5-DAY DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
Set off on a relaxed journey from Marrakech to Fes with our 5-day tour, designed to explore at leisure the wonders you will meet along the way. You will discover the unique way of life of a Berber family living in mountain caves, immerse yourself in a full day exploring the Sahara Desert and meet a nomadic family living among the dunes of Merzouga. An off-the-beaten-track adventure that promises an unforgettable desert experience, all while travelling comfortably in our 4×4 vehicles.
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Departure: Marrakech
Arrival: Fes
Tour style: Private
ITINERARY: 5-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
DAY 1: MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS – AIT BEN HADDOU – OUARZAZATE
Your 5-day tour from Marrakech to Fes begins with a morning pick-up at your hotel or riad in Marrakech. As soon as you set off, you will enjoy splendid views of the High Atlas mountains. Along the way we will make several stops to admire the breathtaking landscapes and explore the historic Kasbah of Telouet, once a powerful stronghold of the El Glaoui family, also known as the Glaoui Palace.
Arriving in Ait Ben Haddou around midday, you will be able to have lunch before heading into the enchanting Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient site has been the backdrop to many iconic films and TV series, including The Mummy, Gladiator and some scenes of Game of Thrones.
Continuing the journey, we will head to Ouarzazate, often nicknamed the “Hollywood of Africa” and gateway to the desert. This is home to the famous Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in the world. You can choose to visit the studio sets or continue to the Kasbah of Taourirt, another extraordinary fortified village once owned by the El Glaoui family. After admiring the beauty of the Kasbah, we will transfer you to your hotel for a relaxing evening, followed by dinner and overnight stay.
Driving distance: about 204 km
Driving time: about 4 hours
DAY 2: OUARZAZATE – SKOURA – KELAAT M’GOUNA – BOU THARAR – DADES VALLEY
Start the day with a pleasant breakfast at the hotel before setting off for Skoura, an extraordinary oasis boasting more than 4,000 hectares of palm trees. In the past this area was a key stop for camel caravans travelling between the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Ocean and sub-Saharan Africa. In Skoura you will discover the magnificent Kasbah of Amridil, which offers a glimpse of daily life within its walls more than 300 years ago.
After exploring the Kasbah, the journey continues to Kelaat M’Gouna, home to the famous Valley of Roses. If you visit the area in spring, you will have the opportunity to stroll through the valley admiring the roses in full bloom.
Leaving Kelaat M’Gouna behind, the route continues through characteristic Berber villages towards Bou Tharar. From here we will take an adventurous off-road route to reach the Dades Valley. Along the way we will stop to visit a nomadic Berber family living in a mountain cave, where you can enjoy a hot cup of tea and get to know their way of life up close.
Once we reach the Dades Valley, we will check in at the hotel, giving you the chance to relax. You can opt for a quiet walk in the valley or choose a guided hike through the Monkey Fingers Canyon, with its fascinating rock formations, narrow gorges and breathtaking views.
As evening falls, enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful night at the hotel, immersed in the peaceful atmosphere of the Dades Valley.
Driving distance: about 144 km
Driving time: about 3 hours
DAY 3: DADES VALLEY – TODRA GORGE – MERZOUGA DESERT
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will start an exciting journey to the Merzouga desert.
Along the way we will stop for a peaceful walk through the Todra Canyon and to admire the splendid views of the Tinghir oasis.
In the afternoon we will reach the Merzouga desert. Here you will climb onto the camels for an authentic ride across the dunes, watching a spectacular sunset from the top of a high dune. On arrival at your luxury camp, you will be warmly welcomed with a cup of tea before being shown to your private luxury tent. After relaxing and enjoying a delicious dinner at the camp, you can gather around the fire to enjoy the rhythm of the drums and traditional Berber songs under a starry sky.
Driving distance: about 310 km
Driving time: about 5 hours
DAY 4: EXPLORING THE MERZOUGA DESERT
Today, early risers have the chance to admire the splendid sunrise. After a tasty breakfast, get ready for an exciting day discovering the Merzouga desert.
Start the adventure with a visit to Khamlia, a small village famous for its Gnawa music, a traditional style played by local inhabitants with roots in southern African countries. We will then continue off-road to M’Fis, an abandoned village known for its mines of galena, a mineral used in cosmetics.
You will experience the nomadic way of life first-hand by visiting a family who live near the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Here you will be welcomed with traditional Berber hospitality and learn about their way of life, far from modern civilisation.
After lunch, we will head to a lovely riad offering picturesque views of the golden Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Take some time to relax or have a swim before sunset. Later, enjoy a pleasant walk to the dunes to admire another enchanting sunset.
Remember that you can also choose to spend another night at the camp. Let us know your preference when booking.
Driving distance: about 57 km
Driving time: about 1 hour 15 min
DAY 5: MERZOUGA DESERT – ZIZ VALLEY – IFRANE – FES
Today you will have another chance to wake up early and admire the splendid sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes from the comfort of your lovely riad.
After a hearty breakfast, we will start the journey to Fes. Along the way we will make several stops at notable destinations, including the picturesque Ziz Valley, a fascinating cedar forest near Azrou where you may spot Barbary macaques, and the scenic town of Ifrane, often nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco”.
You will arrive in Fes in the late afternoon. Your guide will take you to the nearest accessible point to your hotel or riad, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day off-the-beaten-track tour from Marrakech to Fes.
Driving distance: about 500 km
Driving time: about 7 hours 30 min
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.
THE PRICE
varies according to the number of participants, the accommodation chosen and the travel date. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person. The cost of transport is fixed and is shared among the travellers. Contact us through the contact form for an exact quote tailored to your group.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 5-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
How do I book a 5-day tour from Marrakech to Fes online? Booking a 5-day tour from Marrakech to Fes with Esplora il Marocco is simple. Just choose your preferred tour and send your request through the booking form on the website, by email or on WhatsApp. Our team will confirm availability, give you the final details and price and guide you through the booking process.
What should I pack for a 5-day tour from Marrakech to Fes? For this tour we recommend bringing light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket for the cool desert evenings, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, personal toiletries and a camera. We also suggest bringing a small backpack for your essentials during desert excursions and visits.
Can I skip the camel ride? Yes, you can skip the camel ride to reach the camp. In that case, we will take you to the camp in a 4×4 vehicle.
What kind of vehicles are used on this tour? 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.
What is the cancellation policy for the tour? The cancellation policy for the 5-day tour from Marrakech to Fes depends on the travel season. Cancellations made in advance may be entitled to a full refund of the deposit or a travel credit, while those made within the applicable cancellation period are non-refundable. Please see the Cancellation Policy page for the full terms and exact deadlines.
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 Marrakech and ends in Fes.
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate. Day 2: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Kelaat m'Gouna – Bou Tharar – Dades Valley. Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert. Day 4: Exploring the Merzouga Desert. Day 5: Merzouga Desert – Ziz Valley – Ifrane – Fes.
Pick-up from your hotel/riad in Marrakech; Modern air-conditioned 4×4 SUV; English/Spanish-speaking driver, or English/Spanish-speaking driver and tour guide; Accommodation for the first, second, third and fourth night; Meals: 4 dinners and 4 breakfasts; Camel trek; Sandboarding; Guided hike through the Monkey Fingers Canyon; Drop-off at your hotel/riad in Fes.
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.
On arrival at your luxury camp, you will be warmly welcomed with a cup of tea before being shown to your private luxury tent.
