5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
Duration
Tour Type
Explore Tours
This 5-day Moroccan adventure whisks you across the country, from the vibrant city of Marrakech to the contrasting vastness of the Sahara Desert. You’ll journey through the High Atlas Mountains, witnessing breathtaking scenery and visiting historical Kasbahs. Camel trekking across the golden dunes of Merzouga and stargazing from a Berber camp are unforgettable highlights. The tour concludes in the culturally rich city of Fes.
Highlights:
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains:Â Travel through stunning mountain ranges with breathtaking views and Berber villages.
- Explore historical Kasbahs:Â Visit famous Kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been a backdrop in many movies.
- Camel trek across the Sahara Desert:Â Experience a traditional camel ride across the vast Erg Chebbi dunes, a truly magical experience.
- Stargaze from a Berber camp:Â Spend a night in a traditional Berber camp under a blanket of stars, a sight unlike any other.
- End your trip in Fes:Â Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities.
Included/Exclude
- Transport in a private air-conditioned 4×4; Toyota Prado Tx or deluxe van, and fuel
- Pick up from and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakesh
- Experienced local English Berber and nomad driver/guide
- One night in a riad or kasbah (traditional hotel) typically in Dades Valley, and one night in a desert camp (tent).
- Entrance fees to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and the camel trek experience in Merzouga.
- Breakfast
- Flights:Â Round trip airfare to and from Morocco is not included.
- Travel Insurance: It's recommended to purchase your own travel insurance.
- Drinks:Â Beverages are usually not included.
- Lunches and Dinners (except where mentioned): Budget for meals not included in the tour package.
- Tips:Â Tipping your guide and camel handlers is customary, but not mandatory.
Tour Plan
Start your journey over the desert from Marrakech to Fes early in the morning by leaving your riad at 8:30.
You pull off in the direction of Kasbah Telouet after the Tichka pass at the top of the High Atlas Mountains. This Kasbah, which consists of three main structures, belonged to the Glaoui family, the Lords of the Atlas. Every extension to the building was constructed at a different time and is now in ruins. It is unsafe to enter two areas because they have been so severely damaged by the wind and rain. As you approach the furthest end of the most undamaged building, there is a sudden surprise.
More surprises can be found in the Ounila Valley's shape of the rock and soil, several tiny Berber towns and gardens, as well as smaller Kasbahs. After viewing the famous Kasbah, lunch is waiting for you at Ait Ben Haddou.
You will arrive in Ouarzazate, the largest town after the mountains, after another 45 minutes. One spends the night at a riad or hotel.
We take a tour of Ouarzazate after breakfast. First, we go to the Atlas Studios, the location of multiple popular movies, and then we go to the Taourirt Kasbah, a fortified mud fortress that is home to one of Morocco's most magnificent and ancient ksars. Following that, we travel east to Skoura to see Amridil Kasbah, which is encircled by palm groves. Next, proceed to Kalaa Magouna, a place popular for its Rose Valley. Every year in May, there is a Rose Festival when people sell anything from perfumes to rose water, oil, and cosmetics. After that, we travel via Boumalne Dades to Dades Valley. Stops at the "monkey fingers" rock formation and atop a peak with a view of the Dades valley are unavoidable. Dinner and spending the night in a Boumalne Dades hotel.
Following breakfast, we continue our five-day desert tour to the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has cut out a massive canyon through the mountains, resulting in a red gorge with towering cliff walls. You are welcome to explore the gorges and take in the breathtaking scenery. Next, take a drive through Touroug and Tinjdad's palm groves. Lunch break throughout the trip.
We arrive at Merzouga, the Sahara desert, in the afternoon. where you cross the dusty desert on camels instead of horses. We'll pause so you can stand on a tall dune and take in the breathtaking sunset. Then proceed to the opulent camp in the desert. where you can dance around the campfire while listening to the music of the Berber drums under a wide open sky full of stars. Dinner and the night spent in the camp.
It is essential to get up early in order to see the breathtaking dawn in the middle of the desert. Breakfast is on your own at this time. Next, you ride camels back to Merzouga, where the driver is waiting for you. We set aside the day to explore the Merzouga region. There are a ton of amazing places in the area, like sand dunes, a wild lake, mines, fossil locations, and magnificent oases. which are perfect locations for a wide range of outdoor pursuits.
First, we travel off-road to an old eyeliner mine near Merzouga to start our adventure. Next, we visit the nomads in their tent created by hand. Sip a Berber tea and discover their way of life. Our next stop is the village of Khamlia, where you may take in performances of Gnaoua music and dance. Mali, Sudan, and Niger are among the sub-Saharan nations from where its people come originally. Time to spare for a meal at a restaurant. We then go through a grove of palm trees after that. After that, travel a little distance to witness Merzouga's wild lake, also known as Flamingo Lake. Dinner and rest of the night within a hotel.
On the final day of your Five-day desert excursion from Marrakech to Fes. You rise early in the morning to take in the breathtaking desert dawn. After having breakfast on your own, ride camels back to Merzouga, where your driver is waiting for you. Next, we go from the desert and travel to Rissani Town, which was Tafilalet's former capital. Remaining a significant hub for trade in the area, Rissani features a sizable souk that comes alive on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. We visit one of the fossilized marble workshops in Erfoud after taking a stroll through the Rissani souk.
Following that, we drive along the Ziz River and pause to take in the magnificent panorama of the Ziz Valley. Lunch break free in Midelt. Next, we head into the Cedars Forest, home of the Barbary Macaques. While exploring the forest, feel free to give them food. Subsequently, we travel to Ifrane, which is renowned for its frigid temperatures, snowfall, and chalet-style homes—no surprise it's dubbed the Switzerland of Morocco. Finally, we drop you off at your Fes accommodation or the airport. Tour's end.
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4.6
This trip was a wild ride! Literally, some of the mountain roads were pretty intense, but our driver Omar was a pro. We saw some amazing sights, from ancient kasbahs to towering gorges. The camel trek was an adventure – those things are surprisingly wobbly! But the best part was the stargazing in the desert. Never seen so many stars in my life! Just be prepared for the shared bathrooms in the desert camp – not for the faint of heart! 5 stars for the memories!
4.4
Overall, a great tour! The scenery was breathtaking, especially the Dades Gorge and the Todra Gorges. The kasbahs were interesting to visit, and staying in a traditional desert camp was a unique experience. However, the camel ride was a bit long and uncomfortable. If you’re not a seasoned rider, be prepared for some soreness! Also, some of the dinners were a bit repetitive. Still, a great trip for the adventurous traveler.
4
This tour was an unforgettable experience! From cruising through the High Atlas mountains to camping under a star-filled sky in the Merzouga desert, everything was perfectly arranged. Our guide, Rashid, was fantastic – knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to answer our questions. The food was delicious and plentiful, and the accommodations were comfortable. Camel trekking at sunrise over the dunes was a magical highlight. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting a taste of Morocco’s magic!