5-Day Morocco Tour: Fes to Marrakech with Two Nights in the Sahara Desert
Tour Summary:
Experience Morocco’s rich culture and natural beauty on this 5-day journey from Fes to Marrakech, featuring two unforgettable nights in the Sahara Desert. Ride camels across golden dunes, watch the sunset over the sands, and immerse yourself in Berber hospitality. Along the way, explore cedar forests, deep gorges, ancient kasbahs, and the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains.
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
Depart Fes and head south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is Ifrane, known for its alpine architecture, followed by a short walk in the cedar forest of Azrou, where you might encounter wild monkeys. After lunch in Midelt, cross the scenic Ziz Valley and reach the edge of the Sahara at Merzouga.
Upon arrival, hop on a camel caravan to cross the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, arriving at your desert camp in time for sunset. Enjoy a traditional dinner, live Berber music, and a peaceful night under the stars.
Included Highlights:
- Scenic mountain drive & cedar forest stop
- Sunset camel trek into the Sahara
- Overnight in a luxury desert camp
Day 2: Explore the Sahara – Nomadic Experience – Merzouga Oasis
Spend a full day discovering the beauty and culture of the desert. After breakfast, head out in a 4×4 to visit nomadic Berber families, the black desert of Khamlia, and the Mifis fossil area. You’ll also visit the village of Khamlia, known for Gnawa music, and have tea with locals.
In the afternoon, relax at the Merzouga oasis or take a second camel ride for sunset. Return to camp for a second magical night in the dunes.
Included Highlights:
- Off-road Sahara tour (4×4)
- Visit nomadic families & Berber villages
- Gnawa music in Khamlia
- Optional second camel ride
- Second night in the desert camp
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
After breakfast, depart the desert and pass through Rissani, a traditional desert town and former capital of the Alaouite dynasty. Continue to Erfoud, known for fossil workshops, then drive through palm groves to reach the Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs rise dramatically above a river.
Take time for a walk in the gorge before continuing to the beautiful Dades Valley, where red rock formations and ancient kasbahs line the hillsides.
Included Highlights:
- Visit to Rissani traditional market
- Walk through Todra Gorge
- Overnight in a charming kasbah hotel in Dades Valley
Day 4: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura – Ait Ben Haddou
Begin the day with a scenic drive along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the Rose Valley and the palm-filled oasis of Skoura. Continue to Ouarzazate, where you can visit the Taourirt Kasbah or the famous Atlas Studios.
In the afternoon, explore Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar that’s been the backdrop to dozens of films and series. Enjoy sunset views before spending the night nearby.
Included Highlights:
- Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Optional stop at film studios in Ouarzazate
- Guided visit to Ait Ben Haddou
Day 5: Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, travel through the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m altitude). Enjoy spectacular landscapes and Berber village views along the way.
Arrive in Marrakech by the afternoon. After check-in at your riad or hotel, enjoy free time to explore the souks or relax in a café. End of tour.
Included Highlights:
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains
- Scenic mountain views and photo stops
- Drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation
What’s Included:
- Private transportation with English-speaking driver
- 4 nights accommodation (2 in desert camp, 1 in Dades, 1 near Ait Ben Haddou)
- Camel treks and 4×4 desert tour
- Daily breakfasts and selected dinners
- Guided visit at Ait Ben Haddou
- Pick-up from Fes and drop-off in Marrakech