5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes A Journey Through Morocco’s Hidden Gems
Discover the Authentic Morocco: 5-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Adventure
Key Highlights of the 5-Day Tour
- Day 1: Marrakech to Ouarzazate
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou , featured in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones .
- Explore the historic Telouet Kasbah and the vibrant film studios of Ouarzazate.
- Day 2: Ouarzazate to Dades Valley
- Travel through the lush Rose Valley and visit the impressive Amridil Kasbah .
- Meet a Berber family living in a mountain cave and enjoy traditional tea.
- Hike through the dramatic rock formations of Monkey Fingers Canyon
- Day 3: Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert
- Travel through the dramatic Todra Gorge , a paradise for hikers and photographers.
- Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes and watch a magical sunset.
- Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, stargazing and enjoying Berber music.
- Day 4: Full Day in Merzouga Desert
- Watch a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes.
- Visit Berber Nomads, hidden villages, and experience traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia village.
- Spend another night in the desert, either at a riad or luxury camp
- Day 5: Merzouga to Fes
- Travel through the lush Ziz Valley , home to palm groves and traditional Berber villages.
- Spot Barbary macaques in cedar forests near Ifrane.
- Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains en route to Fes.
Why Choose Our 5-Day Marrakech to Fes Tour?
- Private and Flexible : Travel in comfort with a private vehicle and customize the itinerary to suit your preferences.
- Luxury Accommodations : Stay in charming hotels, riads, and private tents in a luxury desert camp.
- Cultural Immersion : Gain firsthand knowledge of Berber Nomadic culture and traditions from knowledgeable guides.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences : Explore hidden gems inaccessible to standard tours, such as mountain caves and abandoned villages.
- Experienced Guides : Learn about Morocco’s rich heritage from English-speaking drivers/guides.
Day 1: Marrakech ⇢ High Atlas Mountains ⇢ Telouet Kasbah ⇢ Ait Ben Haddou ⇢ Ouarzazate
Your 5-day desert adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your riad or hotel in Marrakech. Head toward the High Atlas Mountains , crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass , one of Morocco’s most beautiful routes.
Stop along the way to admire the breathtaking views and take photos before continuing to the historic Telouet Kasbah , once the stronghold of the El Glaoui family.
Next, visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou , a filming location for blockbusters like Gladiator , Game of Thrones , and The Mummy . After lunch, continue to Ouarzazate , known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Explore Africa’s largest film studio or the historic Taourirt Kasbah before checking into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Driving Distance : Approximately 204 km
- Driving Time : Approximately 4 hours
Day 2: Ouarzazate ⇢ Skoura Oasis ⇢ Rose Valley ⇢ Dades Valley
Start your day with a delicious breakfast before heading to Skoura Oasis , a sprawling expanse of palm trees dotted with ancient kasbahs. Visit the impressive Amridil Kasbah , offering insights into daily life within its walls over 300 years ago.
Continue to Kelaat M’Gouna , the heart of the Rose Valley , where you can stroll among blooming roses if visiting in spring. Take an adventurous off-road route to Dades Valley , stopping to visit a Berber family living in a mountain cave.
In the evening, check into your hotel in Dades Valley, where you can relax or hike through the dramatic rock formations of Monkey Fingers Canyon . Enjoy dinner and spend the night surrounded by tranquility.
- Driving Distance : Approximately 144 km
- Driving Time : Approximately 3 hours
Day 3: Dades Valley ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, travel through the dramatic Todra Gorge , a narrow canyon carved by the winding river. Stop for photos and a short walk before continuing to Merzouga .
Upon arrival, embark on a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch a mesmerizing sunset. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a warm welcome with tea, a delicious dinner, and Berber music under the stars.
- Driving Distance : Approximately 310 km
- Driving Time : Approximately 5 hours
Day 4: Full Day in Merzouga Desert
Start your day early to witness the breathtaking desert sunrise over the dunes—a truly unforgettable experience. After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of the Merzouga desert.
Travel in a 4×4 SUV to visit Berber Nomads who reside beyond the dunes. Learn about their unique way of life and cultural practices from your guide. Along the way, explore hidden villages like M’Fis , soak in the rhythms of Gnawa music in Khamlia village, and visit the vibrant Lake of Birds if it’s visible during your visit.
Return to your riad or desert camp in the evening for dinner and another peaceful night in the desert.
- Driving Distance : Approximately 57 km
- Driving Time : Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Day 5: Merzouga Desert ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Fes
After a delicious breakfast, begin your journey back to Fes. Travel through the lush Ziz Valley , stopping for panoramic views of palm tree-filled oases and traditional Berber villages.
Enjoy lunch in Midelt , often called the “Apple Capital of Morocco,” before crossing the majestic Middle Atlas Mountains . Stop in Ifrane , known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” for a coffee break and a chance to spot Barbary macaques in nearby cedar forests.
Arrive in Fes by late afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your riad or hotel, concluding your desert adventure.
- Driving Distance : Approximately 500 km
- Driving Time : Approximately 7.5 hours
RESERVATION
Ready to embark on this unforgettable adventure?
Accommodation Options
- Ouarzazate : Comfortable hotels with modern amenities and stunning views.
- Dades Valley : Hotels with easy access to hiking trails and Monkey Fingers Canyon.
- Merzouga Desert : Luxury desert camps with private tents, plush bedding, and en-suite bathrooms.
- Riad in Merzouga : Charming accommodations with easy access to the dunes.
Inclusions
Included :
- Round-trip transportation in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Knowledgeable English-speaking driver/guide.
- Camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Four nights’ accommodation (hotel in Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, luxury desert camp in Merzouga, and optional riad stay).
- Dinner and breakfast during your stay in the desert.
- Guided visits to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Todra Gorge, and other key attractions.
Excluded :
- Lunches and additional meals not specified.
- Optional activities or upgrades.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs or tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your trip to Morocco? We’ve compiled a list of the most common questions travelers ask to help you prepare for an unforgettable journey. From practical details like transportation and inclusions to activity options and customization, our FAQs section provides clear and concise answers to ensure you’re fully informed and ready to make the most of your adventure.
- Q: How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?
A : The drive takes approximately 8–9 hours, covering a distance of around 560 km. - Q: What should I pack for the desert tour?
A : Pack comfortable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, and layers for cooler desert nights. - Q: Is this tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
A : Yes! This private tour is customizable and suitable for all types of travelers, including families and solo adventurers. - Q: Can I upgrade my accommodations?
A : Absolutely! You can choose between standard or luxury options for hotels and desert camps based on your preferences. - Q: What if I want to extend the tour?
A : If you’d like to add extra days or activities, simply let us know, and we’ll customize the itinerary for you.