This tour is a perfect mix of Morocco’s cultural richness and scenic beauty. Setting out from the ancient city of Fes, the route ventures through the cedar forests of Azrou, the palm-dotted expanse of the Ziz Valley and on to the golden dunes of Merzouga, where you’ll clamber aboard camels and sleep under a sky filled with stars at a luxury desert camp. En route, witness the colourful local life in Rissani, the dramatic rock landscapes of the Todgha Gorges and the beautiful Dades Valley.
Pass the splendid High Atlas Mountains and see the UNESCO-protected Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah en route to Marrakech. Ideal for travelers looking to experience more of Morocco’s rich culture, this 5-day desert tour, designed for visitors interested in meeting locals and learning about the region’s culture in mind, features overnight stays in colorful, Berber-style guesthouses.
If you want absolute flexibility, comfort and a one-on-one personalized experience, consider booking a private Morocco tour. Offering visits to historic cities, the sweeping Sahara, and the beautiful Atlas Mountains, personal travel with a private tour means you can set the pace and only focus on the sites and activities which you want to do and see. You’ll receive greater cultural insights and smoother logistics from beginning to end with the help of local experts. Private tours are fully tailor-made exactly to your schedule, interests, group size and travel-styles, for any couples, families, friends, and solo travelers. And the larger your group, the cheaper it is per person, while transportation costs are consistent regardless of the season.
In the early morning leave Fes onward journey to the southeast of Morocco through the middle Atlas Mountains. First stop in Ifrane, referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” because of its alpine architecture and pristine streets. Next, keep driving through the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques. Following the mountain ranges, get to Midelt for lunch. The road then goes through the stunning Ziz Valley, lined with palm groves and Berber villages. Late in the afternoon you will get to Merzouga, at the feet of extraordinary Erg Chebbi dunes. From there, you’ll embark on a camel trek into the desert, witnessing a gorgeous sunset over the dunes before arriving to your luxury desert camp. Have dinner and listen to Berber music under the stars.
Begin your day with an enchanting sunrise on the dunes and breakfast at the camp. Then, embark on a 4×4 desert venture to sightsee the desert terrain. You’ll stop at the village of Khamlia, where the Gnawa people live with their spiritual music, and meet nomadic Berber families who continue to call the Sahara’s unforgiving terrain home. You will also visit fossil-strewn areas and nearby oases. After lunch in a local restaurant or with a Berber nomad family, drive back to the Village of Merzouga. Check into traditional desert guest house or hotel, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
After breakfast, leave Merzouga to Rissani, which is a splendid town famous for its souks and the origin of Morocco’s ruling family. Next, head south to Erfoud, known for fossil workshops where you can learn about prehistoric life in the area. Later continue to the west, you’ll find the stunning Todgha Gorges, with towering limestone canyons that are a hit for hikers and photographers. Instead, spend some time walking along the river and enjoying the dramatic cliffs. From there, keep driving to Boumalne Dades through some small Berber villages and cultivated terraced fields. Spend the night in an adorable hotel in the Dades Valley, surrounded by incredible rock formations.
After breakfast, drive through the scenic Dades Valley and the Valley of Roses, known for its fragrant rosewater production. Visit Skoura, an oasis dotted with ancient kasbahs, before reaching Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara and a popular filming location for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Visit Kasbah Taourirt or the Atlas Film Studios if time allows. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning ksar (fortified village) made of earthen clay. You’ll explore this magical site in the afternoon, then check into a nearby hotel or guesthouse for the night.
Enjoy breakfast with a view of Ait Ben Haddou, then begin the final stretch of your journey. Travel through the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. Stop at panoramic viewpoints for photos and perhaps enjoy a traditional lunch at a mountain café. By late afternoon, you’ll descend into the red city of Marrakech, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation ending your unforgettable 5-day Moroccan desert adventure.
⇒ Important Note:
This 5 Days tour from Fes to Marrakech is a bespoke tour, so it can be tailored to meet your specific requirements and can be adjusted within your schedule and style of travel. If you’re looking for a more cultural emphasis, a bit more time, or some upgraded accommodations, we are delighted to be able to customize the trip for you to make it just what you’re looking for.
Note that prices can change according to the number of participants and the kind of accommodation you choose (standard or luxury). The larger the group that takes the tour, the cheaper it gets per person. But the cost of transportation remains the same since it is per vehicle and not per person. Feel free to contact our team for a custom quote or to customize your itinerary — it is available 24/7 to take your call!
This 5-day journey from Fes to Marrakech was absolutely magical. Our guide, Hassan, made every moment special with his deep knowledge, kindness, and attention to detail. Riding camels into the dunes at sunset and spending the night in a luxury desert camp was an experience I’ll never forget. We also loved exploring the Todgha Gorges and the fascinating Ait Ben Haddou. Everything was perfectly arranged from the transportation to the food and accommodations. If you want a real, heartwarming Moroccan experience, this is the tour to take!
We had an incredible time on our tour from Fes to Marrakech. Mustapha, our guide from Private Moroccan Tour, was professional, friendly, and always ready to help. The landscapes were stunning, especially the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains. We learned so much about Moroccan culture and traditions, and the nights spent in the desert and Dades Valley were unforgettable. Everything was smooth and well-organized. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to explore the true soul of Morocco in comfort and safety.
Customization Available: All our tours can be personalized to match your itinerary, desires, and travel style. If you want to make modifications such as adding stops, upgrading the accommodations or taking it a bit slower feel free to ask, we take care of it all.
Tour costs depend on many factors:
To get a booking confirmation you will need to make a few small deposits. The balance can be paid on arrival.
What to Pack:
Travel INSURANCE: Travel insurance covering medical, trip cancellation, and lost luggage is recommended.
Local Guides & Drivers: Our guides and drivers are experienced and knowledgeable of the local ingredients, history and culture, speak English, French and other languages! They are not only drivers they are also storytellers, cultural ambassadors and confidants.
Luggage: A small daypack is recommended for overnight stays (especially desert camps). Your primary luggage will be locked in the vehicle.
Weather & Conditions: Morocco’s weather can be changeable hot days, cold nights especially in the mountains and desert. Make sure you consider the seasonal conditions before heading on the trip.
Responsible Travel: We promote respect for local traditions and culture. Our Tours are all about Sustainable and real Moroccan experience.
Private Moroccan Tours is available 24/7. So please do not hesitate to contact our team of experienced and friendly human beings who are always available to help you create your own Moroccan experience according to your area of interest and schedule. With great insight into the beautiful country of Morocco, its culture, nature and tourism we are dedicated to offering you a memorable experience. There is the small deposit needed to secure your Moroccan trip, please do keep in mind that!
