This 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech offers an incredible adventure filled with cultural immersion and breathtaking landscapes. Starting in Fes, known for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere, sets the stage for an enriching experience.
Venturing into the Merzouga desert and experiencing camel trekking amidst the towering dunes sounds like a true desert adventure. And staying in a luxury desert camp under the starry desert sky adds a touch of comfort and magic to the experience.
Exploring the rugged beauty of the Dades Gorges must offer stunning vistas and opportunities for hiking and photography, showcasing Morocco’s natural wonders.
Finally, concluding the journey in Marrakech allows for a deep dive into the city’s rich history, bustling markets, and vibrant culture. It sounds like a perfectly curated itinerary that maximizes the experience within a short timeframe, ensuring cherished memories that will indeed last a lifetime.
The first days of our 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech take us southward through Imouzzer. Our first stop is Ifrane, renowned for its chilly climate, snowy landscapes, and charming alpine-style architecture. It’s often dubbed the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and you’ll see why.
Continuing our journey, we venture into the cedar forest, home to Barbary macaques. You’ll have the chance to interact with these playful creatures as you explore the forest.
Next, we’ll make our way to Midelt, where you’ll have some free time for lunch. Then, we’ll traverse the scenic Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, and journey along the Ziz Valley, pausing for panoramic photo opportunities.
In the afternoon, we arrive at the majestic Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Here, you’ll switch to camels for a memorable trek across the sandy dunes. As the sun begins its descent, we’ll pause atop a high dune of Erg Chebbi to witness the mesmerizing sunset.
Finally, we’ll reach our camp, a unique blend of traditional nomadic tents and luxurious amenities. Spend the evening immersing yourself in the enchanting ambiance, with Berber drum music, lively dancing around the campfire, and a sky illuminated by countless stars. Rest well in your comfortable accommodation, surrounded by the tranquility of the Merzouga desert.
Overnight stay at a luxury desert camp with dinner and breakfast.
Driving distance: 462 km
Driving time: 7 hr 10 min
Wake up early to catch the beautiful sunrise from the closest dune. After a tasty breakfast at the camp, we’ll begin our adventure in the Merzouga desert. Our trusty 4×4 SUV will take us to meet the Berber nomads living behind the dunes. Learn about their lifestyle and culture as they survive in this remote area. We’ll also visit the deserted village of Miffis, enjoy Gnawa music in Khamlia village, and maybe see the Lake of Birds if it’s full.
After lunch, we’ll head to your Riad for check-in and some free time. Take a swim or stroll to the nearby dunes. Dinner will be served in the evening, and you’ll spend the night at your Riad. You can also choose to stay another night at the desert camp if you’d like.
Overnight stay at a hotel or camp; dinner and breakfast included.
Witness the sunrise in the Erg Chebbi desert before departing with your vehicle and driver. If you wish, participating in the quad biking activity early in the morning could be a great option.
From the Merzouga desert, we will head to Rissani, a town where the majority of the ancient nomads reside and an important center for its weekly market. We will take a stroll through its souk before continuing our journey through Morocco to explore the eastern side of the High Atlas Mountains, where the impressive Todra Gorges are located. These gorges are the highest in all of Morocco, with walls reaching up to 300 meters in height.
On the 5 days from Fes to Marrakech, you will also discover the extraordinary palm grove of Tinghir and travel through the Dadès Valley to the nearby village of Aït Larbi, where there are rock formations known as the ‘monkey fingers,’ offering travelers a landscape of spectacular beauty.
Overnight in the Dades Valley at a hotel with dinner and breakfast.
Driving distance: 275 km
Driving time: 4 hr
After having breakfast in the hotel, we’ll drive through the Dades Valley, which is a fascinating part of the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. We’ll stop at Kalaa-Mgouna, “the rose city” that is famous for its annual festival of roses, to purchase the rosewater and a lot of local cosmetic products.
Continuing on to Skoura and the bird’s valley, where the main features are the mud brick kasbahs, especially the Kasbah of Ameridil, a well-preserved kasbah in this area.
After some hiking in the valley, you will have lunch in a restaurant overlooking the whole valley. The tour continues to Ouarzazate, “the Hollywood of Africa,” whose geography and beautiful landscapes have attracted many world movie producers. Here you may choose to visit the studios, containing props used in movies you may have already seen, such as The Mummy and Gladiator.
You’ll get the chance to see the Kasbah of Taourirt, a Hollywood backdrop (Sheltering Sky, Gladiator, and Prince of Persia).
Overnight stay at our riad with dinner and breakfast.
Driving distance: 140 km
Driving time: 2 hr 8 min
After breakfast, we’ll explore the UNESCO-protected Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, one of the most captivating kasbahs in the region, offering stunning views of the surrounding palms. Our journey continues to Marrakech via the scenic Tizin’Tichka Pass. En route, we’ll pause to discover the town of Telouet and its ancient 17th-century Kasbah, immersing ourselves in its rich history. As we traverse the Tizin’Tichka road, we’ll be treated to breathtaking landscapes dotted with Berber villages. In the afternoon, upon arrival in Marrakech, drop off at your accommodation or at the airport in Marrakech. End our 5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Driving distance: 193 km
Driving time: 3 hr 19 min
A 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech depends on the level of service, the number of people in your group, and the type of accommodations. Please feel free to contact us for a personalized quote.
NOTE: This Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga tour is just a suggestion. If it doesn’t suit you, please reach out. We’re experts at tailoring Morocco desert tours to match your preferences and schedule. Check out our tours from Marrakech, tours from Casablanca, and tours from Tangier. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need assistance.
Known as the “Little Switzerland” of Morocco, Ifrane is a charming mountain town famous for its European-style architecture, clean streets, and cool climate. It’s a perfect stop to experience a contrast to the rest of the country. A highlight of many luxury Fez tours, this peaceful town adds elegance to any itinerary.
The drive through the Middle Atlas offers breathtaking views of lush forests, small villages, and scenic landscapes. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience Morocco’s natural beauty and its rural way of life, making it a picturesque start to your desert trip from Fes.
As you approach the desert, you’ll pass through the Ziz Valley, known for its stunning palm groves and dramatic river valleys. It’s a great spot to capture panoramic views of the desert landscape and a key feature of many Fes desert excursions.
Known as the gateway to the Sahara, Erfoud is famous for its fossils and is an excellent place to learn about Morocco’s ancient history. You can also stop for a refreshing drink or visit a traditional local market. This town often features in classic Sahara Desert trips from Fes.
The highlight of the tour! Merzouga is located at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you can experience a camel trek into the desert. The towering orange sand dunes are among the most iconic landscapes in Morocco. Spending the night in a desert camp under the stars is the perfect way to enjoy a Fes camel trek adventure.
Known as the “village of the Gnaoua,” Khamlia is famous for its Gnaoua music, a blend of African, Berber, and Arab influences. Visitors can enjoy a live performance and interact with the friendly local cultural gem on any Fes Sahara tours itinerary.
The Todgha Gorges are a stunning natural wonder, with cliffs that rise to over 300 meters (984 feet). The dramatic landscape offers amazing photo opportunities, and it’s a great place for a walk or a short hike along the river. These gorges are a scenic stop in man 5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient ksar (fortified village) located along the old caravan route. Its mudbrick buildings and stunning architecture have been featured in numerous films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Aït Benhaddou is one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks, often explored during a Fes to Erg Chebbi desert journey.
On the final day of our 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, we will cross the High Atlas Mountains, where you’ll see breathtaking views of rugged peaks, traditional Berber villages, and lush valleys. This drive is an unforgettable experience, completing one of the most scenic Fes Sahara tours through southern Morocco.
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