6-Day Desert Adventure from Marrakesh to Fes

Experience the magic of the Moroccan Sahara on an unforgettable 6-day desert tour from Marrakesh to Fes, offering a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

During this 6-day, 5-night journey, you will cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi nTichka Pass, explore the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and visit the cinematic city of Ouarzazate. Discover Amridil Kasbah, the scenic Dades Valley, and the dramatic Todra Gorges along the way.

Your adventure continues in the Sahara Desert at Merzouga, where you will ride camels across the golden dunes, witness unforgettable sunsets and sunrises, and spend a night in a luxury desert camp under a sky full of stars. You will also have the chance to explore the desert further on a thrilling 4×4 excursion.

Along the route, visit the traditional market of Rissani and the fossil-rich town of Erfoud. See Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco, and walk through the cedar forests where Barbary macaques roam freely. The tour concludes with a visit to Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, completing your incredible desert adventure.

Duration: 6 days/5 nights

Start: Marrakech

End: Fes

Tour Style: Private

HIGHILGHTES:

Driving through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi-n-Tichka pass
Visiting the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Exploring the Rose Valley and palm groves of Skoura
Admiring the spectacular Dades Valley landscapes and gorges
Walking through the dramatic Todra Gorges
Riding camels across the Merzouga Sahara Desert and watching the sunset
Experiencing a night in a luxury desert camp under the starry sky
Visiting nomad villages and enjoying Gnaoua music in Khamlia
Exploring Merzouga lake, sand dunes, and palm groves
Touring Fes, including the Royal Palace Gate, Mellah, Borj Sud fortress, Al Attarine Madrasa, Al Quaraouiyine University, and Chouara Tanneries

TOUR Itinerary

Start the 6-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour with an early pick-up from your accommodation or the airport in Marrakech. Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, stopping at scenic viewpoints to admire the dramatic landscapes. Visit the 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. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gate to the Desert,” with free time for lunch. Drive through the lush Roses Valley and the palm groves of Skoura, ending the day in Boumalne Dades for overnight.

After breakfast, explore the Dades Valley, stopping at panoramic viewpoints to admire the dramatic landscapes. Continue to Todra Gorges, a stunning red cliff canyon carved by the Todra River, perfect for walking and photography. Drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, with a break for lunch along the way. Arrive at the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, where you’ll embark on a camel trek across the dunes, stopping to watch the mesmerizing sunset from the top of a high dune. Reach your luxury desert camp, enjoy Berber drum performances around the campfire, and overnight under the stars.

Wake early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga to begin a full day exploring the surrounding region. Visit an ancient eyeliner mine, meet local nomads in their traditional tents for Berber tea, and experience the music and dance of Khamlia Village, home to people with sub-Saharan roots from Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then stroll through a palm grove before visiting the Merzouga Lake, also called Flamingos Lake, home to migratory birds. Dinner and overnight in a hotel near the desert.

Leave the desert after breakfast and visit Rissani, an ancient capital and vibrant trading center with a bustling souk. Continue to Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops, then drive along the Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views. Lunch in Midelt, then explore the cedar forest, home to Barbary macaques. Continue to Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco for its alpine-style architecture and snowy winters. Arrive in Fes for overnight with a free evening to explore the Medina.

After breakfast, begin your immersive Fes tour. Start with a driving tour of the Royal Palace Gate, the historic Mellah (Jewish Quarter), and Borj Sud fortress, offering panoramic views of the Medina. Visit the Ceramic Village & School to see traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. Continue with a walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Fes Medina, visiting the Al Attarine Madrasa, Al Quaraouiyine University and Mosque, and the Chouara Tanneries, where centuries-old leather dyeing techniques are still used. Return to your riad for relaxation.

Depending on your flight schedule, pick-up from your riad and transfer to Fes Airport. End of the Marrakech to Fes desert tour.

6 days private transportation in a 4×4 or Minivan with A/C and fuel
Private English-speaking driver
Knowledgeable local guide in Fes
Accommodation in excellent hotels and riads
Overnight stay in a luxury desert camp with private bathrooms
Camel ride per person (optional 4WD transfer available)
Sandboarding at the desert camp
Desert excursion in a 4×4
Three dinners included: in Merzouga Riad & Camp and Boumalne Dades
Daily breakfasts

Lunches and a few dinners
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