Overview:
This 5-day tour from Fes to Marrakech takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, where you enjoy a camel ride, a beautiful sunset, and a night in a desert camp. Then you explore the Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah before ending your trip in the lively city of Marrakech. A perfect desert and culture.
5 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Start: Fes
- End: Marrakech (or return to Fes on request)
- Total Distance: 1,300 km (approx.)
- Transportation: Private A/C 4×4 or Minivan
- Main Highlights: Fes, Ifrane, Ziz Valley, Merzouga Desert, Camel Trekking, Sahara Camp, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Ait Ben Haddou, Atlas Mountains, Marrakech
- Accommodation: Desert Camp + Hotels in Midelt / Fes / Dades
- Best Time to Visit: March–June & Sept–Nov
- Price From: €250 per person
Tour Highlights: Fes to Merzouga 5 Day Desert Tour
- Visit the cool town of Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland”
- See wild monkeys in the Cedar Forest near Azrou
- Drive through the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains
- Enjoy amazing views of the Ziz Valley and palm trees
- Ride a camel in the Merzouga Desert
- Watch the sunset and sunrise over the sand dunes
- Sleep in a desert camp under the stars
- Visit the tall red rocks of Todra Gorge
- Explore the colorful Dades Valley
- Discover the old village of Ait Ben Haddou, a movie location
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakech
5 Days Tour from Fes to Merzouga – Top Attractions & Distance
| Day | Route | KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest → Midelt | 210 |
| 2 | Midelt → Ziz Valley → Erfoud → Merzouga Desert (Camel Trek & Camp) | 260 |
| 3 | Merzouga Area Tour → Nomad Families → Khamlia → Sunset at Dunes | 70 |
| 4 | Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley | 290 |
| 5 | Dades → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Tizi n’Tichka → Marrakech | 320 |
Tour Itinerary: 5-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Fes to Merzouga
Tour itinerary:
Day 1 : Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Camel Trekking Tour
Pick up from your riad or Hotel at 8:00 am. departure from fes to Merzouga we will going to meet the dunes of Erg Chebbi are located. An 8 hours journey that takes you across the Atlas Mountains to the southern Morocco’s largest oasis, Tafilalet, composed of many villages, palmeries and 2 main Saharan towns, Erfoud and Rissani.
We will make many stops along the road at the alpine town of Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest where are the monkeys, Midelt for lunch and Ziz valley at the panoramic and impressive views over the palm trees, the green valley in the middle of the Sahara.
Then we’ll head for the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. We continue deeper into the desert landscape until the dunes appear in the middle of nowhere. Dinner & Overnight in a hotel with a pool at the dune line of Erg Chebbi to relax for the first night.
Day 2 : Erg Chebbi (4×4 desert tour)
After breakfast at the hotel or raid , You may go to explore the neighboring villages of Merzouga such as Hassi Labied, Khamlia where the black musicians. You may also enjoy an offroad drive around the dunes of Erg Chebbi and see the nomads living in tents in the desert.
Enjoy the swiming pool in summer months, or climb dunes in front of your hotel at Erg Chebbi dune line.
Day 3 : Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges
After having breakfast, camel trek back to the hotel at the dune line for a quick shower.
We leave the Sahara desert dunes of Erg Chebbi, an off-road drive across the hamada (black Desert) to get to the Sahara town of Rissani, optional visit of the animated local market.
Afterwards, we head north to Erfoud that is known for the fossils, here we can stop to visit a fossil workshop before we continue to the impressive Todra canyons, known for rock climbing, where you can hike before we check into to the hotel, Dinner and overnight.
Day 4 : Dades valley – Boutghrar – Skoura – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, you will begin your journey through the valley of Dades , with exploring the marvelous sights of the valley.
After that we drive you over the wonderful Pist “Mil Kasbah” which is accessible only on 4×4 passing by the amazing Berber villages such as “Boutaghrar”.
Besides that you will have the opportunity to meet some Berber nomads whom are living in the caves.
Then continue to El Kelaa M’gouna (the valley of roses) where you will have a break for lunch,after heading to Ourzazat by crossing the beautiful oasis of the palm grove in Skoura, where you can see many exotic Kasbahsuch as Amerhidil Kasbah till reaching Ouarzazate. Overnight include Bed, Dinner and Breakfast your Moroccan authentic Riad.
Day 5 : Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast, we can enjoy a visit of cinema sets & studios located in Ouarzazate which is known as Hollywood of Africa.
Afterwards we will visit the universal Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou Kasbah as it has been named by UNESCO in 1987.
Ait Benhaddou is the World Heritage site that has been used as a backdrop for more than 20 films including “Gladiator” “Indiana Jones” and “Lawrence of Arabia”.
Enjoy a walk to explore the traditional Moroccan style of architecture in which the Kasbahs are built. We continue our way to Marrakesh through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka pass. Break for lunch in the middle of the Atlas Mountains. Drop off at your Marrakech Riad/Hotel.
- What included:
- Pick-up and drop off at Hotel / Riad
- Deset tour in 4×4 vehicle / Minibus with A/C
- 4×4 Desert Tour around Erg Chebbi
- Expert Engish speaking driver / guide
- Hotel / Riad overnight stays
- Camel ride & night in a desert camp
- Camel per person
- Not inclueded:
- Flight Tickets
- Lunches & Drinks
- Tips
What to Pack and How to Prepare for a Trip to Morocco
- Bring comfortable clothing for varying temperatures, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Carry enough water for your tours, especially during desert excursions.
- Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural sites.
- Bring cash for personal expenses, as credit cards may not be accepted in all locations.
- While English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few basic phrases in Arabic or French can enhance your experience.
- When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions.
FAQ: Best 5 Days Fes to Merzouga Desert Trip
You can reach Merzouga by car, bus, or a private transfer from major cities like Marrakech or Fes.
Accommodation is in traditional Berber tents, with options for basic or luxury camps depending on the tour package.
Most desert camps have limited electricity, usually provided by generators or solar power, sufficient for basic needs and charging devices.
Most guides speak English, and many also speak French, Spanish, and other languages.
Activities include sandboarding, visiting a nearby oasis, and interacting with local nomadic families.
The currency used in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). It’s advisable to have some cash on hand for small purchases.
Yes, there are opportunities for shopping in souks and markets along the route. Your guide can provide recommendations for reputable shops.