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5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech — Erg Chebbi dunes and desert camp
 
5 Day Desert Tour | Fes to Marrakech | Two Nights in the Sahara

5 Days Tour From Fes to Marrakech

Starts
Fes
Ends
Marrakech
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Price from
€549 / person
Tour Type
Private

5 Days From Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour Overview

Our private 5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech is designed for travellers who want to experience the Sahara at a comfortable pace while discovering the varied landscapes, cultures, and historic sites of southern Morocco. This extended tour from Fes to Marrakech travels through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the Ziz Valley, the spectacular Merzouga Desert, Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley, Skoura, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, and the High Atlas Mountains.

Unlike shorter desert tours, this journey includes two nights in the Merzouga region. Your first night is spent in a comfortable desert camp surrounded by the Erg Chebbi dunes, while the second allows time for a complete 4×4 exploration of the Sahara and an overnight stay in a hotel overlooking the desert. Guests may also upgrade to spend both nights at the camp.

The route continues through traditional Amazigh villages, fertile palm oases, dramatic canyons, and historic kasbahs before reaching the city of Marrakech. An additional overnight stay in Ouarzazate creates a more relaxed itinerary and provides enough time to explore Kasbah Amridil and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou without rushing.

Whether you are planning your first trip to Morocco or looking for a deeper desert experience, this 5-day desert tour from Fes combines scenic driving, cultural encounters, comfortable accommodation, a sunset camel ride, and unforgettable nights near the Sahara Desert.

Highlights of the 5 Days Tour From Fes to Marrakech

  • Travel privately from Fes to Marrakech with an experienced local driver-guide.
  • Cross the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains via Ifrane, Azrou, and Midelt.
  • Visit the famous cedar forest and look for Barbary macaques.
  • Admire a panoramic view over the palm-filled Ziz Valley.
  • Pass through Erfoud, known for fossils and its annual date harvest.
  • Reach the breathtaking Merzouga Desert and the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
  • Enjoy a sunset camel ride across the golden dunes.
  • Spend your first night in a luxury desert camp under the stars.
  • Wake up early to watch sunrise over the Sahara Desert.
  • Explore the Merzouga region on a private 4×4 excursion.
  • Visit Khamlia Village and listen to traditional Gnawa music.
  • Meet a local nomad family and learn about life in the Sahara.
  • Travel along sections of the former Paris-Dakar Rally route.
  • Visit Lake Dayet Srij when seasonal conditions permit.
  • Walk between the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge.
  • Discover the kasbahs and dramatic scenery of the Dades Valley.
  • Follow a scenic rural route through the Valley of Roses and Boutaghrar.
  • Explore the palm groves and traditional architecture of Skoura.
  • Visit the historic Kasbah Amridil.
  • Spend the night in Ouarzazate, known as the Gateway to the Sahara.
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou.
  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
  • Reach Marrakech in the afternoon or early evening.

5 Days Itinerary Fes to Marrakech Morocco Desert Tour

This carefully planned Fes to Marrakech itinerary offers a complete journey through the desert and the Atlas Mountains. Each day introduces a different side of Morocco, from cedar-covered mountain slopes and vast palm valleys to camel trails, Amazigh villages, ancient kasbahs, and dramatic High Atlas scenery. The slower pace of this private 5 day desert tour provides more time for sightseeing, cultural encounters, and relaxation than shorter desert tours.

Day 1From Fes to the Sahara Desert

Your Fes to Marrakech desert tour begins with morning pickup from your hotel or riad in Fes. Travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane and the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques are often seen.

Continue through Midelt and descend toward the Ziz Valley, with a panoramic stop overlooking its palm-filled oasis. After passing Erfoud, arrive in Merzouga beside the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Reach the desert camp by camel or comfortable 4×4 and enjoy the sunset over the dunes. After dinner and traditional music, spend the night beneath the star-filled Sahara sky.

