5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fez, Description
This immersive 5-day journey through the desert, from Marrakesh to Fez, is designed for travelers who want to go beyond a simple quick visit. It offers extra time to connect with the tranquility, silence, and breathtaking beauty of the Sahara. Unlike shorter tours, this itinerary includes a full day and two nights in the desert to truly appreciate the serenity of the dunes and the warmth of Berber hospitality.
Throughout the journey, you will discover isolated kasbahs, spectacular gorges, traditional villages, and green valleys far from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
From ancient caravan routes to stargazing in the heart of the desert, this journey is a rich blend of cultural discoveries and natural wonders.
Points forts du Circuit désert 5 jours de Marrakesh à Fès
- Crossing the High Atlas and Middle Atlas mountains with spectacular landscapes
- Visit authentic Berber fortresses such as Kasbah Telouet, Aït Ben Haddou, and Kasbah Amredhil in Skoura.
- Walks through palm groves and along rivers in the Dadès Valley and Todgha Gorge
- Two peaceful nights in a luxury desert camp under the stars, with private tents and en suite bathrooms
- Traditional evenings with Berber drums and music around the fire after dinner
- A full day of camel trekking in the dunes of Merzouga or a guided tour of the surrounding area
- Discover ancient cities such as Rissani and local traditions such as the fossil workshops in Erfoud.
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel
- Driver/guide speaking English or Spanish
- 4 nights’ accommodation (hotels and desert camp)
- Camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Scenic stops and cultural visits along the way
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Personal purchases
- Entrance fees to tourist attractions
Detailed itinerary for this 5-day desert tour from Marrakesh to Fez
1
Day 1: Marrakech – Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou – Boumalne Dadès
Your desert journey will begin at 8:00 a.m. from your accommodation in Marrakech. You will head south, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the legendary Tizi N'Tichka pass (2,260 m above sea level). Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, traditional Berber villages built of ochre earth, and green valleys where herds graze.
Several stops are planned to admire the views, take photos, and enjoy a coffee. At midday, you will visit the famous Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its adobe architecture and for having served as the backdrop for many international films.
After the visit, you will continue to Ouarzazate, often referred to as “the Hollywood of Africa.” You will then cross the Skoura oasis and the Valley of Roses before arriving in the Dades Valley for dinner and overnight stay in a charming local guesthouse.
2
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, the road will take you through the spectacular Dades Valley and the impressive Todra Gorge, with its high cliffs carved out by the Todra River. You will have time to explore this unique place and appreciate the natural beauty of the canyon.
Then, you will continue to Erfoud, known for its fossils and dates, before reaching the Saharan village of Merzouga, the gateway to the desert. In the afternoon, you will set off on a camel ride through the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi to admire an unforgettable sunset.
The evening will be spent in a camp in the heart of the Sahara, where you will enjoy a traditional dinner under the starry sky, accompanied by Berber music and songs around the fire.
3
Day 3: Exploration of the Merzouga Desert
This day will be dedicated to exploring the surroundings of Merzouga. After breakfast, you will set off in a 4x4 to explore the desert landscapes: dunes, arid plateaus, oases, and nomadic villages. You will visit the village of Khamlia, known for its Sudanese inhabitants and their Gnawa music.
You will also meet nomadic families living in traditional tents, discover their customs, and share mint tea in a friendly atmosphere. In the afternoon, enjoy a moment of relaxation at the camp or a leisurely stroll through the dunes to admire the sunset from a different perspective.
4
Day 4: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fez
After admiring the sunrise over the dunes and having breakfast at the camp, you will leave the desert and head north. You will first pass through the town of Erfoud, famous for its fossils and date market, before driving along the magnificent Ziz Valley, a ribbon of greenery surrounded by palm groves and picturesque Berber villages.
You will then continue towards Errachidia, then take the road that winds through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Several stops are planned to admire the views, take photos, or simply enjoy the scenery. You will cross the Midelt region, known for its apple orchards, before continuing your journey north.
In the late afternoon, you will reach Fez, one of Morocco's oldest imperial cities. Check into your accommodation and enjoy a free evening to relax after a beautiful day's drive through the varied landscapes of southern Morocco. Overnight in Fez.
5
Day 5: Discover Fez – Transfer to the airport
This last day will be devoted to exploring Fez, one of Morocco's most beautiful cultural gems. After breakfast, you will set off to explore the medina of Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A veritable historical labyrinth, it is full of lively alleys, colorful souks, ancient mosques, and finely decorated madrasas.
Depending on how much time you have, you can visit the city's iconic sites: the Bou Inania madrasa, the Karaouiyine mosque, the tanners' quarter, and the golden gates of the Royal Palace. You will also discover the rich local crafts, pottery, leather, textiles, and copper, for which the city has been famous for centuries.
If your schedule allows, some free time will be set aside for a final stroll or some souvenir shopping.
Otherwise, you will be transferred directly to Fez Airport, marking the end of your 5-day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fez, an unforgettable journey through the Atlas Mountains, green valleys, and golden dunes of the Sahara.
