Marrakech → Fes · 5 days
5 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
A relaxed five-day crossing that gives the Sahara a whole day of its own, with the Gnawa people, Lake Merzouga and a full camel trek across the dunes, then climbs the Middle Atlas to finish in Fes, with the kasbah and gorge highlights of the route along the way.
5.0 on Google · 40+ verified reviews · Licensed operator
Duration
5 days
Group size
Private
Guide
Licensed
About this tour
Five days and four nights give the Sahara a full day of its own rather than a quick sunset stopover: after the High Atlas, Ouarzazate and the Dades and Todra gorges, you get a whole day in and around Merzouga, with the Gnawa people, Lake Merzouga’s birdlife and a proper guided camel trek, before climbing the Middle Atlas through Azrou and Ifrane to Fes. Private throughout.
Itinerary: 5 days
Marrakech to the Dades Gorges
Cross the High Atlas with a lunch stop in Ouarzazate, drive the scented Valley of the Roses towards the Todra amphitheatre, and sleep in the Dades Gorges.
Todra Gorge to Merzouga
Through the narrow Todra Gorge, past Erfoud and Rissani and over the open black-toned terrain to Merzouga, where mint tea welcomes you before you check in for the night.
A full day in the Sahara
Meet the Gnawa community and their music, watch the birdlife at Lake Merzouga, and take an afternoon camel trek out across the dunes with dinner and the night in front of the tent.
Merzouga to Midelt
Follow the magnificent Ziz Gorge, carved through volcanic rock, down the layered Ziz Valley to the mountain town of Midelt for the night.
Midelt to Fes
Across the Middle Atlas to Azrou’s cedar forest in search of Barbary apes, past alpine Ifrane, and on to Fes where the tour concludes with an overnight stay.
This is a private tour, not a fixed route: days, stops, camp type and direction are all yours to adjust.
What’s included
- Pickup & drop-off at your accommodation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide
- Your own licensed driver-guide
- Dinner & breakfast and all overnight stays
- Guided camel trek across the dunes
Not included
- Lunches & drinks
- International flights
- Entry fees to monuments
Price
On request
Tailored to group size and dates: we’ll send a clear quote within a day.
Duration: 5 days
Group: private, your own guide
Route: Marrakech → Fes
Included: transport, guide, camp, camel trek
Licensed operator · 40+ verified reviews
Desert camps & seasons
Two ways to camp and a window of best seasons under this stretch of sky.
Camp type. Choose the authentic Berber camp with traditional tents and mattresses on the sand, or a fixed comfort camp with real beds, private bathrooms and hot showers. Both are within walking distance of the Erg Chebbi dunes and include dinner and breakfast round the fire.
Best seasons. October to April is ideal, with warm days and clear cool nights. Summer is manageable with an early start: we’ll point you to the best dates for your trip.
Help & answers
Common questions
When is the best time to take this tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) give the most comfortable mountain and desert days.
Why choose five days over three?
The extra days give the Sahara a full day of its own, with the Gnawa visit, the lake and a proper camel trek, rather than a quick sunset stopover.
Is the camel trek included?
Yes, the guided camel trek across the dunes is part of the package.
What accommodation is included?
Comfortable hotels along the route and a desert tent camp in Merzouga, so the level of comfort is flexible to your budget.
Can the route be reversed?
Yes, the tour also runs from Fes to Marrakech if that better suits your travel plans.
Why book with us
A licensed tour operator with our own guides and drivers, a team that speaks Arabic, French, English, Spanish and German, and 40+ verified reviews. We plan your Moroccan Sahara trip properly, so the only surprises are the good ones.