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Epic 5 days from Fes to Marrakech Sahara Desert Tour
From the imperial medina of Fes to the golden dunes of the Sahara, and through the Todra and Dades Gorges, the Rose Valley, and the kasbahs of the south, this 5 day tour from Fes to Marrakech offers the most complete overland journey in Morocco.
About This Tour
5 days from Fes to Marrakech Tour: Overview
Our 5 days from Fes to Marrakech trip via the Merzouga Sahara Desert is one of Morocco’s classic overland journeys. This one-way trip links two famous imperial cities, taking you through the Sahara Desert and giving you plenty of time to discover the southern gorges, valleys, and kasbahs.
On this trip, you will cross the Middle Atlas mountains, walk in North Africa’s largest cedar forest, see wild Barbary monkeys, ride a camel on the golden Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, explore the Todra and Dades Gorges, visit the Rose Valley, and tour the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou before ending in Marrakech.
This Morocco Sahara Desert tour is perfect for travelers arriving in Fes and leaving from Marrakech, or for anyone who wants to experience the variety of southern Morocco without feeling rushed. Every night includes dinner and breakfast. Our driver-guide will pick you up from your Fes accommodation on Day 1 and drop you off at your Marrakech riad on Day 5.
A 5 Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech Gallery
Tour Highlights
Here’s what makes this 5 days from Fes to Marrakech trip so memorable:
- See wild Barbary monkeys in the cedar forest near Ifrane and Azrou.
- Drive through the Ziz Valley, a palm-filled paradise with wide views of the oasis.
- Meet a Sahara nomad family and enjoy traditional tea in the middle of the desert.
- Visit the village of Khamlia and listen to live Gnaoua music performed by its Sudanese-Malian descendant community.
- Ride a camel into the wide dunes of Erg Chebbi as the sun sets.
- Sandboarding: Slide down the warm, smooth sand slopes of Merzouga for free
- Sleep under a canopy of stars in a luxury Sahara desert camp that has a private bathroom.
- Start your day early and watch the sunrise over the dunes in Merzouga.
- You will take a walk through the impressive Todra Gorges, where cliffs rise up to 300 meters.
- Explore the Dades Valley and see its unique rock formations called "monkey toes."
- Meet nomad cave-dwellers near Boutghrar and visit the Rose Valley cooperatives in El Kalaa M'gouna.
- Tour the kasbahs and film studios in Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa."
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, which has been featured in many Hollywood movies.
- Travel across the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass, 2,260 meters high, through the High Atlas Mountains.
5 Days From Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Early departure from Fes, our 5 days Fes to Marrakech desert tour takes us through the heart of middle atlas mountains to Ifrane known as ” Switzland of Morocco ” because of its similarity to a Swiss ski resort . then, we head to the cedar forest -largest in north Africa- and home to barbary monkies , time to feed and take pictures with them .
We continue south, passing through Berber villages and countryside, and see nomadic shepherds with their flocks spread out in the terrain. Midway, a stop for lunch in Midelt. Our first day of 5 days from Fes to Marrakech, the Sahara Desert trip, will take us through Talghmt Pass, then to Ziz Gorge. Before we get to the Sahara Desert, we’ll stop for some panoramic views of the impressive hidden oasis of Ziz Valley filled with palm trees and mud villages. Around one hour from now, we’ll get to the Merzouga Sahara Desert in the late afternoon, have dinner, and stay overnight in a hotel.
Overnight: Hotel / Riad in Merzouga (dinner and breakfast included
Day 2 : Merzouga – Erg Chebbi desert sightseeing – Camel trekking – Camp
Day 2 of our 5 days from Fes to Marrakech trip is dedicated entirely to the Sahara. After breakfast, we will begin our desert excursion for a half day in the Sahara. We drive to visit nomads that still live in tents in the middle of the Sahara Desert; see how they live , and sip a cup of tea with them.
After, continue our way to visit the old mines that were once exploited by the French. Later, we will visit the village of Khamlia that is home to black Berber people who are descendants from Sudan,Mali…We’ll have a chance to listen to their Gnaoua music and have lunch in the town.
