5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

5-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour | Sahara Adventure Morocco

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day private desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, exploring Morocco’s most iconic landscapes and cultural highlights. Journey through the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, and visit the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and cinematic city of Ouarzazate. Discover the Amridil Kasbah, wander through the dramatic Dades Valley and Todra Gorges, and venture into the golden dunes of the Merzouga Sahara Desert. Enjoy camel trekking, witness stunning sunsets and sunrises, and spend a night under the stars in a luxury desert camp. Explore the Sahara further on an exciting 4×4 desert excursion. Continue to Rissani’s traditional market and Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops, before heading north to the Switzerland of Morocco, Ifrane, and the Cedar Forest, home to the Barbary macaques. Conclude your adventure in Fes, leaving you with memories of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, culture, and desert magic.

Morocco Itinerary – 5 Days Tour

Day 1 Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate (Approx. 4 Hours Drive)

The 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel or airport in Marrakech. Travel through the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping for panoramic views of the breathtaking landscapes. Visit the historic Kasbah of Telouet before continuing to the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its appearances in films like Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as series like Game of Thrones. Then head to Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the Sahara. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.

High Atlas Mountains landscape with winding road Morocco desert tour

Day 2Ouarzazate – Skoura Palm Groves – Amridil Kasbah – Rose Valley – Dades Valley (Approx. 3 Hours Drive)

After breakfast, explore Ouarzazate, including the Atlas Studios, where famous movies were filmed, and the Taourirt Kasbah, one of Morocco’s most ancient and spectacular ksars. Drive east to Amridil Kasbah, surrounded by lush palm groves in Skoura, then continue to Kalaa Magouna, famous for the Rose Valley and its annual rose festival in May. Discover local rose products, including perfumes, rose water, and cosmetic oils. Continue to Dades Valley via Boumalne Dades, stopping at the iconic “Monkey Fingers” rock formation and panoramic viewpoints over the valley. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Boumalne Dades.

Luxury desert camp Merzouga Sahara night stars

Day 3Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Sahara – Luxury Desert Camp (Approx. 5 Hours Drive)

After breakfast, depart for the dramatic Todra Gorges, a high red cliff canyon carved by the Todra River. Take time to explore and photograph this spectacular landscape. Drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, stopping for lunch along the way. In the afternoon, reach the Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Switch to camel trekking and cross the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, pausing to enjoy a magical sunset from the top of a dune. Arrive at the luxury desert camp and experience Berber drum music, a campfire under the stars, dinner, and an overnight stay in the desert.

Fes medina UNESCO old city narrow streets

Day 4Explore Merzouga – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga Lake – Erg Chebbi – Desert Oasis (Approx. 2 Hours Drive)

Wake up early to enjoy a spectacular sunrise in the middle of the desert. After breakfast, return by camel to Merzouga, where your driver awaits.

Spend the day exploring Merzouga and its surroundings, including sand dunes, fossil sites, mines, and hidden oases. Visit nomadic families in their handmade tents and enjoy traditional Berber tea.

Travel to Khamlia village, famous for Gnawa music and dance performances. After lunch, walk through palm groves and visit Merzouga Lake, also known as Flamingo Lake, before returning to a hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Fes historic medina overview with rooftops and narrow streets

Day 5 Merzouga Dunes – Erfoud – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes (Approx. 7 Hours Drive)

Wake up early for a sunrise in the desert, then return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga. Leave the desert to visit Rissani, an ancient capital of Tafilalet, famous for its traditional souk, then continue to Erfoud to explore fossil marble workshops.

Drive along the Ziz River, stopping for panoramic views of Ziz Valley. Have lunch in Midelt, then continue to the Cedar Forest, home to the Barbary Macaques.

Visit Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco for its alpine-style houses and cool climate. Finally, arrive in Fes, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or airport, marking the end of your 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour.