8-Day Desert Tour Overview
Complete Fes to Marrakech Desert Circuit with Extended Sahara ExperienceThe tour includes private transportation, guided visits, extended desert camp accommodation, camel trekking, and comfortable hotel stays throughout.
The Fes to Marrakech 8-day desert tour covers approximately 1,100 kilometers through Morocco's most spectacular regions. Starting from the ancient imperial city of Fes, you'll journey through the Middle Atlas to the Sahara desert at Merzouga, then thoroughly explore the dramatic Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge, travel through the Valley of Roses, visit the UNESCO-protected Ait Ben Haddou, cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka pass, and finally arrive in Marrakech with time to explore this vibrant city.
This extended tour is perfect for travelers who want to fully immerse themselves in Morocco's diverse landscapes and cultures without feeling rushed. You'll enjoy extended Berber hospitality, traditional cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes at a relaxed pace. For more information about the geological formations, visit the Wikipedia page on Dades Gorges.
8-Day Desert Tour Itinerary: Fes to Marrakech
Detailed day-by-day itinerary of your comprehensive desert circuitDay 1: Fes - Ifrane - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Erfoud - Merzouga
Departure from Fes & Middle Atlas
Depart from your accommodation in Fes and travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Visit the charming town of Ifrane, known as "Morocco's Little Switzerland" for its alpine architecture. Continue through cedar forests where you might spot Barbary macaques.
Ziz Valley to Merzouga
Stop in Midelt for lunch (optional) with mountain views. Continue south, descending into the spectacular Ziz Valley with its extensive palm groves and dramatic gorges. Pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops. Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga in the late afternoon.
Desert Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Check into your hotel at the edge of the dunes. Enjoy your first evening in the desert region with optional sunset viewing. Dinner and overnight at the hotel, preparing for your desert adventure the next day.
Day 2: Merzouga Desert Exploration - Camel Trek to Camp
Desert Village & Fossil Workshop
After breakfast, explore the Merzouga area. Visit a local fossil workshop to learn about the region's geological history. Optionally visit the nearby village of Khamlia to experience Gnawa music, brought to Morocco by former slaves from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Desert Lakes & Nomadic Life
Explore the seasonal desert lakes (if water is present) where flamingos can sometimes be seen. Visit a nomadic settlement to learn about traditional desert life. Return to your hotel to prepare for the desert camp experience.
Sunset Camel Trek & Desert Camp
In the late afternoon, meet your camel caravan for a magical sunset camel trek into the heart of the Sahara. Arrive at your desert camp nestled among the dunes. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, accompanied by Berber music around a campfire. Overnight in comfortable desert tents.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert - Rissani - Todra Gorge
Sunrise & Return from Desert
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara dunes. Enjoy breakfast at the camp, then camel trek back to Merzouga village. Take a shower and refresh at your hotel before continuing your journey.
Rissani Market Visit
Drive to Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region and birthplace of Morocco's Alaouite dynasty. Explore the bustling traditional market (souk), one of the most authentic in Morocco, where donkeys are still the main transport within the market.
Todra Gorge Arrival
Continue to the spectacular Todra Gorge, where limestone cliffs rise 300 meters above the river. Take a leisurely walk through the gorge to appreciate its scale. Check into your hotel near the gorge for overnight stay.
Day 4: Todra Gorge - Dades Gorge Exploration
Todra Gorge Hiking
After breakfast, enjoy a more extensive exploration of Todra Gorge. Optional guided hike through the gorge or in the surrounding areas. The morning light provides excellent photography opportunities of the towering cliffs.
Travel to Dades Gorge
Travel through the scenic Dades Valley, also known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" for its numerous traditional fortifications. Stop at strategic viewpoints including the famous "Monkey Fingers" rock formations. Arrive in the Dades Gorge area and check into your hotel.
Dades Gorge Sunset
Enjoy sunset views over the Dades Gorge. The play of light on the red rock formations is spectacular. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in the gorge area.
Day 5: Dades Gorge - Valley of Roses - Skoura - Ouarzazate
Dades Gorge Exploration
Morning exploration of Dades Gorge. Drive along the dramatic winding road through the gorge, stopping at various viewpoints. Visit traditional Berber villages nestled in the gorge and learn about local life in this dramatic landscape.
Valley of Roses
Travel through the fragrant Valley of the Roses (especially beautiful during the rose harvest in May). Visit a rose cooperative in Kelaat M'Gouna to learn about rose water and oil production, important local products.
Skoura Oasis & Ouarzazate
Continue to the Skoura Oasis, a lush palm grove dotted with traditional kasbahs. Visit the well-preserved Kasbah Amridil. Arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara." Check into your hotel and optionally visit the Atlas Film Studios.
Day 6: Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Telouet - High Atlas - Marrakech
Ait Ben Haddou Exploration
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, the most famous ksar (fortified village) in Morocco. Explore this ancient settlement on foot with your guide, learning about its history and film industry connections.
Telouet Kasbah
Travel through the scenic Ounila Valley to the partially restored Telouet Kasbah, once the seat of the powerful Glaoui family. Explore this historical site before continuing toward the High Atlas Mountains.
