5 Days Desert Tour From Fes to Marrakech

Your 5 Days Desert Tour From Fes to Marrakech begins with a drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, leaving behind the winding alleys of Fes. The first stop is Ifrane, known for its alpine architecture and manicured gardens—a surprising contrast to the arid south. You’ll continue through the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques roam freely, before descending toward the town of Midelt. The landscape shifts dramatically as the mountain air gives way to the dry warmth of the Ziz Valley, a lush ribbon of palms surrounded by rocky cliffs.

As you arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon, the first view of the Erg Chebbi dunes will feel surreal—an ocean of sand glowing with the light of the setting sun. Check in to your local hotel on the edge of the desert and take time to relax. You’ll have the chance to walk along the dunes, watch the shifting colors of twilight, and enjoy a hearty dinner under the clear Saharan sky. This peaceful setting marks the perfect transition into Morocco’s desert rhythm.

After breakfast, the day is dedicated to discovering the many faces of the Merzouga Sahara Desert and its surroundings. First, you’ll drive off-road toward the black volcanic plains of Hassi Labied and visit nomadic families living in traditional tents. Their hospitality offers insight into a way of life that has endured across generations.

Then, continue to the village of Khamlia, known for its West African heritage and vibrant Gnawa music—a soulful blend of rhythms and stories.In the late afternoon, your desert guide will prepare you for a camel trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the sun dips toward the horizon, ride across the soft sand until you reach your luxury desert camp nestled in the dunes.

Here, the evening unfolds with a traditional dinner, local drumming, and the quiet magic of the desert night. The stars overhead are brighter than you’ve ever seen, and the silence is a memory in itself.

Wake to a quiet sunrise over the dunes before heading back to Merzouga village by camel or 4x4. After breakfast and a quick refresh, continue your journey westward. Your first stop is Rissani, the birthplace of Morocco’s royal dynasty. Walk through its old market, visit the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, and see the traditional donkey parking area—one of the last of its kind in Morocco. Rissani holds deep historic and spiritual significance, and its energy is unlike any other desert town.

The route then crosses semi-arid landscapes before reaching the dramatic cliffs of Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon that rises nearly 300 meters high. Take a break to walk along the riverbed, framed by towering red rock walls. The drive continues toward Boumalne Dades, a quiet town nestled between unique rock formations and ancient kasbahs. Spend the night in a comfortable local hotel overlooking the Dades Valley’s winding road and stone villages.

Today’s route leads you through the heart of southern Morocco’s Berber country. Departing Boumalne Dades, you’ll venture along the Valley of Roses, with a detour to Boutghrar, a peaceful village known for its red rock canyons and cave dwellings. Along the way, you'll pass shepherds and traditional adobe homes tucked into the cliffs. This off-the-beaten-path stretch reveals the slower rhythm of mountain life in the Atlas foothills.

Continue to Kelaat M’Gouna, the capital of rosewater production. Depending on the season, you can visit a local cooperative and see how roses are distilled into perfumes and creams. From there, drive past Skoura’s palm groves and explore the famed Kasbah Amridil. Arrive in Ouarzazate by evening—a city known for its film studios and desert architecture. Check in to your boutique riad or hotel and enjoy a relaxing night.

Start the final day with a visit to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar that has appeared in dozens of films, from Gladiator to Game of Thrones. Its mudbrick architecture and panoramic views offer a final glimpse into Morocco’s ancient past. From there, take the scenic road through the Ounila Valley, a forgotten route that leads to the crumbling yet beautiful Telouet Kasbah—a hidden gem of the High Atlas.

The final stretch winds through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, where steep curves and panoramic views mark your descent into Marrakech. This scenic drive offers time for reflection, surrounded by villages clinging to the hills and snow-dusted peaks in the distance. You’ll arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon, where your driver will drop you at your riad or hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable private Sahara tour from Fes to Marrakech.