This private 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga is a relaxed way to cross Morocco while experiencing the Sahara Desert and the classic kasbah route. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Ifrane and the cedar forest near Azrou, then continue via Midelt and the Ziz Valley toward Merzouga.
In the Sahara, enjoy a sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a desert camp under the stars. With five days, you will have more time to explore Merzouga before continuing through Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou on the journey to Marrakech.
Explore the Middle Atlas Mountains, Merzouga, the Erg Chebbi dunes, Todra Gorge, the Dades Valley and Ait Ben Haddou on a private 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Send us your travel date and number of travelers to check availability, accommodation options and the final price.
This private 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga offers a comfortable journey across Morocco, combining mountain scenery, Sahara experiences, dramatic valleys and historic kasbahs.
The tour begins in Fes and travels through Ifrane, the Azrou cedar forest, Midelt and the Ziz Valley before reaching Merzouga. Along the way, you can stop for photographs, viewpoints, refreshments and short breaks while traveling in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver.
In Merzouga, you will explore the surroundings of the Erg Chebbi dunes, visit local desert communities, and enjoy a sunset camel trek before spending the night in a Sahara desert camp. The additional night in Merzouga gives you more time to experience the desert without following a rushed schedule.
The journey then continues through Rissani, Todra Gorge, and the Dades Valley before visiting Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou. On the final day, you will cross the High Atlas Mountains and finish the tour at your accommodation in Marrakech.
Prices vary depending on group size, travel season, and accommodation category. This private one-way desert tour from Fes to Marrakech becomes more affordable per person for larger groups.
The price includes private transport, an experienced driver, four nights of accommodation, breakfasts, dinners, a Merzouga desert excursion, sunset camel trek, Sahara camp and drop-off in Marrakech.
Luxury accommodation, quad biking, buggy rides, and other optional activities are available on request.
Your private 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech begins with morning pickup from your hotel, riad, or another agreed location in Fes. You will travel south through the scenic landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains.
The first stop is Ifrane, a clean mountain town known for its Alpine-style architecture and peaceful atmosphere. After a short walk or coffee break, continue toward the cedar forest near Azrou, where you may see Barbary macaques living among the trees.
The journey then passes through mountain villages, farmland, and wide plateaus on the way to Midelt. Stops can be made for photographs, viewpoints, and lunch along the route.
After arriving in Midelt, check into your hotel or riad and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel or riad in Midelt
Meals included: Dinner and breakfast
After breakfast in Midelt, continue south through the changing landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains toward the Sahara Desert. The route crosses the Tizi n’Talghomt Pass before descending toward Errachidia and the palm-filled Ziz Valley.
Stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the valley, where palm groves and traditional villages stretch along the river. The journey then continues through Erfoud, a town known for dates and fossil products, before reaching Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
In the late afternoon, meet your camel guide and begin a sunset camel trek across the golden dunes. After arriving at the Sahara Desert camp, enjoy mint tea, dinner, and music beneath the desert sky.
Accommodation: Sahara desert camp near the Erg Chebbi dunes
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before enjoying breakfast at the Sahara desert camp. Afterward, return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4 and begin a private desert excursion around the area.
Visit panoramic viewpoints, small desert settlements and nomad families living near the dunes. You will also stop in Khamlia village to listen to Gnawa music and learn more about the local community.
Lunch can be enjoyed at a local restaurant, with the option to try Berber pizza. In the afternoon, return to your hotel or riad in Merzouga and enjoy free time to relax, walk near the dunes or add an optional quad bike or buggy ride.
Accommodation: Hotel or riad in Merzouga
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
After breakfast at your hotel or riad in Merzouga, leave the Sahara and travel toward Rissani. When the local market is open, you can stop to explore its lively stalls selling spices, dates, clothing and regional products.
Continue through Erfoud, known for its dates and fossil workshops, before driving west toward Tinghir and Todra Gorge. On arrival, enjoy time to walk between the dramatic canyon walls and have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue through the landscapes of the Dades Valley, passing traditional villages, rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Before reaching your accommodation, you may stop to photograph the winding road and panoramic views across the valley.
