Turn the journey between Marrakech and Fes into one of the highlights of your Morocco trip. This private 5 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour crosses the High Atlas Mountains, visits the fortified ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, follows the valleys and gorges of southern Morocco, and spends two nights beside the Erg Chebbi dunes before continuing through the Middle Atlas to Fes.
Unlike a rushed three- or four-day crossing, this itinerary gives you a full day around Merzouga and breaks the long desert-to-Fes journey with a night in Midelt. You have time for real walks, local encounters, and flexible photo stops—not just hours spent inside the vehicle. The tour can be adjusted for couples, families, friends or private groups, with standard or luxury accommodation.
One-way travel from your Marrakech accommodation to your accommodation in Fes—no backtracking.
Two Sahara nights: one at a dune-edge riad and one in a desert camp reached by camel or 4×4.
A full Merzouga day for Khamlia, desert landscapes and respectful local encounters.
A night in Midelt to make the final drive to Fes shorter and more comfortable.
Private air-conditioned transport, flexible stops and no shopping visits unless you request them.
Private air-conditioned SUV or minivan with a professional driver.
Pickup in Marrakech and drop-off at your confirmed accommodation in Fes.
Four nights: Dades Valley, Merzouga riad, Sahara camp and Midelt hotel.
Four breakfasts and four dinners; dietary needs accommodated when advised early.
Merzouga 4×4 circuit, camel ride or 4×4 camp transfer, and sandboarding when available.
Lunches, drinks, entrance fees.
Quad bikes, buggies, travel insurance, personal expenses and gratuities.
Pickup is normally around 8:00 a.m. from your Marrakech riad, hotel or airport. Cross the High Atlas Mountains by the Tizi n’Tichka road, stopping at panoramic viewpoints and mountain villages when conditions allow.
Continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village where you can walk through the earthen lanes and learn about caravan history and traditional architecture.
After lunch, pass Ouarzazate, Skoura and the Rose Valley before reaching Boumalne Dades.
Dinner and overnight in a kasbah-style hotel or guesthouse.
Approx. 330–350 km; 6–7 hours’ driving, excluding stops.
After breakfast, enjoy the Dades landscapes and continue toward Tinghir. Walk beneath the high cliffs of Todra Gorge and, if timing permits, take a short walk through the palm grove instead of making only a roadside photo stop.
Travel through Tinejdad and Erfoud toward Merzouga, arriving beside the Erg Chebbi dunes in the late afternoon. Check in at a desert riad, relax, and watch the changing colors of the dunes. This first Merzouga night keeps the arrival unhurried; the camp experience follows tomorrow.
Dinner and overnight near the dunes.
Approx. 260–280 km; 4.5–5.5 hours’ driving.
Today is devoted to the desert rather than another long transfer. Travel by 4×4 around Erg Chebbi, visit Khamlia to hear Gnawa music, and see seasonal oases, fossil areas or former mining villages depending on conditions and your interests.
A respectful visit with a nomadic family may be possible when hosts are available. Try medfouna—often called Berber pizza—for lunch, then return to Merzouga to prepare for the camp.
In the late afternoon, cross the dunes by camel, or choose a 4×4 transfer for greater comfort. Pause for sunset before dinner, music and stargazing at camp.
Overnight in a standard or luxury tent.
Wake early for sunrise if you wish, then have breakfast and leave the dunes. Stop at Rissani’s traditional market when the visit falls on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday; market schedules can change, so this stop is never guaranteed.
Continue through Erfoud and the Ziz Valley, pausing at a palm-filled viewpoint before following the road through Errachidia and the eastern Middle Atlas. Arrive in Midelt with time to rest after the desert.
Dinner and overnight in Midelt.
Approx. 270–300 km; 4.5–5.5 hours’ driving.
After breakfast, continue north through the Middle Atlas. Stop near the cedar forests around Azrou when time and road conditions allow; Barbary macaques are wild animals, so sightings cannot be promised.
Continue through Ifrane and descend toward Fes. Drop-off is at your riad, hotel or the nearest accessible point in the old medina. Arrival is generally in the afternoon, but weather, traffic and sightseeing stops can change the timing. Avoid booking an important flight or train on the same day.
You can also omit a day and do the 4 Days tour from Fes.
Approx. 210–230 km; 3.5–4.5 hours’ driving.
Our 5 days tour from Marrakech to Fes includes carefully selected accommodation based on the category you choose. Your quote will clearly show whether you stay in standard, comfort, or luxury hotels and desert camps, along with your room type—usually a private room with an ensuite bathroom. Breakfasts and dinners are included during the tour, while lunches and drinks are usually not included unless stated in your personalised quote.
You can select from three different options as explained here:
Our standard option is ideal for travellers looking for a comfortable and affordable 5 days tour from Marrakech to Fes. You stay in clean, locally run guesthouses, riads, and a standard desert camp, usually in a private room with an ensuite bathroom. Breakfasts and dinners are included, while lunch and drinks are not included. The camp offers a simple but authentic Sahara experience, often with shared or basic facilities depending on availability.
The mid-range option offers more comfort, better locations, and higher-quality service throughout your Marrakech to Fes desert tour. You stay in charming 3- or 4-star-style riads, hotels, and a comfortable desert camp with private ensuite tents. Breakfast and dinner are included, and rooms are generally more spacious, well-equipped, and stylish. This is a great choice for travellers who want a pleasant balance between price, comfort, and an authentic Moroccan experience.
Our luxury option is designed for travellers who prefer premium comfort and service. You stay in carefully selected upscale riads or hotels and a luxury desert camp with spacious private ensuite tents, quality bedding, private bathrooms, and enhanced amenities. Breakfasts and dinners are included, with better menus and service than the other categories. This option offers a more refined stay while enjoying the same unforgettable route from Marrakech to Merzouga and Fes.
This tour is designed as a private tour, giving you control over departure time, stops and accommodation. A shared departure should be described separately if offered.
Yes. A 4×4 camp transfer can be arranged for travelers who prefer not to ride, including families and guests with mobility concerns.
The recommended sequence is Dades Valley, a Merzouga dune-edge riad, a Sahara desert camp and Midelt.
Yes, especially as a private tour. Request child seats in advance and discuss summer heat, food needs and the driving schedule before booking.
The complete route is roughly 1,050–1,150 km, depending on detours and pickup locations. Listed driving times exclude meals, walks and photo stops.
Main luggage is transferred by the vehicle or camp team. Carry a small overnight bag with warm layers, toiletries, medication and valuables.
March to May and September to November usually offer comfortable conditions. Summer is very hot in Merzouga; winter nights can be cold.
The recommended package includes four breakfasts and four dinners. Lunches, drinks and entrance fees are normally extra unless your quote says otherwise.
Arrival is usually in the afternoon. Traffic, mountain weather and stops vary, so do not promise an exact time or advise same-day onward travel.
In fes you can visit the Medina and even go on other activities like a day trip from Fes to Chefchaouen for example.
This is a possible tour plan. If it doesn’t work for you, please let us know. Based on your hobbies and length of time, a personalized plan will be made. We offer custom tours of Morocco, click here for more detailes: Top Morocco Tours.
The price goes down as more people sign up for the trip. If the price stays the same, the cost of transportation will depend on how many people are going. Cost depends on how good the lodging is. Contact us to get a quote.
