Night 1
Midelt
Comfortable hotel
A well-located hotel with en-suite rooms, chosen for comfort and convenience after a day on the road.
6-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga
The slow version of the Fes to Marrakech crossing.
- Private Tour
Only - Local
Driver-Guides - Comfortable
Vehicles - Handpicked
Accommodation - Fully
Customisable
Tour overview
From Fes to Marrakech in Six Days
The slow version of the Fes to Marrakech crossing. The road south is broken in Midelt, with a walk in the cedar forest on the way, and every later stage is short. You have two nights in Merzouga, one in the Dades Valley and one facing Ait Ben Haddou.
Our 6 Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour begins in Fes and ends in Marrakech, covering about 1,100 km by road over six days. Along the way you will experience the Tizi n'Tichka pass over the High Atlas, the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, a sunset camel trek in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, a night in a desert camp, tea with nomad families and Gnawa music in Khamlia and the cedar forests and Barbary macaques of the Middle Atlas. Each stop is a real visit on foot, with your driver-guide explaining what you are looking at and local people adding their own stories.
Accommodation is chosen for character and location rather than size: 5 nights in all, in riads and boutique hotels in the medinas and old towns, kasbah-style guesthouses in the southern valleys, comfortable hotels where they suit the route better and one night in a desert camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. You travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, a 4x4 or a minibus depending on the size of your party, with an English-speaking driver-guide who knows these roads well. Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese-speaking guides are available on request.
It suits travellers who want to see more than one side of Morocco in a week or so, at a pace that leaves time to walk, take photographs and talk to people along the way. The longest day on the road is day 4, with 4.5–5 hours of driving; every other day is shorter, and all of them are broken up by visits and stops. Like all our tours it is fully private, so the plan below can be lengthened, shortened or rearranged to fit your dates.
- Duration6 days / 5 nights
- StartFes
- EndMarrakech
- Tour typePrivate tour
- GroupJust your own party
- LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese
- TransportPrivate 4x4 or minibus with A/C
- AccommodationComfortable hotel, Desert camp, Kasbah-style guesthouse and Riad or boutique hotel
Highlights
Tour Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass
- Walk through the UNESCO ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
- Explore the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
- Ride a camel into Erg Chebbi at sunset
- Spend a night in a Sahara desert camp
- See the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas
Detailed itinerary
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou Cedar Forest – Midelt
Instead of rushing to the Sahara, today you travel slowly through the Middle Atlas. The first stop is Ifrane, a mountain resort of red roofs, cedar-shaded parks and a small lake.
Beyond it, the forest around Azrou is full of enormous cedars, and a walk among them usually brings you face to face with the Barbary macaques.
In the afternoon you cross wide grazing plateaux dotted with shepherds' flocks and reach Midelt, a quiet town beneath Jbel Ayachi, for dinner and a night in a comfortable hotel.
- Ifrane, Morocco's alpine town
- Cedar forest walk
- Barbary macaques
- Views of Jbel Ayachi
Day 2
Day 2: Midelt – Ziz Gorges – Errachidia – Erfoud – Merzouga – Camel Trek
Rested after the night in Midelt, you cross the eastern High Atlas by the Tizi n'Talghemt and follow the Ziz River down through its deep gorge, where fortified villages stand above the water.
Past Errachidia, a cliff-top lookout shows the Ziz Valley as one long stream of palm trees. Erfoud is the lunch stop, with a visit to a workshop where fossil-rich marble is cut and polished.
You reach Merzouga by mid-afternoon, so the camel trek starts at an easy pace and you are on top of a dune well before sunset. Dinner and the night are at your desert camp.
- Talghemt pass
- Ziz Gorges and palm valley
- Erfoud fossil workshops
- Sunset camel trek
Day 3
Day 3: Merzouga – Khamlia – Nomad Families – Erg Chebbi by 4x4
If you can face the cold air before dawn, climb a dune for sunrise: it is the moment many travellers remember best. After breakfast in camp you return to Merzouga for a shower and a rest.
Then a 4x4 takes you exploring. Khamlia's Gnawa musicians play their trance rhythms, the black desert stretches flat and dark to the horizon, and a nomad family invites you for tea in their tent. Fossils and old mine shafts add a little history to the drive.
The afternoon is free, perhaps for a swim or a sandboarding session, and the night is in a hotel beside Erg Chebbi.
- First light on the dunes
- Gnawa drums at Khamlia
- Mint tea in a nomad tent
- Black desert and fossil beds
Day 4
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
After your second night in the desert, enjoy one last sunrise over the dunes, then return to Merzouga for breakfast.
The drive west passes through Rissani, near the site of medieval Sijilmassa, where the souk is open on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and across a stony plateau lined with the mounds of khettara wells.
In the afternoon you walk into Todra Gorge, where orange limestone walls rise on both sides of the stream. Then you continue to the Dades Valley and its guesthouses for dinner.
- Dunes at daybreak
- Old trading town of Rissani
- Todra Gorge
- Dades Valley kasbahs
Day 5
Day 5: Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Skoura – Ouarzazate
An easy drive after the desert. Heading down the Dades Valley, you stop in Kalaat M'Gouna to watch rose petals being distilled into rosewater, then continue to the palm grove of Skoura to visit Kasbah Amridil, one of the finest earthen kasbahs in the south.
