5-Day Desert Tour Overview
Complete Sahara Adventure from Fes to MarrakechThe itinerary includes comfortable transportation, authentic accommodations, camel trekking, and a night in a desert camp for a complete Moroccan experience.
The 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech covers approximately 1,000 kilometers through Morocco's diverse terrain. You'll cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, visit the "Switzerland of Morocco" in Ifrane, see wild Barbary macaques in the cedar forests, experience the vast Ziz Valley with its palm groves, and spend a magical night under the stars in the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga[citation:4][citation:7].
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience the essence of Morocco's desert and mountain landscapes in a comprehensive 5-day itinerary. You'll encounter Berber culture, traditional markets, dramatic gorges, and the unforgettable beauty of the Sahara. For more information about the region, visit the Wikipedia page on Erg Chebbi.
5-Day Desert Tour Itinerary: Fes to Marrakech
Detailed day-by-day itinerary of your desert adventureDay 1: Fes - Ifrane - Cedar Forest - Ziz Valley - Merzouga
Departure from Fes & Middle Atlas
Depart Fes after breakfast and drive south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as "Morocco's Switzerland" for its alpine-style architecture and cool climate. Continue to the Cedar Forest near Azrou to see wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat[citation:4][citation:7].
Ziz Valley to Merzouga
Continue through Midelt and descend into the spectacular Ziz Valley with its extensive palm groves. Pass through Errachidia and Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, where you'll check into your hotel/riad at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes[citation:4].
Day 2: Merzouga Desert Exploration - Camel Trek - Desert Camp
Desert Excursion & Gnawa Music
Explore the Merzouga area, visiting the black volcanic rocks near the Algerian border and meeting a nomad family to learn about their lifestyle. Visit the village of Khamlia to experience spiritual Gnawa music performed by local communities[citation:4].
Camel Trek & Desert Camp
In the late afternoon, meet your camels for a 1-hour camel trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watch the spectacular sunset over the Sahara before arriving at your desert camp. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, listen to drum music around the campfire, and sleep under a blanket of stars[citation:4][citation:7].
Day 3: Merzouga - Rissani - Todra Gorge - Dades Valley
Sunrise & Rissani Market
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, then return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4. After breakfast and shower, visit Rissani, the former capital of the Alawite dynasty and an important caravan trading post. Explore the traditional market and souk[citation:4].
Todra Gorge to Dades Valley
Travel to Tinghir and explore the magnificent Todra Gorge, with its 300-meter-high limestone cliffs. Take a walk through the oasis beneath palm trees. Continue to the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and kasbahs. Overnight in a hotel/riad in the valley[citation:4][citation:7].
Day 4: Dades Valley - Valley of Roses - Skoura - Ouarzazate
Dades Valley Exploration
After breakfast, explore the Dades Valley further, driving through the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs." Visit traditional Berber villages and see the unique rock formations. Option to visit nomads living in caves in the Boutghrar area[citation:4].
Valley of Roses to Ouarzazate
Continue to El Kelaa M'Gouna, the "Valley of the Roses" (especially beautiful in May during the rose harvest). Visit a rose cooperative to learn about rose water production. Travel through the Skoura oasis with its palm groves and kasbahs. Arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," for overnight[citation:4].
Day 5: Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - High Atlas - Marrakech
Atlas Studios & Ait Ben Haddou
Optional visit to Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Africa. Then visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, the most famous ksar in Morocco. Explore this ancient fortified village, which has been featured in numerous films including "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones"[citation:4].
High Atlas Crossing to Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m), with spectacular views and photo stops at Berber villages. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon (around 5:00 PM), where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation, completing your 5-day desert adventure[citation:4].
Desert Tour Highlights
Experience the best of Morocco's 5-day desert adventureCedar Forest & Macaques
See wild Barbary macaques in Azrou's cedar forest
Erg Chebbi Dunes
Experience Morocco's most beautiful sand dunes
Camel Trekking
Sunset camel ride to desert camp
Desert Camp Night
Magical night under stars with Berber dinner
Todra Gorge
Explore dramatic 300m high limestone canyon
Ait Ben Haddou
UNESCO World Heritage site exploration
What's Included / Not Included
Complete details for your 5-day desert tour package- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Fes/Marrakech
- Transportation in comfortable 4x4 or minivan with A/C
- English/French speaking driver/guide throughout
- 3 nights hotel/riad accommodation (double rooms)
- 1 night desert camp accommodation (tent)
- All breakfasts and dinners during the tour
- Camel trekking in the desert (1 hour each way)
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, mats)
- Mineral water during transfers
- Lunches and personal drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips for guides, drivers, and camel handlers
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities not mentioned
Practical Details
Important information for your 5-day desert tourFrequently Asked Questions
About our 5-day Fes to Marrakech desert tourThe desert camp features comfortable Berber tents with proper beds, mattresses, and blankets. Most camps have shared bathroom facilities with basic toilets. The camp includes a communal dining tent where traditional meals are served, and a campfire area for evening gatherings with Berber music. While it's an authentic desert experience, it's designed for comfort with proper bedding and facilities. We recommend bringing a sleeping bag liner for extra comfort and a headlamp for moving around at night.
The camel trekking is generally suitable for most people, but it does require some basic mobility. The camel ride lasts about 1 hour each way (to and from the camp). If you prefer not to ride camels or have mobility issues, we can arrange 4x4 transfer to the camp instead. The camels are well-trained and accustomed to carrying tourists, with guides leading them. For those concerned about animal welfare, we work with providers who treat their animals well, as the camels' health is essential to their livelihood[citation:7]. Children under 5 may ride with an adult.
For the desert, essential items include: headscarf or shesh (to protect from sun and sand), sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, closed-toe shoes (for walking in sand), warm layers (desert nights can be cold), headlamp or flashlight, power bank (limited charging in desert), reusable water bottle, and camera with dust protection. Pack in a small overnight bag for the desert camp as large luggage stays in the vehicle at Merzouga.
Daily driving varies: Day 1: 7-8 hours (Fes to Merzouga, 440km), Day 2: 2-3 hours (desert exploration), Day 3: 4-5 hours (Merzouga to Dades Valley, 360km), Day 4: 3-4 hours (Dades Valley to Ouarzazate, 200km), Day 5: 4-5 hours (Ouarzazate to Marrakech, 170km)[citation:4]. However, these are travel times with frequent stops for photos, visits, and meals. The journey itself is part of the experience, with changing landscapes and interesting stops along the way.
Yes, this tour can be customized according to your preferences. We offer both small group tours (2-6 travelers) and private tours. For private tours, you can adjust the itinerary, accommodation level, add extra nights, or modify the route. Popular customizations include adding an extra night in the desert, visiting additional sites like the Draa Valley, or adjusting the pace for more photography time. Private tours offer more flexibility with stops and timing[citation:7][citation:10].