Tour details
$450
Tour Overview
Join us on a memorable 5-day private tour from Fes to Marrakech, combining Morocco’s cultural richness with spectacular landscapes. Travel through the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains, where you can see the Barbary macaques in the cedar forests of Ifrane and Azrou, before you arrive in Ziz Valley, surrounded by green palm trees.
Feel the magic of the Sahara Desert, ride a camel through the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset, and spend a night at a traditional Berber’s tent in the desert under the stars. Discover spectacular landscapes, including the Todra Gorge and Dades Gorge, visit a typical Berber village, and explore Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood” with its stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou.
This tour concludes with crossing the stunning High Atlas Mountains to arrive in Marrakech. This itinerary, a blend of adventure, comfort, and cultural immersion, is excellent for travelers seeking a fun, authentic experience in Morocco in just 5 days.
Tour Highlights
- ● This 5-day desert tour goes from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), with significant stops in the Middle Atlas, Ziz Valley, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and Ait Benhaddou.
- ● Day 2 includes a Merzouga desert excursion (oases, Khamlia village, nomad visit), a sunset camel trek, and an overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp (in a Berber tent).
- ● The itinerary includes guided scenic drives each day, plus walking time in Todra Gorge and visits to kasbahs such as Taourirt Kasbah and the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou (listed since 1987).
- ● Overnight stays are in local hotels or riads (Merzouga, Dades Gorge area, and Ouarzazate), plus one night in a desert camp in Merzouga.
- ● The final day crosses the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260 m) before dropping off in Marrakech.
Day-by-Day 5-Day Itinerary from Fes to Marrakech
01
DAY 01 - Fes → Middle Atlas → Cedar Forest → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
Your 5-day trip from Fez to Marrakech begins with an early pickup from your hotel in Fez. After leaving Fez, your route travels south through the picturesque Middle Atlas Mountains, where you’ll pass through cedar forests that may be home to playful Barbary macaques. A stop will be made in Ifrane, often called the ski resort of Morocco, and the town of Azrou is famous for its cedar woodworking. You’ll cross the stunning Zad Pass (2,178 m/7,146 ft) before reaching Midelt for lunch.
Continue to Erfoud via Errachidia and the Ziz Valley”, known for its date palms, which offer great opportunities for photographs, and on to the adventurous sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in a comfortable hotel or traditional riad in Merzouga.
- Drive: Fes to Merzouga - approx. 480 km (around 7-8 hours)
02
DAY 02 - Desert Excursion → Nomadic Culture → Khamlia Village → Camel Trekking and Desert Camp
We begin our day with a Berber breakfast, then set off to explore the beautiful dunes, passing the Merzouga oases and the Khamlia village, well-known for its Gnawa music. We will visit the mineral mines of Mfiss and meet the family of the Berber nomads to learn about their lifestyle. You will continue to the oasis of Tissardmine, then return to your hotel around mid-afternoon for lunch and a siesta to prepare for the next part of the adventure.
In the afternoon, you will go on a camel trek into the dunes to see a magnificent sunset, with a typical Berber dinner with music to follow. End the day sleeping in an authentic Berber tent in the middle of the Sahara Desert, under a magnificent sky full of stars.
03
DAY 03 - Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge - Boumalne Dades
Awaken early and enjoy the spectacular desert sunrise. Then breakfast and refresh, and take a camel ride back to your hotel. Depart the desert towards Rissani, Erfoud, and stop to visit some artisan workshops that carve fossils and marble into lovely souvenirs. Continue your journey through Touroug and Tinjdad, admiring lush palm groves. Arrive at Todra Gorge, where you will take some time to lunch and walk through this beautiful canyon with vertical faces rising 300 m (1000 ft) high over clear flowing water.
Afterwards, continue on towards Dades Gorge, via Boumalne Dades. Overnight in a traditional local hotel in the heart of the gorges, with dinner.
