Private tour · Fes to Marrakech, one way
5-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour with Two Nights in Merzouga
The 5-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour is a private one-way journey: you're collected in Fes, spend two nights in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, one night in the Dadès Valley and one in Marrakech, and finish with a guided day in Marrakech.
Private Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour in 5 Days
This private Fes to Marrakech desert tour takes five days and four nights, with two nights in a desert camp at Merzouga, one in the Dadès Valley and one in Marrakech.
The two Merzouga nights are what set it apart from shorter crossings: day two is spent exploring the desert around Merzouga by 4×4, with visits to a Gnawa village and nomad families, instead of driving on. The route then heads west through the Todra Gorge, the Dadès Valley, Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou, crosses the High Atlas to Marrakech, and ends with a guided day in the city.
Fes to Marrakech Desert Itinerary: Jump to a Day
The five days are Fes to Merzouga, a full day in the Merzouga desert, Merzouga to the Dadès Valley, Dadès to Marrakech, and a guided day in Marrakech.
Book a 5-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour
To book, send us your dates and group size through the form, and we'll reply with a private quote and itinerary.
To check availability for your dates, please include:
- Your travel dates
- Number of travellers, and the ages of any children
- Your hotel or riad in Fes, and where to drop you off in Marrakech
- Your accommodation preferences
- Any changes you'd like to the itinerary
You can also email culture.moroccotours@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp +212 662 178 227.
Send your trip details
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Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga: Day-by-Day Itinerary
The itinerary crosses the Middle Atlas to Merzouga on day one, stays in the desert for day two, heads west through the Todra Gorge and Dadès Valley on day three, crosses the High Atlas to Marrakech on day four, and tours Marrakech on day five.
Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, Azrou and Midelt
Day 1 is the drive from Fes through the Middle Atlas to Merzouga, ending with a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset and a night at camp.
You're collected from your hotel or riad in Fes around 8 am. The road climbs through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, with stops in Ifrane and Azrou, where you may see wild Barbary macaques. Lunch is in Midelt, then you continue via Erfoud to Merzouga, which the Moroccan National Tourist Office describes as
"one of the gates of the Sahara"— Moroccan National Tourist Office (Visit Morocco), Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga
A full day exploring the Merzouga desert
Day 2 is spent in and around Merzouga, exploring by 4×4, visiting a Gnawa village and nomad families, and returning to the same camp for a second night.
In the Gnawa village you learn about the community's music and culture. You then meet nomad families and have lunch with them. A visit to the Rissani souk is optional. In the afternoon a camel ride takes you to quieter spots in the dunes before dinner at camp.
Merzouga to the Dadès Valley via Rissani, the Ziz Valley and the Todra Gorge
Day 3 is the drive west from Merzouga to the Dadès Valley, with a stop at the Todra Gorge.
After sunrise over the dunes, you ride back to the village for breakfast, then continue through Rissani, Erfoud and the palm groves of the Ziz Valley to Tinghir and the Todra Gorge. The day ends in Boumalne Dadès.
Dadès Valley to Marrakech via Skoura, Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou
Day 4 is the long drive from the Dadès Valley to Marrakech, via the Valley of Roses, Skoura, Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou, then over the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
In Ouarzazate you visit a film studio and a kasbah, then continue to the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, which UNESCO describes as
"a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco."— UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
The road then crosses the High Atlas to Marrakech.
Guided tour of Marrakech
Day 5 is a guided tour of Marrakech covering the Majorelle Gardens, the Koutoubia, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace and the souks, ending at your accommodation in Marrakech.
The medina of Marrakesh is a UNESCO World Heritage site; UNESCO describes its main square as
"Place Jamaâ El Fna, a veritable open-air theatre."— UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Medina of Marrakesh
After lunch near the square, you explore the souks and local handicrafts. Entrance fees are paid separately.
Merzouga Desert Camp and Hotel Overnights
You spend two nights in desert tents at a Berber camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, one night in a hotel in the Dadès Valley and one night in Marrakech, with dinner and breakfast included.
The hotels and camp for your dates are confirmed with your quote; tell us your accommodation preferences when you enquire. More about camps on our Merzouga desert page.
Fes to Marrakech Tour Package: What's Included
The tour includes a private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide, pickup in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech, hotel and desert-camp accommodation, the camel ride, and dinners and breakfasts; flights, lunches, drinks and entrance fees are not included.
Included
- Private tour in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Private driver-guide throughout
- Pickup in Fes and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
- Hotel accommodation on the route
- Desert tents at a Berber camp in Erg Chebbi
- Camel ride in the desert
- Dinners and breakfasts
Not included
- Flights to and from Morocco
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to museums and attractions
Why Choose This Fes to Marrakech Sahara Tour
This Fes to Marrakech Sahara tour gives you two nights in Merzouga, so you have a full day among the Erg Chebbi dunes rather than a quick overnight stop.
Two nights to experience Merzouga
A full desert day between two nights at camp.
Cultural encounters along the route
A Gnawa village and nomad families around Merzouga.
From the Middle Atlas to the Sahara
Cedar forests, Ifrane and Azrou on the way south.
Scenic stops between Fes and Marrakech
The Todra Gorge, the Dadès Valley and Aït Ben Haddou.
From Sahara landscapes to Marrakech's medina
The trip ends with a guided day in Marrakech.
A private journey from Fes to Marrakech
Only your group in the vehicle; ask for a custom Fes to Marrakech desert tour.
Fes to Marrakech Desert Trip: Driving and Planning
Days one, three and four are long driving days, while day two stays around Merzouga and day five is spent in Marrakech.
Which days involve the most driving?
Day one (Fes to Merzouga), day three (Merzouga to Dadès) and day four (Dadès to Marrakech) involve the most driving, with stops along the way.
What does the Marrakech tour cover?
The Marrakech tour covers the Majorelle Gardens, the Koutoubia, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace and the souks, with lunch near Jemaa el-Fna.
What should you pack?
Pack a small bag for the two camp nights, a warm layer for desert evenings, and sun protection.
Can the route be customised?
Yes, the route can be customised: tell us what you'd like to add or change and we'll adapt it where possible.
Sources and further reading
Heritage and destination facts on this page are supported by UNESCO and the Moroccan National Tourist Office, neither of which endorses any tour operator.
- Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga, between Atlas and desert — Moroccan National Tourist Office
- Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou — UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Medina of Marrakesh — UNESCO World Heritage Centre
5-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour FAQs
This tour is private, runs one way from Fes to Marrakech, and includes two nights in the Merzouga desert.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private tour. Only your group travels in the vehicle, with your own driver-guide.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts at your accommodation in Fes and ends at your accommodation in Marrakech. It is one way and doesn't return to Fes.
How many nights are spent in Merzouga?
Two nights are spent in a Berber desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. The day in between is spent exploring the desert.
Where do you stay the other nights?
You stay one night in a hotel in the Dadès Valley and one night in Marrakech.
What activities are planned around Merzouga?
The plan includes a 4×4 excursion, a Gnawa village visit, lunch with nomad families, and camel rides. Ask us to confirm which of these are included in your quote.
Which meals are included?
Dinners and breakfasts are included. Lunches and drinks are not included.
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to museums and attractions are not included. They apply to sites such as the Marrakech gardens, tombs and palace.
How do I book this tour?
You book by sending the form with your dates and group size. You can also email or WhatsApp us; we'll reply with a quote.
More Private Desert Tours from Fes
If you have less time, or would rather return to Fes, choose one of these tours.
Plan Your Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour
Send your travel dates, number of travellers, accommodation preferences and any itinerary changes, and we'll send a quote for your private tour.