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Marrakech to Fes 5 day desert tour: Marrakech to Fes 5 Day Desert Tour
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5 days · Desert & cities

Marrakech to Fes 5 Day Desert Tour

The most popular way to see the desert if you fly into Marrakech and out of Fes: five days that link the red city, the kasbahs of the south, the great dunes of Erg Chebbi and the oldest medina in Morocco.

See the day-by-day route
5 days / 4 nightsStarts in MarrakechEnds in FesPrivate tour
Marrakech→Aït Benhaddou→Dades Valley→Todra Gorge→Merzouga→Midelt→Ifrane→Fes

About this Marrakech to Fes 5 day desert tour

Our Marrakech to Fes 5 day desert tour crosses Morocco in one direction, through the Sahara. You land in Marrakech, sleep in the dunes and finish in the oldest medina of the country.

First, you cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass and visit Aït Benhaddou. Then you walk in the Todra Gorge and ride camels at sunset to a desert camp. After that, a full day in the Sahara brings quad or sandboarding and Gnawa music in Khamlia. Next, the road climbs through the cedar forest, where Barbary macaques live. Finally, a guided morning in the Fes medina ends the trip. We run this Marrakech to Fes 5 day desert tour as a private trip, on your dates. In short, it is ideal if you fly home from Fes.

Highlights of this Marrakech to Fes 5 day desert tour

  • Tizi n’Tichka pass
  • Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou
  • Todra Gorge walk
  • Camel ride & desert camp
  • Gnawa music in Khamlia
  • Cedar forest & Barbary macaques
  • Ziz Valley palm groves
  • Guided Fes medina

Marrakech to Fes 5 day desert tour: day by day

  1. 1day
    Day 1

    Over the High Atlas to the Dades Valley

    Cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass, visit the ksar of Aït Benhaddou and follow the road of the kasbahs through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses.

    On the road: about 7–8 h with stopsStay: Riad in Dades Valley
  2. 2day
    Day 2

    Todra Gorge & camel ride into the dunes

    Walk between the high walls of the Todra Gorge, then drive to Merzouga and ride camels at sunset to the desert camp.

    On the road: about 5–6 h with stopsStay: Desert camp
  3. 3day
    Day 3

    A day in the Sahara

    Sunrise on the dunes, then quad or sandboarding, a visit to a nomad family and Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia.

    Stay: Riad in Merzouga
  4. 4day
    Day 4

    Ziz Valley & the Middle Atlas to Fes

    Follow the palm groves of the Ziz Valley to Midelt, cross the cedar forest near Ifrane where Barbary macaques live, and arrive in Fes.

    On the road: about 8–9 h with stopsStay: Riad in Fes
  5. 5day
    Day 5

    The Fes medina

    A guided morning in the medina of Fes: the Bou Inania madrasa, the Chouara tanneries and the craftsmen’s quarters, then departure.

What’s included in this Marrakech to Fes 5 day desert tour

Included

  • 4 nights of accommodation as listed (riads, guesthouses and a desert camp)
  • Breakfast every morning
  • Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
  • Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with driver
  • Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes (hotel, riad, airport)
  • Camel ride as described in the programme
  • Local guide for the guided visits

Not included

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums
  • Optional activities (for example quad, buggy or balloon) unless listed
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for drivers and guides

Draft based on this programme – our team confirms the exact list with your quote.

Where you stay

  1. Night 1Riad in Dades Valley
  2. Night 2Desert camp
  3. Night 3Riad in Merzouga
  4. Night 4Riad in Fes

Comfort level: Standard + – comfortable riads, guesthouses and a traditional desert camp, chosen by our team. Luxury camps and riads are possible on request.

Best time for this trip

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant for both the Sahara and Fes. Summer days in the desert are very hot, and in winter the Middle Atlas can see snow and the camp nights are cold.

