5 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga Desert

Depart start from Fes, heading south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its European-style architecture and pristine surroundings.

Continue to Azrou, famous for its cedar forests and Barbary macaque monkeys. Drive through Berber villages, enjoy scenic mountain landscapes, and reach Midelt, a town known for its apple orchards, where we stop for lunch.

After lunch, continue through the Ziz Valley, an oasis-filled region lined with palm trees and kasbahs, until arriving in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Embark on a sunset camel trek across the dunes before arriving at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner and Berber music and drumming under the stars.

  Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga
  Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included

Day 2: Explore Merzouga Desert

If you are interesting to wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, spend the day exploring the desert’s unique landscapes and culture.

Visit Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa musicians, and experience their traditional music. Meet Berber nomad families, learn about their daily life, and explore desert oases and palm groves. Optional activities include quad biking, sandboarding, or relaxing on the dunes.

Enjoy another magical sunset camel trek or relax at the camp and experience the tranquility of the Sahara.

  Overnight: Second night in Merzouga Desert (Luxury Camp or Hotel)
  Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

After breakfast at the camp, you’ll have the option of camel trek or 4WD vehicle transfer to get back to Merzouga village.

Meet your driver and set off on an extraordinary journey towards Dades Valley. Our first leg takes us through the Tafilalet region, passing through the ancient trading center of Rissani and the fossil capital Erfoud. We can make a brief stop in the Erfoud area to observe a local fossil workshop demonstrating the extraction and polishing of millions-of-years-old marine fossils.

Continuing westward, the landscape shifts dramatically as you approach the Atlas foothills. You will detour into the stunning Todra Valley and its monumental Todra Gorge. Take ample time here to walk through the magnificent chasm where sheer canyon walls rise hundreds of meters high, a perfect location for lunch and photography.

In the afternoon, we will head to the Dades Valley via Boumalne Dadès. The final drive into the valley offers spectacular scenery, including the famous geological formations known as “monkey fingers” and a winding road that leads to your chosen overnight accommodation in the picturesque gorge area.

  Overnight: Hotel or Riad in Dades Valley
  Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included

Day 4: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast at your hotel in Dades Valley , we’ll descend from the gorge area and drive along the scenic route towards the west. The first notable stop is the famous “Rose Town” (El Kelaâ M’Gouna) , the heart of the Valley of Roses. This town is renowned for its annual Rose Festival and its thriving industry of rosewater and rose-based cosmetic products. Stop here for a brief visit to a local cooperative to see the products and perhaps purchase a souvenir. (optional visit).

Continuing west, you pass through the Skoura Oasis with its ancient palm groves and impressive, yet often crumbling, Kasbahs. Shortly after, you will arrive at Ouarzazate , known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Pause here to explore the city, perhaps visiting the famous Atlas Film Studios, which have been the backdrop for numerous blockbuster films. (If time permits).

The next highlight is the spectacular fortified village of Aït Benhaddou , a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just 30 km outside of Ouarzazate. This Ksar is one of Morocco’s most iconic sights and requires a stop of at least an hour to walk through its narrow alleys and climb to the top for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Finally, the most challenging and scenic part of the journey is crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (reaching an altitude of 2,260 meters / 7,415 feet). This road offers breathtaking panoramic views, winding switchbacks, and opportunities to stop for photos of the Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. After descending the northern side of the pass, you will arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech.

  Overnight: Riad/Hotel in Marrakech
  Meals: Breakfast included

Day 5: Marrakech – Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Marrakech for last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or a stroll through the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and souks. Your 5-day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour concludes with a transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport or your hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s mountains, desert, and culture.

End of our services 

Highlights of the 5 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

• Drive through the Ziz Valley, Middle Atlas, and High Atlas Mountains

• Ride camels over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes                                                                                                     

• Spend 2 nights in a luxury desert camp or Hotel

• Visit Khamlia village and experience Gnawa music

• Meet Berber nomad families and explore desert life

• Explore the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley

• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah

• Discover Marrakech, the vibrant Red City

What’s Included

• Pick up and drop off from your accommodation

• Private modern air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan transportation

• Professional English-speaking driver/guide

• Camel trekking for sunset & sunrise 

• Berber music and entertainment at desert camp

• 2 nights in Merzouga Desert (luxury camp or hotel)

• Night in Dades Valley (hotel or riad)

• Meals: 4 breakfasts and 3 dinners

What’s Not Included

• Lunches and drinks

• Entrance fees to attractions (optional)

• Personal expenses and tips (optional)