DESRT TOURS
6 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour
About this tour
Discover Morocco in depth on this 6-day journey from Fes to Marrakech. Experience the country’s diverse landscapes, from the cool Middle Atlas towns to the endless golden dunes of the Sahara. Traverse dramatic gorges, fertile valleys, and historic kasbahs while immersing yourself in Berber culture and local traditions. Highlights include sunset camel treks, nights under the desert stars, off-road desert adventures, visits to nomadic families, and guided tours of Marrakech’s most famous landmarks.
Highlights
Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and charming mountain towns
Cedar forest exploration with playful Barbary macaques
Sunset camel trek and overnight in the Sahara Desert
Off-road desert exploration and visit to nomadic families
Visit Ouarzazate film studios and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Cross the High Atlas Mountains with breathtaking panoramic views
Guided tour of Marrakech’s historic squares, palaces, gardens, and markets
Itinerary
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Middle Atlas – Sahara Desert
Depart Fes in the morning and head south toward the desert. Stop in Ifrane, a picturesque town known for alpine-style architecture and serene streets. Continue into the cedar forests near Azrou to see Barbary macaques roaming freely. Drive through scenic Middle Atlas landscapes and rural villages, passing mountain passes and eventually arriving in the lush Ziz Valley with its countless palm trees. As the landscape transforms toward the desert, visit towns famous for date production and fossil crafts. Arrive in the Sahara by late afternoon and enjoy a traditional dinner accompanied by local music, ending your day under the stars.
Day 2: Sahara Exploration – Nomad Visit – Khamlia – Camel Trek – Desert Camp
Begin with an off-road exploration of the desert, including a visit to an old mineral site. Meet a nomadic family in their traditional tents and enjoy mint tea while learning about their daily life. Visit a village known for sub-Saharan musical traditions with live performances. After lunch, walk through a palm oasis and prepare for a camel trek at sunset across the dunes. Arrive at the desert camp for dinner, music around the fire, and a night under the starry sky.
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todgha Gorges – Dades Valley
Wake early for sunrise over the dunes. Return by camel and meet your driver for the journey to southern Morocco’s valleys and gorges. Explore the historic trading town of Rissani and its lively souk, then continue through Erfoud to see workshops turning fossils into art. Travel through palm-filled towns and fertile oases before arriving at the dramatic Todgha Gorges. Explore the canyon, admire the cliffs, and continue to the Dades Valley, stopping at viewpoints and unusual rock formations along the way. Overnight in Dades.
Day 4: Merzouga – Desert Exploration and Nomad Villages
Drive through the Rose Valley, known for its fragrant fields and rose-based products. Pass through palm groves and Berber villages before reaching Ouarzazate, where you can explore famous film studios. Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wandering its narrow alleys and clay-built structures. Continue through the High Atlas Mountains with scenic stops before arriving in Marrakech for a free evening in the city.
Day 5: Guided Tour of Marrakech
Depart the desert and head north, stopping in Rissani to explore the traditional souk. Visit fossil workshops in Erfoud and continue through the scenic Ziz Valley and Errachidia oases. Capture photos of breathtaking landscapes before reaching Midelt for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Marrakech – Airport Transfer
Your adventure concludes with a transfer to the airport according to your departure schedule, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s landscapes, culture, and hospitality.
What to Know Before Your 6 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for medina streets, mountains, and dunes
- Light clothing plus a warm layer for cooler desert nights
- Sunglasses, sunscreen & hat for sun protection
- Small backpack for essentials and day trips
- Camera for capturing dunes, kasbahs, gorges, and medinas
Tips for First-Time Travelers:
- Carry cash for remote villages, souks, and desert excursions
- Dress modestly in traditional and Berber areas
- Stay hydrated, especially in the desert and Atlas Mountains
- Mountain roads may take longer than expected due to winding paths
- Ask permission before photographing locals
Climate Overview:
- Fes & Marrakech: Hot summers, mild winters
- Middle Atlas Mountains: Cool, possible snow in winter
- Sahara Desert: Hot days, cold nights
- Todgha Gorges & Dades Valley: Warm days, cooler nights
- Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou: Dry, sunny, warm
- High Atlas Mountains: Cool, scenic
Main Distances:
- Fes → Middle Atlas → Ziz Valley → Sahara Desert: 460 km (~8h)
- Sahara Desert → Merzouga → Rissani → Erfoud → Todgha Gorges → Dades Valley: 200 km (~4–5h)
- Dades Valley → Rose Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech: 220 km (~5h)
