5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

5 Days Desert Trip from Marrakech to Fes - Sahara

Overview

The 5-day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes is long and promises immersion in the Sahara Desert. Over five days and four nights, an array of breathtaking locations awaits exploration.

This includes the formidable High Atlas mountains and the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka pass. The itinerary also covers the renowned Ait-Ben-Haddou Kasbah and the city of Ouarzazate. Additional highlights include the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, the Dades Valley, and the dramatic Todra Gorges.

The adventure further encompasses a visit to the Merzouga Sahara desert, where the opportunity to ride camels presents itself, allowing for the experience of witnessing stunning sunrises and sunsets. Enjoy overnight accommodation in a desert camp. Further exploration of the Merzouga Sahara involves a 4×4 vehicle.

Additional stops on the tour will feature the traditional market of Rissani and the town of Erfoud, recognized for its fossils. The trip also includes a visit to Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, and the cedar forests, home to the Barbary macaques. The tour concludes in Fes.

Highlights

Included

Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas mountains – Tizi N Tichka pass – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate

The 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes will start promptly, picking you up from either the airport or your accommodation in Marrakech. The journey begins with a scenic drive through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains and the famous Tizi-n-Tichka pass. Short stops will be scheduled along the way to appreciate stunning views that stretch for miles. The Kasbah of Telouat will also be visited.

Our visit continues with the world-renowned Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has starred in many films, including Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as the TV sensation Game of Thrones. In brief, we will then go to Ouarzazate, the so-called “Gateway to the Sahara.” Dinner and an overnight stay will be offered in a comfortable hotel.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Palm groves of Skoura – Amridil Kasbah – Rose valley -Dades Valley

After finishing breakfast, we’ll be exploring the city of Ouarzazate. The first stop would be Atlas Studios, the site of many famous films, and then to the Taourirt Kasbah. This mud-built, aged fortress is one of the most remarkable and oldest remaining Kasbahs in Morocco. Then, we will head east to reach the Amridil Kasbah.

The area is perfectly formed by the palm groves of Skoura. Thereafter, we proceed to Kalaa Magouna, which is also known as the Rose Valley. It is at this very point that, every May, the Rose Festival takes place, and it is the location for the exhibition of a wide variety of goods derived from roses by local people. These include perfumes, rose water, oils, and several cosmetic items. Finally, this journey stretches to the Dades Valley, via Boumalne Dades.

We shall have some important stops at the unique rock formation marked as “monkey fingers” and also at a mountain viewpoint overlooking the splendid sight of the Dades valley. Dinner and overnight stay will be made at a Boumalne Dades hotel.

Day 3: Boumalne Dades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud -Merzouga Sahara – Overnight in a Luxury Camp

After breakfast, a 5-day desert tour to Todra Gorges. It is a spectacular canyon sculpted by the flow of the Todra River, with its walls dramatically colored in towering red cliffs. You will have enough time to explore the gorges and immerse yourself in the breathtaking panorama. Thereafter, we’ll pass through the verdant palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad; lunch breaks will be arranged during the trip as necessary.

The afternoon journey takes us to Merzouga, the Sahara Desert. Now, the means of transport will be camels, and one can expect to take a memorable walk over the sandy desert. A moment at this time will be set aside for enjoying the glorious sunset at an elevated dune. The walk will continue to the luxury desert camp, where the evening is entertained with captivating Berber music and drumming by the campfire under a wide star-studded sky. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Day 4: Explore Merzouga Region – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga Lake – Erg Chebbi – Desert Oasis

Awakening before dawn is the very root of seeing a beautiful sunrise in the desert. After this, having breakfast would be very leisurely. Then return on camel back to Merzouga, where the driver will be waiting for you. Today, it is reserved for an exploration of the Merzouga region. This region has interesting attractions, including the tall dunes, a wild lake, mined areas, fossil-containing areas, and beautiful oases, all ideal locations for so many outdoor activities.

At first, you make your adventure official within Merzouga, an off-roading towards an ancient eyeliner mine. Then, the visit to the dwelling of nomads is arranged, and learning about their lifestyle in their traditional woven tents. Share some Berber tea with them. The journey would proceed towards Khamlia village, where you can watch performances of Gnaoua music and dances.

The members originated from countries in sub-Saharan Africa – Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Lunch will be had in a restaurant. Walking within the palm groves is on the agenda, too. The final destination is a couple of kilometers from here towards the wild lake of Merzouga, also known as flamingos lake. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 5: Merzouga Dunes – Erfoud – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes

On the last day of your 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, commence your day by witnessing a gorgeous desert sunrise. You’ll have free time to enjoy some breakfast; the return journey to Merzouga will then be arranged either by camel or 4×4 from the camp. Your driver will be waiting for you there.

Next up is Rissani, which was the former capital of Tafilalet. Even today, Rissani has an important commercial role, especially on market days, which are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. We will visit the souk, and then move on to Erfoud, where you will see the marble works of fossils.

After leaving Erfoud, the journey will continue along the Ziz River, where we’ll stop briefly for a view of the Ziz Valley. In Midelt, you will then have some free time to have lunch before continuing to explore the cedar forests, home to the Barbary Macaques. Here you will get to interact with some mischievous monkeys.

The next stop will be Ifrane, famous for its cool temperature, snow, and Swiss architectural style. Because of these traits, it is often called the Switzerland of Morocco. Finally, the tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel or airport in Fes.

Standard Tour

Great value for travelers prioritizing experience over amenities.

From €250 PER GUEST

Luxury Tour

Ideal for honeymooners or anyone wanting more space/comfort.

From €450 PER GUEST

Mixed Tour

A smart balance of comfort and cost.

From €300PER GUEST

Tour itinerary map

FAQ Hub

The 5 day tour from Marrakech is a private experience, ensuring that only the travelers making the inquiry will be participating. No additional individuals will join the tour. Our primary focus is on providing high-quality, personalized experiences, which is why we mainly offer private tours.

Please provide us with any dietary preferences you may have, and we will ensure that your needs are met. Kindly inform us of your preferences in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements for lunch stops and notify the Riad/Camp accordingly, as dinners are included in the package.

The Vehicle will be either a SUV (4×4) or a Minivan, both with A/C

Vehicle Details :

  • 4×4 : Land Cruiser Prado ( up to 4 pax )
  • Minivans : Mercedes Vito Tourer, Ford Tourneo Van or Similar ( up to 8 pax )

For groups larger than 8, a minibus that takes up to 18 pax can be provided.

The Tent at the luxury camp is private, and has private bathrooms with hot running water.

Please provide us with any dietary preferences you may have, and we will ensure that your needs are met. Kindly inform us of your preferences in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements for lunch stops and notify the Riad/Camp accordingly, as dinners are included in the package.

The Vehicle will be either an SUV (4×4) or a Minivan, both with A/C

Vehicle Details :

  • 4×4 : Land Cruiser Prado ( up to 4 pax )
  • Minivans: Mercedes Vito Tourer or Ford Torneo Van ( up to 8 pax )

For groups larger than 8, a minibus that takes up to 18 passengers can be provided.

The Camel ride is 40 minutes to 1.5 hours long, depending on which camp you are staying in.

The meeting point for the tour is at 8:30 a.m. at any location within Marrakech. If your Riad is accessible by car, we will pick you up directly from there. In case of accessibility issues, we will pick you up from the nearest accessible road point. This can be arranged upon confirmation of your booking.

At the end of the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel or Riad in Fes, or the closest available parking lot. The tour typically concludes between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Fes, but the exact duration may vary depending on the time spent at each location.

 
 

Moments Captured

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