Before the camel ride, we’ll see an oasis on the edge of the Sahara Desert. After a rest, begin the camel trekking over the high sand dunes of the erg-chebbi desert . You will see the magnificent sunset on top of a high dune, and you will reach the desert camp in the heart of the Sahara. After a delicious dinner, it’s time to listen to Berber music played by local nomads under a starry sky .
Overnight: Desert Camp in Merzouga (dinner and breakfast included)
Day 3 : Merzouga – Rissani- Todra Valley and Gorges – Dades Valley
Day 3 of this 5 days from Fes to Marrakech itinerary begins Waking early in the morning is a ” must-do” to see the sunrise of your life. Then ride the camels back to the hotel, where you will meet your driver again.
We set off west through the city of Rissani: Once a major stop for trade-caravans across and from Morocco to neighbouring countries. If it coincidens day markets which take place every tuesdays,thursdays and sundays …we will visit the souk -largest in the region. Then ,we continue to Arfoud- fossils town , drive by atlas mountains,towns towards Todra valley ; a fertile green valley surrounded by old mud villages .
Lunch in the town , then drive around 15 klm , we get to Todra gorges ; a corridor rising dramatically up to 300m with vertical cliffs and water streaming from natural springs ,time to enjoy it. Later , we’ll go through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the spectacular sand castles and the astonishing rock formations known locally as “monkey toes”. Spend the night in a hotel/riad overlooking the Dades valley.
Overnight: Hotel / Riad in Dades Valley (dinner and breakfast included
Day 4 : Dades Valley – Boutghrar – Roses Town – Skoura – Ouarzazat
This morning , after breakfast ,we leave to Ouarzazat via Boutghrar , Rose valley and Skoura. We start our jouney by visiting the snaky road – backdrop for so many car advirtisments and the Dades gorges with its impressive rock formations.
We travel off-road to Boutghrar , a place where nature and colours meet , the path will lead us to nomads that live in caves , we visit , sip a cup of tea with them. We continue to El Kalaa Mgouna ( Rose Town) where locals pick over 400 tons of rose petals that are processed into rosewater, cremes and perfumes in local cooperatives. A festival is held every May here . Time to enjoy your lunch in the town .
Then, we take the road of a thousand kasbahs to Skoura, which is home to the most beautiful kasbahs in Morocco; we visit the 17th-century Kasbah of Amridil and drive in the oases of Skoura towards Ouarzazat. Dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel/riad.
Overnight: Local Hotel in Ouarzazate (Dinner and breakfast included)
Day 5 : Ouarzazat – Ait Benhaddou Kasbah – Marrakech
Today, we start our final day of our 5 days from Fes to Marrakech tour by visiting the biggest cinama studios of ”Hollywood of Africa”,Ouarzazat where so many movies were filmed such as : Games of thrones ,Prison break season 4…Ouarzazat is also home to the biggest solar power station in Africa , and famous by its handicrafts ( wooden gates, silver ,rugs…) as well.
Later, we head to visit the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou- the UNESCO world heritage site—where many international movies were filmed (Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Games of Thrones…). Your adventure will continue through the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 m) over the High Atlas Mountains where you will admire the special Berber villages before arriving in your hotel in Marrakesh, the end of our Sahara Desert 5 days from Fes to Marrakech Tour.
Arrival in Marrakech · Evening Drop-Of
Need a Different Morocco Sahara Desert Tour Duration?
We want your Sahara trip to be just right for you. If a 5 days Fes to Marrakech desert tour does not fit your plans, we can adjust the itinerary to suit your needs. If you are short on time, we also offer a faster 4-day, 3-night desert tour. If you’re looking for a deeper adventure. We can extend your journey into a relaxed 6-day, 5-night desert trip.
Beyond the desert trip, we can help with airport transfers and departure logistics to make your travels stress-free. If you want to explore further, we can arrange day trips from Marrakech to beautiful destinations like the Ourika Valley, Ouzoud Waterfalls, or the coastal town of Essaouira. Contact us for a custom itinerary and personalized quote. We are happy to help you design your dream Moroccan holiday!
