5-DAY DESERT TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
Join us for an extraordinary 5-day tour from Fes to Marrakech, with your adventure unfolding in the wonderful desert of Merzouga. Imagine riding a camel across the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi as the sun paints the sky with vibrant colours at sunset. You will spend magical nights in a cosy desert camp, surrounded by the stars, enjoying Berber hospitality. You will explore the vast desert expanse of the Sahara in our comfortable 4x4s, venturing off-road to meet the nomadic Berber families who live in the desert and in the Atlas mountains near Bou Tharar. This off-the-beaten-track tour promises an unforgettable desert odyssey, where every moment is one of discovery and wonder, in a perfect balance between excitement and relaxation.
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Departure: Fes
Arrival: Marrakech
Tour style: Private
ITINERARY: 5-DAY TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
DAY 1: FES – IFRANE – ZIZ VALLEY – MERZOUGA DESERT
Start your 5-day tour from Fes to Marrakech with a convenient pick-up from your hotel or riad in Fes, kicking off our desert adventure. On the way to the desert there are several notable stops, including the charming town of Ifrane, the peaceful cedar forest near Azrou (where you can spot Barbary macaques) and the picturesque Ziz Valley.
On arrival in the Merzouga desert in the afternoon, you will enjoy an authentic camel ride across the enchanting dunes, culminating in a spectacular sunset from the top of a high dune. Once you reach the luxury desert camp, you will be welcomed with a hot cup of tea before settling into your private tent. You will enjoy a delicious dinner at the camp, followed by an enchanting evening around the fire, where drum rhythms and traditional Berber melodies blend under the vast starry sky.
Driving distance: about 500 km
Driving time: about 7 hours 30 min
DAY 2: DISCOVERING THE MERZOUGA DESERT
The day begins with the chance, for early risers, to watch a splendid sunrise. After a delicious breakfast, get ready for an adventurous day in the Merzouga desert.
Start the trip with a visit to Khamlia, a charming village famous for its Gnawa music. We will then continue off-road to M’Fis, an abandoned village known for its mines of galena, a mineral used in cosmetics.
Immerse yourself first-hand in the nomadic way of life by visiting a family who live near the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here you will experience the warmth of traditional Berber hospitality and learn about their way of life.
After a satisfying lunch, we will head to a lovely riad overlooking picturesque views of the golden Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Take a moment to relax or have a refreshing swim before sunset. Later, enjoy a pleasant walk to the dunes, where you can admire another fascinating sunset.
Remember that you can extend your stay at the camp for another night. Let us know your preference when booking.
Driving distance: about 57 km
Driving time: about 1 hour 15 min
DAY 3: MERZOUGA DESERT – RISSANI – TODRA GORGE – DADES VALLEY
After a tasty breakfast at your riad in Merzouga, we will set off for the Dades Valley. On the way we will stop at various fascinating places such as Rissani, the Tinghir oasis, the Todra Canyon and the Todra Gorge. If it is market day in Rissani (Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday), you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of a traditional Moroccan market, a great opportunity to discover local crafts, spices and tasty street food. Along the way there will be plenty of stops to capture memorable moments and learn about local traditions. Once at the Todra Canyon, you can enjoy a pleasant walk to admire the imposing rock walls that adorn this natural wonder.
During the day we will arrive in the Dades Valley, where you will check in at your hotel for the night. A delicious dinner and a comfortable stay.
Driving distance: about 310 km
Driving time: about 5 hours
DAY 4: DADES VALLEY – BOU THARAR – KELAAT M’GOUNA – SKOURA – OUARZAZATE
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy a pleasant walk in the Dades Valley or a guided hike through the fascinating Monkey Fingers Canyon. Admire the unusual rock formations and breathtaking views along the way.
Leaving the Dades Valley, the journey continues with an adventurous off-road drive towards Kelaat M’Gouna, with stops as you wish, including a visit to a nomadic Berber family living in a mountain cave near Bou Tharar. Here you can learn about their way of life first-hand and enjoy a hot cup of tea.
We will then continue to Kelaat M’Gouna, renowned for its Valley of Roses. If you visit the area in spring, you can stroll through the valley admiring the roses in full bloom in all their splendour.
Continuing the adventure, we will reach Skoura, an extraordinary oasis with vast palm groves. Skoura was once a key stop for camel caravans travelling between the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa. Explore the historic Kasbah of Amridil, which offers a glimpse of life more than 300 years ago.
