5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara
Our 5 days tour from Marrakech to Fes is the relaxed way to cross Morocco. Instead of rushing, you take two days to reach the Sahara through the High Atlas, Aït Benhaddou and the Dades and Todra gorges, then spend two full nights in the Merzouga desert before finishing in the imperial city of Fes.
Highlights
- Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m)
- UNESCO kasbah of Aït Benhaddou
- Dades Valley, valley of a thousand kasbahs
- Todra Gorge, 300 m canyon walls
- Camel trek into Erg Chebbi at sunset
- A full free day in the Sahara
- Ziz Valley palm groves
- Cedar forests and Ifrane
Itinerary
Marrakech – High Atlas – Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate
Morning pick-up in Marrakech and the climb over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with stops above Berber villages. Walk through the fortified ksar of Aït Benhaddou, then continue to Ouarzazate for the night.
Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud
Drive through the Dades Valley and its kasbahs, then walk between the towering walls of the Todra Gorge. The road gradually turns to desert as you reach Erfoud, gateway to the dunes.
Merzouga – camel trek – desert camp
On to Merzouga. In the late afternoon, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset and arrive at camp for dinner, Berber music and a night under the stars.
A full day in the Sahara
Sunrise over the dunes, then a day at your own pace: visit nomad families, try sandboarding or a 4×4 excursion, or simply enjoy the silence. A second sunset and second night in the desert.
Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Ifrane – Fes
Head north through the Ziz Valley palm groves and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where Barbary macaques live, with a stop in Ifrane. Drop-off at your riad in Fes in the evening.
Included
- Private vehicle with A/C
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Pick-up in Marrakech, drop-off in Fes
- 1 night Ouarzazate, 1 night Erfoud
- 2 nights in a Merzouga desert camp
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Camel trek in Erg Chebbi
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees not mentioned
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Driving times
Day 4 is a full day in the Sahara with no long drive. Times below are driving only. Stops for photos, visits and meals come on top.
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech to Ouarzazate, via Aït Benhaddou | about 200 km | about 4 hours |
| Day 2 | Ouarzazate to Erfoud, via the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge | about 300 km | about 5.5 hours |
| Day 3 | Erfoud to Merzouga | about 55 km | about 1 hour |
| Day 5 | Merzouga to Fes | about 470 km | about 8 hours |
Best time to go
The best months for this desert tour are March to May and September to November, when days are warm and nights at the camp are cool. In summer (June to August) midday in the Sahara is very hot, so camel rides are planned for sunset and sunrise. In winter (December to February) days are sunny and mild, but desert nights are cold, so bring a warm jacket.
Your 5 days Marrakech to Fes tour route
- Marrakech
- Aït Benhaddou
- Ouarzazate
- Boumalne Dades
- Tinghir
- Erfoud
- Merzouga
- Ifrane
- Fes
What our travellers say about their trip
★★★★★ 5.0 on Tripadvisor · 41 reviews
It was absolutely incredible
“This trip to Morocco was an absolute dream!!! I’m never going back to planning my own trips again…”
Amazing experience
“Beautiful country, beautiful landscapes, nice people. Best trip ever. A place you must visit.”
Love it!!
“One of the best holidays in my life, the place is so beautiful…”
Great place to visit!
“A great place to visit! Beautiful country with amazing views and Hamid is an amazing guide!”
Best experience ever!
“Had an absolutely incredible time! I will 100 percent book this experience again…”
Enjoyed everything!
“Hamid is a great, kind person, the best to work with.”
5 days Marrakech to Fes tour FAQ
4 days or 5 days from Marrakech to Fes: which should I choose?
The 5-day tour adds a night in Erfoud and a full free day in the Sahara, so the driving is lighter and you have more time in the dunes. Choose the 4-day tour if you are short on time.
Can I do this tour from Fes to Marrakech instead?
Yes. We run the same route in the other direction, starting in Fes and ending in Marrakech. Tell us when you book.
Are dinners included?
Yes. Breakfast and dinner are included every day, including the dinners at the desert camp.
Can we upgrade to a luxury desert camp?
Yes. Ask us for a luxury tent with private bathroom and we will send you the price difference.
How long is the drive each day?
The longest driving day is day 5, Merzouga to Fes: about 470 km, about 8 hours of driving. The other days are shorter. There are stops for photos, visits and meals along the way, and the driving times table on this page shows every day.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. Because the tour is private, we can adjust the pace and add extra stops for children. Tell us their ages when you book so we can plan the day around your family.
