marrakech to fes 5 days desert tour
private marrakech to fes 5 days desert tour Overview
This extended version gives you the most relaxed pace of our Marrakech–Fes routes, with extra time in the southern valleys and around the Sahara before continuing north.
As a private journey, Marrakech to Fes Desert Tours takes you across the High Atlas Mountains, through Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley, and Todra Gorge, into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi with a full day to enjoy the Sahara, and finally through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas to the imperial city of Fes.
With five days instead of three or four, you get to properly settle into each region rather than moving through it quickly.
Traveling 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes regions also means more freedom to explore. The extra day around Merzouga allows time for optional activities such as visiting a local Amazigh family or the Gnaoua music village of Khamlia, on top of the classic camel trek and desert camp night.
This is a fully private tour, with your own driver, vehicle, and guide adjusting the itinerary to your interests along the way.
The heart of the Marrakech to Fes 5 Days Desert Tours remains the Sahara: a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, a night at a traditional or luxury desert camp, and a peaceful sunrise over the dunes.
From there, the unhurried journey continues through the Ziz Valley and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, ending in Fes with a real sense of having explored the country rather than simply crossed it.
private marrakech to fes 5 days desert tour highlights
- Cross the stunning High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n'Tichka pass
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah
- Drive through the beautiful Dades Valley and its rose gardens
- Explore the dramatic Todra Gorge canyon
- Ride a camel across the Sahara dunes at sunset
- Sleep one night in a traditional desert camp under the stars
- Enjoy live Berber drums and music around the campfire
- Watch a magical sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Cross the Ziz Valley and its palm groves
- Pass through the Middle Atlas and the Azrou cedar forest
private marrakech to fes 5 days desert tour Infos
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Tour Type: Private Guided Tour
- Starting Point: Marrakech
- Ending Point: Fes
- Group Size: Private (your group only)
- Transport: Comfortable 4x4 or minivan, with driver/guide
Why Choose Our Private marrakech to fes 5 days desert tour
- 100% private tour, just you and your group, no strangers added
- Experienced, friendly, English/French/Spanish speaking driver-guides
- Comfortable and safe private vehicle for all road types
- Flexible itinerary, stop whenever you want for photos or breaks
- Authentic desert camp with warm Berber hospitality
- Camel trek included at sunset into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Authentic desert camp experience with genuine Amazigh hospitality, music, and traditional meals
- Fair prices with no hidden costs
- Local Marrakech-based agency who knows Morocco best
private marrakech to fes 5 days desert tour Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Skoura Oasis → Dades Valley
Your 5-day adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. We leave the city behind and travel south toward the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n'Tichka Pass at an altitude of around 2,260 metres. Along the way, we make stops at scenic viewpoints to admire the mountain landscapes, traditional Amazigh villages, and winding roads.
After crossing the mountains, we continue toward the historic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village known for its traditional earthen architecture.
You will have time to explore its narrow streets and enjoy panoramic views before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue through Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert, and pass through the beautiful Skoura Palm Oasis, surrounded by palm groves and ancient kasbahs.
We then enter the dramatic Dades Valley, where towering cliffs and unique rock formations surround the road. After arriving at your hotel or traditional guesthouse, enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening in the peaceful valley.
Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we continue our journey through the Dades Valley, passing small Amazigh villages, orchards, and spectacular rocky landscapes. We follow the valley toward Tinghir and the impressive Todra Gorge, where enormous limestone cliffs rise on both sides of the narrow canyon.
Take time to walk through the gorge, enjoy the scenery, and take photographs before continuing toward the desert. After lunch, we travel across the changing landscapes of southeastern Morocco, passing through Erfoud, famous for its fossils and dates, and then continuing toward Rissani and Merzouga.
As the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon, we prepare for one of the highlights of the trip: a camel trek into the Sahara. Ride through the dunes as the sun begins to set, stopping to enjoy the spectacular desert sunset.
After reaching your camp, you will be welcomed with traditional Moroccan mint tea before enjoying dinner, local music, and drumming around the campfire. Spend the night under the stars in a traditional or luxury desert camp.
Wake up early to experience the magical sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the first rays of sunlight illuminate the golden sands before returning to the camp for breakfast.
After breakfast, you can return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 and enjoy a relaxed day exploring the desert area at your own pace. Having a full day in Merzouga allows you to slow down and experience the Sahara without the pressure of a long driving day.
You can relax at your hotel or enjoy time by the pool, explore the surrounding dunes, or choose an optional 4x4 excursion through the desert. Another option is to visit Khamlia village, known for its traditional Gnawa music, or meet a local Amazigh family and learn more about traditional desert life.
You can also visit nearby seasonal nomad settlements or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Sahara. In the evening, return to your hotel or guesthouse in the Merzouga area for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 4: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Middle Atlas Mountains
After breakfast, we leave Merzouga and begin our journey north toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. The landscape gradually changes as we travel away from the Sahara, passing through rocky desert plateaus and small villages before reaching the spectacular Ziz Valley.
We stop at panoramic viewpoints overlooking the valley, where a long ribbon of palm groves stretches between the surrounding mountains.
The contrast between the green oasis and the dry landscape creates some of the most impressive scenery of the journey. We continue toward Midelt, a mountain town located between the High Atlas and Middle Atlas ranges, where we stop for lunch and enjoy the surrounding mountain views.
