Tour details
$450
Morocco Desert Tour Overview
Join a 5-day tour from Marrakech to Fes, exploring the fascinating kasbahs of Morocco as you cross the High Atlas Mountains and experience breathtaking landscapes and Berber villages. You will visit Kasbahs, walk through medinas and souks, and discover the Sahara Desert's rich history.
You will experience some of the most breathtaking scenery on this 5-day tour from Marrakech to Fes via the Merzouga Desert. From green valleys to rocky gorges and oases with palm trees, and of course, the majestic golden dunes. You will ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, take in a breathtaking sunset in the desert, and sleep in a traditional desert camp under the stars.
This 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour will open your eyes to the Berber way of life and provide insight into the history and culture of the Sahara. You will enjoy excellent Moroccan cuisine, see stunning landscapes, and create lovely memories on your Morocco desert tour.
5-Day Desert Tour Itinerary: Marrakech to Fes
01
DAY 01 - Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley
We will leave the red city of Marrakech at 8 am for the Dades Valley. We drive across the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 meters of altitude, which offers fantastic panoramic views.
We will have time to enjoy impressive landscapes and Berber villages and also take a break for coffee or mint tea in a picturesque location.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous film location. This Berber kasbah has appeared in over 50 movies and was once a key stronghold along the ancient Salt Road, where caravans transported enslaved people, gold, ivory, and salt. You can still see the salt pans in the valley.
Then, we'll pass through the strategic city of Ouarzazate, also known as the "Hollywood of Africa".
After Ouarzazate, we'll continue to the Dades Valley via Skoura, Kelaat M'gouna, and the Berber villages along the valley. We will spend the night in the Dades Valley, where you'll be immersed in the unique culture and stunning landscapes.
- Drive: Marrakech to Dades Valley - approx. 310 km (around 6-7 hours)
02
DAY 02 - Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we will drive through the valley to see the amazing rock formations known as "Monkey Fingers". You'll also see the still-standing 19th-century Kasbah of Ait Youl.
We leave the Dades Valley and continue toward Tinghir and the scenic Todra Valley, a place of breathtaking beauty where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the old adobe Berber villages.
At the Todra Gorge, we'll walk between the towering 300-meter-high red cliffs, a favorite spot for rock climbers from around the world.
We'll continue to Erfoud and Rissani, where we'll have lunch. Then, we'll head to the desert village of Merzouga, where you'll be welcomed with mint tea before checking into your riad.
- Drive: Dades Valley to Merzouga - approx. 244 km (around 4-5 hours)
03
DAY 03 - Merzouga Desert: Camel Trek & Sunset Experience
After breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on an exploratory journey of the area. We will begin the day with Gnawa music at the village of Khamliya, 7 kilometers south of Merzouga, a small desert village with a rich history whose inhabitants are descendants of enslaved people brought from Sudan.
Not far from there is Dayet Srij, a seasonal salt lake that attracts a wide range of migratory birds, including desert warblers and flamingos, especially when full.
You may also visit the souq of Rissani if you are there on a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday). This is the region's most authentic market where locals trade everything from produce and spices to livestock.
After that, we will enjoy one of the area's most delicious lunches at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will start the guided camel ride, led by an experienced camel guide, to explore the vast dunes of the Erg Chebbi. The sunset over the golden sands is often described as unforgettable.
Overnight accommodations will be in a luxury desert camp equipped with flush toilets and hot showers. Dinner and breakfast included.
- Drive: Merzouga area - approx. 50 km (around 3-4 hours)
04
DAY 04 - Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt
Just before sunrise, your camel guide will wake you to witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises over the dunes. You'll then ride back to the hotel for breakfast and a shower if desired.
After breakfast, we head to Errachidia via Rissani and Erfoud. In Rissani, you'll explore the traditional souk, known for its vibrant displays of dates, spices, and local goods.
Our journey continues through the spectacular Ziz Valley, with a stop to enjoy panoramic views over the Ziz Gorge, before arriving at our hotel in Midelt for dinner and overnight stay.
