5 Days Desert Tour Fes to Marrakech
Overview
Enjoy a 5 day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech and discover the beauty of Morocco’s landscapes and culture. Travel through Ifrane, the Middle Atlas Mountains, and the Ziz Valley before reaching the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, watch the sunset, and spend a night in a desert camp.
Explore the Merzouga desert, visit Rissani market, walk through the impressive Todra Gorges, and see the beautiful Dades Valley and Valley of Roses. The journey continues through Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, and the High Atlas Mountains before arriving in Marrakech.
Highlights
- Ride camels over the Erg Chebbi dunes, watching an enchanting sunset in the Sahara
- Sleep in a desert camp under the stars with traditional music
- Visit Rissani and the local market at the doorway to the Sahara
- Walk through spectacular Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s finest natural wonders
- Visit Bou Tharar and Kelaat M’Gouna, the heart of Morocco’s Valley of Roses
- Explore ancient kasbahs, including Ait Ben Haddou and the hidden Kasbah of Telouet
- Crossing the High Atlas mountains framed by Berber villages and breathtaking landscapes
5 Days Desert Tour Fes to Marrakech Itinerary
Day 1: Fes ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Middle Atlas Mountains ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Merzouga.
You will begin your expedition from Fes, heading south into the marvelous scenery of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop will be in Ifrane, a delightful little town often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco, with its alpine-style architecture and immaculate streets.
It also allows you to cross the cedars of Azrou to see wild Barbary macaques in their natural environment. The road then crosses the enormous spaces of Ziz Valley, a green and eternal oasis as far as your eyes can go.
Next, you will go to Merzouga in the afternoon, a village which is the gate to the Sahara. From there, deep into Erg Chebbi dunes, a camel ride will take you to a high sand dune to see the breathtaking sunset.
You will spend that night eating an excellent Berber dinner at a traditional desert camp, including entertainment with the campfire and the rhythms of the local drumbeats under the sparkling sky.
Day 2: Full Day to Explore the Merzouga Desert.
The dawn at Merzouga over the dunes is worth an early rise; breakfast can be enjoyed with a view of the desert. With a visit to Merzouga today, you shall discover the region’s rich culture and history that envelops the Sahara.
First stop: Khamlia village, where you will enjoy the spiritual strains of Gnaoua music played by descendants of African slaves. Second stop: a visit to a nomadic family to learn about their straight, simple yet fascinating lives.
Later, explore the seasonal lake of Dayet Srij (which is a birdwatcher’s paradise when full of water). You can also try out sand-boarding on the dunes or take a 4×4 tour across the desert for further discovery. The evening is free for relaxing at camp or hotel.
Day 3: Merzouga ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Dades Valley.
Leave after breakfast to make an en-route stop at Rissani, an ancient town with a traditional souk-market where locals traded everything from spices to livestock. A walk in its lively alleys brings you back in time.
From there you’ll drive toward Todra Gorge, one of the most stunning terrains in Morocco. Cliffs 300 m high invite climbers as well as nature lovers alike. You will have time to discover, take photos, and walk along the river.
Continuing on toward the Dades Valley, you will get a chance to pass through Berber villages and stop at the famous Finger of Monkey rock formations. Such winding roads offer breathtaking views, some of the most beautiful in Morocco.
Tonight you will spend the night in a lovely guest house located in the heart of the valley.
Day 4: Dades Valley ⇢ Kelaat M’Gouna ⇢ Skoura ⇢ Ouarzazate.
Today will be a day for the secrets of Morocco to come alive. The drive will take you across Bou Tharar, an area of Morocco with traditional Berber villages and nomadic families who live in caves.
From here, you get to Kelaat M’Gouna, the Valley of Roses’ capital. If you go in spring, the valley is bedecked with blooming roses whose perfume scents the air. Visit a local cooperative to see rose water and perfume being made.
Proceed to Skoura, which is famous for its lovely Kasbahs and the Amridil Kasbah, which is but one more fascinating mud brick building with a story to tell.
At the end the road leads to Ouarzazate, the city where The Mummy and Gladiator were filmed, are the reasons Ouarzazate is often referred to as the ‘Hollywood of Morocco’ and it is also where you will be spending the night in this arid land.
Day 5: Ouarzazate ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ Telouet Kasbah ⇢ Marrakech.
Your last day begins with a visit to the ancient Ait Ben Haddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco and an important tourist destination. This kasbah has formed the location for many films and series; thus, taking a walk down its twisting alleys almost makes one feel part of the film cast.
From there, you will take the back roads to Telouet Kasbah, hidden from tourists and a darling of the locals. The Gloaui family used to live here; it has beautiful tiles, ceilings carved to the last detail, and views to die for.
The journey takes you across the High Atlas, over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2260m, which happens to be one of the most scenic drives in Morocco.
The drive continues to change landscape as it descends toward the magnificent city of Marrakech, bringing to an end this beautiful 5-day experience.
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.
- Accommodation: Desert camp & hotels/riads
- Transfer either by car or camels from the camp.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner x4
Not Included
- Lunches.
- Drinks.
- Entrance fee to monuments.
- Tipping (Optional)
Booking
- 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.