5 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Private 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour via Ouarzazate, the Todra Gorges and Merzouga with a full Sahara day, then across the Middle Atlas to Fes.
Route : Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara (5 days)
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Walk the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
- Follow the rose-scented Dades Valley into the gorges
- Stand inside the 300-metre walls of the Todra Gorge
- Sunset camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- A night in a Berber camp with dinner under the stars
- Sunrise over the dunes before the drive home
- Your own vehicle and licensed guide the whole way
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — 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.
Distance 200 km · Driving 4–5 h
Day 2 — 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.
Distance 270 km · Driving 4–5 h
Day 3 — 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.
Day 4 — 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.
Distance 270 km · Driving 4–5 h
Day 5 — Midelt to Fes
Through the cedar forests of Azrou and the mountain town of Ifrane, then on to Fes, where you are dropped at your hotel.
Distance 200 km · Driving 4 h
Included
- Pickup & drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Your own licensed driver-guide
- Dinner & breakfast and all overnight stays
- Camel ride into and out of camp
- Fuel, tolls and all road costs
Not included
- Lunches & drinks
- International flights
- Entry fees to monuments
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to take this desert tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spot, with mild days and cool, clear nights over the dunes.
Is the camel ride included?
Yes, the sunset ride into camp and the morning ride out are both part of the package.
What kind of accommodation is included?
Comfortable desert camps and good-value guesthouses along the route, so you can pick the level of comfort that suits you.
Is it safe to travel in the Moroccan desert?
Yes. The road to Merzouga is well served and safe; your licensed guide stays with you throughout.
Can we adjust the itinerary?
Completely; the route above is a starting point we shape around your dates, pace and interests.
What should I pack for the desert night?
Light layers for the day, a warm layer for the evening, comfortable shoes for the dunes, sunscreen, and a small overnight bag — larger luggage can stay in the vehicle.
Can we choose the desert camp?
Yes. Pick the authentic Berber camp with tents on the sand, or a comfort camp with real beds and private bathrooms — both are a short walk from the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Are Ait Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorge included?
Yes. Both are built into the route — the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou on day 1 and the Todra Gorge on day 2.
Do I need to be fit for this tour?
No. The walks are short and easy, and the camel ride is about an hour each way. Tell us about any mobility, dietary or medical needs in writing before booking and we will plan around them.
How much driving is there each day?
About 320 km on day 1, 270 km on day 2 and 560 km on the return day — every stretch is broken up with sights, walks and lunch stops, so no day feels like a non-stop drive.
Where does the tour start and end?
We pick you up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech on day 1 and drop you back at your Marrakech accommodation on the evening of day 3.
How much does the tour cost?
€400 to €650 per group depending on group size, with prices per group rather than per person. See the price box for the full breakdown; a deposit confirms your dates.
Is this tour private or in a group?
Private. Only your own party travels in the vehicle with your licensed guide — no fixed departures and no joining other travellers.
Related tours
Private tour
Marrakech to Merzouga · 3 days
Three days from Marrakech to the great dunes of Erg Chebbi, with a licensed guide the whole way.
Private tour
Marrakech to Merzouga · 4 days
Private 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour via Ouarzazate, the Todra Gorges and the Draa Valley.
Private tour
Marrakech to Fes · 3 days
Private 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour through Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades and Todra gorges and the Erg.