5 Days Desert Tour From Fes to Marrakech

Overview

The 5 Days Desert Tour From Fes to Marrakech is the most complete way to see the south of Morocco at a slow and easy pace. You start in the old imperial city of Fes and finish in the red city of Marrakech, with a private driver and a comfortable vehicle all the way. With four nights on the road, you never feel rushed.

This 5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech takes you through the Middle Atlas, the cedar forest of Azrou, the Ziz Valley and the palm groves of Merzouga. You ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes, sleep in a desert camp, and spend a full day on a 4×4 desert excursion. Then you walk in Todra Gorge, relax in the Dades Valley, and visit the palm grove of Skoura and the film city of Ouarzazate.

If you are looking for a Sahara desert tour from Fes that ends in Marrakech, this 5 days tour from Fes to desert end in Marrakech is a great choice. It is perfect for families, couples, friends and nature lovers who want to enjoy the desert, the gorges and the old kasbahs without long, tiring drives. This 5 days Fes to Marrakech desert tour is the best way to go from Fes to Marrakech and see the real Morocco on the way.

Highlights of the 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech:

Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the town of Ifrane
Meet the Barbary macaque monkeys in the Azrou Cedar Forest
Ride a camel at sunset and sleep in a luxury Sahara camp
Enjoy a full 4x4 desert excursion in Merzouga: nomads, Khamlia and flamingos
See the green Ziz Valley and walk in Todra Gorge
Sleep in the Dades Valley, with views of the Monkey Fingers
Walk through the palm grove of Skoura and visit Ouarzazate
Walk inside Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cross the High Atlas Mountains and travel at a relaxed pace with a private driver

Why a private 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech?

A private tour means the vehicle, the driver and the plan are only for you and your group. You choose when to start each day, how long to stay at each stop, and where to eat lunch. There are no strangers and no waiting for a big bus.

The 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is also the most relaxed choice. The long drives are shared over five days, so you have time to enjoy every place. You sleep two nights in Merzouga, so you have a full day in the desert with no luggage and no long driving. Your last night is in Ouarzazate, so the final day to Marrakech is short and easy.

You start in Fes and finish in Marrakech, so you never drive the same road twice. Our drivers know the roads and the local people well. They help with photos, tea stops and small questions, and they can change the plan if you are tired or want to see more. If you have less time, you can also see our 4 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech or our 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.

5 Days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech itinerary:

Day 1: Fes ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Azrou Cedar Forest ⇢ Midelt ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Merzouga Desert Camp

Your driver picks you up from your hotel or riad in Fes in the morning. First, you drive to Ifrane, a small town in the Middle Atlas with Swiss-style houses, often called the “Little Switzerland of Morocco”.

Next, you visit the Azrou Cedar Forest. Here you can meet the wild Barbary macaque monkeys and take photos among the old cedar trees. After that, the road goes through Midelt, where you can stop for lunch (not included).

In the afternoon, you follow the Ziz Valley and its long green palm groves, then pass Errachidia and drive to Merzouga. Near sunset, you ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes. You arrive at your desert camp, enjoy a Berber dinner, and listen to traditional drums around the campfire under a sky full of stars.

Driving distance: Approximately 560 km

Driving time: Approximately 9 hr (with stops)

Overnight in: Luxury desert camp in Merzouga (dinner and breakfast included)

Day 2: Merzouga Sunrise ⇢ 4x4 Desert Excursion ⇢ Khamlia ⇢ Merzouga Lake ⇢ Hotel

Today we recommend you wake up early for a stunning sunrise over the Sahara dunes. It is one of the most beautiful moments of the trip. After the sunrise, you enjoy a tasty breakfast at the camp.

Then your driver takes you on a 4×4 desert excursion. First, you visit a nomadic family and share a cup of tea with them, so you can see how they live in the desert. After that, you visit the Mifis area, famous for its old mines and khettara (the traditional underground water channels). You also pass along the old Paris-Dakar rally road.

Next, you drive to Khamlia village, where you can enjoy live Gnawa music. Then you continue to Merzouga Lake, where you can see flamingos and other birds when the lake has water.

If you like, your driver can drop you at a local restaurant to try a Berber pizza (Madfouna), a traditional dish of the Sahara (lunch is not included). After that, he takes you back to your hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the pool. In the evening, you have a peaceful dinner at the hotel.

