Take an unforgettable five-day trip from Fes to Marrakech to see the best of Morocco's culture, history, and landscapes. This small group tour starts in the imperial city of Fes and takes you through the beautiful Middle and High Atlas Mountains, across green valleys, and into the Sahara Desert's golden dunes.
Your five days tour from Fes to Marrakech begins with an early departure from Fes toward southern Morocco. The journey crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains, offering a complete change of scenery from imperial cities to alpine landscapes.
The first stop is Ifrane, often called “the Switzerland of Morocco”, famous for its clean streets, European-style architecture, and cool climate. You’ll have time to take photos and enjoy a short walk.
Continue to the Azrou Cedar Forest, home to the famous Barbary macaques. Here, you can observe these monkeys in their natural habitat and take memorable photos among the ancient cedar trees.
After lunch en route, drive through the Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s largest palm oases, with panoramic views of thousands of palm trees stretching along the river. By late afternoon, arrive in Midelt, a quiet town between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains.
After breakfast, the journey continues south through dramatic desert landscapes. Pass through the Ziz Gorge, where steep canyon walls and river views create striking scenery.
Arrive in Erfoud, known as the gateway to the Sahara and famous for fossils and marble workshops. You may visit a local fossil workshop to learn how ancient marine fossils are transformed into decorative pieces.
Next, stop in Rissani, an important historic trading town and former capital of the Tafilalt region. Its traditional souk is lively and authentic, especially on market days.
In the afternoon, reach Merzouga, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise dramatically from the desert. Swap your vehicle for camels and enjoy a camel trekking experience at sunset, crossing the dunes as the sky changes colors.
Arrive at your Sahara desert camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner under the stars, followed by Berber music around the campfire.
This day is dedicated to discovering the Merzouga desert region in depth. After breakfast at the camp, explore the surrounding area by 4×4.
Visit nomadic Berber families, learning about their traditional desert lifestyle, hospitality, and culture. Continue to Khamlia village, home to descendants of sub-Saharan Africans, where you’ll enjoy live Gnawa music, a spiritual rhythm deeply rooted in Moroccan heritage.
Later, explore off-road desert landscapes, fossil plains, and seasonal desert lakes (when available), often visited by flamingos during certain times of the year.
In the afternoon, return to the dunes for relaxation or optional activities such as sandboarding. Enjoy another magical sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
After an early breakfast, depart the Sahara and head west toward the Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural landmarks.
Stop in Tinghir, a town surrounded by lush palm groves, before reaching the Todra Canyon. Walk between the towering limestone cliffs, which rise up to 300 meters high, and enjoy the cool river flowing through the gorge.
Continue through scenic mountain roads toward the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and winding roads. The valley offers breathtaking views, traditional Berber villages, and unique geological shapes often called the “Monkey Fingers.”
Overnight in a charming hotel or riad in Dades Valley
Highlights: Todra Gorge, palm oases, Dades Valley landscapes
On the final day, travel through the Valley of Roses, famous for its rose cultivation and local cosmetic products, especially beautiful during spring.
Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”, where many international films were shot. Optionally visit the Atlas Film Studios or Taourirt Kasbah.
The journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most famous ksar. Explore the ancient mud-brick village and enjoy panoramic views from the top.
In the afternoon, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with stops for photos and short breaks. Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening marks the end of your 5-day Sahara Desert tour.
In this video, you can see the full itinerary from FES to Marrakech, including the best highlights and stops. with the best highlight and stops
When booking your 5-day Fes to Marrakech tour, please inform us of any food preferences or dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, or other special meals. Our experienced guide will select restaurants renowned for fresh, high-quality Moroccan cuisine, ensuring every meal along the journey is enjoyable. If you have a particular restaurant or dish in mind, we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.
This tour is a shared experience, allowing you to join a small group and meet fellow travelers while discovering Morocco’s most stunning landscapes. Highlights include camel trekking in the Sahara, a night in a desert camp under the stars, and visits to historic towns like Ait Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge, and the Valley of Roses.
For those seeking a more personalized adventure, you can upgrade to a private 5-day tour with extra time in the dunes or explore the route in reverse with our Marrakech to Fes tours.
If you’re short on time, consider our condensed 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour, though please note this option involves longer driving stretches and fewer stops along the way.
The Go Sahara Morocco 3-day tour takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ziz Valley, and the stunning Sahara Desert. You'll experience a camel trek, overnight stay in a desert camp, visit Todra Gorge, explore traditional kasbahs, and cross the High Atlas Mountains before arriving in Marrakech. The tour includes transportation, accommodation, most meals, camel trekking, and an experienced driver/guide.
This is a shared group tour, which means you'll be traveling with other tourists in a comfortable minibus or 4x4 vehicle. Go Sahara Morocco also offers private tour options if you prefer a more personalized experience. Group sizes typically range from 6 to 17 passengers.
The tour includes breakfast daily and dinner on days 1 and 2. Lunches are not included, allowing you flexibility to choose from local restaurants along the route. You'll enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine including tagines, couscous, and mint tea. Go Sahara Morocco can accommodate vegetarian diets with advance notice.
You'll stay in comfortable hotels or traditional riads on nights 1 and 3, and in a Berber desert camp with traditional nomad tents on night 2. All accommodations selected by Go Sahara Morocco offer authentic Moroccan hospitality with basic amenities including shared bathrooms and showers at the desert camp.
The camel trek typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours each way to and from the desert camp. If you prefer not to ride a camel, 4x4 transportation to the camp can usually be arranged by Go Sahara Morocco.
The tour departs from Fes early morning around 7:00-8:00 AM, with pickup from your accommodation. It concludes in Marrakech on day 3 in the late afternoon or early evening. Go Sahara Morocco will drop you at your Marrakech accommodation or a central location of your choice.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, and warm layers for desert evenings (temperatures drop significantly at night). Pack a small overnight bag for the desert camp with essentials while your main luggage stays secure in the vehicle.
Day 1 involves approximately 7-8 hours of driving, day 2 about 4-5 hours, and day 3 roughly 7-9 hours crossing the High Atlas Mountains. Go Sahara Morocco ensures regular breaks for photos, meals, bathroom stops, and stretching throughout each day.
Yes, the Go Sahara Morocco tour is family-friendly and suitable for most fitness levels. The camel trekking can be adapted or replaced with 4x4 transport. However, consider the long driving days when booking for very young children or those with mobility limitations.
o Sahara Morocco offers flexible cancellation terms depending on how far in advance you cancel. We accept payment via bank transfer, PayPal, credit card, or cash (euros, dollars, or Moroccan dirhams). Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Contact us directly for specific cancellation terms and booking details.
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