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5 DAY PRIVATE DESERT TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
Tour from Fes
HIGHLIGHTS
5-day journey from Fes to Marrakech, with the spectacular Merzouga desert at the heart of your adventure. Imagine trekking across golden dunes on camelback as the setting sun paints the sky in vibrant hues, followed by a magical evening under a canopy of stars at a luxury desert camp.
This off-the-beaten-path expedition is designed to immerse you deeply in Morocco's diverse landscapes and rich traditions. Travelling comfortably in a private 4x4 vehicle, you will venture beyond the typical tourist routes. You will have the unique opportunity to meet nomadic Berber families—both in the vast Sahara and in the mountain caves near Bou Tharar—and explore dramatic canyons, ancient kasbahs, and the soaring peaks of the High Atlas.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
5 DAY PRIVATE DESERT TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
DURATION: 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
START: FES
END: MARRAKECH
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE
ACCOMMODATIONS: VARIOUS OPTIONS
TOUR PRICE: Depends on group size
OVERVIEW
Spotting wild Barbary macaques in the cedar forests near Azrou
Embarking on a camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes
Witnessing magnificent Sahara sunrises and sunsets
Spending an unforgettable night in a premium luxury desert camp
Enjoying a full-day off-road exploration of the Merzouga region
Engaging with a nomadic Berber family in the Sahara for a unique cultural exchange
Walking through the towering cliffs of the Todra and Dades Gorges
Visiting a nomadic family living in a natural mountain cave near Bou Tharar
Exploring the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
Discovering the historic Glaoui stronghold at the Telouet Kasbah
Traversing the spectacular passes of the High Atlas Mountains
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1: FES → IFRANE → ZIZ VALLEY → MERZOUGA DESERT
Your 5-day desert odyssey begins with a convenient morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Fes. Leaving the city, the drive heads south into the Middle Atlas Mountains. You will stop in the pristine, European-style town of Ifrane before continuing to the serene cedar forests near Azrou, where you have a great chance of spotting wild Barbary monkeys. The route then descends through the picturesque Ziz Valley, offering sweeping views of its massive palm groves.
Upon arriving in the Merzouga desert in the late afternoon, you will trade your 4x4 for a camel. Enjoy a peaceful ride across the mesmerising dunes, pausing on a high ridge to watch a breathtaking Sahara sunset. You will then arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you will be welcomed with traditional mint tea and shown to your private tent. The evening features a delectable dinner and a magical night around a roaring campfire, complete with rhythmic Berber drumming beneath a vast, starry sky.
DAY 2: MERZOUGA DESERT DISCOVERY
Early risers can step outside their tents to witness a phenomenal desert sunrise. After a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a full-day 4x4 adventure to discover the hidden wonders of the Merzouga region.
The first stop is Khamlia, a vibrant village renowned for its rhythmic Gnawa music. From there, you will venture off-road to explore the abandoned mining village of M'Fis, historically known for its galena (kohl) mines.
Next, you will dive into the authentic nomadic lifestyle by visiting a local family living in traditional tents near the Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience their warm Berber hospitality and learn how they navigate life in this harsh, beautiful environment.
After a midday lunch break, you will be transferred to a charming local riad boasting spectacular views of the dunes. Spend the afternoon relaxing or swimming in the pool. As evening approaches, you can take a leisurely stroll out onto the sand to catch another captivating sunset.
DAY 3: MERZOUGA DESERT → RISSANI → TODRA GORGE → DADES VALLEY
Following a tasty breakfast at your Merzouga riad, the journey continues west towards the Dades Valley.
The first major stop is the historic town of Rissani. If you happen to visit on a market day (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday), you will have the opportunity to wander through its bustling, traditional souk—a fantastic place to observe local crafts, aromatic spices, and street food.
The drive then passes through the lush Tinghir Oasis before arriving at the spectacular Todra Canyon. You will have time to take a leisurely walk beneath the breathtaking, towering rock walls that frame the gorge. Later in the afternoon, you will arrive in the Dades Valley, checking into your hotel for a relaxing dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
DAY 4: DADES VALLEY → BOU THARAR → KELAAT M'GOUNA → SKOURA → OUARZAZATE
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. You can choose to take a relaxed morning stroll through the Dades Valley or embark on an exciting guided hike through the spectacular "Monkey Fingers" canyon to marvel at its unique slot canyons and rock formations.
Leaving the Dades Valley, the journey takes an adventurous off-road route towards Kelaat M'Gouna via Bou Tharar. Along this remote path, you will stop to visit a nomadic Berber family residing in a natural mountain cave, sharing a warm cup of tea and experiencing their secluded way of life.
You will then arrive in Kelaat M'Gouna, the heart of the Rose Valley. If travelling in the spring, you will be treated to the sight and scent of thousands of blooming roses. The drive continues to the sprawling Skoura oasis, a historic caravan stop packed with palm trees. Here, you will explore the 300-year-old Amridil Kasbah to learn about traditional oasis architecture. Finally, you will reach Ouarzazate, where you will check into your hotel for dinner and a restful night.
DAY 5: OUARZAZATE → AIT BEN HADDOU → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → TELOUET KASBAH → MARRAKECH
After a delightful hotel breakfast, the morning is dedicated to exploring Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Desert" and the "Hollywood of Africa." You will visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah and have the chance to see the famous Atlas Film Studios.
The route then takes you to the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Moroccan earthen architecture and has served as the backdrop for legendary productions like The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.
Following lunch and an exploration of the kasbah, the drive ascends into the majestic High Atlas Mountains. You will stop at various panoramic viewpoints and visit the historic Telouet Kasbah—the former palace and stronghold of the powerful El Glaoui family. The journey descends into Marrakech by the afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation, bringing your unforgettable 5-day desert odyssey to a close.
INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
NOT INCLUDED
Pick-up from your hotel or riad in Fes
Comfortable transportation in a modern, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle
Professional English-speaking driver, or a driver accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide
4 nights of accommodation (including the luxury desert camp and riads/hotels)
Meals: 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
Camel trekking excursion in Merzouga
Sandboarding equipment at the dunes
A guided hike through the Monkey Fingers canyon
Drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
Lunches
Beverages
Entrance fees (when needed)
Tips (optional)
BOOK NOW & PAY LATER
MAP ITIENRARY
Please fill out the form below to contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your journey.Email: caravanandchronicle@gmail.com Phone: +212 (0) 524 123 456