After exploring the Kasbah, we will take you to your hotel in Ouarzazate for a relaxing evening. Dinner and a comfortable night to recharge for the next stage.
Driving distance: about 144 km
Driving time: about 3 hours
DAY 5: OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU – HIGH ATLAS – TELOUET KASBAH – MARRAKECH
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will set off to discover Ouarzazate, often nicknamed the “Hollywood of Africa” and gateway to the desert. Our itinerary includes a visit to the Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas Studios, to learn about the cultural and cinematic importance of the city.
We will then head to Ait Ben Haddou, famous for its iconic Kasbah, a splendid example of Moroccan architecture. This historic site, featured in famous films such as The Mummy, Gladiator and Game of Thrones, offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s rich heritage.
After exploring and enjoying a satisfying lunch, we will cross the majestic High Atlas mountains towards Marrakech. Our scenic journey includes stops at picturesque viewpoints and a visit to the historic Kasbah of Telouet, once a formidable stronghold of the El Glaoui family, also known as the Glaoui Palace.
Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon, where we will take you comfortably to your accommodation, rounding off an unforgettable 5-day tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Driving distance: about 204 km
Driving time: about 4 hours
IMPORTANT!
Please note that this is a suggested itinerary. If it does not exactly match your needs, do not hesitate to contact us. We will organise a tailor-made itinerary based on your preferences and the length of your stay in Morocco. This tour can also be done in reverse, from Marrakech to Fes. For the off-road sections we provide reliable 4×4 vehicles, designed for adventure and comfort. The driving times shown do not include stops for visits and lunch breaks. Your luggage will always stay with you: during the camel ride, a 4×4 vehicle will take it to the camp. Along the way the guide may suggest a visit to a small Berber shop, where you can wear traditional clothes and take memorable photos at no extra cost and with no obligation to buy.
THE PRICE
varies according to the number of participants, the accommodation chosen and the travel date. Contact us through the contact form for an exact quote tailored to your group.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 5-DAY TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
Can I skip the camel ride to the camp? Yes, you can skip the camel ride. In that case, we will take you to the camp in a 4×4 vehicle.
What kind of vehicles are used on this 5-day tour from Fes to Marrakech? Great question! Since this tour often takes us off-road to explore remote areas, we rely on our dependable Toyota Land Cruiser Prado TX vehicles and other similar comfortable options.
How far in advance should I book this tour? The early bird catches the worm: we recommend booking your trip as early as possible.
How do I pay for the tour? Our payment process is simple and hassle-free. To confirm the booking we ask for a small deposit, which can easily be paid by PayPal, bank transfer or Wise when booking. The remaining balance can be paid in cash on the first day of the tour directly to our driver/guide. You have the flexibility to pay in euros, US dollars or the equivalent in dirhams.
BOOKING PROCESS:
Contact us through the contact form, by email or on WhatsApp, telling us the number of travellers, your approximate departure date and the accommodation category you would like.
Booking: we ask for a small deposit to confirm the booking (via PayPal, Wise or bank transfer). The remaining balance can be paid in cash (in EUR, USD or MAD) directly to the driver on arrival.
WHY CHOOSE PRIVATE TOURS IN MOROCCO?
A private tour lets you travel at your own pace, with maximum flexibility in timings, stops and choice of accommodation. You will have an expert driver and vehicles for your exclusive use at your complete disposal, for a trip in total comfort and safety.
The tour lasts 5 days / 4 nights. It departs from Fes and ends in Marrakech.
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert. Day 2: Discovering the Merzouga Desert. Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley. Day 4: Dades Valley – Bou Tharar – Kelaat m'Gouna – Skoura – Ouarzazate. Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Telouet Kasbah – Marrakech.
Pick-up from your hotel/riad in Fes; Modern air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle; English-speaking driver, or English-speaking driver and tour guide; Accommodation for the first, second, third and fourth night; Meals: 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners; Camel trek; Sandboarding; Guided hike through the Monkey Fingers Canyon; Drop-off at your hotel/riad in Marrakech.
Lunches; Drinks; Entrance tickets, when required; Tips (optional).
The price depends on the number of travellers, the time of year and the accommodation category you choose. As it is a private tour, you only pay for your own group. Contact us with your dates and group size for a free, no-obligation quote.
Yes, the tour style is: Private. You travel only with your own group, with a dedicated driver/guide. The itinerary is a suggested route: we can adjust it or create a tailor-made trip to suit you.
You will spend magical nights in a cosy desert camp, surrounded by the stars, enjoying Berber hospitality.
