5 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

The 5-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech is a great way to see Morocco’s Middle and High Atlas mountains. The journey begins with a stop in Ifrane, a town famous for its European-style buildings, ski resorts, and forests. In Azrou, you’ll find the cedar forest, home to wild monkeys, while the Ziz Valley features Morocco’s second-longest river. Along the way, enjoy a camel trek and spend the night at a desert camp, watching both sunset and sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. This extended tour takes you deep into the Sahara, lets you explore the Merzouga region, and includes a visit to Berber nomad families. Other stops include Rissani’s weekly market, Todra Valley and its gorge, Dades Valley, the scenic Rose Valley, and the palm groves of Skoura. You’ll also visit the historic kasbahs of Amridil and Taourirt, Ouarzazate’s film studios, and the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou before arriving in Marrakech.

Highlights 5-Day Desert trip from Fes to Marrakech

• See the stunning views as you cross the Middle and High Atlas mountains.
• Visit authentic Berber villages and Azrou’s cedar forest.
• Travel through the Ziz Valley.
• Experience a camel trek and sleep at a Merzouga desert camp.
• Watch a sky full of stars and catch the sunrise and sunset in Erg Chebbi.
• Meet Berber nomad families and explore the Rissani market.
• Tour the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley.
• Visit Ait Benhaddou’s famous kasbah.

Day 01 :

Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga (470 km)

The tour starts at 8:30 am with pick-up from your Fes hotel. Your driver will take you through the Middle Atlas, passing Berber villages. First, you’ll stop in Ifrane, known as the “Moroccan Switzerland.” Next, head to Azrou to visit the cedar forest, where wild monkeys live. After a lunch break in Midelt, the route continues south to Erfoud, famous for fossils and its annual date festival, passing through the green Ziz Valley for a great view of the oasis. By afternoon, you’ll reach the Erg Chebbi dunes for dinner and an overnight stay in a Merzouga hotel.

Day 02 :

Merzouga 4x4 Tour – Erg Chebbi – Camel Trek – Night in Desert Camp (50 km)

After breakfast, set out on a 4×4 tour of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Visit Hassi Labied to see its farming systems, then head to Srij Lake (in season). In Khamlia, listen to Gnawa music, introduced by people brought to Morocco long ago. Stop at M’ifis mines to see the region’s mineral and fossil history, then share tea with a Berber nomad family living in the desert. Enjoy panoramic stops for photos and lunch at a local spot. Later, take a camel ride into the dunes, pausing to watch the sunset and try sandboarding if you wish. Arrive at your desert camp, enjoy some Moroccan tea, then dinner and local drumming under the stars.

Day 03 :

Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley (270 km)

Wake up early to watch the sunrise near camp, then have breakfast and a shower. Ride a camel or travel by 4WD back to the starting point. Continue to the Rissani market if it’s the right day (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday), passing small Berber villages like Touroug, Tinjdad, and Tinghir. Stop to see Todra Valley’s palm groves and reach the famous Todra Gorge, known for its high canyon walls and rock climbing. After lunch, continue to Boumalne Dades and reach Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel or riad.

Day 04 :

Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Kelaa M’gouna – Skoura – Ouarzazate (140 km)

After breakfast, travel through Rose Valley, known for its kasbahs and old fortified villages. You’ll see beautiful landscapes before lunch in Kelaa M’gouna. In the afternoon, visit the palm groves of Skoura and the historic Amredhyle Kasbah. Continue to Ouarzazate for a visit to the Taourirt Kasbah and (if interested) the film studios. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at your hotel or riad.

Day 05 :

Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech (200 km)

After breakfast, travel to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic kasbah. Several movies have been filmed here, including Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, and Sahara. Enjoy lunch, then cross the High Atlas mountains through Tizi N’Tichka pass at 2260 meters for great views of the area and Berber villages below. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon or evening, where your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Distance between Fes and Marrakech :

Fes to Marrakech is 565 km by highway or 466 km via Azilal and Beni Mellal by the national road. To do the route Fes to Marrakech through Merzouga, it’s about 1034 km.

Is the tour private or shared?

The 5-day Fes tour is private.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour starts at your accommodation in Fes and ends at your hotel in Marrakech.

Can I try sandboarding in the Merzouga desert?

Yes, sandboarding is available in the Erg Chebbi dunes.

How long is the camel trek?

The camel ride to the desert camp takes about 1.5 hours.

Are tents private at the camp?

Yes, tents are always private. Standard camps have shared bathrooms while luxury camps have private bathrooms.

Can I get to the camp without riding a camel?

Yes, we can take you to and from the camp by 4WD.

Is luggage safe during the Sahara stay?

Yes, your luggage is transported to the camp so you’ll have it in your tent.

Are towels and toilet paper available at the camp?

Yes, both are provided, but you may want to bring your own as well.

Is there electricity at the camp?

Yes, solar panels provide electricity.

Packing List

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or scarf, light long pants and sleeves, sturdy shoes or sandals, flip-flops, hand sanitizer, a portable charger, first aid kit, small backpack, and a wallet for valuables.