The 5 Day Morocco Desert Tour from Fes combines the cultural heritage of Fes with the spectacular landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains, Merzouga Desert, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley and High Atlas Mountains.
Your journey begins with an airport transfer and a guided exploration of Fes. You will then travel through Ifrane, the cedar forest and the Ziz Valley before reaching the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience a sunset camel ride and spend the night in a luxury desert camp.
The adventure continues through Erfoud, Tinghir and Todra Gorge before an overnight stay in the Dades Valley. On the final day, travel along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.
5 Day Morocco Desert Tour from Fes Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Fes – Airport Transfer
Welcome to Morocco. Upon arrival at Fes–Saïs Airport, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel or riad in Fes.
Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at your accommodation or begin discovering the surrounding neighborhood at your own pace.
Your driver will provide any necessary information about the following day’s guided city tour and confirm the scheduled pickup time.
Overnight: Fes
Day 2: Guided Tour of Fes
After breakfast, you will meet your knowledgeable local guide and begin exploring Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital.
The guided tour takes you through the narrow streets of Fes el-Bali, one of the world’s largest historic medinas. As you walk through its lively alleys, you will discover traditional markets, workshops, fountains, mosques and architectural landmarks.
Depending on the itinerary and available time, you may see the exterior of Al Quaraouiyine University and Mosque, one of the oldest existing educational institutions in the world. You can also explore the traditional tanneries, where leather continues to be processed using techniques passed down through generations.
Your guide will explain the history of Fes, its dynasties, architecture, craftsmanship and importance to Moroccan culture. The tour may also include the Bou Inania Madrasa, Nejjarine Square, the Royal Palace gates and the historic Jewish Quarter.
After the guided visit, you will return to your hotel or riad and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Overnight: Fes
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast, your driver will collect you from your accommodation to begin the desert section of your 5 Day Morocco Desert Tour from Fes.
You will leave Fes and travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop will be Ifrane, a peaceful mountain town known for its alpine-style buildings, landscaped gardens and cool climate.
The journey continues toward the cedar forest near Azrou, where you may see native Barbary macaques living among the trees. Visitors should avoid feeding or touching the animals.
You will then travel through mountain landscapes and traditional Amazigh villages toward Midelt. As the journey continues south, the scenery gradually changes from forests and mountains to rocky valleys and open desert terrain.
After crossing the eastern mountain region, you will pass through Errachidia and stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Ziz Valley. This impressive oasis is known for its extensive palm groves, traditional villages and fertile agricultural land.
The journey continues through Erfoud, a desert town famous for fossils and date production, before reaching Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
In the afternoon, you will meet your camel guide and ride across the golden dunes. You will stop to admire the sunset before continuing to your luxury desert camp.
At the camp, you will enjoy dinner and traditional Amazigh music around the fire before spending the night in a private tent beneath the Sahara sky.
Overnight: Luxury desert camp in Merzouga
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Todra Gorge – Tinghir – Dades Valley
We recommend waking up early to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the camp, you will return from the desert and meet your driver.
The fourth day begins with a journey toward Erfoud, a town known for its fossils, minerals and date products. Depending on your interests and the available time, you may visit a local fossil workshop or museum.
You will then continue toward Tinghir, a beautiful oasis town surrounded by palm groves, mountains and traditional villages.
From Tinghir, you will travel to Todra Gorge, where dramatic limestone cliffs rise on both sides of the river. You will have time for a short walk, photographs and lunch in the surrounding area.
Later, the journey continues toward Boumalne Dades. Along the way, you will experience the changing colors of southern Morocco’s mountains and desert landscapes while passing traditional Amazigh villages.
You will arrive at your hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Valley in the late afternoon or early evening.
Overnight: Dades Valley
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, you will leave the Dades Valley and travel along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.
Your first major destination will be Kelaat M’Gouna in the Rose Valley. The area is known for producing roses and traditional cosmetic products such as rose water, oils and soaps. Depending on the available time, you may stop at a local cooperative to learn about the production process.
The journey continues to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco” because of its film studios and connection to international cinema. An optional visit to Atlas Studios may be arranged, with the entrance ticket paid separately.
You will then travel to Ait Ben Haddou, a historic fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its earthen buildings represent the traditional architecture of southern Morocco, and the village once served as an important stop along the caravan routes between the Sahara and Marrakech.
A local guide will accompany you on a walk through the village. After the visit, you will have time for lunch at a nearby restaurant with panoramic views of the ksar.
In the afternoon, the 5 Day Morocco Desert Tour from Fes continues across the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Several stops will be made at panoramic viewpoints along the route.
Depending on the schedule, you may also stop at a women’s cooperative to learn about locally produced goods and the role these initiatives play in supporting mountain communities.
You will arrive at your hotel or riad in Marrakech at approximately 5:00 PM. The arrival time may change depending on traffic, weather and the duration of stops.
Your arrival in Marrakech marks the end of your journey from Fes through the Sahara and southern Morocco.
What’s Included
What’s Not Included
The 5 Day Morocco Desert Tour from Fes includes some extended driving periods, particularly between Fes and Merzouga and between the Dades Valley and Marrakech.
Regular stops will be made for meals, refreshments, photographs and comfort breaks. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light jacket are recommended. Temperatures in the desert can change significantly between daytime and nighttime.
The exact itinerary may be adjusted according to weather, road conditions, seasonal daylight hours and your arrival time in Fes.
The 5 Day Morocco Desert Tour from Fes can be customized according to your group size, preferred language, accommodation category and budget.
You can upgrade your hotels or desert camp, add another night in Merzouga or extend your stay in the Dades Valley for a more relaxed journey.
Contact Authentic Tours Morocco to receive your personalized itinerary and quotation.