  • JanPossible
  • FebGood
  • MarBest
  • AprBest
  • MayGood
  • JunPossible
  • JulAvoid
  • AugAvoid
  • SepGood
  • OctBest
  • NovBest
  • DecGood

What to bring for this trip

  • Walking shoes for the Todra Gorge and the medina
  • Scarf or cheche for sand and sun
  • Sunglasses and sun cream
  • Warm layer for the desert night and the Middle Atlas
  • Headtorch for the camp
  • Small overnight bag for the camp
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for Fes
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Snacks for the long drive to Fes

Booking & payment

How to book
Send your request; we confirm the programme and the price in writing on WhatsApp or by email.
Payment
A deposit secures your booking and the balance is paid on arrival.
Cancellation
Our cancellation conditions are sent with your quote, before you pay anything.
Weather & changes
If the weather stops an activity, we adapt the day or replace the activity.

Marrakech to Fes 5 Day Desert Tour: your questions

Why go from Marrakech to Fes through the desert?

You see the Sahara and the medina of Fes without driving back the same road: fly into Marrakech and out of Fes.

How many nights in the desert on this Marrakech to Fes tour?

One night in a desert camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, and one night in a riad in Merzouga at the edge of the dunes.

Can this 5 day desert tour run from Fes to Marrakech?

Yes, the same route works the other way round – see our Fes to Marrakech 5 day desert tour.

Can the Marrakech to Fes 5 day desert tour be private?

Yes – we run it as a private tour on the dates you choose, with your own driver. Tell us how many you are and we plan the stops and riads for you.

What is the best time of year for a Marrakech to Fes desert tour?

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant for both the Sahara and the cities. In summer the desert is very hot, and in winter the nights in the camp are cold, so pack warm clothes.

Local team in MoroccoYour trip is planned and run by our own team on the ground.
Private, on your datesOnly you and your travel companions, starting when you want.
Every day can changeAdd a night, an activity or a slower pace – the plan adapts to you.
Answers on WhatsAppAsk us anything before you book: +212 600 643 098.

What our travellers say

TA5.0 ●●●●●
Moroccan Active Adventures on Tripadvisor
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Wonderful adventure!

We went on 5 day trip through Atlas Mountains to the desert. Different landscapes, trekking in Dades Valley, the night in the desert etc. were incredible. The accommodation was great in every place we slept and the kindness of the people was the best…
L
●●●●●

Excellent Moroccan trip

We booked a 5-day holiday with the company for our trip to Morocco, and it exceeded all our expectations. The entire experience was fantastic, from the beautiful landscapes to the unforgettable overnight stay in the Sahara desert. The outdoor activities…
M
Read all reviews on Tripadvisor

Activities on this trip

Read more about each experience – what to expect, who it is for and what to bring.

Quad & buggy ridesQuad & buggy ridesDay 3 – A day in the SaharaDetails →Camel & horseback treksCamel & horseback treksDay 2 – Todra Gorge & camel ride into the dunesDetails →Desert camping & stargazingDesert camping & stargazingDay 2 – Todra Gorge & camel ride into the dunesDetails →Hiking & trekking adventuresHiking & trekking adventuresDay 2 – Todra Gorge & camel ride into the dunesDetails →A family in front of the golden doors of the Royal Palace in FesCultural explorationDay 1 – Over the High Atlas to the Dades ValleyDetails →

Optional activities

Add one or more of these to your 5-day trip. They are not included in the price – ask us and we add them to your programme.

4x4 & off-road safarisOptional · extra4x4 & off-road safaris4x4 tour around the dunes and nomad familiesSee the activity →Cycling & mountain bikingOptional · extraCycling & mountain bikingCycling in the oasisSee the activity →Authentic culinary experiencesOptional · extraAuthentic culinary experiencesFood tour or cooking classSee the activity →Faith & spiritual journeysOptional · extraFaith & spiritual journeysSpiritual and heritage visitSee the activity →Hot air balloon rideOptional · extraHot air balloon rideSunrise flight before or after your tripSee the activity →Wellness and relaxationOptional · extraWellness and relaxationTraditional hammam and spa timeSee the activity →
Quick request

Request this 5-day trip

Fill in the form and press send: your request comes straight to our team’s inbox (or WhatsApp, if you prefer) and we reply with the full programme and a clear price.

