Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
(72 Reviews)
Overview
Embark on a mesmerizing 5-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes, traversing Morocco’s most breathtaking landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
This immersive journey takes you through historic kasbahs, vibrant valleys, and serene oases. Explore Ait Benhaddou, the legendary UNESCO World Heritage site, wander the Valley of Roses, marvel at the dramatic Todra Gorges, and spend magical nights under the desert stars.
With camel trekking, Berber encounters, and comfortable stays in traditional kasbahs and luxury desert camps, this is the perfect Moroccan adventure for travelers seeking both culture and comfort.
Please note: This itinerary is just a suggested program. If it doesn’t fully match what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to design a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences, travel dates, and duration of stay. We specialize in creating personalized tours and experiences across Morocco.
Pricing: The cost of the tour varies depending on the number of travelers, the more people joining, the lower the price per person. Since transportation is a fixed cost, it will be divided among participants. Prices also depend on the category and quality of accommodation selected.
Please contact us for an exact quote based on your group size and travel preferences.
Trip Highlights
- Journey across the High Atlas Mountains and the scenic Tizi-n-Tichka Pass.
- Visit Telouet Kasbah and drive through the picturesque Ounila Valley.
- Explore Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Discover Ouarzazate, Skoura Palm Grove, and the Valley of Roses.
- Hike through the Dades and Todra Gorges, two of Morocco’s most stunning canyons.
- Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes and sleep in a desert camp.
- Visit nomad families, fossil sites, and Berber villages along the way.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Telouet – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate
Your adventure begins with an 8:00 a.m. pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the breathtaking Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, enjoying photo stops at traditional Berber villages.
Visit the historic Kasbah of Pasha Glaoui in Telouet before continuing through the Ounila Valley, dotted with ancient settlements. Arrive at Ait Benhaddou, Morocco’s most famous ksar, and explore its labyrinthine alleys and viewpoints.
After lunch, continue to Ouarzazate, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Skoura Palm Grove – Valley of Roses – Dades – Todra Gorges
After breakfast, head to Skoura Oasis to visit the Kasbah of Amredil, a symbol of southern Moroccan architecture. Continue along the Valley of Roses, famous for its fragrant rosewater distilleries and Berber villages.
Travel through the Dades Valley, known for its striking rock formations, before reaching Todra Gorges, a paradise for hikers and photographers. Dinner and overnight stay in a kasbah hotel.
Day 3: Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi)
Begin your day with a morning walk through the palm groves, then drive toward Tinjedad for lunch. Continue through Touroug and El-Jarf, stopping at a fossil workshop in Erfoud.
Arrive at Merzouga, where your camels await to take you on a trek into the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the sunset, enjoy a traditional dinner, and spend an unforgettable night in a nomadic desert camp.
Day 4: Erg Chebbi – Nomad Family – Fossil Site – Tour of the Dunes
Wake early to witness the sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After breakfast, return to your hotel by camel, then set out on a 4×4 desert tour to explore the surrounding region.
Visit fossil-rich sites, meet a nomadic Berber family, and stop in Khamlia village to enjoy traditional Gnawa music. After lunch, explore the Merzouga oasis, irrigation systems, and the seasonal Dayet Srij Lake (home to flamingos when in season).
Return for dinner and an overnight stay in your desert lodge or auberge.
Day 5: Merzouga – Erfoud – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
After breakfast, depart toward Fes via Rissani, where you can visit its traditional market. Continue through Erfoud and the lush Ziz Valley, stopping for scenic photos.
Pass through the Tizi N’talghamt Pass and stop for lunch in Midelt before entering the Middle Atlas Mountains. Visit the Cedar Forest of Azrou to meet playful Barbary monkeys, then pass through Ifrane, Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” before reaching Fes in the evening.
What's included
- Free airport transfer to your Marrakech hotel.
- Private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide.
- Pick-up from Marrakech & drop-off at your Fes accommodation.
- Guided visit to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and Cinema Studios in Ouarzazate.
- 3 nights in traditional kasbah hotels (Ouarzazate, Todra Gorges, Merzouga).
- 1 night in a luxury desert camp with a private ensuite tent.
- Desert 4x4 tour visiting nomadic families and fossil areas.
- Breakfasts and dinners throughout the tour (vegetarian options available).
- Camel trekking with sunset and sunrise.
- Private bathroom with hot shower and toilet in your desert tent.
- Free time to explore kasbahs, valleys, and desert oases.
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and beverages.
- Personal expenses and optional activities.
- Entrance fees (if any) not listed as included.
Know Before You Go
- Day 1 drive time: approx. 7–8 hours with scenic stops.
- Desert nights can be cool in winter, bring warm clothing.
- Camel rides last about 1.5 hours each way.
- Optional 4x4 transfer available for comfort.
- Ideal for couples, families, or small private groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?
The full route from Marrakech to Merzouga is about 9–10 hours, split across multiple scenic stops and overnight stays to ensure comfort and exploration time.
2. Can the tour start in Fes and end in Marrakech?
Yes — this itinerary can be reversed upon request, starting from Fes and ending in Marrakech.
3. What kind of accommodation is included?
You’ll stay in authentic Moroccan kasbahs and a luxury desert camp with private ensuite tents.
4. Is camel trekking comfortable?
Yes, the camel ride is about 90 minutes and paced comfortably with rest stops. Alternatively, a 4×4 transfer can replace the camel ride if preferred.
5. Are vegetarian or special meals available?
Absolutely — all accommodations and camps offer vegetarian and dietary-specific meals on request.
6. When is the best time to take this tour?
The best time is March–June or September–November, when desert temperatures are pleasant and daylight is ideal for photography.
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