- Drive: Merzouga to Boumalne Dades - approx. 258 km (around 4-5 hours)
04
DAY 04 - Dades Valley → Roses Valley → Skoura Palm Groves → Ouarzazate
After breakfast, we'll take the winding road descending through the Dades Valley and visit Kasbah Ait Youl and the unusual rock formations called “the fat monkey fingers.” This stretch of road is scenic and beautiful, leading to the breathtaking and picturesque Roses Valley, with gorgeous views of kasbahs and ksours dotting the road. You will have lunch at Kelaat M'gouna, where they hold an annual rose festival and where you can buy rose products.
In the afternoon, explore the palm groves of Skoura and visit the historic Kasbah Amridil, a stunning Amazigh house dating from the late 17th century. Kasbah Amridil is known for its remarkable earthen architecture, well-preserved rooms, and a curious museum showcasing traditional attire, gold coins, and ancient manuscripts. The layout of the Kasbah illustrates its intended use as a family residence and religious school, with thick walls, a prayer room, and a sundial on the roof for marking prayer times. The rooftop terrace provides views over the vast palm grove of Skoura.
You will then continue to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, known as the "Moroccan Hollywood." First, you will visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a historic architectural site used by the powerful Glaoui family, and also explore film studios where many famous films were shot. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel or riad.
- Drive: Boumalne to Ouarzazate - approx. 124 km (around 2-3 hours)
05
DAY 05 - Ouarzazate → Kasbah Ait Benhaddou → High Atlas → Marrakech
After breakfast, you will leave Ouarzazate and head to Ait Benhaddou, the internationally renowned Kasbah, a beautiful fortified village that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. This historical ksar is famous for its amazing architecture and its use as a filming location for movies such as Gladiator, The Mummy, and Lawrence of Arabia. Ait Benhaddou occupies a unique position along the ancient Ounila Valley, offering captivating views and insight into Morocco’s diverse architectural and cultural history.
This stunning place features traditional Moroccan earthen clay design, with tall defensive towers, intricate mud-brick walls, and narrow lanes that breathe life into the past. Ait Benhaddou was once a significant stop for caravans traveling between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech and is presented as a splendid example of the craft and history of the kingdom.
After lunch and a few last views of the ksar, you will cross the magnificent High Atlas Mountain Range through the stunning Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2260 meters), one of Morocco’s most spectacular routes. Late in the afternoon, you will arrive in Marrakech, where your unique 5-day desert adventure ends with a drop-off at your accommodation.
- Drive: Ouarzazate to Marrakech – approx. 229 km (around 5–6 hours)
What’s Included / Not Included
- Private, modern air-conditioned transportation for the entire 5-day tour Yes
- Car fuel and all road expenses Yes
- Pick-up in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech Yes
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide Yes
- 1 night in a hotel or riad in Merzouga Yes
- 1 night in a private Berber tent at a Sahara desert camp in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes) Yes
- 1 night in a local hotel or riad in the Dades Gorge area Yes
- 1 night in a hotel or riad in Ouarzazate Yes
- Dinner and breakfast included for 4 nights Yes
- Sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes Yes
- Sandboarding experience in the Sahara Desert Yes
- Drinks and beverages No
- Lunches No
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums (optional, paid on site) No
Accommodation options
Carefully selected lodgings ensure comfort and authenticity throughout the tour. Accommodations may be adjusted based on availability, and upgrades are available upon request.
- Night 1 – Merzouga:
- Standard: Auberge Les Roches / Ksar Merzouga / Riad Mamouche – Comfortable hotels and riads in Merzouga offering private rooms, traditional Moroccan décor, an authentic local atmosphere, and swimming pool access.
- Superior: Desert Villa / Riad Azawad / Riad Madu – High-end riads and desert-style villas featuring elegant rooms, refined Moroccan design, enhanced comfort, swimming pools, and a relaxing desert ambiance.
- Night 2 – Merzouga Desert Camp:
- Standard: Comfortable Berber tents with private beds, private bathrooms, and traditional Moroccan dinner and breakfast included.
- Superior: Luxury desert camp with en-suite tents, hot showers, air conditioning (on request), and candlelit dinners under the stars.
- Night 3 – Boumalne Dades:
- Standard: Hotel Babylon / Hotel Panorama / Riad Villa Dades – Comfortable accommodations with authentic decor and scenic valley views.
