An In-Depth Journey Through Morocco's Heartlands
For the traveler who desires more than just a glimpse, our 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes offers an unparalleled, immersive journey. This thoughtfully paced adventure is the definitive Morocco itinerary for 5 days, connecting two imperial cities via the soul-stirring landscapes of the south. With two nights in the Sahara, you'll have the luxury of time to truly connect with the magic of the Erg Chebbi dunes and the vibrant Berber culture that defines this region.
This tour is designed for deep exploration. You won’t just pass through iconic sites like Ait Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorge; you’ll have ample time to absorb their history and grandeur. The highlight is the extended stay in Merzouga, featuring a classic sunset camel trek to a luxury camp, followed by a full day of 4x4 desert exploration. This is the ultimate tour for those who want to experience the Sahara's many faces before concluding their journey in the ancient city of Fes.
Highlights of Your 5-Day Morocco Adventure
This tour is crafted to provide a deeper, more relaxed, and culturally rich experience. Here are the key moments that set our 5-day Marrakech to Fes tour apart:
- Traverse the dramatic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou in depth.
- Discover the Dades Valley and walk through the stunning Todra Gorge.
- Experience an unforgettable sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi.
- **Two nights in the Sahara:** One night in a luxury desert camp and one in a desert hotel.
- Full-day 4x4 excursion to explore the desert's hidden wonders.
- Listen to spiritual Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia.
- See wild monkeys in the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.
Detailed 5-Day Marrakech to Sahara to Fes Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley
Our adventure begins as we depart from Marrakech, climbing into the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. The journey over the Tizi n'Tichka pass offers breathtaking vistas and a glimpse into the resilient life of mountain Berber communities.
- Morning: Depart from Marrakech, enjoying stops for panoramic views of the Atlas landscapes.
- Lunchtime: Arrive at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, the most famous ksar in Morocco. We'll take a guided walk through this ancient fortified village, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Continue through Ouarzazate, passing the vast film studios, and travel along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs."
- Evening: Settle into your hotel in the heart of the Dades Valley for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Sunset Camel Trek to Desert Camp
After breakfast, we explore the dramatic canyons of the region. We first visit the Todra Gorge, a massive trench with towering 300-meter cliffs, before heading towards the Sahara's golden sands.
- Morning: Enjoy a walk through the cool, immense canyon of Todra Gorge.
- Afternoon: Journey through the Ziz Valley's palm groves, arriving at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, your camel caravan awaits to take you on a memorable trek into the desert as the sun begins to set.
- Evening: Arrive at your luxury desert camp. You'll be greeted with mint tea before enjoying a delicious Moroccan dinner, followed by traditional Berber music by the campfire under a brilliant canopy of stars. This is your first magical night in the Sahara.
Day 3: Full Day Sahara Desert Exploration: Nomads, Khamlia & Rissani
Today is dedicated to a full immersion in the Sahara. After a spectacular sunrise and breakfast, we explore the diverse landscapes and rich culture of the desert with a thrilling 4x4 excursion.
- Morning: We drive across the dunes and rocky hamada to visit a local nomad family, sharing tea and learning about their unique way of life.
- Midday: Visit Khamlia village, famous for its Gnawa musicians. You'll experience their soulful, spiritual music, a cultural tradition with deep historical roots.
- Lunchtime: Travel to the ancient town of Rissani, the cradle of the ruling Alaouite dynasty. We'll enjoy a local specialty, Madfouna (Berber pizza).
- Afternoon: Explore the traditional Rissani market before returning to your hotel at the edge of the dunes for a chance to relax by the pool.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner and your second night in the serene desert environment.
Day 4: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the Sahara and begin our scenic journey northward. Today’s drive is designed to be relaxed, breaking the long trip to Fes into two enjoyable parts.
- Morning: Travel along the incredible Ziz Valley, stopping at a panoramic viewpoint to admire the vast river of palm trees that cuts through the canyon.
- Afternoon: Cross the eastern flank of the High Atlas and arrive in Midelt, a town nestled between the Atlas ranges, known for its apple orchards and fossils.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Midelt for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 5: Midelt → Cedar Forest → Ifrane → Fes
The final day of our tour takes us through the beautiful and surprisingly green landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains, a world away from the desert sands.
- Morning: After breakfast, we drive to the famous cedar forests of Azrou. Here, we'll stop to see and feed the friendly wild Barbary macaque monkeys.
- Lunchtime: Continue to Ifrane, a charming alpine-style town often called the "Switzerland of Morocco," where we will stop for lunch.
- Afternoon: We complete the final leg of our journey, descending from the mountains.
- Evening: Arrive in the historic city of Fes, where your driver will drop you off at your riad or hotel, concluding your epic 5-day Morocco adventure.
What's Included in Your 5-Day Tour
- Pick-up in Marrakech & drop-off in Fes.
- Private, modern A/C vehicle and driver/guide.
- 4 nights' accommodation in quality hotels/riads/camp.
- One night in a luxury desert camp (private tent).
- One night in a hotel at the edge of the dunes.
- Breakfast (4 days) and Dinner (4 days).
- Sunset camel trekking experience.
- Full-day 4x4 desert excursion.
What's Not Included
- Lunches and all drinks.
- Entrance fees for monuments and kasbahs.
- Personal expenses and gratuities.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 5-day tour offers the most immersive and relaxed way to journey between Marrakech and Fes via the Sahara. With two nights in the Merzouga desert region, you get a full day to explore the dunes by 4x4, visit local nomads, and truly soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. It breaks the long drive to Fes into more manageable segments, making the entire experience more enjoyable.
This itinerary is designed for the best of both worlds. The first night in the desert (Day 2) is spent in a magical luxury desert camp deep within the Erg Chebbi dunes after a camel trek. The second night (Day 3) is at a comfortable hotel or riad at the edge of the dunes, often with a swimming pool, allowing you to relax and refresh before the next leg of your journey.
Yes, this tour is fantastic for solo travelers. You can book a private tour for a fully personalized experience, or join one of our small group tours to meet like-minded travelers from around the world. It's a safe and well-supported way to explore the Moroccan south.
The driving is spread out comfortably. Day 1 and 2 involve about 4-6 hours of driving with many scenic stops. Day 3 is focused on local exploration around Merzouga with minimal long-distance driving. Days 4 and 5 break the long journey to Fes into two shorter, manageable drives of about 4 hours each, making the trip much more relaxed and enjoyable.
The best times to take this tour are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasantly warm. Winters can be cold, especially at night in the desert, and summers can be extremely hot. However, the tour runs year-round and is enjoyable in any season with proper preparation.