Accommodation: Hotel or riad in the Dades Valley
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
After breakfast, leave the Dades Valley and travel through the Rose Valley and Skoura toward Ouarzazate. Along the way, enjoy views of palm groves, traditional villages and the kasbah landscapes of southern Morocco.
Stop in Ouarzazate for a short visit or coffee break before continuing to Ait Ben Haddou. You will have time to explore the historic fortified village and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant. A local guide can be arranged on request.
In the afternoon, cross the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with stops at panoramic viewpoints along the route. Your 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga ends with drop-off at your hotel, riad or another agreed location in Marrakech, usually in the late afternoon or early evening.
Meals included: Breakfast
Drop-off: Your accommodation or an agreed location in Marrakech
The driving times shown in the itinerary are approximate and do not include lunch breaks, sightseeing stops, photographs, or optional activities. Travel times may vary depending on traffic, road conditions, weather, and the time spent at each location.
Days 2 and 5 include the longest drives, so early departures are recommended. Because this is a private tour, stops can be adjusted whenever the daily schedule allows.
This 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech includes four nights of accommodation:
Night 1 – Midelt: Hotel or riad in Midelt, such as Villa Pomme d’Or or a similar property.
Night 2 – Merzouga Desert Camp: One night in a Sahara camp near the Erg Chebbi dunes, with a private tent, dinner, breakfast, and evening music.
Night 3 – Merzouga: Hotel or riad near the dunes, such as Riad Merzouga Dunes or a similar property.
Night 4 – Dades Valley: Hotel or riad in the Dades Valley, such as Ksar Sultan Dades, Riad Gabsi du Dades or a similar property.
The exact accommodations depend on availability and the category selected. Standard and upgraded options are available, including luxury desert camps and rooms with private bathrooms.
8:00 AM
Travel only with your own group in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver. Because this is a private tour, stops for photographs, viewpoints, coffee and short breaks can be adjusted whenever the daily schedule allows.
Pickup in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech can be arranged at your hotel, riad, airport or another agreed location. Accommodation and optional activities can also be adapted before booking.
The best time for a 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is generally from March to May and from September to November, when temperatures are usually comfortable for driving, sightseeing, and desert activities.
Winter is also a good time to travel, although mornings and nights in Merzouga and the Dades Valley can be cold. Summer tours are possible, but daytime temperatures in the Sahara can be very high, so camel rides and other desert activities are usually planned in the early morning or late afternoon.
Pack for changing temperatures, long driving days and one night in the Sahara Desert. Comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection will help you enjoy the journey.
Large suitcases can remain in the vehicle during the tour. In winter, bring additional warm layers for Merzouga and the Dades Valley.
To book this private 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga, send us your travel date, number of travelers, pickup location in Fes and preferred accommodation category through the contact form.
Please mention any special requirements, including child seats, dietary needs, a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp or optional activities such as quad biking and dune buggy rides.
After receiving your request, we will confirm availability and send you the final itinerary, accommodation details and total price. Your reservation is confirmed after the required deposit has been received.
To secure your reservation, a deposit of €100–€200 is required. The exact amount will be clearly stated in your final quotation and depends on the total booking value and selected services.
The deposit can be paid securely through PayPal. The remaining balance is normally paid in cash directly to your driver at the beginning of the tour.
Card payment can also be arranged. A 5% processing fee applies to payments made by card.
Your booking is fully confirmed once the deposit has been received and written confirmation has been sent with the final itinerary, desert camp details and payment summary.
Free cancellation is available when you cancel more than 20 days before the tour date.
For cancellations made 10–20 days before departure, 50% of the deposit can be refunded.
Cancellations made fewer than 10 days before the tour are non-refundable.
Date changes may be possible depending on availability, and we will always try to remain flexible when travel plans change.
Looking for a longer desert journey or a tour that finishes in Marrakech? Explore these private Morocco tours from Fes:
Travel from Fes to Marrakech through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Merzouga, including a camel trek and an overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp.
Enjoy a more comfortable journey from Fes to Marrakech through Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and the High Atlas Mountains.
Spend more time exploring the Sahara, with a camel trek, desert camp, and additional experiences around the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Discover Merzouga, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.