- Superior: Kasbah Xaluca Dades / Ksar Sultan / La Perle Du Dades – Refined kasbahs with pools, spa treatments, and magnificent views of the Dades Gorges and rock formations.
- Night 4 – Ouarzazate:
- Standard: Riad Amlal / Riad Bouchador – Comfortable riads with traditional Moroccan décor and authentic local atmosphere
- Superior: Riad Chamaa / Berber Palace / Oz Palace – Elegant riads and hotels offering luxury amenities, rooftop terraces, and refined Moroccan style.
Pricing & Group Options
- 2 People €880 per person
- 4 People €750 per person
- 6+ People €600 per person
- Flexible Rates: Couples, Families & Groups on This 11-Day Morocco Tour
Route Map
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
What Travelers Say About This 5-Day Morocco Tour
Unforgettable 11-Day Morocco Adventure
"See quintessential Morocco in 11 days, from Casablanca to Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat, including the Sahara desert and open markets. The driver was experienced and skillful with a great sense of humor, making the whole journey very pleasant. Local guides were professional and attentive. We felt free to spend as long as we liked in each destination. Highly recommended travel operator for an enjoyable, worry-free trip."
Smooth and Well-Organized Private Tour
"We had a customized 12-day tour covering Tangier, Fes, Marrakech, Rabat, Dades, Meknes, and the Sahara desert. The itinerary was perfectly balanced with sightseeing, local insights, and personal time. Our driver and guides were very kind and made sure we were comfortable and always happy. The desert camp experience with camel trekking was the highlight. This was the best tour experience we’ve ever had."
Amazing Guided Tour Through Morocco’s Diversity
"The 11-day journey showcased Morocco’s incredible variety—from imperial cities, historic kasbahs, to the Sahara dunes. Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and made us feel safe and cared for. The highlight was the Sahara desert experience with camels and night under the stars. We will definitely book again with this company."
Highly Recommended 11-Day Private Morocco Tour
"Our guide and driver were fantastic, making every stop memorable. From Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca to the colorful streets of Chefchaouen and the desert camp in Merzouga, every part of the trip was well-planned and enjoyable. The tour combined cultural heritage, natural wonders, and luxury experiences perfectly"
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About our 5-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Fes Desert Tour. Whether you're wondering about logistics, comfort, or what's included, we've got you covered.
The tour starts in Fes, travels south through the Middle Atlas Mountains (including Ifrane and Azrou), continues through the Ziz Valley to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), visits Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and Ait Benhaddou, and crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass before ending in Marrakech.
Yes. On Day 2, you'll enjoy a sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp. This includes dinner, music, and comfortable desert tents for sleeping.
The Merzouga desert day includes visits to desert oases, the Khamlia village (known for Gnawa music), mineral mines, and Berber nomads. In the afternoon, you'll take a camel trek to watch the sunset over the dunes and spend the night in a desert camp.
Yes, on Day 5, you will visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. This ancient fortified village, known as a ksar, is celebrated for its distinctive earthen architecture. It has also been prominently featured in several films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
Driving times vary: Fes to Merzouga (7-8 hours), Merzouga to the Dades Valley (4-5 hours), the Dades Valley to Ouarzazate (3-4 hours), and Ouarzazate to Marrakech (5-6 hours). Scenic stops break up the journey, and all driving is in private air-conditioned vehicles.
The tour includes 4 nights total: 3 nights in hotels/riads (Merzouga, Dades Valley, and Ouarzazate) and 1 night in a Sahara desert camp. All accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and an authentic Moroccan experience.
All breakfasts and 4 dinners are included (including the desert camp dinner). Lunches are not included, giving you flexibility to choose where and what to eat at local restaurants.
This is a private tour for your group only. You'll have a dedicated English-speaking driver/guide and private vehicle throughout the journey.
The best times are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when desert temperatures are pleasant. Winter offers comfortable daytime temperatures but cold nights, while summer can be hot in the desert but manageable with proper preparation.
Essential items include layered clothing for varying temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a camera, a power bank, a small daypack, and a scarf for desert sand and dust.
