DESRT TOURS
5-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Adventure
About this tour
Take a relaxed 5-day journey from Marrakech to Fes, discovering Morocco’s stunning landscapes and rich culture at a comfortable pace. Traverse the High and Middle Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs, dramatic gorges, and lush palm-filled valleys, and immerse yourself in the golden Sahara dunes. Enjoy camel treks, luxury desert camps, and evenings under starry skies with traditional Berber music, while visiting remote desert villages, historic towns, and vibrant markets along the way.
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, cultural encounters, and tranquility in the heart of Morocco.
Highlights
Explore UNESCO-listed Kasbahs: Aït Ben Haddou and Telouet
Scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains
Sunset camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes
Overnight stays in private luxury desert tents with campfire experiences
Visit the Gnawa village of Khamlia and historic Rissani
Camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and sunrise
Learn about local crafts, including fossil workshops in Erfoud
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Telouet – Aït Ben Haddou – Skoura
Depart Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, enjoying breathtaking High Atlas scenery. Explore the historic Kasbah of Telouet, once home to the powerful Glaoui family, then continue to the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified village famed for its cinematic history. End the day at the peaceful Skoura Oasis, surrounded by palms and ancient kasbahs, for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Skoura – Dades Valley
Morning visit to Skoura Oasis, including the beautifully restored Kasbah Amredhil. Continue through Kelaa M’Gouna, the Valley of Roses, and enjoy off-road drives to meet Berber families for tea. Arrive in the Dades Valley for lunch and explore the valley’s dramatic landscapes or relax by the fields. Overnight in the valley.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert Experience
After breakfast, visit Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorges, known for their towering red cliffs. Continue through Tafilalet Oasis and Rissani before arriving in Merzouga. Take a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, then enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in your private desert camp under the stars.
Day 4: Merzouga – Camel Trek and Desert Exploration
Experience a full day in the Sahara Desert. Take a camel trek across the dunes, visit Khamlia village to meet Gnawa musicians, and explore Rissani’s historic market. Return to the desert camp for sunset and another night of Berber music around the campfire.
Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fes
Depart the desert after breakfast, traveling north through the lush Ziz Valley. Stop in Erfoud to see fossil workshops, then continue through Midelt and the cedar forests of Azrou to spot Barbary monkeys. Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and arrive in Fes in the evening, marking the end of your unforgettable Moroccan adventure.
What to Know Before Your 5-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Trip
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for medina streets, mountains, and dunes
- Light clothing with a warm layer for cool desert nights
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection
- Small backpack for essentials during day trips
- Camera to capture Ait Ben Haddou, Erg Chebbi dunes, Todra Gorge, and Dades Valley
Tips for First-Time Travelers:
- Carry cash for desert villages, markets, and excursions
- Dress modestly in traditional areas and Berber villages
- Stay hydrated, especially in desert and mountainous regions
- Roads may be winding and travel times longer than expected
- Always ask before photographing locals
Climate Overview:
- Marrakech: Hot summers, mild winters
- High Atlas Mountains & Telouet: Cool, snow possible in winter
- Dades Valley & Todra Gorge: Warm days, cooler nights
- Merzouga: Hot days, cold desert nights
- Ziz Valley & Middle Atlas: Mild days, cool evenings
- Fes: Hot summers, mild winters
Main Distances:
- Marrakech → Telouet → Aït Ben Haddou → Skoura: 250 km (~5-6h)
- Skoura → Dades Valley: 70 km (~1.5h)
- Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Merzouga: 200 km (~4-5h)
- Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Fes: 420 km (~8h total with stops)