High Atlas Mountains Crossing
Begin the spectacular drive over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m), the highest mountain pass in North Africa. Stop at panoramic viewpoints to photograph the dramatic landscapes and traditional Berber villages.
Arrival in Marrakech
Descend from the Atlas Mountains toward the plains surrounding Marrakech. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation. Evening at leisure to explore Djemaa el-Fna square.
Day 7: Marrakech City Discovery
Medina & Historical Sites
Full-day guided tour of Marrakech. Explore the bustling souks of the medina, visit the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque with its iconic minaret. Discover the hidden gardens and architectural wonders of the Red City.
Majorelle Garden & New City
Visit the beautiful Majorelle Garden, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Explore the Guéliz district (new city) with its modern cafes and boutiques. Optionally visit the Menara Gardens.
Djemaa el-Fna Square
Experience the magical transformation of Djemaa el-Fna square as it comes alive in the evening with food stalls, musicians, storytellers, and performers. This UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage is a must-see experience.
Day 8: Marrakech - Departure
Free Time & Last Minute Shopping
Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping in the souks, visiting any sites you may have missed, or simply relaxing at your riad. Depending on your departure time, you might visit additional gardens or museums.
Transfer to Airport
Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure flight, concluding your comprehensive 8-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Desert Tour Highlights
Experience the best of Morocco's 8-day comprehensive desert circuitImperial City of Fes
Explore the ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Merzouga Sahara
Extended desert experience with camel trekking & camping
Dades Gorge
Comprehensive exploration of dramatic rock formations
Todra Gorge
300m high limestone cliffs & scenic hiking opportunities
Ait Ben Haddou
UNESCO World Heritage fortified village & film location
High Atlas Crossing
Spectacular drive via Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m)
Marrakech Discovery
Full day exploring the Red City's souks, palaces & gardens
Cultural Immersion
Markets, nomadic visits, Berber hospitality & traditional music
What's Included / Not Included
Complete details for your 8-day desert tour package- Hotel pick-up in Fes & drop-off in Marrakech
- Private transportation in comfortable 4x4/minivan
- Professional English/French-speaking driver/guide
- 7 nights accommodation (hotels, riad & desert camp)
- Camel trekking in Merzouga (sunset & sunrise)
- All dinners & breakfasts during desert camp stay
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Desert camp accommodation (private tent with beds)
- Guided visit to Ait Ben Haddou
- Mineral water during transfers
- All applicable taxes
- International flights & airport taxes
- Lunches during the journey
- Drinks and personal snacks
- Entrance fees to monuments & museums
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips for guides, drivers & camel handlers
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities (quad biking, etc.)
Practical Details
Important information for your 8-day desert tourFrequently Asked Questions
About our 8-day Fes to Marrakech desert tourThis 8-day tour offers a much more comprehensive and relaxed experience compared to shorter tours. Key differences include: Extended time in Fes to properly explore the imperial city; full day dedicated to Merzouga desert exploration before the camel trek; separate days for both Todra Gorge and Dades Gorge with proper exploration time; inclusion of Skoura Oasis and Valley of Roses; full day to explore Marrakech at the end of the tour; and a more leisurely pace with less daily driving time. This allows for deeper cultural immersion and more photography opportunities.
The tour includes 7 nights accommodation in a mix of comfortable properties: Night 1 in Merzouga (hotel at edge of dunes); Night 2 in a desert camp (private tent with beds and bedding); Night 3 near Todra Gorge (hotel with gorge views); Night 4 in Dades Gorge area (hotel with dramatic views); Night 5 in Ouarzazate (hotel/riad); Nights 6 & 7 in Marrakech (riad in the medina or hotel in Guéliz). All hotels/riads have private bathrooms. The desert camp typically has shared bathroom facilities.
The tour is moderately active but suitable for most people with average fitness. Activities include: walking through medinas in Fes and Marrakech (on uneven surfaces); camel riding (approximately 1 hour each way in Merzouga); gentle hiking/walking in Todra and Dades Gorges (optional, can be tailored to your ability); getting in/out of vehicle for sightseeing. The tour involves some long driving days (typically 4-6 hours with frequent stops). We recommend comfortable walking shoes and reasonable mobility. The pace can be adjusted for less mobile travelers.
The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, temperatures are pleasant throughout (15-25°C/59-77°F in desert areas), wildflowers may bloom, and the Rose Valley is particularly beautiful in May. Winter (December to February) offers cool days but cold desert nights (can drop below freezing) - warm clothing is essential. Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot in the desert (often above 40°C/104°F), though mornings/evenings are manageable and hotels have air conditioning. The tour operates year-round with appropriate preparations.
Yes, absolutely! As a private tour, it can be fully customized: Reverse direction - The tour can easily operate from Marrakech to Fes; Extra nights - Add more time in any location (particularly popular to add extra nights in Fes, desert, or Marrakech); Accommodation upgrades - Choose luxury riads, hotels, or premium desert camps; Activity additions - Include cooking classes, hiking excursions, hot air ballooning, etc.; Route modifications - Add destinations like Chefchaouen, Essaouira, or Casablanca; Pace adjustments - Slow down the itinerary for a more relaxed experience. Discuss your preferences when booking for a customized quote.