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5 DAY PRIVATE DESERT TOUR MARRAKECH TO FES
Tour from Marrakech
HIGHLIGHTS
This 5-day tour offers a comprehensive and breathtaking journey from Marrakech to the iconic blue city of Chefchaouen, weaving through the heart of the Sahara Desert and the imperial city of Fes. It combines the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, the historic depths of the Fes Medina, and the vibrant blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen into a single, seamless itinerary. Along the way, you will experience camel trekking, sandboarding, authentic Berber hospitality under the stars, and Morocco's rich architectural heritage.
Opting for a private tour ensures a hassle-free, authentic experience with personalized attention. Let your dedicated driver handle the logistics while you focus on making cherished memories.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
5 DAY UNIQUE DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO CHEFCHAOUEN
DURATION: 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
START: MARRAKECH
END:FES
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE
ACCOMMODATIONS: VARIOUS OPTIONS
TOUR PRICE: Depends on group size
OVERVIEW
Traversing the spectacular passes of the High Atlas Mountains
Discovering the historic Telouet Kasbah (Palace of Glaoui)
Exploring the UNESCO-protected fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou
Sharing tea with a local Berber family living in a mountain cave
Walking through the towering canyons of the Dades and Todra Gorges
Riding camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
Experiencing breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the Sahara
Spending a magical night in a luxury desert camp under the stars
Engaging with a nomadic Berber family in the heart of the desert
A full-day off-road exploration of the Merzouga region
Spotting wild Barbary macaques in the cedar forests of Azrou
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1: MARRAKECH → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH → OUARZAZATE
Your journey begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. Leaving the city behind, you will ascend into the High Atlas Mountains, where the route offers magnificent panoramic views. We will make several stops to appreciate the scenery and visit the historic Telouet Kasbah, the former grand residence and stronghold of the influential El Glaoui family.
By midday, you will arrive at Ait Ben Haddou. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing lunch before exploring the famous kasbah. This ancient clay fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has served as a stunning backdrop for major productions like The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.
The drive then continues to Ouarzazate, famously known as the "Hollywood of Africa" and the gateway to the Sahara. You will have the option to visit the massive Atlas Film Studios or explore the beautiful Taourirt Kasbah, another historic property once held by the Glaoui family. The day concludes with a transfer to your hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay.
DAY 2: OUARZAZATE → SKOURA → KELAAT M'GOUNA → BOU THARAR → DADES VALLEY
After a delightful hotel breakfast, the route takes you to the sprawling Skoura oasis, a massive palm grove covering over 4,000 hectares. Historically, this area was a crucial resting point for trading caravans travelling between Sub-Saharan Africa and the coast. While here, you will visit the 300-year-old Amridil Kasbah to gain insight into traditional Moroccan oasis life.
Next, you will pass through Kelaat M'Gouna, the heart of the Valley of Roses. If travelling during the spring, the valley is awash with blooming pink roses ready for harvest.
Leaving the rose valley, the drive transitions into an adventurous off-road track towards Bou Tharar, passing through remote Berber farming villages. Along this route, you will stop to visit a nomadic family residing in a natural mountain cave, sharing a warm cup of tea and experiencing their traditional, secluded way of life.
You will eventually arrive in the Dades Valley to check into your accommodation. In the late afternoon, you can relax at the hotel or take a guided walk through the spectacular "Monkey Fingers" rock formations and slot canyons. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful night in the valley. Driving distance: Approximately 144 km Driving time: Approximately 3 hr
DAY 3: DADES VALLEY → TODRA GORGE → MERZOUGA DESERT
Following breakfast, the expedition pushes further east towards the Sahara. The morning features a stop in the Tinghir oasis, where you can take in sweeping panoramic views of the lush palm canopy before taking a leisurely walk beneath the dramatic, sheer cliffs of the Todra Gorge.
By the afternoon, the landscape flattens as you arrive at the edge of the Merzouga desert. Here, you will trade your vehicle for a camel, embarking on a trek deep into the dunes. You will pause on a high ridge to watch a spectacular Sahara sunset before arriving at your luxury desert camp.
You will be welcomed with traditional mint tea and shown to your private luxury tent. The evening features a fantastic dinner followed by traditional Berber drumming and singing around a campfire beneath a brilliant, star-filled sky.
DAY 4: MERZOUGA DESERT EXPLORATION
Early risers can step out of their tents to witness a phenomenal desert sunrise over the dunes. After a hearty breakfast, the entire day is dedicated to exploring the Erg Chebbi region.
The first stop is Khamlia, a vibrant village renowned for its Gnawa music, which originates from Sub-Saharan traditions. After enjoying a musical performance, the 4x4 takes you off-road to the abandoned village of M'Fis, known for its historic galena mines (a mineral used to make traditional kohl eyeliner).
You will then venture further into the desert to visit a nomadic family living in a traditional tent near the dunes. Experience their incredible hospitality and learn about a lifestyle that remains largely untouched by modern civilization.
Following a midday lunch break, you will transfer to a beautiful riad situated right on the edge of the dunes. You can spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or taking a walk out onto the sand to catch yet another magnificent sunset. (Note: If you prefer to spend this second night back at the desert camp, simply inform us during booking).
DAY 5: MERZOUGA DESERT → ZIZ VALLEY → IFRANE → FES
You will have one last opportunity to wake early and watch the sunrise paint the Erg Chebbi dunes from the comfort of your riad.
After breakfast, the long journey north to Fes begins. The route completely changes the scenery as you leave the desert behind and drive through the massive, palm-filled gorge of the Ziz Valley.
Continuing north into the Middle Atlas Mountains, you will stop in the cedar forests near Azrou, where you have a high chance of spotting wild Barbary macaques playing in the trees. The drive then passes through Ifrane, a pristine alpine town famous for its European-style architecture, earning it the nickname "the Switzerland of Morocco."
You will arrive in the imperial city of Fes by the late afternoon. Your driver will drop you off safely at your riad or the closest accessible point to your accommodation, bringing your spectacular 5-day desert adventure to a close.
INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR
NOT INCLUDED
Pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech
Comfortable transportation in a modern, air-conditioned 4x4 SUV
Professional English/Spanish-speaking driver, or a driver with a dedicated 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 camp
Drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes
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
