Our 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes takes you on an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s most iconic landscapes. Travel across the High Atlas Mountains, visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, pass through Ouarzazate and the scenic Dades Valley, and explore the impressive Todra Gorge. Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga with a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes and an overnight stay in a desert camp, before continuing through Midelt, the Cedar Forests near Azrou, Ifrane, and ending in the cultural imperial city of Fes.
5 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
Discover Morocco on a 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara, camel trekking, kasbahs, valleys, and an overnight desert camp.
- 5 Days/ 4 Nights
- Start in Marrakech
- End in Fes
5 DAYS FROM MARRAKECH TO FES DESERT TOUR OVERVIEW
Tour Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Explore Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara
- Discover the beautiful Dades Valley and dramatic Todra Gorge
- Experience the Merzouga Sahara Desert and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Camel trekking at sunset across the Sahara dunes
- Overnight stay in a traditional or luxury desert camp
- Enjoy Berber music and dinner under the stars in the desert
- Visit nomadic villages and experience local Berber culture
- Drive through Midelt and the Middle Atlas landscapes
- Walk among the cedar forests near Azrou, home to Barbary macaques
- Stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco”
- Arrival in the imperial city of Fes, rich in history and culture
The Itinerary of our Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fes 5 Days
The itinerary of our 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes is carefully designed to balance sightseeing, travel time, and authentic experiences. Each day reveals a different side of Morocco, from the High Atlas Mountains and ancient kasbahs to lush valleys, dramatic gorges, and the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. The journey is paced comfortably, allowing you to enjoy cultural stops, scenic landscapes, and a memorable overnight stay in a desert camp before continuing toward the historic city of Fes.
1st Day: MARRAKECH - HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS - AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH - OUARZAZATE (4Hours Driving)*
The first day of your desert tour begins with an early departure from Marrakech, heading south toward the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. As you leave the city behind, the landscape gradually changes into winding mountain roads, traditional Berber villages, and panoramic viewpoints. Crossing the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in Morocco, you will enjoy several stops along the way to take photos and admire the dramatic scenery.
After descending the Atlas Mountains, the journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This historic fortified village is one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks, known for its earthen architecture and its role as a filming location for many international movies and series. You will have time to explore the narrow alleys, climb to the top of the kasbah for sweeping views, and learn about its history and cultural importance.
In the afternoon, the tour continues to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Here, you may visit landmarks such as the Taourirt Kasbah or stop near the famous film studios, depending on time and interest. The day ends in Ouarzazate, where you check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening after a scenic and culturally rich first day of travel.
2nd Day: OUARZAZATE - SKOURA - KELAAT M'GOUNA - BOU THARAR - DADES VALLEY (3Hours Driving)
After breakfast in Ouarzazate, the journey continues eastward through the beautiful desert landscapes and oasis towns of southern Morocco. The first stop is Skoura, a lush palm oasis famous for its traditional kasbahs, where you can enjoy views of palm groves and mud-brick architecture that reflect the region’s rich history and agricultural life.
The route then takes you through Kelaat M’Gouna, known as the “Valley of Roses,” where rose fields bloom each spring and local cooperatives produce rose-based products. From here, the drive becomes more scenic and less traveled as you pass through Bou Tharar, a remote area offering authentic views of rural life, dramatic rock formations, and quiet Berber villages tucked into the landscape.
In the afternoon, you arrive in the stunning Dades Valley, famous for its winding roads, unique rock formations, and panoramic viewpoints. After checking into your accommodation, you will have time to relax, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and admire the sunset over the valley, ending the day in one of Morocco’s most scenic regions.
3rd day : DADES VALLEY - TODRA GORGE - MERZOUGA DESERT (5 Hours Driving)
After breakfast in the Dades Valley, the tour continues toward the eastern Sahara, passing through changing landscapes of desert plains and traditional villages. The first major stop of the day is Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering limestone cliffs and a river flowing through its narrow passage. You will have free time to walk through the gorge, take photos, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Leaving Todra Gorge, the journey continues through palm-filled oases and small towns such as Erfoud and Rissani, known for their desert character and local markets. Along the way, you will see the scenery gradually transform from rocky terrain into vast sandy landscapes, signaling your arrival in the Sahara region.
By late afternoon, you reach Merzouga, at the edge of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here, you prepare for a camel trek across the dunes at sunset, enjoying breathtaking views as the colors of the desert change. The day ends with arrival at your desert camp, where you enjoy dinner, traditional Berber music, and an unforgettable night under the stars in the Sahara Desert.
4th Day : MERZOUGA DESERT EXPLORATION
After an early wake-up to watch the sunrise over the dunes, the day begins with breakfast at the desert camp before continuing the exploration of the Merzouga region. You will travel by 4×4 around the Erg Chebbi dunes, discovering vast desert landscapes, fossil areas, and scenic viewpoints that reveal the true scale and beauty of the Sahara.
During the day, you visit nomadic families living in the desert, where you learn about their traditional lifestyle, culture, and hospitality. The tour also includes a stop in Khamlia village, famous for its Gnawa music, where you can enjoy live performances and experience a unique part of local heritage. Later, you may visit seasonal desert lakes and palm groves depending on the time of year.
In the afternoon, you return to Merzouga village or your accommodation near the dunes to relax. You can enjoy free time to walk on the sand, watch the sunset from the dunes, or simply unwind after an active day. The evening is spent in a hotel or desert camp, with dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by the silence of the Sahara.
5th Day : MERZOUGA DESERT - ZIZ VALLEY - IFRANE - FES
The final day of the tour starts early with departure from Merzouga, heading north toward Fes. The journey takes you through the scenic Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s largest palm oases, where thousands of palm trees line the river and create a striking contrast with the surrounding desert landscape. Several stops are made along the way to enjoy panoramic views and take photos.
Continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the route passes through Midelt and forests of cedar trees near Azrou, home to the famous Barbary macaques. The scenery changes once again as the desert gives way to greener landscapes, cooler temperatures, and mountain terrain.
In the afternoon, you arrive in Ifrane, known for its clean streets and European-style architecture, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” After a short stop, the drive continues to Fes, where your 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes comes to an end with drop-off at your accommodation.
Our 5 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fes Price:
The price of our 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes depends on several factors, including the number of travelers, the season, the level of accommodation (standard or luxury desert camp), and any special requests. For this reason, prices are not fixed. Please contact us for a personalized quote, and we will be happy to provide you with the best available price based on your travel dates and preferences.
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 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes covers a wide range of landscapes and climates, from the cool High Atlas Mountains to the warm Sahara Desert. Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, especially in the desert, so we recommend bringing layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. During winter months, warm clothing is essential for evenings and early mornings in the desert.
- The tour involves several long but scenic drives, with regular stops for rest, photos, and meals. Please inform us in advance of any dietary requirements, allergies, or medical conditions so we can make the necessary arrangements. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider bringing appropriate medication, especially for mountain roads.
- We recommend traveling with a small backpack for daily essentials such as water, personal items, and a camera. Cash is useful for lunches, drinks, tips, and souvenirs, as ATMs are limited in some areas. Mobile network coverage may be weak in remote regions, allowing you to fully disconnect and enjoy the experience.