Morocco Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech (5 Days)

We will start this tour from Fes, the ancient imperial city of Morocco. From there, we will travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing by Ifrane, known as the “Moroccan Switzerland,” and Azrou, where we will explore the famous cedar forest.

Our journey continues through Midelt and the desert regions toward Merzouga, where you will discover the magnificent dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a camel trekking experience and spend the night in a traditional Berber tent under the stars.

Along the way, we will visit Rissani’s traditional market, lush palm groves, the stunning Dades Gorges and Valley (also known as Asif N’dades in Berber), the Valley of Roses, Ouarzazate, and the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. We will also cross the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass before ending the tour in Marrakech.

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga

We begin our journey heading southeast through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Moroccan Switzerland,” followed by Azrou, where we visit the largest cedar forest in Morocco and see the Barbary monkeys.

We then continue south, passing through small towns and Berber villages. Along the way, you may see nomadic families living in traditional tents. After a lunch stop in Midelt, we continue across the Atlas Mountains toward Errachidia, the gateway to the desert, and then Erfoud.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, where you will relax at your hotel or riad with a cup of mint tea. Later, you will begin your camel trek (about 1.5 hours) to the desert camp, where you will enjoy a beautiful sunset from the dunes. Dinner and overnight stay will be in traditional Berber tents, with live music and a star-filled sky.

Day 2: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – Desert Exploration

After breakfast, you will explore the Merzouga region. Visit the Gnawa people, known for their unique music and culture, originally brought from Sudan. You will also visit the seasonal lake of Merzouga, home to various bird species.

In the afternoon, enjoy another camel ride into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Dinner and overnight stay will be in a well-equipped desert camp with modern facilities.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After returning to the village and having breakfast, we depart for Rissani, where you will visit the traditional market, once a major caravan trading center connected to Timbuktu.

Next, we continue to the Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest canyons in Morocco. After lunch, we drive through the Dades Valley, famous for its unique rock formations known as “Monkey Fingers” and its beautiful kasbahs.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel overlooking the Dades Valley.

Day 4: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we continue through the Dades Valley toward Kalaat M’Gouna, known as the “Rose City,” where you can purchase local rose products.

We then visit the palm grove of Skoura and the famous Kasbah Amridil, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in Morocco. Continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech

After breakfast, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village famous for its appearance in movies such as Gladiator, The Mummy, and Sahara.

We then drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), the highest road pass in Morocco. Enjoy panoramic views and photo stops along the way.

Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where you will check into your riad in the Medina.

What is Included

  • Private transportation (4×4, minibus, or bus with air conditioning)
  • Professional multilingual driver/guide
  • Fuel
  • 3 nights in hotels or riads
  • 1 night in a desert camp (dinner & breakfast included)
  • Camel trekking experience
  • Sandboarding in the dunes

What is Not Included

  • Drinks and lunches
  • Flight tickets
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums
  • Accommodation in Fes

If you would like to modify any part of this tour, please contact us in advance, and we will be happy to customize it according to your preferences.