Contact us for a custom itinerary and personalized quote. We are happy to help you plan your dream Moroccan holiday.
Pricing for a 5-day trip from Fes
5 Days Fes to Marrakech Tour Price: What's Included & Excluded
Here’s exactly what’s covered on your 5 days from Fes to Marrakech trip:
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodations
- 4 nights' accommodation (Merzouga hotel) (desert camp + Todra hotel + Ouarzazate hotel)
- Dinners and Breakfasts every overnight stop
- Comfortable air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
- Off-road 4x4 desert safari and nomad visits
- Camel ride in Merzouga
- Sandboarding on the dunes (free, optional)
- Berber campfire music evening
- English or Spanish-speaking driver
- Bottle of water
- Fuel and road tolls for the entire route
Included
- Entry fees
- Drinks and personal beverages
- Lunches during the tour
- Optional desert activities (quad, buggy)
Explore More
Explore More Morocco Sahara Desert Tours Options
If our 5 days from Fes to Marrakech itinerary isn’t quite the fit, here are a few more options:
FAQ: Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 5 Days
Here are the most common questions travelers ask before booking our 5 days from Fes to Marrakech tour.
Is this a private tour, or will I be with other tourists?
Yes, this is a private 5-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour! The vehicle and guide are just for you and your group. No other travelers will join, so you can set your own pace and enjoy a personalized experience.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, we also offer a shared Sahara desert tour. You would travel with up to 17 other people on a set itinerary. Let us know which option you prefer, and we will take care of the rest.
How long is the drive from Fes to Merzouga on Day 1 of this Morocco Sahara desert tour?
The drive from Fes to Merzouga is approximately 480 km and takes around 8 hours including stops at Ifrane, the Cedar Forest near Azrou, lunch in Midelt, and the Ziz Valley viewpoint. Departure is at 8:00 AM and you arrive at the desert camp in time for the sunset camel trek.
Do I have to ride a camel on this tour Sahara desert Morocco itinerary?
No problem. If you would like to skip this part, we can arrange a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp for free or organize other extra activities such as quad biking or buggy rides. Please let us know your preference when you book with us.
Is this Morocco Fes to Marrakech tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, this tour is very popular with families. Children love the Barbary monkeys at the Cedar Forest. [For the monkeys, please don’t feed them human food, as it may harm their health.] There is a camel ride in the Sahara and sandboarding on the dunes. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and all roads are paved. Families with young children are encouraged to book a private tour so the pace can be adapted to their needs.
What should I pack for this 5 day tour Morocco trip?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for cold desert nights. A scarf is handy for dust and sun.
What is the best time of year for a Desert trip from Fes to Marrakech?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant temperatures at all stops: the Atlas Mountains, Cedar Forest, and the Sahara. Summer is hot in the desert but cooler in the mountains. Winter brings cold nights and possible snow on the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. It also offers stunning clear skies for photography. The tour runs year-round.
How do I book this Fes to Marrakech 5 days tour?
Just send us your travel dates and group size. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours to confirm availability and details. A small deposit will secure your booking.
What accommodation is included in the Fes to Marrakech desert tour, 5 days?
You’ll stay in hotels or riads in Merzouga the first night. Night 2 is at a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, with private, furnished tents featuring showers and bathrooms. Night 2 is in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley, usually with a terrace overlooking the valley. Night 3 is in a local hotel in Ouarzazate. All three nights include dinner and breakfast.
Can I extend this Morocco Fes to Marrakech tour to more days?
Yes. We can add Chefchaouen (the Blue City) before departure from Fes, extend the desert stay to 3 nights in Merzouga, add a night in the Dades Valley, or build a fully custom route. We also offer 6-day, 7-day, 10-day, and 16-day tours across Morocco. Contact us at contact@moroccomagictours.com or call +212 625 041 791 for a personalized quote.