- Drive: Merzouga to Midelt - approx. 259 km (around 4-5 hours)
05
DAY 05 -Midelt → Middle Atlas Mountains → Azrou → Fes
You will have breakfast at your hotel, then head on the road to Fes. The drive will continue through the beautiful landscape of the Middle Atlas Mountains, including a stop at the cedar forest in Azrou to watch Barbary apes.
You will pass through many traditional Berber villages, where you can interact with the local inhabitants and enjoy the stunning contrast in landscape.
One of our stops will be in the town of Ifrane, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its alpine-style architecture and cooler climate.
With several stops along the way, we continue to Fes, where the tour ends at your booked hotel.
- Drive: Midelt to Fes – approx. 215 km (around 3–4 hours)
Highlights of the 5-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
- ● Explore the ancient fortified ksar Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned filming location.
- ● Visit historic kasbahs, including Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate and Amridil Kasbah in Skoura oasis.
- ● Marvel at the dramatic Todra Gorges, carved by the Todra River, with scenic walks surrounded by towering cliffs.
- ● Journey through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
- ● Experience authentic Berber culture by visiting traditional Berber villages along the route.
- ● Enjoy an unforgettable camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Merzouga desert.
- ● Watch the magical sunset and sunrise over the Sahara Desert for an experience you’ll never forget.
- ● Spend a night in a luxury desert camp, complete with traditional music, Moroccan cuisine, and stargazing.
- ● Discover lush oases, valleys, and ancient kasbahs en route to Fes.
- ● Visit Rissani, a lively town famous for its bustling traditional market.
- ● Drive through the stunning Ziz Valley, known for its palm groves and scenic landscapes.
- ● Try thrilling activities like sandboarding on the Merzouga dunes for an added adventure.
Inclusions & Exclusions of Your Tour
- Private, modern transportation with air conditioning Yes
- Car fuel Yes
- Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation Yes
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide Yes
- 1 Night in a private room in Dades Valley Yes
- 1 Night in a private room in Midelt Yes
- 1 Night in a private tent in the desert camp Yes
- 1 Night in a hotel in Merzouga Yes
- Dinner and breakfast included for 4 nights Yes
- Camel ride in the Sahara Desert Yes
- Sandboarding experience in the desert Yes
- Beverages No
- Lunches No
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums (optional) 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 – Dades Valley:
- Standard: Hotel Babylon / Hotel Panorama / Riad Villa Dades – Comfortable rooms offering traditional ambiance and scenic views of the valley.
- Superior: Kasbah Xaluca Dades / Ksar Sultan / La Perle Du Dades – Luxurious stays featuring panoramic terraces, spa facilities, and high-end Moroccan décor.
- Night 2-3 – Merzouga (Hotel or Desert Camp):
- Standard: Riad Desert Villa / Riad Azawad – Comfortable desert hotels offering modern amenities, cozy rooms, and peaceful surroundings for your stay.
- Superior: Luxury Desert Camp – Elegant private tents with en-suite bathrooms, traditional Berber music, camel rides, and unforgettable stargazing in the Sahara Desert.
- Night 4 – Midelt:
- Standard: Hotel Kasbah Asmaa / Hotel Taddart – Cozy hotels with authentic Moroccan charm and beautiful mountain views.
- Superior: Riad Villa Pomme d'Or / Hotel Meteorites Boulajoul – Elegant accommodations offering refined Moroccan hospitality, serene settings, and modern amenities.
