Azrou Cedar Forest, and the charming town of Ifrane before arriving in Fes.
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
- Explore Telouet Kasbah and Taourirt Kasbah.
- Discover Skoura Oasis and Amridil Kasbah.
- See the beautiful Valley of Roses.
- Visit the famous Monkey Fingers rock formations.
- Walk through Todra Gorge.
- Ride camels in the Sahara Desert.
- Watch the sunset and sunrise over Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Spend a night in a desert camp with Berber music.
- Visit Khamlia Village and enjoy Gnawa music.
- Meet local nomadic families.
- Discover the Ziz Valley palm oasis.
- See Barbary macaques in Azrou Cedar Forest.
- Visit Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco.
5 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech ⇢ High Atlas Mountains ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ Ouarzazate.
We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8:00 AM and start our trip towards the High Atlas Mountains. As we cross the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of mountains, valleys, and traditional Berber villages.
Our first stop is Telouet Kasbah, an old palace that once belonged to the powerful Glaoui family. You’ll have time to explore the kasbah and learn about its history.
We then continue to Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient fortified village has been used in many films and TV shows, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
After lunch, we’ll drive to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco.” If time allows, we’ll visit Taourirt Kasbah before heading to your hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Day 2: Ouarzazate ⇢ Skoura ⇢ Klaat M'Gouna ⇢ Dades Valley.
After breakfast, we’ll continue to Skoura Oasis, known for its large palm groves and beautiful kasbahs. Here we’ll visit the famous Amridil Kasbah, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in southern Morocco.
Next, we’ll drive through the Valley of Roses and Kelaat M’Gouna, a region famous for its rose products and annual Rose Festival.
As we continue through small Berber villages and beautiful landscapes, you’ll see another side of Morocco away from the busy cities.
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Dades Valley. Before reaching the hotel, we’ll stop to see the famous Monkey Fingers rock formations and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley.
Dinner and overnight stay in Dades Valley.
Day 3: Dades Valley ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Merzouga Desert.
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Todra Gorge, one of the most beautiful canyons in Morocco. You’ll have time to walk along the river and admire the high cliffs that rise on both sides of the gorge.
We continue through Tinjdad and Erfoud, a town known for fossils and dates. As we get closer to the Sahara, the landscape begins to change and the dunes appear on the horizon.
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Merzouga. Here, you’ll meet your camel caravan and begin a camel ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
We’ll stop on a high dune to watch the sunset before continuing to the desert camp. After dinner, enjoy traditional Berber music around the campfire and spend the night under a sky full of stars.
Dinner and overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp.
Day 4: Full-Day Merzouga Desert Exploration.
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, we’ll spend the day exploring the Merzouga area.
First, we’ll visit Khamlia Village, famous for its traditional Gnawa music. You’ll enjoy a live performance and learn about the history of this unique culture.
Next, we’ll visit local nomadic families living in the desert. You’ll be welcomed with mint tea and learn about their daily life and traditions.
We’ll also visit the seasonal Lake Dayet Srij, where you may see flamingos and other migratory birds when water levels are good.
In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to relax, walk in the dunes, or enjoy optional activities such as quad biking or sandboarding.
Dinner and overnight stay in Merzouga.
Day 5: Merzouga ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Fes.
After breakfast, we’ll leave the desert behind and begin our drive towards Fes.
Our first stop is the beautiful Ziz Valley, one of the largest palm oases in Morocco. We’ll stop at a viewpoint where you can enjoy amazing views of thousands of palm trees stretching across the valley.
After passing through Midelt, we’ll continue to the Cedar Forest of Azrou. Here you’ll have the chance to see the famous Barbary macaques living freely in the forest.
Before reaching Fes, we’ll stop in Ifrane, a clean and peaceful mountain town often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” because of its European-style architecture.
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Fes, where your 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes comes to an end.
Gallery
Price Include And Exclude
Include
- Convenient Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off.
- Private, air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable journey.
- Car fuel.
- Experienced, professional driver and tour guide to enhance your experience.
- Camel ride per person.
- Sanboarding.
- Overnight camping.
- 3 Night stay in Ouarzazate, Dades Valley & Merzouga.
- Transfer either by car or camels from the camp.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner x4
Not Included
- Lunches.
- Drinks.
- Entrance fee to monuments.
- Tipping (Optional)
Why Choose This Tour?
- Explore Morocco’s mountains, valleys, kasbahs, and desert in one trip.
- Spend more time discovering the Sahara and local culture.
- Ride camels across the famous Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Stay in a traditional desert camp under the stars.
- Visit nomadic families and learn about their way of life.
- Enjoy traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia Village.
- Travel at a comfortable pace with plenty of sightseeing stops.
- Perfect for couples, families, friends, and solo travelers.
- If this itinerary doesn't align with your needs, we can adjust and tailor it to suit your preferences. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for customization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the camel ride included in the tour?
Yes, the camel trek in the Sahara Desert is included. You’ll ride a camel across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to reach the desert camp while enjoying a beautiful sunset over the Sahara.
How long is the camel trek?
The camel ride usually takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on the season and the location of the desert camp.
Can I go to the desert camp by 4x4 instead of a camel?
Yes. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can arrange a 4×4 transfer to and from the desert camp at no extra charge.
What type of accommodation is included?
The tour includes comfortable accommodation in hotels or riads during the trip and a traditional desert camp in Merzouga. Luxury upgrades are available upon request.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is suitable for families with children. Kids usually enjoy the camel ride, desert camp experience, and exploring the dunes.
How much driving is involved?
Morocco is a large country, and some days include several hours of driving. However, there are many stops along the way for sightseeing, photos, rest breaks, and cultural visits.
Will we see nomadic families during the tour?
Yes. During the desert exploration day in Merzouga, you’ll visit local nomadic families and learn about their traditional lifestyle in the Sahara.