5-Day Desert Adventure from Marrakesh to Fes

Embark on a 5-day, 4-night journey from Marrakesh to Fes through the stunning Sahara Desert, exploring some of Morocco’s most iconic sites. Travel across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi nTichka Pass and visit the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and the city of Ouarzazate.

Discover Amridil Kasbah, the scenic Dades Valley, and the dramatic Todra Gorges. Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga with a camel ride over golden dunes, unforgettable sunsets and sunrises, and an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp. Continue exploring the desert on an exciting 4×4 adventure.

Along the route, visit the traditional market of Rissani and Erfoud, known for its fossil treasures. See Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, and the cedar forests where Barbary macaques roam freely. The tour concludes in Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, completing a memorable desert adventure.

Duration: 5 days/4 nights

Start: Marrakech

End: Fes

Tour Style: Private

HIGHILGHTES:

Driving through the High Atlas Mountains and crossing the Tizi N Tichka pass
Visiting the historic Telouat Kasbah
Exploring the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Touring Ouarzazate, including Atlas Studios and Taourirt Kasbah
Walking among the palm groves and Amridil Kasbah in Skoura
Discovering the Rose Valley in Kalaa Magouna
Admiring the dramatic Dades Valley landscapes and “Monkey Fingers” rock formation
Exploring Todra Gorges with its high red cliff-sided canyon
Riding camels and watching the sunset in the Merzouga Sahara Desert
Visiting nomad villages, Khamlia, Merzouga lake, and feeding Barbary Macaques in the cedar forest

TOUR Itinerary

Begin the 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour with an early pick-up from your accommodation or the airport in Marrakech. Drive through the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N Tichka Pass, stopping at scenic viewpoints to admire the breathtaking landscapes. Visit the historic Kasbah of Telouat before continuing to the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous filming location for movies such as Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as series like Game of Thrones. End the day in Ouarzazate, known as the “Gate to the Desert,” with dinner and overnight in a hotel.

After breakfast, explore Ouarzazate, visiting Atlas Studios, where many famous movies were filmed, and the Taourirt Kasbah, one of Morocco’s most spectacular mud-brick forts. Drive east to the Amridil Kasbah surrounded by the lush palm groves of Skoura, then continue to Kalaa Magouna in the Roses Valley, famous for its annual Rose Festival in May. Discover local rose products such as perfumes, rose water, oils, and cosmetics. End the day in Dades Valley, stopping at the dramatic Monkey Fingers rock formations and a viewpoint overlooking the valley. Dinner and overnight in Boumalne Dades.

After breakfast, continue to the Todra Gorges, a stunning canyon with high red cliffs carved by the Todra River. Wander through the gorges and enjoy the scenic beauty. Drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, with a stop for lunch along the way. In the afternoon, arrive at the Sahara Desert of Merzouga for a camel trek across the dunes. Pause atop a high dune to watch the magical sunset before reaching the luxury desert camp, where you can enjoy Berber music and drum performances around the campfire under a sky full of stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

Wake early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, return by camel to Merzouga to start a full day exploring the surrounding region. Visit an ancient eyeliner mine, meet nomads in their traditional tents for Berber tea, and experience the music and dance of Khamlia Village, home to people from Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, stroll through a palm grove, and visit the Merzouga Lake (Flamingos Lake), a haven for migratory birds. Return to a hotel near the desert for dinner and overnight.

On the final day, watch the sunrise over the dunes, then return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4. Visit Rissani, an ancient capital and vibrant trading hub with a bustling souk. Continue to Erfoud to explore a fossil workshop, then drive along the Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views. Lunch in Midelt, followed by a visit to the cedar forest to see the Barbary macaques. Continue to Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco for its alpine-style houses and snowy winters. End the tour with drop-off at your accommodation or Fes Airport, concluding the 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert adventure.

5 days private transportation in a 4×4 or minivan with A/C and fuel
Pickup from any location in Marrakech
Private English-speaking driver/guide
3 nights in excellent hotels or riads
1 night in a luxury desert camp with private bathroom
Sandboarding available at the desert camp
Camel ride per person (optional 4×4 transfer available)
Desert excursion in a 4×4
Drop-off at any location in Fes
Dinners and breakfasts

Lunches and drinks
Entrance fees to monuments

Please fill out the form below to contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible. For a faster response please send a WhatsApp: +212 668 342 513 message or call us at +212678099129 . We look forward to connecting with you. Email: Dunestours2@gmail.com

How to pay for the tour?

Our payment process is simple and hassle-free. To confirm your booking, we require a small deposit, which can be easily paid via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise at the time of reservation. The remaining balance is to be paid in cash to your driver or guide on the first day of the tour, in euros, US dollars, or the equivalent amount in Moroccan dirhams.

What currency is used, and how do I get money?

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, but cash is needed in many smaller towns and markets.

Is it possible to customize the tour itinerary?

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, but cash is needed in many smaller towns and markets.

Do I ride a camel in the desert?

Absolutely. You can fully customize your tour package to suit your preferences, including adding extra stops, upgrading accommodations, or choosing alternative transport options such as 4×4 transfers.

What type of accommodation is provided in the desert?

Yes, camel treks are often part of desert tours (e.g. crossing dunes to reach a camp).

What is the duration of the camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes?

Yes, camel treks are often part of desert tours (e.g. crossing dunes to reach a camp).

What are the camps in the desert like?

You’ll spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp featuring private tents. The camps offer essential comforts such as comfortable bedding, shared or private bathroom facilities (depending on the camp type), warm blankets, and a communal dining area for meals and relaxation.

What’s your cancellation / refund policy?

This depends on how many days before departure you cancel. We typically require a deposit to hold the booking and partial or full refunds depending on timing.

Is Morocco safe for tourists?

Yes. Morocco is generally considered safe for travelers