Driving distance: Approximately 470 km · Driving time: Approximately 7 to 8 hours

Day 2Merzouga Desert Exploration

Wake early to watch sunrise over the dunes before breakfast. Return to Merzouga Village by camel or 4×4 and begin a private excursion around the desert.

Visit Khamlia Village for traditional Gnawa music, travel across former Paris-Dakar Rally tracks, and meet a local nomad family for tea. Depending on seasonal conditions, you may also visit Lake Dayet Srij, where migratory birds are sometimes seen.

In the afternoon, return to your hotel in Merzouga. Relax beside the dunes or choose an optional quad bike or buggy experience.

Driving distance: Approximately 50 to 80 km · Driving time: Approximately 2 to 3 hours, excluding stops

Day 3Merzouga to Todra Gorge and Dades Valley

After breakfast, leave Merzouga and travel through Erfoud toward Tinghir. Palm groves, traditional Amazigh villages, and changing desert landscapes accompany the journey.

Visit Todra Gorge and enjoy time to walk beneath its towering limestone cliffs. After lunch, continue through the scenic Dades Valley, passing kasbahs, orchards, fortified villages, and unusual rock formations.

Arrive at your hotel or riad in Dades during the late afternoon and enjoy dinner at the accommodation.

Driving distance: Approximately 270 km · Driving time: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours

Day 4Dades Valley, Boutaghrar, Skoura, and Ouarzazate

Leave the Dades Valley after breakfast and follow a scenic route through the Valley of Roses toward Boutaghrar. The road passes rural villages, cultivated fields, and peaceful mountain landscapes.

Continue to the Skoura Oasis, where you will visit Kasbah Amridil, one of Morocco’s best-preserved earthen kasbahs. Afterwards, travel to Ouarzazate, known as the Gateway to the Sahara and an important centre of Morocco’s film industry.

Check into your hotel or riad and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Driving distance: Approximately 170 km · Driving time: Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours

Day 5Ait Ben Haddou and the High Atlas to Marrakech

After breakfast, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. Explore its narrow lanes, traditional earthen buildings, historic kasbahs, and panoramic hilltop viewpoint.

Continue across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping for views of mountain valleys and traditional Amazigh villages.

Descend toward Marrakech, where your tour from Fes to Marrakech ends with drop-off at your hotel or riad in the late afternoon or early evening.

Driving distance: Approximately 200 km · Driving time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours

Optional Accommodation Upgrade

Guests seeking a more immersive Sahara experience may choose to spend both Merzouga nights at the desert camp instead of staying one night in a hotel.

This upgrade allows you to enjoy two evenings surrounded by the dunes, additional time at the camp, another desert sunset, and a second night beneath the clear Saharan sky.

The daytime Merzouga excursion remains included. After exploring Khamlia, the desert tracks, nomad communities, and panoramic viewpoints, you will return to the camp for your second overnight stay.

Route Summary

DayRouteMain ExperiencesApproximate DistanceOvernight
Day 1Fes to MerzougaIfrane, Azrou cedar forest, Midelt, Ziz Valley, Erfoud, camel ride470 kmDesert camp
Day 2Merzouga regionKhamlia, Gnawa music, nomad family, desert tracks, Dayet Srij50 to 80 kmMerzouga hotel or camp
Day 3Merzouga to DadesErfoud, Tinghir, Todra Gorge, Amazigh villages, Dades Valley270 kmDades Valley
Day 4Dades to OuarzazateValley of Roses, Boutaghrar, Skoura, Kasbah Amridil170 kmOuarzazate
Day 5Ouarzazate to MarrakechAit Ben Haddou, High Atlas Mountains, Tizi n’Tichka200 kmTour ends

The complete route covers approximately 1,160 kilometres. Driving times are estimates and may change according to traffic, weather, roadworks, sightseeing stops, and the location of your accommodation.

