Overview of Best 5 Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
Our 5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes is one of the most complete ways to experience Morocco in a short time. In this 5 Days/4 Nights, you’ll travel between two imperial cities, Marrakech, known as the Red City, and Fez, known as the cultural capital of Morocco, crossing the High Atlas Mountains to the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then explore the Ouarzazate Film Studios. Follow the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs to the palm-fringed oasis of Skoura and explore the stunning landscapes of the Dades and Todgha Gorges. Continue your adventure to the golden sand dunes of Merzouga, where you can experience a camel ride in the Sahara Desert and spend a night under the stars.
The following day, you will continue your trip through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you will visit the Cedar Forest, the largest forest in Morocco,and Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland of Morocco,” where you can see the famous Atlas lions. Finally, you will arrive in Fez where you will discover the historical landmarks of the city with a tour guide.
Top Highlights of the 5 Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Adventure
- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)
- Explore Telouet kasbah
- Visit the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Discover Kasbah Amridil
- Visit Ouarzazate and stop at Taourirt Kasbah and film Atlas studios
- Discover Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses
- Walk through Dades Valley and explore the famous rock formation of ''Monkey Fingers''
- Walk inside the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge (320m)
- Camel trek across the dunes of Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi)
- Overnight in a Sahara desert camp under the stars
- Visit nomad families in the desert
- Immerse yourself in Gnawa Music and enjoy Berber Pizza for lunch
- Drive through the breathtaking Ziz Valley
- See Barbary macaques in the Cedar Forest of Azrou
- Visit Ifrane, Morocco's Little Switwerland
- Finish your journey in the imperial city of Fes
Detailed 5 Day Itinerary from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara Desert
On the first day of your 5 days desert trip from Marrakech to Fes, your driver will pick you up early from the airport or your accommodation in Marrakech. We cross the High Atlas Mountains with photo stops along the winding road of Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 meters). Next, we will pass through the Ounila Valley, enjoying panoramic views of the Valley of Paradise. Then we will visit the Telouet kasbah, known for its Andalusian architecture and ornate cedar wood ceilings (optional stop).
After that we will head to Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, an ancient fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage site, and Best place for Filmmakers, where many movies have been filmed like Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Jesus of Nazareth. After lunch, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa" and the "Gateway to the Sahara", where we will visit Taourirt Kasbah and the film Atlas studios.
Next, we'll taking the road of 1000 kasabh to reach the oasis of Skoura where you'll visit Kasbah Amridil, and then Kelâat M'Gouna, known as the Rose Capital, where you will visit a local rose cooperative (optional). Afterwards, we will drive to the peaceful Dades Valley, where you will visit the rock formation known as "Monkey's Fingers" and the wavy road of Tisadrine. Then, your driver will take you to your accommodation for the night. Overnight stay and dinner in Dades.
After breakfast, we head toward Tinghir and stop at the impressive Todra Gorge. This stunning valley, with its towering limestone cliffs reaching up to 320 meters, is located in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains and a preferred place for mountain climbers. Enjoy a walk between its towering cliffs and palm oasis scenery and enjoy Moroccan mint tea by the river.
We then continue through desert towns and ancient caravan routes, stopping in Tinghir for lunch. After that, we will head to the village of Melaab, where we will visit a local cooperative to learn about Berber culture and try on a Berber wedding costume, and experience henna tattooing (optional). Then, we will drive to Erfoud, known as the date capital, where we will visit a fossil museum.
By late afternoon, we reach Merzouga, where your camel guide will be waiting to begin your camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. You will stop at a high sand dune to watch the beautiful sunrise over the desert. After that, we continue to the desert camp where you can sandboard, have dinner, and enjoy Berber music and dance performances around the campfire. Overnight in a desert tent under the stars.
Wake up for a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes of Merzouga, a sight not to be missed.; it's well worth it. Then return to your desert camp for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, travel back to Merzouga by camel, where your driver awaits. The day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region by 4WD.
First, you will visit nomadic families, where you will have the opportunity to learn about their way of life over a warm and friendly tea session and sample Berber pizza. Then, we will proceed to old french colonial Mines, the area around M'Ifiss is rich in fossils, including trilobites and ammonites. We will also visit an ancient eyeliner mine
Next, we will visit the village of El Khamlia, whose inhabitants trace their origins to countries such as Mali and Sudan, where we will enjoy a performance of African music by a Gnaoua group. Afterward, we will go back to Merzouga for lunch. Then, will visit to Lake Merzouga, also known as Lake Flamingo or Tifart (a seasonal lake). After that, we will head to the Hassilabied oasis and hike its trails, enjoying the palm trees and the sounds of desert birds.
