Explore a 6 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga, with camel trekking, Sahara camps, Atlas Mountains, and authentic Moroccan experiences.
- 6 Days/ 5 Nights
- Start in Fes
- Ends in Marrakech
FES TO MARRAKECH DESERT TOUR 6 DAYS OVERVIEW
This 6 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech offers a relaxed and authentic way to discover Morocco, passing through the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, Berber villages, and dramatic valleys before reaching the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. The journey includes a camel trek over the golden dunes, a night in a desert camp under the stars, and visits to places like Rissani, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and ancient kasbahs, before crossing the High Atlas Mountains and finishing in Marrakech with unforgettable landscapes and cultural experiences along the way.
Tour Highlights:
- Travel from Fes to Marrakech through diverse landscapes and scenic routes
- Explore the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, and Berber villages
- Experience a camel trek in the Merzouga Sahara Desert
- Spend a night in a desert camp under the stars
- Discover Rissani and traditional desert towns
- Walk through the impressive Todra Gorge
- Visit the beautiful Dades Valley and Valley of Roses
- See ancient kasbahs and palm oases
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains with panoramic views
6 Days Desert Tour From Fes To Marrakech Via Merzouga Itinerary
this 6 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga is planned to balance sightseeing and comfort, without rushing long drives. Each day brings new landscapes, from mountains and valleys to the Sahara dunes, with time to enjoy local culture, photo stops, and authentic experiences along the way. Below is the full itinerary so you know exactly what to expect during the journey.
Day 1: Fez - Middle Atlas Mountains - Merzouga (Cultural & Scenic Day)
Your journey begins early in Fes as we head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, a region known for its fresh air, forests, and traditional mountain towns. Along the way, we pass through Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, with its clean streets and alpine-style houses, before continuing into the cedar forests where Barbary macaques live. This part of the drive shows a very different side of Morocco, green landscapes, quiet villages, and wide mountain roads.
After crossing Midelt, we travel through the Ziz Valley, one of the most beautiful palm oases in the country. The view from the panoramic stops overlooks thousands of palm trees stretching along the river, with small villages built from mud brick blending into the scenery. As we continue toward the desert, the landscape slowly changes, becoming drier and more dramatic, preparing you for the Sahara.
By late afternoon or early evening, we arrive in Merzouga, where the first golden dunes of the Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. Here, you settle into your hotel or desert lodge at the edge of the dunes, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, and relax after a long but rewarding day filled with cultural stops and unforgettable scenery.
Day 2: Merzouga – Sahara Desert (Eco-Tourism & Adventure Day)
Today is dedicated to discovering the Sahara Desert and the unique life that exists around it. After breakfast, we explore the area around Merzouga by 4x4, driving through desert landscapes, fossil fields, and small nomadic settlements. You visit local Berber families and learn how people have adapted to life in the desert, relying on traditions, livestock, and deep knowledge of the land.
A special stop is made at a village of Gnawa people, where you experience their traditional music and hear stories passed down through generations. This cultural moment gives a deeper understanding of the desert’s history and its African roots. Later, you enjoy a relaxed lunch in a local restaurant, often serving simple but flavorful regional dishes.
In the late afternoon, the adventure continues with a camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, timed perfectly for sunset. As the light changes over the sand, you reach your desert camp, where you enjoy dinner, local music around the fire, and a peaceful night under the stars, surrounded by the silence of the Sahara.
Day 3: Merzouga - Todra Gorge - Dades Valley (Nature & Cultural Day)
After an early breakfast in Merzouga, we leave the desert behind and head toward the impressive Todra Gorge. The drive passes through desert towns and palm-filled valleys, especially around Tinghir, where green oases contrast beautifully with the surrounding rocky landscapes. Along the way, there are short stops to stretch your legs, take photos, and see everyday life in southern Morocco.
Upon arrival at Todra Gorge, you have time to walk between the towering canyon walls that rise dramatically on both sides of the river. It is a refreshing stop, especially in warm weather, and a favorite place for photographers and climbers. You can enjoy a short walk, relax by the river, or simply take in the scale and natural beauty of the gorge.
