The 5 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour is one of the best ways to discover the breathtaking landscapes and cultural highlights of southern Morocco at a relaxed pace. This journey takes you from the vibrant city of Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains, through ancient kasbahs, dramatic valleys and towering gorges before reaching the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga.
Along the way you will visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO, explore Ouarzazate and the beautiful Dades Valley, and walk through the spectacular Todra Gorge canyon. One of the most unforgettable moments of this adventure is the camel trekking experience across the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi where you will spend a magical night in a traditional Berber desert camp.
The tour continues through the lush palm groves of the Ziz Valley and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains before arriving in the imperial city of Fes. The 5 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour offers the perfect combination of nature, culture and Sahara desert adventure.
Highlights of the 5 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco
Discover the scenic landscapes of the Dades Valley
Walk through the impressive canyon of Todra Gorge
Experience camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga
Spend a magical night in a traditional Sahara desert camp
Enjoy sunset and sunrise over the golden dunes
Visit Khamlia village and experience Gnawa music
Drive through the lush Ziz Valley palm groves
Visit the cedar forests of Azrou and see Barbary macaques
Stop in Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco
Arrive in the imperial city of Fes
5 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Itinerary
Day 1:Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley
Your 5 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour begins with an early departure from Marrakech. The journey starts by crossing the spectacular High Atlas Mountains through the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views of traditional Berber villages and mountain landscapes.
The first major stop is the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO and one of the most impressive fortified villages in Morocco. This historic kasbah has served as the filming location for many international movies and series such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
After exploring the kasbah, the journey continues to Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Morocco. From there the road leads through the Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses before reaching the beautiful Dades Valley, where you will spend the night in a charming riad or hotel.
Day 2:Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, the tour continues through the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley toward the spectacular Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural wonders. The towering canyon walls rise over 300 meters and create a breathtaking setting for a short walk along the river.
The journey then continues through small Berber villages and desert landscapes towards the town of Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops. In the afternoon you will arrive in Merzouga, located at the edge of the Sahara Desert.
Here your unforgettable camel trekking adventure begins. You will ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi while watching the magical sunset over the Sahara. Upon arrival at the desert camp, you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner followed by Berber music around the campfire under a sky full of stars.
Overnight in a Sahara desert camp.
Day 3:Explore Merzouga Desert
After watching the sunrise over the dunes and enjoying breakfast at the camp, the third day of the 5 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour is dedicated to discovering the fascinating surroundings of the Sahara Desert.
You will explore the Merzouga region by visiting Khamlia village, famous for its traditional Gnawa music. The tour may also include a visit to local nomadic families living in the desert and the nearby fossil sites where ancient marine fossils can be found.
You will have free time to relax near the dunes, try sandboarding or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the desert. Overnight stay in a hotel or desert lodge near the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Day 4:Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt
After breakfast the tour continues north through the stunning Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s most impressive palm groves. The road follows the Ziz River and offers panoramic views of thousands of palm trees and traditional Berber villages.
Along the way you will stop at scenic viewpoints to admire the landscape before continuing toward the town of Midelt, located between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountains. This peaceful town is known for its apple orchards and beautiful mountain scenery.
Overnight stay in Midelt or a nearby mountain village.
Day 5Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
On the final day of the 5 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour, the journey continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is in the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques that can often be seen playing among the trees.
The tour then continues to the charming alpine town of Ifrane, often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco due to its European-style architecture, clean streets and cool mountain climate.
After a short visit in Ifrane, the journey continues to the imperial city of Fes, where the tour ends in the afternoon.
Tour Information
Price Includes
Pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
3 nights accommodation in hotels or riads
1 night in a Sahara desert camp
Camel trekking experience in Merzouga
Dinner and breakfast during the tour
Price Does Not Include
Flights
Lunches
Drinks
Entrance fees to monuments
Personal expenses
Why Choose the 5 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
The 5 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour is the perfect option for travelers who want to explore the Sahara Desert at a relaxed pace while discovering some of Morocco’s most spectacular landscapes and cultural sites. Compared to shorter tours, this itinerary allows more time to enjoy each destination and experience authentic Berber culture along the way.
One of the main advantages of this tour is the opportunity to fully experience the Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Travelers can enjoy camel trekking across the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes, watch unforgettable sunsets and sunrises over the golden sands, and spend a magical night in a traditional desert camp under a sky full of stars.
The journey also includes visits to some of Morocco’s most iconic locations such as the High Atlas Mountains, the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the dramatic Todra Gorge, and the lush palm groves of the Ziz Valley. With comfortable transportation, beautiful accommodations and unforgettable scenery, this tour offers an ideal way to travel from Marrakech to the imperial city of Fes while discovering the best of southern Morocco.
FAQ – 5 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Is the 5 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour private or shared?
The tour can be organized as either a private tour or a shared small-group tour depending on your preference and budget.
How long is the camel ride in Merzouga?
Camel trekking across the dunes of Erg Chebbi usually lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour depending on the location of the desert camp.
Can I reach the desert camp without riding a camel?
Yes. Travelers who prefer not to ride camels can reach the desert camp by 4×4 vehicle arranged by the camp.
What should I bring for the Sahara desert tour?
We recommend bringing comfortable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a small backpack for the overnight stay in the desert camp.
Are the desert camps comfortable?
Most camps offer comfortable tents with beds, traditional Moroccan dinners and a campfire evening with Berber music. Luxury camps may also provide private bathrooms.
How many hours of driving are there each day?
Driving times usually range between 5 and 7 hours per day depending on sightseeing stops along the route.
How to pay for the tour?
A deposit is usually required to confirm the booking while the remaining balance can be paid upon arrival or at the start of the tour.
Route Map – 5 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
This map shows the route of the 5 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour, crossing the High Atlas Mountains, visiting Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge and the Sahara desert of Merzouga before continuing through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains to Fes.
Route map showing the journey from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara desert.
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