In the afternoon, we continue climbing into the Middle Atlas, where the landscape becomes greener and cooler, with forests, valleys, and mountain villages along the route.
Depending on your accommodation, we spend the night in Midelt, Azrou, or the Ifrane area. Enjoy a relaxing evening and dinner at your hotel after the day's journey.
Day 5: Middle Atlas – Azrou Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
After breakfast, we continue through the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains toward Fes. Our first major stop is the cedar forest near Azrou, one of the region's most beautiful natural areas and a habitat for Barbary macaques.
Take a short walk through the forest, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and take photographs of the ancient cedar trees and mountain scenery. We then continue to Ifrane, a charming mountain town known for its distinctive architecture, green spaces, and cool climate. Often referred to as the "Switzerland of Morocco," Ifrane offers a completely different atmosphere from the desert landscapes visited earlier in the tour. After a short stop to explore the town and see its famous stone lion, we continue our final journey toward Fes.
As we descend from the Middle Atlas, the scenery changes to agricultural plains and villages surrounding the city. We arrive in Fes in the afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and stops along the way, where your 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert adventure ends with drop-off at your hotel or riad.
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private marrakech to fes 5 days desert tour Included and Excluded
Included:
- Private transport in comfortable 4x4 or minivan
- Professional driver-guide throughout the tour
- Pick-up and drop-off at your Marrakech hotel/riad
- 1 night in a traditional desert camp (private tent)
- 1 night in a Hotel in Merzouga desert
- 1 night in a guesthouse in Dades Valley
- 1 night in a Hotel in Middle Atlas area
- Camel trek in the Sahara desert
- Daily Breakfasts and dinners
Excluded:
- Flight.
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tickets
- local guides
- Entrance fee to monuments
private marrakech to fes 5 days desert tour Price
The price for our private marrakech to Fes 5 days desert tour starts from €150 per person, offering an exciting and affordable way to experience the beauty of southern Morocco and the Sahara Desert. The final cost depends on several factors, including the number of travelers, your travel dates, and your preferred accommodation. We can arrange different accommodation options to suit your budget and travel style, while ensuring you enjoy a comfortable and memorable experience.
Contact us to receive a customized quotation and let us help you plan your perfect own itinerarey
Good To Know Before You Go:
- Bring warm clothes, desert nights can get cold, even in summer
- Comfortable shoes are recommended for camel riding and walks
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection
- A small bag is enough for the overnight stays, leave big luggage at your hotel
- Tour can be customized (extra days, private rooms, dietary needs) on request
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this tour really private? Yes, this is a fully private tour. You will not be grouped with other travelers.
How many people can join this tour? The tour is available for solo travelers, couples, families, and small or large private groups.
Is the camel trek suitable for kids or elderly people? Yes, the camel trek is gentle and suitable for most ages.
.What is the desert camp like? Our desert camps offer traditional Berber-style tents with comfortable beds, shared or private toilets depending on the camp option, and a warm, authentic atmosphere.
Can we end the tour in Fes instead of Marrakech? Yes, this is possible. Just let us know when booking, and we will adjust the itinerary.
Do you offer pick-up from the airport? Yes, we can arrange pick-up directly from Marrakech airport.
Is it safe to travel in the desert with children? Yes, thousands of families do this trip every year. Our drivers are experienced and prioritize safety at every stop.
Note:
If these private marrakech to Fes 5 days desert tour does not match what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will prepare the trip to your needs and requirements.
Customers Reviews about the private marrakech to fes 5 days desert tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Nadia M. (UK)
We booked this 5 day tour for our honeymoon and it exceeded every expectation. The extra day in Merzouga made such a difference — instead of rushing off the morning after the camel trek, we got to relax by the pool at our hotel, then took the optional trip to Khamlia village in the afternoon to hear the Gnaoua musicians play. It felt like a genuine cultural experience rather than a tourist stop. Our driver Hassan was incredibly patient, stopping whenever we wanted photos and explaining the history behind Ait Ben Haddou in a way that really brought it to life. The desert camp itself was magical clear skies, a huge spread of Moroccan food, and drumming around the fire until late. Worth every dirham.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Robert L ( France )
Traveling with two kids under 10, we were worried the trip would be too long or tiring, but this tour proved us wrong. The relaxed pace of the 5 day itinerary meant we never felt rushed between stops, and having that full extra day in the desert let the kids properly enjoy the camel ride, sandboard a bit near the camp, and just run around the dunes without us watching the clock. The Dades Valley overnight was also unexpectedly beautiful we didn't know much about it going in, but the rock formations there rival the desert itself. Our guide was fantastic with the kids, patient and full of stories about Amazigh culture. Highly recommend this specific route if you're traveling with a family."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Julien D (Belgium)
Booked this privately with three friends and it turned out to be one of the best trips of our lives. What stood out most was how flexible everything was when we mentioned we wanted more time at Ait Ben Haddou, our guide happily adjusted the schedule without any fuss. The desert camp exceeded expectations too; we upgraded to the luxury option and had a private bathroom and much better bedding than we expected for a tent in the middle of the Sahara. Sunrise over the dunes on day 3 was completely silent except for the wind, one of those moments you don't forget. By the time we reached Fes on day 5, we felt like we'd actually experienced Morocco rather than just seen a checklist of sights.