Inclusions and Exclusions

What Is Included
  • Private pickup from your hotel, riad, or airport in Fes
  • Drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
  • Experienced English-speaking driver-guide
  • Fuel and transportation costs
  • One night in a private Merzouga desert camp
  • One night in a hotel or riad in Merzouga
  • One night in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley
  • One night in a hotel or riad in Ouarzazate
  • Private rooms and tents with en-suite bathrooms
  • Four breakfasts
  • Four dinners
  • Sunset camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Camel ride back from the camp or 4×4 transfer
  • Private 4×4 tour around the Merzouga region
  • Visit to Khamlia Village
  • Traditional Gnawa music experience
  • Visit with a local nomad family when available
  • Visit to Todra Gorge
  • Time to explore Ait Ben Haddou
  • Sandboarding at the camp when available
  • Luggage transportation throughout the journey
  • Scenic stops and viewpoints listed in the itinerary
What Is Not Included
  • Lunches
  • Drinks
  • Entrance fees not specifically listed as included
  • Optional local guides unless requested
  • Quad biking and buggy activities
  • Personal purchases and souvenirs
  • Travel insurance
  • Flights to or from Morocco
  • Accommodation in Fes before the tour
  • Accommodation in Marrakech after the tour
  • Tips for the driver, camp staff, and local service providers

Accommodation Options

Four nights of accommodation are included in this 5-day Fes to Marrakech desert journey. Every package includes a private room or tent with an en-suite bathroom, dinner, and breakfast. Accommodation is subject to availability. When a listed property is unavailable, a similar option of the same category and quality will be offered.

Option 01Standard
Merzouga Desert
Merzouga Village
Comfortable traditional hotel or riad near the dunes
Dades Valley
Ouarzazate
Comfortable hotel or riad with a private en-suite room
Option 02Mid-Range
Merzouga Desert
Merzouga Village
Boutique riad or kasbah-style hotel overlooking the dunes
Dades Valley
Dar Blues or similar
Ouarzazate
Selected boutique riad or kasbah hotel
Option 03Premium
Merzouga Desert
Antares Desert Camp or another premium camp in Merzouga
Merzouga Village
Luxury desert-facing hotel or boutique riad
Dades Valley
Ouarzazate
Premium boutique hotel, kasbah, or riad

Guests may request twin, double, or family room arrangements. Triple rooms and additional beds depend on the selected accommodation. Heating, air conditioning, and other room facilities vary between properties and seasons. Please mention any important accommodation requirements before booking.

5 Days Desert Tour From Fes to Marrakech Cost and Booking

The private 5 Days Tour from Fes starts from: €549 per person.

The final price depends on the number of travellers, selected accommodation category, season, room arrangement, and any optional activities or upgrades.

Price Factors

Group size

Number of people travelling.

Accommodation

Standard, Mid-Range, or Premium accommodation.

Season

Travel dates and seasonal availability.

Room type

Double, twin, triple, or family room requirements.

Merzouga nights

One or two nights at the desert camp.

Pickup

Airport pickup or special pickup arrangements.

Extras

Optional activities and private local guides.

Included in the Starting Price

  • Private vehicle and driver-guide
  • Four nights of accommodation
  • Four breakfasts and four dinners
  • Sunset camel ride or 4×4 camp transfer
  • Merzouga desert excursion
  • Visit to Khamlia and a nomad family
  • Kasbah Amridil visit
  • Time to explore Ait Ben Haddou
  • All planned transportation from Fes to Marrakech

Complete the booking form below with your travel date, group size, and preferred accommodation category. We will check availability and send you a personalised quotation.

A small deposit is required to confirm the reservation. The remaining balance and payment options will be explained clearly before you book.

Book Your Tour

Request a Free Quote

Send your preferred dates, number of travellers, room requirements, and accommodation category through the booking form.

Or contact us directly WhatsApp +212 640-853243

Why Choose a Private 5 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour?

Travel at Your Own Pace

A private tour gives your group more flexibility than shared desert tours. You can take additional photographs, spend longer at a viewpoint, request reasonable comfort stops, and enjoy the journey without travelling with strangers.