Driving distance: Short local drives only (no long drive today)

Driving time: Less than 2 hr in total

Overnight in: Hotel or riad in Merzouga (dinner and breakfast included)

Day 3: Merzouga ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Dades Valley

After breakfast, you leave Merzouga and drive to Rissani, an old market town and the gate of the Sahara. You can walk around the busy souk and see how local people shop and trade.

Then the road continues to Tinghir and the green oasis of Todra Gorge. Here you can walk between red rock walls that are up to 300 metres high, and cool your feet in the river.

In the late afternoon, you continue to the Dades Valley, known for its “Monkey Fingers” rocks and its curved mountain road. You check in at your hotel, relax, and enjoy dinner with a view of the valley.

Driving distance: Approximately 270 km

Driving time: Approximately 5 hr (with stops)

Overnight in: Hotel in Dades Valley (dinner and breakfast included)

Day 4: Dades Valley ⇢ Skoura Palm Grove ⇢ Ouarzazate

After breakfast, you leave the Dades Valley and drive along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. You pass Kelaat M’Gouna, the “Valley of the Roses”, and many old mud-brick villages.

Then you stop at Skoura, a green oasis with a huge palm grove and old kasbahs. You can take a slow walk between the palm trees and see how local people farm in the desert. After this, you continue to Ouarzazate, the gate of the Sahara.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Taourirt Kasbah and walk through the old streets of the town. In the evening, you check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner.

Driving distance: Approximately 170 km

Driving time: Approximately 3 hr (with stops)

Overnight in: Hotel in Ouarzazate (dinner and breakfast included)

Day 5: Ouarzazate ⇢ Aït Ben Haddou ⇢ High Atlas ⇢ Marrakech

After breakfast at your hotel, you can visit the Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco”, or just take photos from outside. Then you drive to the famous Aït Ben Haddou, an old fortified village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was used for many films and TV series, such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You can walk up through the narrow streets for a great view of the valley.

After lunch (not included), you cross the High Atlas Mountains by the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of the highest roads in Morocco. You pass through charming Berber villages and have many stops on the way. You arrive in Marrakech in the evening, and your driver drops you at your hotel or riad. Your 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech ends here.

Driving distance: Approximately 200 km

Driving time: Approximately 4 hr (with stops)

Gallery

Inclusive and Exclusive of the 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech

Inclusive:

Pickup in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech, subject to access
Private transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
English-speaking driver or a driver and an English-speaking tour guide (If you prefer another language, kindly inform us in advance)
First night in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast
Second night in a hotel or riad in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast
Third night in a hotel in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast
Fourth night in a hotel in Ouarzazate, with dinner and breakfast
Camel trekking experience at sunset
4x4 desert excursion in Merzouga
Stops for photos and refreshments along the route

Exclusive:

Map of the Fes to Marrakech desert tour 5 days

Accommodations

On this 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, you sleep four nights in four different places: the first night in a desert camp in Merzouga, the second night in a hotel or riad in Merzouga, the third night in a hotel in the Dades Valley, and the fourth night in a hotel in Ouarzazate. Choose from the options below, or similar places of the same level, depending on availability.

Options	First night (Merzouga desert camp)	Second night (Merzouga hotel)	Third night (Dades Valley)	Fourth night (Ouarzazate)
First option	Lunara Desert Camp	Hotel Sunset Palace	Dar Ahlam Dades	Hotel in Ouarzazate (or similar)
Second option	Sahara Eden Camp	Riad Azawad	Riad Sahara Stars Dades	Riad Amlal
Third option	Najma Luxury Camp	Riad Dar Morocco	Eden Boutique Hotel	Ksar Ben Youssef

All places are “or similar”, depending on availability. Dinner and breakfast are included on all four nights. Please contact us if you want another camp or hotel.

5 Days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech price:

The price of the 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech depends on the number of people in your group and on your travel date. Because this is a private tour, we make the offer for you only.

Please contact us with your dates and group size, and we will send you the best price quickly. Children are welcome, and we can prepare the trip for families, couples, friends and solo travelers.

