5 Days Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fes Adventure

Your 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes begins with a morning departure from your accommodation in Marrakech. As you leave the city behind, journey through the High Atlas Mountains, following the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Along the way, take in breathtaking panoramic views of terraced fields, Berber villages, and rugged mountain peaks.

The first stop is at Ait Ben Haddou, a historic UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village) renowned for its mudbrick architecture and cinematic history. This architectural masterpiece has been featured in films and series such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Take a stroll through its ancient alleyways and towering kasbahs, capturing the essence of Morocco’s rich heritage.

Afterward, continue to Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Morocco, home to famous film studios and the historic Taourirt Kasbah.

The next stop is the Valley of Roses, a region celebrated for its fragrant rose fields and artisanal beauty products. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore local cooperatives producing rose perfumes, soaps, and essential oils, offering a glimpse into the region’s thriving floral industry.

As the journey continues, travel along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, a historic pathway lined with ancient fortresses and palm oases, once a key trade route between the desert and the imperial cities.

By evening, arrive in Boumalne Dades, where you’ll check into a traditional hotel or riad, enjoying a warm Moroccan welcome before resting for the night.

After breakfast, the second day of your 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes begins with a visit to the stunning Dades Gorge. Carved by the Dades River, this breathtaking canyon features towering rock formations and crystal-clear waters, creating one of Morocco’s most picturesque natural wonders.

Continuing the journey, you’ll visit the Todra Gorge, located at 1,550 meters above sea level near the Berber town of Tinghir. This dramatic canyon, with its towering rock walls and lush valley, is a favorite spot for climbers, hikers, and photographers seeking Morocco’s raw natural beauty.

As you travel toward Merzouga, the landscape transforms into a mix of bizarre rock formations, vast oasis valleys, and historic kasbahs, showcasing the diverse terrain of southeastern Morocco.

A stop in Erfoud, known as the gateway to the Sahara, offers the opportunity to explore a local workshop specializing in fossilized crafts and jewelry, where you can discover artifacts dating back millions of years.

By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, where your Sahara Desert adventure begins. Whether you stay in a desert camp or a traditional hotel, the first golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise just behind your accommodation.

As the sun starts to set, embark on a camel trek across the dunes, an unforgettable experience that allows you to witness the Sahara’s shifting colors at dusk. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture this magical moment before settling into your desert camp for a night under the stars, complete with a traditional Berber dinner and live Saharan music.

Start your third day of the 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes with a traditional Moroccan breakfast, featuring freshly baked bread, olives, tajine-style eggs, and local desserts. Today is dedicated to exploring Merzouga and its surrounding desert landscapes, offering a deeper connection with Morocco’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Begin your Sahara exploration with an off-road drive through the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll witness vast fossil plains and remnants of ancient coal mines once used for traditional Berber eyeliner production.

A visit to a Gnawa village provides an opportunity to experience hypnotic drum rhythms and spiritual music, played by the descendants of sub-Saharan slaves who settled in the region. Their music carries deep historical and cultural significance, offering a truly immersive experience.

Next, enjoy tea with nomads under their handwoven wool tents, where you’ll gain insight into their centuries-old desert lifestyle. This intimate encounter allows you to learn about traditional Berber customs, survival techniques, and desert hospitality.

For lunch, indulge in Madfouna, the famous Berber pizza, a traditional dish baked over an open fire and filled with flavorful local ingredients.

The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the Sahara at your own pace. You may choose to take a leisurely walk across the golden dunes, or for those seeking adventure, try sandboarding down the Erg Chebbi dunes, an exhilarating way to experience the desert’s unique terrain.

As evening approaches, return to your desert camp or hotel, where a delicious Moroccan dinner awaits. Spend another night under the mesmerizing Saharan sky, soaking in the peacefulness of the desert before continuing your journey the next day.

On the fourth day of your 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes, we set off early for a scenic journey toward Fes, passing through some of Morocco’s most stunning landscapes and cultural highlights.

The first stop is at Ziz Valley, a breathtaking oasis lined with thousands of palm trees, creating a striking contrast against the arid desert terrain. Known for its ancient kasbahs and lush date palm groves, this valley offers a glimpse into Morocco’s rich agricultural heritage.

As we continue, we cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, making stops at panoramic viewpoints where you can take in the vast, rolling landscapes. This region is home to dense cedar forests, picturesque hills, and traditional Berber villages, providing a serene escape from the desert’s harsh conditions.

A major highlight of the day is driving through Ifrane National Park, home to one of Morocco’s largest cedar forests. If luck is on our side, we’ll encounter the Barbary macaques, an iconic species that has migrated as far as Gibraltar. While feeding them is allowed, caution is always advised when interacting with these playful primates.

Continuing through what is often called “Moroccan Switzerland,” the town of Ifrane surprises visitors with its European-style alpine architecture, lush green landscapes, and clean streets. Unlike the desert regions, this town has a completely different atmosphere, featuring chalet-style houses and grazing cows instead of camels.

After a brief stop in Ifrane, we descend through the mountain roads leading to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Upon arrival, we will drop you off at your traditional riad, marking the end of another incredible day on this desert adventure.

On the final day of your 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes, you will embark on a guided city tour of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, your local city guide will meet you for an in-depth exploration of Fes’ historic and cultural landmarks.

Begin at the Royal Palace, where you’ll admire the majestic golden gate and towering city walls, a symbol of the city’s regal heritage. Next, venture into the ancient medina of Fes el Bali, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways filled with spice markets, vibrant souks, and traditional artisan workshops.

Visit the famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather has been dyed using ancient techniques for centuries. Witness the artisans at work and get a glimpse of one of the city’s most photographed spots.

Continue to Medersa Al Attarine, one of Fes’ most exquisite examples of Islamic architecture, adorned with intricate tilework and carved wooden details. Then, stop at the Nejjarine Fountain, a beautiful example of Moroccan craftsmanship, located in the heart of the medina.

One of the most significant stops on the tour is the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, which is recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Founded in 859 AD, this prestigious institution has been a center of learning for scholars from across the Islamic world.

After an insightful morning of discovery, enjoy lunch at a local Moroccan restaurant, where you can savor traditional Fassi cuisine.

In the afternoon, we will transfer you to the airport or return you to your riad, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Morocco.

Looking for a shorter desert journey? Our 3 Days Desert Trip From Fes is perfect for quick getaways from northern Morocco. Want to experience more cities beyond the desert? Try our 10 days Morocco trip from Marrakech for a complete cultural circuit.