Lunch is in Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert. In the afternoon, choose between Taourirt Kasbah, the labyrinthine fortress of the Glaoui family, and the Atlas Film Studios, where the sets of many famous productions still stand.
The night is at your hotel in Ouarzazate, with a relaxed evening before the last day.
- Rose gardens of Kalaat M'Gouna
- Skoura palm grove
- Taourirt Kasbah
- Evening in Ouarzazate
Day 6
Day 6: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi n'Tichka – Marrakech
A relaxed final day. After breakfast you leave Ouarzazate on the road west towards the High Atlas.
Ait Ben Haddou, half an hour away, is the classic fortified village of the south. You cross the river and climb through the ksar's lanes, where a few families still live, to the granary at the top.
After lunch the road winds up to the Tizi n'Tichka and down through Amazigh villages to Marrakech, where you arrive by late afternoon.
This evening in Marrakech the tour draws to a close at your hotel. We remain at your service for an extra night or a transfer to your departure.
- Short morning drive to the ksar
- Stepping stones and lanes of the ksar
- Granary view over the valley
- Tizi n'Tichka crossing to Marrakech
Good to know
What’s Included
Included in the tour
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minibus, depending on your group size) for the whole tour
- English-speaking driver-guide; Spanish, Italian, French or Portuguese-speaking guides on request
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel, riad, airport or port
- 5 nights of accommodation with breakfast
- Dinner on the nights shown in the itinerary
- Sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi, one camel per person
- Night in a mid-range luxury desert camp (luxury camp on request) with dinner, breakfast and music around the fire
- Sandboarding at the camp
- 4x4 excursion around the dunes: Khamlia, nomad families and the black desert
- Free stops for photographs, tea and walks whenever you wish
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments, museums and film studios
- Tips for your driver-guide, local guides and camp staff
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and optional activities
Optional activities
- Quad or buggy ride in the dunesOne or two hours on the sand around Erg Chebbi with a guide, bookable on the day in Merzouga.
- Upgrade to a luxury desert campSpacious private tents with air conditioning and heating, elegant traditional décor and premium bathroom amenities, instead of the mid-range luxury camp. Tell us when you book and we will quote the difference.
- Second night in the desertStay an extra night in camp for a slower pace, a walk in the dunes at dawn and time to do nothing at all.
- Atlas Film Studios in OuarzazateA guided walk through the sets of films and series shot in the region. Entrance is paid on site.
- Moroccan cooking classShop for ingredients in the market and learn to prepare a tagine, salads and bread with a local cook.
Before you go
Practical Information
Pickup and drop-off
Pickup is from your riad or hotel in Fes, or from Fes-Saïss Airport, at around 8:00 am. For riads inside the medina, your driver meets you at the closest gate.
The tour ends at your accommodation in Marrakech or at Menara Airport. On tours that arrive in the evening, we recommend booking a flight for the following day.
A different start or end point is rarely a problem. Because every tour is private, we can begin in one city and finish in another; tell us where you are staying and we will adapt the route and the quote.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers, plus sandals for the camp
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Light, loose clothing for the day and a warm layer for the evening
- A small overnight bag for the desert; your main luggage stays safely in the vehicle or at the hotel in Merzouga
- A scarf or cheche for the camel ride (you can buy one on the way)
- A warm jacket from November to March, when desert nights can drop close to freezing
- Head torch or phone light for the camp
- Passport and a copy of your travel insurance
- Cash in Moroccan dirhams for lunches, tips and small purchases; ATMs are scarce between the main towns
- Camera, spare battery and a power bank
- Any personal medication, and motion-sickness tablets if mountain roads affect you
Best time to travel
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable seasons for this route. Days are warm and clear, nights are mild, and in April and May the valleys of the south are green and the roses of Kalaat M'Gouna are in bloom.
Winter is a good time for the desert if you bring warm clothes: skies are bright and the dunes are quiet, but temperatures after dark can fall to around freezing and the High Atlas passes occasionally close for a few hours after snow. In July and August the Sahara is very hot in the afternoon, so we shift the camel trek later, start driving earlier and can recommend a camp with air-cooled tents.
During Ramadan the tour runs as normal. Some restaurants close during the day in smaller towns, your driver-guide will know where to stop, and evenings are especially lively after sunset.
Important information before booking
- This is a private tour. The vehicle, the driver-guide and the departure date are yours alone, and the itinerary can be changed before or during the trip.
- Driving times are approximate and do not include stops. We stop often, so expect each day to take longer than the hours shown.
- Prices depend on the number of travellers, the season and the accommodation category you choose. Tell us these three things and we will send an exact quote.
- The camel ride to the camp takes about an hour to an hour and a half. If you would rather not ride, or are travelling with small children or have back problems, we take you to the camp by 4x4 at no extra cost.
- We offer two desert camp options, both with private tents, en-suite bathrooms and hot showers: a mid-range luxury camp, and a luxury camp with more spacious tents, air conditioning and heating. Please say which you prefer when booking.
