5-day tour from Fez to Marrakech through the desert, Description
This 5-day tour from Fez to Marrakech offers an incredible opportunity to discover Morocco’s most breathtaking and culturally rich destinations. Begin your journey in the intellectual heart of Morocco, Fez, before heading to the peaceful Middle Atlas Mountains, dotted with cedar forests and Berber villages. Continue south towards the vast dunes of the Sahara, where you will ride a camel through the golden sands and enjoy an enchanting night under the stars in a desert camp. Along the way, explore spectacular gorges, hidden valleys, historic kasbahs, and cinematic landscapes as you travel through the heart of southern Morocco.
From the palm-filled oases of Tinghir to the fortified ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, via the bustling, colorful streets of Marrakech, this trip offers the perfect balance of natural wonders, desert adventures, and cultural discoveries, all guided by locals and at your own pace.
Highlights of the 5-day tour from Fez to Marrakech through the desert
- Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains with stops in charming towns such as Ifrane and Azrou
- Visit the cedar forest and observe Barbary macaques in the wild
- Discover the fertile Ziz Valley and the gateway to the desert at Erfoud
- Camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes and spectacular sunset
- Night in a traditional camp in the Sahara Desert under a starry sky
- Explore the Todgha and Dadès Gorges, shaped by centuries of erosion
- Crossing the Valley of Roses and stopping in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinema capital
- Visit to the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Ben Haddou
- Crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Discover the cultural and architectural treasures of Marrakech with a local guide
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with fuel
- Driver/guide speaking English or Spanish
- Accommodation (hotels and desert camp)
- Camel ride in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Panoramic stops and cultural visits along the route
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Personal purchases
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
Detailed itinerary for this 5-day tour from Fez to Marrakech through the desert
1
Day 01: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Fez, marking the start of your journey south. First stop: Ifrane, often referred to as “the Switzerland of Morocco,” known for its Alpine-style architecture, manicured gardens, and cleanliness. Next, visit Azrou, home to the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains where Barbary macaques roam freely. An excellent opportunity to take photos and interact with the Barbary macaques.
You will continue through mountainous landscapes to Midelt, a small town famous for its apple orchards and peaceful mountain setting. After a lunch break, head to the Ziz Valley, where rocky cliffs meet lush palm groves. You will arrive in Erfoud, renowned for its fossil workshops, before reaching Merzouga, at the gateway to the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi.
You will meet your camel caravan for a sunset crossing of the dunes. Upon arrival at the desert camp, you will dine around the fire, accompanied by musical entertainment under the starry sky.
Continue driving through the mountain landscapes to Midelt, a small town famous for apple orchards and a peaceful mountain setting. After a lunch break here, continue through the Ziz Valley, where the scenery transforms into rocky cliffs and lush palm groves. Arrive in Erfoud, a town known for its fossil workshops, before reaching Merzouga, where the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi await.
Night: Camping in the Sahara Desert
2
Day 02: Merzouga – Rissani – Tinghir – Todgha Gorges – Dadès Valley
On the second day of this 5-day tour from Fez to Marrakech through the desert, wake up early to watch the sun rise over the dunes, then return by camel or 4x4 to the village for breakfast. Leaving the desert, you will pass through Rissani, a former bustling trading center with a traditional market reflecting the nomadic way of life.
Continue to Tinghir, an oasis famous for its vast palm groves and the Todgha Gorge, a spectacular canyon with cliffs reaching 300 meters high. You will have time to walk in the gorge and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere by the river.
In the afternoon, drive to the Dades Valley, known for its spectacular rock formations and winding roads. You will pass through villages nestled in the mountains and perched kasbahs. Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse or local hotel in the valley.
Overnight: Dades Valley
3
Day 03: Dadès Valley – Valley of Roses – Skoura – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, head to the magnificent Valley of Roses, famous for its rose water production in spring. Stop to discover how local cooperatives make cosmetics and culinary products from Damask roses.
Continue to Skoura, a lush oasis dotted with historic kasbahs. Weather permitting, visit a restored kasbah surrounded by date palms. Then head to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa" for its many film studios. Many films and series have been shot here, such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You can visit the cinema museum or explore the kasbah before settling down for the night at your accommodation.
Overnight: Ouarzazate
4
Jour 04 : Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Telouet – Haut Atlas – Marrakech
Today, head west through picturesque valleys and historic sites. First stop: Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fortified village built from raw earth. Stroll through its winding streets and climb to the top for panoramic views.
Continue to the Kasbah of Telouet, former residence of the powerful Glaoui family. This less-visited kasbah reveals magnificent mosaics (zellij) and a unique abandoned atmosphere.
You will then cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, one of the highest in North Africa, offering spectacular views of terraced slopes and Berber villages. Arrival in Marrakech in the evening, drop-off at your riad or hotel.
Overnight: Marrakech
5
Day 05: Full day in Marrakech with a local guide
After breakfast, meet your local guide for a full day of exploring the vibrant red city. Start with the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's iconic monument, then head to the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, bustling with snake charmers, musicians, and street performers.
Stroll through the historic medina and discover the colorful souks where artisans sell spices, leather goods, and much more. Continue on to the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, witnesses to the city's imperial past. At the end of the tour, enjoy the tranquility of the Majorelle Garden, a botanical masterpiece restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
Lunch at a local restaurant, then transfer to your accommodation.
This marks the end of your 5-day tour from Fez to Marrakech through the desert, rich in diverse landscapes, fascinating history, and Moroccan hospitality.