Pricing & Group Options for the 5-Day Desert Tour
- 2 People €480 per person
- 4 People €450 per person
- 6+ People €400 per person
- Custom Pricing Available for solo travelers, families, or larger groups
Marrakech to Fes Desert Route Map
Reviews & Testimonials
What our travelers say about their experiences
The Perfect Tour - 4 Days Marrakech to Fes
"Amazing experience. We had Ibrahim pick us up from our Riad in Marrakech, load us into his Japanese Camel (landcruiser) and then proceed to take us on the best tour we've taken anywhere. Firstly - Ibrahim was the perfect guide. We were always joking around and telling each other stories from our lives and experiences, even giving each other nicknames. He had a thorough knowledge of seemingly everything we had to ask. He even modified the plans for our camel trek portion in Merzouga when the weather conditions were not looking great for the planned day. Good call on his behalf as the next day the sand storm didn't even allow us to sit outdoors for dinner. Ibrahim also seemed to always know where to park at the stops to avoid a big crowd of tourists. The trip allows you to see parts of Morocco that are must sees. Period. End of story. If you go to Morocco and you only go to Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech - you haven't seen the real Morocco. We did not expect the diversity of the landscapes in Morocco. The sand dunes were incredible, the camel riding like something out of National Geographic. The gorges, the valleys, and everything else is brilliant."
Unforgettable 4-day tour experience!
"What a great time we all had. Ibrahim picked us up in Fes and took us over the middle Atlas Mountains stopping at various surprising sights (I won't be a spoiler but well worth it!) down into the Sahara for our camel trek a couple of hours before sunset. Watching the sun go down in the Sahara from the top of a sand dune riding a camel is a trip! From there we go to the camp where we were fed, entertained, entertained others in return (dancing and the telling of bad jokes was involved) and got a good night sleep. Early in the morning we marched to the top of a dune to see the sun rise and headed back to our camels and home. Just enough for us! From there it was off to the high Atlas Mountains which are NOT TO BE MISSED! Amazing!! Fantastic! And then on to Marrakesh. Ibrahim is a delight! We enjoyed hanging out with all of the folks who make this tour fun for visitors to Morocco."
Highlight of our Morocco trip!
"We used this company for a 3 day, 2 night tour from Marrakesh to Fez, with an overnight trip in the desert. Omar was our guide and he was fabulous. He customized the stops and managed our time to accommodate our interests. He made excellent suggestions for the 3 days we were together. Omar is an excellent representative for this company, for Morocco and for his family. The camel trek and night in the desert camp was our favorite part of the trip to Morocco. Ibrahim and his team that made it possible. I highly recommend this company."
Perfect from start to finish!
"We did the 4 day, 3 night trek from Marrakesh, through the Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara before ending in Fes. Our guide, Idir Najimi, made the difference between a wonderful time, and a once in a lifetime trip. He was incredibly knowledgeable and lots of fun. Drumming under the stars and full moon in the sand dunes of the Sahara was another extraordinary moment as well. I can't wait to go back to Morocco!"
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the 5-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
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.
The 5-day tour from Marrakech to Fes includes a desert journey with four nights of accommodation in carefully chosen hotels, riads, and desert camps. The tour links the two imperial cities of Marrakech and Fes, with overnight stays in Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dades, and luxury desert camps in the Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, ensuring comfort throughout the route.
The tour offers three accommodation options, each with different riads, hotels, and desert camps. For example, some first-night options include Hotel Riad Amlal, Dar Chamaa, or OZ Palace in or near Ouarzazate. The second night can be at Hotel Babylon Dades, Dar Blues, or Eden Boutique Hotel in Boumalne Dades; the third night can be at a luxury desert camp such as Africa Luxury Camp, Caravanserai Luxury Desert Camp, or Desert Luxury Camp near Erg Chebbi. This variety lets you pick the style and comfort level you prefer.
You can add several extra experiences before, during, or after your main desert tour. Before or after the tour, options include airport transfers, a hot-air balloon ride in Marrakech, a guided tour of Marrakech, and day trips to Essaouira, the Ouzoud Waterfalls, or the Ourika Valley. During the tour, you can book a professional photographer, a romantic dinner in the desert, a romantic desert proposal setup, quad biking, or buggy driving. Mention your interests when you book so the team can help arrange these add-ons.
You can reach out to us through the contact page, via email, or on WhatsApp at +212 676-712825. We are available every day to answer questions, check availability, and assist you in planning your 5-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes.
If you did not receive an answer after 24 hours, please send us a follow-up message on WhatsApp or give us a call directly, as this will allow us to get back to you more quickly, particularly during the busiest travel months.
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