  • No payment to send a request
  • Private tour on your dates
  • Or write to us: +212 600 643 098

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Quad & buggy rides
Land adventure

Quad & buggy rides

On this trip: Day 3 – A day in the Sahara

Quad biking Marrakech style means leaving the city noise behind in minutes: dusty palm grove tracks, Berber villages and the rocky hills of the Agafay desert, with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon. Our guides ride in front, set the pace to the slowest rider and stop for photos and mint tea. You do not need any experience – we show you the controls and do a short practice loop before we leave.

Where
Marrakech palm grove (Palmeraie), Agafay desert, Merzouga dunes
Duration
1 hour to 6 days
Level
Beginner friendly, no experience needed
Minimum age
Drivers usually 16+; younger children ride as buggy passengers
  • Desert right next to the city
  • Quad or buggy, your choice
  • Real landscapes, not a track
See the full activity page
 Camel & horseback treks
Land adventure

Camel & horseback treks

On this trip: Day 2 – Todra Gorge & camel ride into the dunes

Camel trekking Morocco’s Sahara is the slow, quiet way into the desert: a line of camels led by a guide on foot, swaying over the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga as the light turns soft. Most of our guests ride at sunset to a camp in the dunes and come back at sunrise. It is calm, not sporty – anyone who can sit on a saddle for an hour can do it.

Where
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), Agafay desert, Marrakech palm grove
Duration
1 hour to 6 days
Level
Easy, no experience needed for camels
Minimum age
Children ride with an adult; ask us for small kids
  • The classic Sahara moment
  • Local camel men
  • Slow travel
See the full activity page
 Desert camping & stargazing
Land adventure

Desert camping & stargazing

On this trip: Day 2 – Todra Gorge & camel ride into the dunes

Sahara desert camping in Morocco is about one evening you will not forget: arriving at a camp hidden between the dunes of Erg Chebbi, climbing a ridge for sunset, eating tagine by the fire while drums play, then lying on a rug under more stars than you thought possible. Our camps near Merzouga range from simple nomad-style tents to comfortable tents with real beds and private bathrooms.

Where
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Agafay desert near Marrakech
Duration
1 to 3 nights
Level
Easy, for all ages
Camp types
Nomad-style, standard and luxury tents
  • Real dunes
  • A sky full of stars
  • Choose your comfort
See the full activity page
 Hiking & trekking adventures
Land adventure

Hiking & trekking adventures

On this trip: Day 2 – Todra Gorge & camel ride into the dunes

Hiking Morocco’s High Atlas is a walk through a lived-in landscape: terraced fields, walnut trees, flat-roofed Berber villages built from the same red earth as the mountains, and mule paths that people still use every day. Our local mountain guides grew up around these valleys. They choose the route, set a steady pace and arrange lunch or a night in a village house.

Where
High Atlas (Imlil, Ourika, Toubkal), Dades & Todra gorges, Merzouga dunes
Duration
Day hikes to 5-day treks
Level
Easy valley walks to challenging summit treks
Minimum age
Valley walks for families; Toubkal for fit teens and adults
  • Real mountains near Marrakech
  • Toubkal, the big one
  • Village life on the trail
See the full activity page
 A family in front of the golden doors of the Royal Palace in Fes
Moroccan experience

Cultural exploration

On this trip: Day 1 – Over the High Atlas to the Dades Valley

Our Morocco cultural tours are built around people, not just monuments. You walk the medinas of Fes and Marrakech with a guide who grew up there, drink mint tea in a Berber village in the Atlas, watch craftsmen cut zellige tiles or dye leather, and share a meal with a family. The aim is simple: to understand how Moroccans live today, and where those traditions come from.

Where
Fes, Marrakech, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Atlas villages, Merzouga
Duration
Half-day city walk to 10+ day tours
Level
Easy – mostly walking
Group
Private or small group
  • Living medinas
  • Amazigh heritage
  • Crafts you can watch being made
See the full activity page
 4x4 & off-road safaris
Land adventure

4x4 & off-road safaris

Optional extra: 4x4 tour around the dunes and nomad families

A 4x4 tour Morocco style takes you where normal cars cannot go: around the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, across the black stone plains near Merzouga, up rough mountain tracks in the Atlas and down into dry riverbeds where nomads still water their flocks. You sit back with an experienced local driver who knows the pistes, the weather and the best places to stop.