Two Nights in the Merzouga Region

One of the greatest advantages of this 5 day desert tour is the extra time in the Sahara. Instead of arriving at the camp and leaving immediately the following morning, you have a complete day to explore the region.

A More Relaxed Route

The additional night in Ouarzazate breaks up the journey between the Dades Valley and Marrakech. This creates more time for Skoura, Kasbah Amridil, and Ait Ben Haddou.

Personalised Accommodation

Choose the accommodation category that matches your budget and travel style. We can also arrange two nights at the desert camp for guests who prefer a more immersive desert experience.

Local Knowledge

Your driver-guide understands the route, road conditions, regional traditions, and the best places to stop. This local knowledge helps make the journey comfortable, informative, and enjoyable.

Suitable for Couples, Families, and Friends

The private format is ideal for couples, families, groups of friends, and travellers celebrating a special occasion. The vehicle and room arrangements can be adapted to your group size.

A Complete Morocco Tour

This route combines mountains, cedar forests, oases, the Sahara, gorges, valleys, kasbahs, UNESCO heritage, and imperial cities. It is one of the best ways to see the landscape diversity of Morocco in five days.

Optional Add-Ons

Optional activities can be added according to your interests, schedule, and availability.

Quad Bike Experience

Ride a quad bike across designated tracks near the Erg Chebbi dunes. One-hour and extended experiences may be available.

Dune Buggy Adventure

Explore the desert surroundings in a guided buggy. Single and shared buggy options depend on the local operator.

Second Night at the Desert Camp

Replace the Merzouga hotel stay with another night at the desert camp. Ideal for guests who want more time among the dunes.

Private Desert Photography

Arrange a photographer for portraits, couple photos, family pictures, or a special sunset session in the Sahara.

Traditional Berber Pizza Lunch

Enjoy medfouna, sometimes called Berber pizza, at a local restaurant or family home in the Merzouga region.

Local Guide at Ait Ben Haddou

A local guide can accompany you through the fortified village and explain its architecture, history, and role in the trans-Saharan caravan trade.

Guided Tour of Fes

Add a private walking tour before your desert trip to discover the medina, historic madrasas, traditional workshops, and important monuments.

Guided Tour of Marrakech

Extend your stay with a private tour of Marrakech after arriving from the desert.

Hammam and Spa

Relax after the journey with a traditional Moroccan hammam or spa treatment in Marrakech.

Hot Air Balloon Flight

A sunrise balloon experience can be arranged outside Marrakech, subject to weather and availability.

Getting Ready for the Trip

The route passes through mountains, valleys, and desert landscapes, so temperatures can vary significantly during the same journey.

Recommended Clothing

  • Comfortable lightweight clothing
  • Walking shoes or supportive trainers
  • Warm jacket or fleece for winter and desert evenings
  • Light scarf for sun, wind, or sand
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Swimwear if your selected hotel has a pool
  • Comfortable clothing for the camel ride

Useful Personal Items

  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Personal medications
  • Small first-aid items
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Charging cables
  • Portable power bank
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Personal toiletries
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Small flashlight

Luggage

You may bring your normal travel luggage. It will remain safely in the vehicle during the journey. For the night at the desert camp, luggage can normally be transferred separately by 4×4. You may carry only a small bag during the camel ride.

Money

Bring Moroccan dirhams for lunches, drinks, small purchases, souvenirs, optional activities, and tips. Card payments may not be available in remote villages, small restaurants, or the desert.

Dietary Requirements

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can usually be accommodated with advance notice. Guests with serious allergies should provide clear information before the tour begins.

Additional Information About the 5 Days Tour Fes to Marrakech

Departure time

Pickup is normally scheduled between 8:00 and 8:30 AM from your hotel or riad in Fes. The precise time will be confirmed before departure.

