Embark on a rich and immersive 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, the perfect choice for travelers who want to explore the Sahara Desert at a comfortable pace. Ride camels through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, sleep in a Berber camp under the stars, visit ancient kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou, and enjoy scenic mountain drives through southern Morocco.
Wondering when’s the best time to visit the Sahara Desert or if Morocco is safe to visit? Check out our detailed guides to plan with confidence.
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Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Camel Trekking in the Sahara
Your 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech begins with a scenic journey across the Middle Atlas Mountains. After an early pickup from your accommodation in Fes, you will head south toward the desert.
The first stop is the alpine-style town of Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, known for its clean streets and European-style architecture. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take a few photos.
Continue through the mountains to the Cedar Forest of Azrou, where you can spot Barbary macaque monkeys and enjoy the cool forest air. From there, the road leads to Midelt, a quiet town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, where you will stop for lunch.
Afterward, drive through the scenic Ziz Gorge and follow the lush Ziz Valley, a sea of palm trees, ancient kasbahs, and traditional villages lining the oasis.
In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, where your camel caravan awaits. Ride into the golden dunes during sunset — an unforgettable experience and the perfect introduction to the Sahara.
Spend the night in a Berber desert camp, where you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, live music around the campfire, and a peaceful night under a canopy of stars.
Day 2: Sahara Desert Exploration
Wake up to a serene sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, followed by breakfast at your camp. Today is dedicated to exploring the Sahara Desert by 4×4 and immersing yourself in the region’s culture, landscapes, and traditions.
You will begin by visiting a nomadic Berber family living in the desert. Share tea with them and learn about their resilient way of life, far from towns and cities, guided by ancient customs and seasonal migration.
Next, you will drive to the Mfis lead mine, a fascinating site dating back to the French colonial period. The area offers striking desert landscapes and insight into the region’s mining history.
Continue to the village of Khamlia, home to descendants of Sub-Saharan Africans. Here, you will be welcomed with a live performance of Gnawa music, a rhythmic spiritual tradition unique to Morocco’s south.
For lunch, we highly recommend trying the local specialty — Berber pizza (Madfouna), a traditional stuffed flatbread baked in a clay oven, served in a local family home or café in Khamlia.
After lunch, visit a local Saharan garden where villagers use traditional irrigation system to grow herbs, vegetables, and palm trees — a hidden gem in the desert.
In the late afternoon, those seeking excitement can take an optional quad bike or dune buggy ride across the dunes (advance booking or on-site arrangement available).
Return to your desert camp to relax, enjoy dinner, and spend a second magical night under the stars.
Day 3: Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After an early breakfast and one last peaceful moment in the Sahara desert, you will take a 4×4 back to Merzouga village to continue your journey through southern Morocco.
Your first stop is the historic town of Rissani, the former capital of the Tafilalt region and a vital stop on ancient caravan routes. You will explore its local traditional market, one of the most authentic in Morocco, especially vibrant on market days. It’s a perfect place to experience local trade in spices, crafts, and dates.
Next, visit Erfoud, a town famous for its fossil workshops and as the host of the annual International Date Festival. You could stop to see how ancient marine fossils are extracted and crafted into beautiful homeware and art — a fascinating aspect of this desert region.
From there, travel west through rugged terrain and Berber villages until you reach the dramatic Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has carved a canyon through the red limestone cliffs. You will have time to walk along the riverbank and admire the towering 300-meter canyon walls — a favorite among hikers and photographers.
In the late afternoon, arrive in the picturesque Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Your accommodation for the night will be nestled among dramatic rock formations.
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and relax in the peaceful setting of the High Atlas foothills.
Day 4: Dades Valley – Rose Town – Skoura – Ouarzazate (Overnight Stay)
After breakfast in the Dades Valley, your 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech continues through some of Morocco’s most scenic and culturally rich regions.
Your first stop is in the Valley of Roses, where fields of damask roses bloom each spring. Visit a local women’s cooperative in El Kelaa M’Gouna (Rose Town), where artisans create fragrant rosewater, soaps, and natural cosmetics using traditional techniques.
Next, travel through the palm-filled oasis of Skoura, known for its historic kasbahs nestled among olive and date trees. You may stop to visit the well-preserved Kasbah Amridil, an iconic fortress featured on the 50-dirham banknote and in numerous films.
Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa thanks to its role in many major film productions. You will have the option to visit the famous Atlas Film Studios or the Kasbah of Taourirt, a once-powerful Glaoui stronghold with labyrinthine courtyards and ancient mud-brick towers. Check into your traditional riad or hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening with dinner.
overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Ounila Valle – Telouat – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast in Ouarzazate, the final day of your 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech begins with a short drive to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars. Explore its maze of clay-brick buildings, climb to the top for panoramic desert views, and learn about its role in films like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
Instead of taking the direct highway to Marrakech, you will follow the scenic Ounila Valley, a hidden gem that winds along the banks of the Ounila River. This less-traveled route offers dramatic views of ochre cliffs, remote Berber villages, and terraced farms — an authentic look into southern Morocco’s mountain life.
The highlight of this route is a visit to the Kasbah of Telouet, once the luxurious residence of the powerful Glaoui family. Though partially in ruins, the kasbah still features intricate zellij tilework, painted cedar ceilings, and a fascinating history tied to Morocco’s colonial past.
After Telouet, you will cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m elevation), one of the highest and most dramatic roadways in Morocco. Along the way, your driver will make several stops to enjoy panoramic mountain views, Berber villages, and photo opportunities.
You may also stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative, where local Berber women produce high-quality argan oil using traditional methods. It’s a great opportunity to learn about this important regional product, support women-led initiatives, and try natural cosmetics or culinary argan oil directly from the source. Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon or early evening, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad.
This marks the end of your unforgettable 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, filled with rich cultural experiences, desert adventures, and stunning landscapes.
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