5-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Trip
From Marrakech
5 Day
To Fes
About this trip
This 5-day journey from Marrakech to Fes is designed for travelers seeking a relaxed and immersive experience of Morocco. The trip highlights the stunning Atlas Mountains, the timeless Sahara Desert, and the rich traditions of Berber culture. Enjoy camel treks across golden dunes, luxurious desert camps, visits to remote valleys and gorges, and iconic kasbahs, before concluding in the historic city of Fes.
This journey offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and tranquility, with panoramic mountain views, serene desert landscapes, and authentic Moroccan encounters along the way.
Trip Highlights:
Cross the High Atlas and Middle Atlas Mountains with breathtaking scenery
Explore the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou and historic Kasbah Telouet
Camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
Walk through the dramatic Dades Valley and Todra Gorges with a local guide
Experience a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and sunrise
Spend nights under the stars in private luxury desert tents
Visit the Gnawa village of Khamlia and historic Rissani
Learn about local crafts, including fossil workshops in Erfoud
5-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Telouet – Aït Ben Haddou – Skoura
Depart Marrakech in the morning and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Stop for scenic photo opportunities along the way.
Visit Kasbah Telouet, once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family, before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou, the iconic fortified village featured in many international films.
Travel onward to the Skoura Oasis, a peaceful area of palm groves and ancient kasbahs, for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Skoura – Dades Valley
Begin the day exploring Skoura Oasis, including the beautifully restored Kasbah Amredhil. Continue through Kelaa M’Gouna, the Valley of Roses, where rose water and perfumes are traditionally made.
Take an off-road route to enjoy the rugged landscapes and meet local Berber families for tea. Arrive in the Dades Valley for lunch, followed by an afternoon exploring the valley’s stunning scenery or relaxing among the fields. Overnight in the valley.
Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga
After breakfast, head to Tinghir to explore the dramatic Todra Gorges, famous for their towering red cliffs. Continue through the Tafilalet Oasis near Erfoud and the historic town of Rissani.
Arrive at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga and embark on a sunset camel trek to your luxury desert camp. Climb a nearby dune to watch the sunset, then enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the night under the stars in your private tent.
Day 4: Merzouga – Camel Trek and Desert Exploration
Spend the day exploring the Sahara Desert. Take a full or half-day camel trek guided by experienced local guides. Visit the village of Khamlia, home of the Gnawa musicians, and learn about their cultural traditions.
Explore the market and historic sites in Rissani, then return to your desert camp for the sunset and another evening of Berber music and campfire storytelling.
Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fes
After breakfast, depart the desert and head north through the Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves. Stop in Erfoud to visit local workshops creating beautiful crafts from fossils.
Continue through Midelt, famous for apples and surrounding mountain landscapes, and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Azrou to see wild Barbary monkeys in the cedar forests.
Arrive in Fes in the evening, concluding your 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert adventure with a drop-off at your accommodation.
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What’s Included & Excluded
- Private or small-group transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional, licensed driver and/or local guide (depending on the trip)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, riad, or agreed meeting point
- Accommodation (hotels, riads, desert camps) as specified in the itinerary
- Breakfasts & dinners (depending on the type of accommodation chosen)
- Activities and experiences listed in the itinerary (quad biking, camel trekking, excursions, etc.)
- All fuel, road tolls, and parking fees
- Local assistance and 24/7 customer support during your trip
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance and personal expenses
- Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions (unless otherwise stated)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and staff (optional but appreciated)
- Optional activities not listed in the trip program