In the evening, we will return to Merzouga or hassilabied where, we will spend the night in a hotel/riad near the dunes, perfect for a shower, a relaxed dinner, and a good sleep.
After breakfast, we leave the Merzouga desert and head north. We'll start with a visit to the traditional markets of Rissani, which is especially lively on certain days of the week (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday), when nomads come to buy and sell their goods, and we will also visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif (optional visit). After that, we will head north.
Next, we will cross the Ziz Valley, known for its palm oasis stretching along the valley and its stunning scenery, perfect for taking memorable photos. Then, we will cross the Tizi n'Telghamt Pass. After that, we will drive to Midelt, known as the "Apple Capital", where we will stop for a break and lunch.
After lunch in Midelt, we continue through the Middle Atlas landscapes toward Azrou, famous for its cedar forest, where you may see Barbary macaques (it can be fed). Afterward, we pass through Ifrane, known for its clean streets and cool climate and Alpine-style houses, earning it the nickname "Switzerland of Morocco". Late in the afternoon or evening, we arrive in Fez, where your driver will take you to your accommodation.
On the last day of your tour, enjoy a guided tour of Fez, Morocco's oldest imperial city and its cultural and intellectual capital. We begin at the 9th-century Andalusian Mosque, then we will visit Bab Bou Jeloud, famous for its stunning blue and green mosaics, built in 1913. Next, we enter the Medina of Fez, also known as Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander through its narrow alleyways.
After that, we will visit the Dar el Makhzen, also known as the Royal Palace, where you can take stunning photos in front of its ornate golden gates. Afterward, we visit Al Quaraouiyine University, considered the oldest university in the world. Then, we visit will the Attarine Madrasa and the Bou Inania Madrasa, followed by a stop at the Dar Batha Museum.
Next, we explore the Mellah of Fez, the old Jewish quarter of Fez and visit the famous Chouara tannery, where animal hides are used to make clothing, shoes, bags, and more. Afterward, we’ll head towards the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of Fez, and the Nejjarine Fountain.
Following that, we will explore a traditional pottery workshop in Fez, where you will watch skilled artisans creating mosaic tiles and decorations on ceramic plates. In the late afternoon, we will take you to the Borj Nord to enjoy a panoramic view of the Medina of Fez before transferring you to your accommodation or the airport in Fes. End of your 5 days Morocco desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
Tour Includes & Excludes
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
- Private transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle (4WD or minivan, depending on group size)
- Experienced local English, Italian, French, or Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel and all road costs
- 4 nights accommodation (hotels, riads)
- Night in a luxury camp in Merzouga with a private toilet and shower
- Camel trek in the Sahara desert (one camel per person), or 4x4 transfer available on request
- Dinner x 2
- Breakfast x 4
- Merzouga 4x4 desert exploration
- Berber drumming and music
- Free sandboarding in the desert
- Luggage transfer to the desert camp
- Scenic stops and photo breaks along the route
- The opportunity to ask the driver to stop when and where you wish
The Cost Excludes
- Lunches
- Flight tickets
- Personal spending
- Entrance fees (if required)
- Beverages
- Tips (optional)
- Optional activities (quad biking, buggy, etc.)
FAQs : 5 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
Yes, the itinerary is comfortable and can be adapted for children and older travelers.
Yes, if you are comfortable with long drives. We can adapt stops and pace to your group.
Yes, this tour is designed to give a complete introduction to Morocco, including cities, mountains, and desert.
Comfortable clothes, a warm layer for the evening, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small day bag for essentials.
The camel trek usually lasts 1 to 1.5 hours, including a sunset stop.
Of course. A 4×4 transfer to the camp is always possible.
Your luggage will be safely transported to the desert camp by 4×4 vehicle (4WD), so you can enjoy the camel ride comfortably with only a small backpack for personal items.
Yes, the Sahara Desert in Morocco is safe for tourists. Thousands of travelers visit the Moroccan desert regions every year and spend the night in desert camps without any incidents, enjoying camel treks, desert camping, and sunrises over the sand dunes in complete safety.
You can choose between standard or luxury desert camps, both with private tents.
Luxury camps typically offer private bathrooms and more comfort. Standard camps usually have shared facilities.
Yes, there is electricity, and the Wi-Fi network quality is good from time to time, but don’t worry, this is part of your desert adventure.
Booking your desert tour is simple. You can contact us through WhatsApp, email, our contact form, or social media. Once we confirm your itinerary and travel dates, we will request a small deposit to secure your reservation.
We accept payments by PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer. The remaining balance can be paid in cash at pick-up or by credit card with a small 5% processing fee.
You can cancel your tour free of charge if you inform us more than 15 days before the start date. In this case, your deposit will be fully refunded.
If the cancellation is made within 15 days, the deposit will be retained to cover preparation and reservation costs.