In the afternoon, the journey continues toward the Dades Valley, known for its winding roads, dramatic rock formations, and traditional Berber villages clinging to the hillsides. We stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking the famous Dades hairpin bends before arriving at your hotel or guesthouse in the valley, where you enjoy dinner and rest after a day rich in nature and local culture.
Day 4: Dades Valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou (Cultural & Historical Day)
After breakfast in the Dades Valley, the journey continues through the Valley of Roses and Skoura Oasis, an area known for its palm groves and historic kasbahs. Along the road, you pass small villages and fertile valleys that show the importance of agriculture in this region. There are photo stops along the way, especially near old kasbahs built from mud brick, blending naturally into the landscape.
Arriving in Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Morocco, you have time to visit the Taourirt Kasbah or see the exterior of the famous film studios, where many international movies were filmed. This city has long been a crossroads for caravans and traders, giving it a strong historical identity tied to the Sahara and Atlas Mountains.
In the afternoon, we reach Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic ksars in Morocco. You walk through the ancient fortified village, crossing the river and climbing to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area. After the visit, you head to your nearby accommodation for dinner and overnight, surrounded by history and desert architecture.
Day 5: Ait Ben Haddou - High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech (Scenic & Adventure Day)
After breakfast near Ait Ben Haddou, the journey continues toward Marrakech through the stunning High Atlas Mountains. The road winds upward through dramatic scenery, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest mountain pass in Morocco, with several stops for photos and fresh mountain air. Along the way, you enjoy wide views over valleys, mountain peaks, and traditional Berber villages built into the hillsides.
As we descend from the mountains, the landscape slowly changes, and the pace becomes more relaxed. We arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon, where you are transferred to your riad or hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest after the long drive or enjoy a first walk through the nearby streets, preparing you for a full day of exploring the Red City on the following day.
Day 6: Marrakech Exploration (Cultural & Culinary Day)
Today is dedicated to discovering the vibrant heart of Marrakech. After breakfast, you explore the city’s most important historical and cultural sites, such as the Koutoubia Mosque from the outside, Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs. Walking through the old Medina, you experience the lively souks, where artisans work with leather, metal, and spices using traditional methods passed down through generations.
In the afternoon, the focus turns to Marrakech’s rich food culture. You have time to enjoy local dishes in a traditional restaurant and taste Moroccan flavors like tagine, couscous, and fresh mint tea. Later, you can visit Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where food stalls, musicians, and storytellers bring the city to life. This final day offers a perfect balance of culture, history, and cuisine, giving you a deeper connection to Marrakech and a memorable end to your journey.
Fes Desert Tour To Marrakech 6 Days Price:
The price of the Fes to Marrakech 6 days desert tour depends on several factors such as the number of travelers, type of accommodation, season, and level of comfort you choose. To get an exact price and a tour tailored to your needs, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to provide a detailed quote with no obligation.
Tour Includes & Excludes:
What’s Included in the Price:
Private transportation for 3 days in a comfortable 4×4 or air-conditioned minivan, including fuel
Pick-up and drop-off from your riad or any location in Marrakech
Dedicated private driver/guide who speaks English
One overnight stay in a high-quality hotel or traditional riad
One overnight stay in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga with a private bathroom
Camel trek experience (one camel per person), with a 4WD transfer option available if preferred
Sandboarding equipment provided at the desert camp
Daily dinners and breakfasts
What’s Not Included:
Lunch meals and beverages
Tour Map
Know Before You Go:
- This tour includes long but scenic drives, especially between Fes and Merzouga and later from Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech. The roads are safe and well maintained, with regular stops for photos, rest, and meals, but it is important to be prepared for full travel days.
- Pack comfortable clothes, walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially for the desert and warmer regions. Nights in the desert can be cool, even in spring and autumn, so a light jacket is recommended.
- Accommodation ranges from comfortable hotels and guesthouses to a desert camp in Merzouga. Most places offer private rooms and bathrooms, but facilities in desert areas are simpler and focused on the experience rather than luxury.
- Cash is useful for small purchases, tips, and local stops, as ATMs are limited outside cities. Credit cards are not always accepted in remote areas.
- This tour is suitable for most travelers, but if you have dietary needs, mobility concerns, or special requests, it is best to inform us in advance so we can adapt the experience to you.