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal meals are easy to arrange; let us know about allergies or dietary needs in advance.
- Roads in the mountains are winding. If you suffer from motion sickness, sit in the front and bring medication.
- Most nationalities do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but please check the entry requirements for your passport before travelling.
Questions and answers
6 Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 6-day tour from Fes private?
Yes. You travel only with the people in your own party, in a private vehicle with your own driver-guide. That means you choose the departure date, set the pace and can stop wherever you like along the way.
How much driving is there each day?
It varies from day to day. The longest stretch is on day 4, with 4.5–5 hours on the road, and the other days are noticeably shorter. In total the tour covers about 1,100 km. All times are approximate and broken up by visits, lunch and photo stops.
What is the desert camp like?
Camps in Erg Chebbi have real beds with sheets and blankets, a dining tent and a fire circle. You choose between two options. Our mid-range luxury camp has private tents with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers and comfortable bedding. Our luxury camp has more spacious tents with air conditioning and heating, high-quality bedding and premium bathroom amenities. Dinner and breakfast are served at the camp.
Do I have to ride a camel to reach the camp?
No. The camel trek is included and most guests enjoy it, but if you prefer, we take you to the camp by 4x4. This is also what we suggest for very young children, pregnant travellers and anyone with back or knee problems.
Can I change the itinerary or the start and end point?
Yes. The programme on this page is a starting point. We can add nights, swap stops, upgrade accommodation or finish somewhere other than Marrakech. Tell us what you have in mind and we will adjust the route and send a new quote.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
March to May and September to November offer the most comfortable temperatures. Winter is clear and quiet but cold at night in the desert; in July and August the Sahara is very hot, and we adjust the timings accordingly.
How much does it cost and how do I book?
Prices are always quoted on request: the price depends on the number of travellers, the season and the accommodation category, so we quote each request individually. Send us your dates and group size by WhatsApp or email and we will reply with a detailed quote. You can ask for as many changes as you need before confirming.
Accommodation
Where You’ll Stay
Carefully selected riads, guesthouses, hotels and desert camps. The exact properties are confirmed with your quote, in the category you choose.
Night 2
Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga
Desert camp in Erg Chebbi
A camp among the dunes with proper beds and bedding in each tent, a dining tent and a fire circle. We offer two options, both with private tents, en-suite bathrooms and hot showers: a mid-range luxury camp, and a luxury camp with more spacious tents, air conditioning and heating.
Night 3
Merzouga, at the foot of the dunes
Comfortable hotel
A well-located hotel with en-suite rooms, chosen for comfort and convenience after a day on the road.
Night 4
Dades Valley
Kasbah-style guesthouse
A family-run guesthouse or kasbah hotel built in the local earthen style, with en-suite rooms, a terrace over the valley and a home-cooked dinner.
Night 5
Ouarzazate
Riad or boutique hotel
A traditional house built around a courtyard, in or beside the old town, with individually decorated rooms and breakfast served on the roof terrace or in the patio.
Your night in the Sahara
Choose Your Desert Camp
We offer two camps in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Tell us which one you prefer when you enquire.
Included in this tour
Mid-Range Luxury Camp
- Private tents with en-suite bathrooms
- Hot showers
- Comfortable bedding
- Good balance between comfort and authenticity
Upgrade on request
Luxury Camp
- Spacious private tents with en-suite bathrooms
- Air conditioning and heating for year-round comfort
- High-quality bedding and elegant traditional décor
- Hot showers and premium bathroom amenities
- Comfortable private space with maximum privacy
- Warm and welcoming atmosphere with personalised service
Gallery
Moments from the Journey
The places you will stand in on this route, in the order you reach them.
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Ready for Your Moroccan Adventure?
Tell us your dates and group size, and we will send you this itinerary with a personal quote. You can change anything you like before confirming.
Plan Your 6 Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour
Quick answers for planning your 6 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour with Magic Morocco Tours.
How to Spend 6 Days in Morocco
6 days in Morocco on this route means about 1,100 km by private vehicle from Fes to Marrakech, with nights in Midelt, Erg Chebbi dunes, Dades Valley and Ouarzazate. Spent this way, your 6 days in Morocco leave time to cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass and to walk through the UNESCO ksar of Ait Ben Haddou.
6 Day Morocco Itinerary at a Glance
The 6 day Morocco itinerary, day by day: day 1, Fes – Ifrane – Azrou Cedar Forest – Midelt; day 2, Midelt – Ziz Gorges – Errachidia – Erfoud – Merzouga – Camel Trek; day 3, Merzouga – Khamlia – Nomad Families – Erg Chebbi by 4x4; day 4, Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley; day 5, Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Skoura – Ouarzazate; day 6, Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi n'Tichka – Marrakech. As the tour is private, this 6 day Morocco itinerary can be changed before or during the trip.
Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour Highlights
As a Fes to Merzouga desert tour, this trip reaches the Erg Chebbi dunes on day 2. There you ride a camel into the dunes and spend a night at a mid-range luxury desert camp (luxury camp on request). Shorter and longer Fes to Merzouga desert tour options are on our Tours from Fes page.