Pickup in Fes

Pickup can usually be arranged from hotels, riads, Fes Airport, Fes train station, or agreed meeting points. Some riads are located in pedestrian-only sections of the medina; pickup will be arranged from the nearest accessible point.

Arrival in Marrakech

You will normally arrive in Marrakech during the late afternoon or early evening on Day 5, depending on traffic, road conditions, weather, and the length of sightseeing stops.

Driving times

The itinerary covers a large area of Morocco. Driving times are estimates and do not include every meal, photo, sightseeing, or comfort stop.

Camel ride

The camel ride normally takes place near sunset. Guests who do not wish to ride may travel by 4×4. Families with small children, older travellers, and guests with mobility concerns should discuss the most suitable option before departure.

Weather

Spring and autumn generally offer comfortable conditions. Summer days can be very hot, winter nights may be cold, and mountain roads can experience rain or snow during winter.

Camp facilities

Private tents generally include beds, bedding, electricity, and en-suite bathrooms. Wi-Fi and mobile reception may be limited, and electricity may be generated locally.

Tour changes

The route may be adjusted because of weather, road closures, safety concerns, or seasonal accessibility. Any changes will prioritise traveller comfort and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech private?

Yes. This is a private tour for you and your companions. You will not share the vehicle with travellers from unrelated bookings.

How is this different from the 3-day desert tour?

The five-day itinerary provides more time in the Merzouga region, an additional night in Ouarzazate, and a more relaxed exploration of Skoura and Ait Ben Haddou. A 3 days desert tour is faster and includes longer driving days with fewer extended visits.

How many nights are included?

The tour includes four nights: Merzouga desert camp, hotel or riad in Merzouga, hotel or riad in the Dades Valley, and hotel or riad in Ouarzazate.

Can we spend both Merzouga nights at the desert camp?

Yes. You may replace the Merzouga hotel with a second night at the desert camp, subject to availability and any price difference.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes. A sunset camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes is included.

Is it possible to skip the camel ride?

Yes. A 4×4 transfer can be arranged for guests who prefer not to ride a camel.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes. The private format works well for families. The itinerary, departure times, and camp transfer can be adapted when reasonably possible.

Are private bathrooms included?

Yes. The selected rooms and desert tents include private en-suite bathrooms unless a different arrangement is clearly stated before booking.

What meals are included?

Four breakfasts and four dinners are included. Lunches, drinks, and snacks are not included.

Where do we eat lunch?

Your driver will suggest suitable restaurants along the route. You remain free to choose from the available options.

Is a tour guide included?

The journey includes an experienced driver-guide. Separate licensed local guides can be arranged for Fes, Ait Ben Haddou, or Marrakech upon request.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Yes. The private format allows reasonable customisation of accommodation, activities, pickup location, and sightseeing stops.

When is the best time for this tour?

The tour operates throughout the year. Spring and autumn generally offer the mildest temperatures. Winter is cooler, while summer can be very hot in the Sahara.

Is there Wi-Fi during the tour?

Most hotels and riads offer Wi-Fi. Connection quality may be limited at the desert camp and in remote areas.

Can we bring large luggage?

Yes. Your normal luggage travels in the vehicle. It can normally be transferred to the desert camp by 4×4.

What time will we reach Marrakech?

Arrival is normally in the late afternoon or early evening on Day 5. Exact timing cannot be guaranteed because of traffic, weather, and sightseeing stops.

How much does the tour cost?

Prices start from €549 per person. The final cost depends on group size, season, accommodation, and optional upgrades.

How do we reserve the tour?

Send your preferred dates, number of travellers, room requirements, and accommodation category through the booking form. Availability and the final quotation will then be confirmed.

Is a deposit required?

Yes. A small deposit is required to confirm the booking. Payment instructions will be provided after availability has been checked.

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Book Your 5 Days Tour From Fes to Marrakech

Private departures run daily year-round. We pick you up from your Fes accommodation and drop you off in Marrakech five days later.

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