Booking

Know Before You Go: Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 5 Days

Best time to go: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for the Fes to Marrakech desert tour 5 days. Summer is very hot, and winter nights in the desert are cold.
What to wear: light clothes for the day, a warm jacket for the night, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat and a scarf for the sand and the sun.
What to bring: a small bag for the desert night (your big luggage stays in the vehicle), sunscreen, a power bank and some cash for lunch, drinks and tips.
Driving time: Day 1 is the longest drive, about 9 hours with stops. Day 2 has no long drive. Day 3 is about 5 hours, Day 4 is about 3 hours, and Day 5 is about 4 hours. Times can change with traffic and weather.
Camp comfort: luxury camps have real beds, private bathrooms and warm showers, but the desert is still a wild place. Wi-Fi can be weak.
Special needs: tell us about food allergies, vegetarian meals or health needs before the trip, and we will prepare everything.

Extra activities for your Fes to Marrakech desert tour 5 days

Before the tour

Guided Fes medina tour
Fes cooking class

During the tour

A professional photographer
Romantic dinner in the desert
Romantic desert proposal setup
Quad bike ATV
Buggy rental ATV

After the tour

Day trip to Essaouira
Ouzoud Waterfalls day trip
Hot air balloon ride in Marrakech
Hammam and spa in Marrakech

Reviews

What our guests say

★★★★★

Read what our guests say about the 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech with Morocco Discover Excursions.

The Ultimate Moroccan Road Trip for Geological & Nature Enthusiasts!

★★★★★

Professor Michael T.

Taking the 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech with Morocco Discover Excursions allowed us to explore southern Morocco at a remarkably relaxed pace. Over five full days, we had ample time to stop in Midelt, discover fossilized layers in the Saharan region, wander through the lush palm groves of Skoura, and marvel at the Todra and Dades Gorges. The private vehicle was comfortable, and the depth of local cultural knowledge shared by our driver was exceptional!

An Immersive, Unhurried Sahara Experience

★★★★★

Hannah & Tom W.

If you want to truly experience the desert without long hours stuck in a rush, book the 5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech with Morocco Discover Excursions. Spending multiple nights in authentic riads and a private luxury tent under the star-filled Merzouga sky was pure bliss. From visiting ancient kasbahs like Ait Benhaddou to camel riding across Erg Chebbi at sunset, every single stop felt like a postcard come to life. Many thanks to our driver and guide Mohamed from start to finish. Huge thanks!

Best desert tour with the best team

★★★★★

Carlos R.

We highly recommend the 5 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech offered by Morocco Discover Excursions. Starting with a prompt, professional pickup in Fes, we crossed the Middle Atlas to the Sahara, where our adventure truly began. Riding in a top-quality 4×4 allowed us to discover hidden spots and enjoy an authentic desert lunch picnic. At the camp, Mohamed and his wonderful staff made us feel like family with their warmth and Saharan storytelling under the stars. Stopping at Ait Benhaddou and the Ouarzazate film studios added rich cultural history before our safe arrival in Marrakech. Truly an extraordinary team and an outstanding trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 5 days a good length for a desert tour from Fes to Marrakech?

Yes. The 5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech is the most relaxed choice. You have a full day in Merzouga, and the long drives are shared over five days. You also have time for Todra Gorge, Skoura, Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Your vehicle, driver and plan are only for your group. You can change the stops and the time with your driver.

Where do we sleep on the 5 days Fes to Marrakech desert tour?

The first night is in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, the second night is in a hotel or riad in Merzouga, the third night is in a hotel in the Dades Valley, and the fourth night is in a hotel in Ouarzazate. All places are “or similar”, depending on availability.

What do we do on the second day in Merzouga?

You watch the sunrise, then take a 4×4 desert excursion. You visit a nomadic family for tea, the Mifis area, Khamlia village with Gnawa music, and Merzouga Lake with flamingos. In the afternoon you relax at your hotel by the pool.

Is this Sahara desert tour from Fes good for children?

Yes. The slow pace is good for children, and they love the monkeys, the camels and the sand dunes. Please tell us the age of the children when you book.

Are meals included?

Dinner and breakfast are included on all four nights. Lunches and drinks are not included, and we will stop at good local restaurants.

What is the price of the 5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech?

The price depends on your group size and travel date. Please contact us and we will answer fast with the best offer.

Can I do the tour from Marrakech to Fes?

Yes. We can do the same route in the other direction. If you have less time, you can see our 4 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Have a different desert adventure in mind? At Morocco Discover Excursions, we are happy to create a trip that fits your travel style, interests, and schedule. You can add a night in the desert, stop in Chefchaouen, choose a different desert camp, or add special activities. Please contact us and let’s make your desert experience truly special!