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.
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.
In the afternoon, you will 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Carefully selected lodgings ensure comfort and authenticity throughout the tour. Accommodations may be adjusted based on availability, and upgrades are available upon request.
What Travelers Say About This 5-Day Morocco Tour
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our Marrakech Desert Tour. Whether you're wondering about logistics, comfort, or what's included, we've got you covered.