Where
Merzouga & Erg Chebbi, High Atlas tracks, Dades & Todra gorges, Agafay
Duration
Half day to multi-day private tours
Level
Easy – you are a passenger, no driving needed
Group
Private vehicle for your family or group
  • Reach the hidden places
  • Drivers who know the pistes
  • Private and flexible
See the full activity page
 Cycling & mountain biking
Land adventure

Cycling & mountain biking

Optional extra: Cycling in the oasis

Mountain biking Morocco’s High Atlas means riding mule paths between Berber villages, rolling down terraced valleys and stopping for tea where the trail meets a walnut grove. Our guides know the tracks around Marrakech, the Ourika and Imlil valleys and the Agafay hills, and pick routes that fit your level – from easy dirt roads to longer climbs and technical descents.

Where
Agafay desert, Ourika and Imlil valleys (High Atlas), Dades and Todra gorges
Duration
Half day to multi-day tours
Level
Easy to challenging – routes chosen for you
Bikes
Mountain bikes and e-bikes, helmet included
  • Mountains near the city
  • Village trails, not empty parks
  • Huge variety
See the full activity page
 Authentic culinary experiences
Moroccan experience

Authentic culinary experiences

Optional extra: Food tour or cooking class

A Morocco food tour is the quickest way into the country’s heart. With one of our local guides you taste fresh msemen pancakes at breakfast, follow the smell of cumin through the spice souk, try harira and grilled meat at the stalls of Jemaa el-Fna, and learn why a tagine needs time. We take you where locals actually eat, not where the menus are in five languages.

Where
Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira, Atlas villages, Merzouga
Duration
3-hour food walk to full-day class
Level
Easy – come hungry
Diets
Vegetarian options on request
  • Street food you would not find alone
  • Markets as a lesson
  • Cooking with real cooks
See the full activity page
 Faith & spiritual journeys
Moroccan experience

Faith & spiritual journeys

Optional extra: Spiritual and heritage visit

A Morocco spiritual tour follows the faiths that shaped this country over centuries. Muslim scholars studied in the medersas of Fes, Sufi brotherhoods still gather in their zawiyas to chant and pray, and Jewish families lived in the mellahs of Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira for generations. Our local guides tell these stories with knowledge and respect, whatever your own beliefs.

Where
Fes, Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira, Meknes, Merzouga
Duration
1 day to 10+ days
Level
Easy – walking and visits
Group
Private, family or faith groups
  • Islamic heritage you can enter
  • Sufi music and zawiyas
  • Jewish heritage of Morocco
See the full activity page
 Hot air balloon ride
Air adventure

Hot air balloon ride

Optional extra: Sunrise flight before or after your trip

A hot air balloon Marrakech flight is the quietest way to see Morocco wake up. You leave the city in the dark, watch the burners light up the envelope, and lift off just as the sun climbs over the Atlas Mountains. Below you, red-earth villages, olive groves and dry riverbeds turn gold, and on clear winter mornings the snow on the High Atlas shines on the horizon.

Where
Countryside outside Marrakech (launch site set by the pilot each morning)
Duration
About 1 hour in the air, 4-5 hours door to door
Start time
Very early pick-up, before sunrise
Level
No experience needed
  • Sunrise over the Atlas
  • Silent, slow flying
  • Rural Morocco from above
See the full activity page
 Wellness and relaxation
Moroccan experience

Wellness and relaxation

Optional extra: Traditional hammam and spa time

A Morocco wellness retreat with us is built around your rhythm, not a fixed timetable. Start with a traditional hammam in Marrakech, rest in a riad courtyard with only the fountain for company, stretch on a yoga mat facing the Atlantic, and end with a night in the Merzouga desert where the silence is almost total. We plan the logistics so you can simply let go.

Where
Marrakech, Agafay, Atlas valleys, Essaouira, Taghazout, Merzouga
Duration
Half-day hammam to 7+ day retreat
Level
Easy – all fitness levels
Group
Solo, couples, friends or private groups
  • The hammam ritual
  • Riads made for rest
  • Yoga with a view
See the full activity page
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