5 Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes: Kasbahs, Gorges & Two Nights in the Sahara
Why Choose This 5 Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes
This 5 day tour from Marrakech to Fes crosses the south of Morocco at a relaxed pace, with two nights in the Sahara. On the way, you also visit Telouet, Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades and Todra gorges. Then you spend a full day around Merzouga before you drive north to Fes.
Throughout the trip, you also travel privately with your own English-speaking driver-guide. As a result, you stop wherever you like. In addition, breakfast and dinner are included every day.
However, if you have less time, see our 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
|---|---|
| Start | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| End | Your hotel or riad in Fes |
| Route | Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Valley of Roses – Dades – Todra – Erfoud – Merzouga – Khamlia – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fes |
| Nights | 1 in a riad in Ouarzazate, 1 in a hotel in the Dades Valley, 2 in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi |
| Meals | Breakfast and dinner included |
| Price | From 495 € to 697 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 5 Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes
- To begin with, visit Telouet and the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Then follow the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley.
- Afterwards, walk between the high walls of the Todra Gorge.
- Later, ride a camel into Erg Chebbi and sleep two nights in a desert camp.
- Also hear Gnawa music in Khamlia and browse the souk of Rissani.
- Finally, cross the Middle Atlas through Midelt to Fes.
5 Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes: Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
To begin with, your driver picks you up at your riad in Marrakech at about 8:30. Then you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres. After that, you take a side road to Telouet, the old palace of the Glaoui family.
Later, you visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Near Ouarzazate, you can also visit the Atlas Film Studios. Finally, you spend the night in a riad in Ouarzazate.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Valley of Roses – Dades Valley
Then, after breakfast, you follow the road of the kasbahs through Skoura. Soon you reach the Valley of Roses, where cooperatives also make rose water and creams.
Later in the afternoon, you arrive in the Dades Valley and walk along the river. Finally, you spend the night in a hotel in the gorges.
Day 3: Dades – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga
After a short walk in the Dades Valley, you drive to the Todra Gorge. There you also walk between the high rock walls and have lunch with a view.
Later, you pass the khettara water channels and visit a fossil workshop in Erfoud. In the late afternoon, you ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Meanwhile, dinner is waiting at your desert camp.
Day 4: A Day Around Merzouga – Khamlia and Rissani
Then, after breakfast, you visit Khamlia, a village whose people have roots in sub-Saharan Africa. Here musicians also play Gnawa music for you.
After that, you visit Rissani, the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, and its busy souk. In fact, the town stands near the ruins of Sijilmassa, an old caravan city. Later, you ride a camel at sunset and spend a second night at the camp.
Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fes
If you wake early, watch the sunrise over Merzouga from a dune. After breakfast, you drive north along the palm groves of the Ziz Valley.
Then you stop for lunch in Midelt, in the Middle Atlas. After that, you cross the Tizi n’Talremt pass and the cedar forests. Finally, you reach Fes in the evening, and your driver drops you at your hotel.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Rissani is busiest on its market days, so ask us to plan Day 4 on a souk day if your dates allow. In addition, pack a warm layer, because the Middle Atlas and the desert are cold on winter nights. Finally, book an extra night in Fes, because the medina deserves a full day.
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What Is Included
- Included
- Private air-conditioned van or 4x4, so you travel in comfort
- English-speaking driver-guide for the five days
- Pickup in Marrakech and drop-off at your hotel in Fes
- One night in a riad in Ouarzazate and one night in a hotel in the Dades Valley
- Two nights in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, in a private tent with bathroom and shower
- Breakfast and dinner, with vegetarian and vegan options
- Camel rides with a guide in Erg Chebbi
- Free sandboarding if you wish
- Berber drumming and music at the camp
- Local guides and entrance fees
- Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tips
Good to Know Before You Book
- Pickup: we also collect you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech at about 8:30.
- Two desert nights: you have a full day around Merzouga, so the pace stays relaxed.
- Long day: Day 5 takes about 8 hours, although your driver plans regular stops.
- Lunches: lunches are not included, so bring some cash in dirhams.
- Luggage: take a small bag to the camp, while large suitcases stay in the vehicle.
- Best time: spring and autumn are the most pleasant, while the Middle Atlas can see snow in winter.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 5 Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes
Group size |
Price per person |
Total price |
|---|---|---|
2 travellers
|
697 €
|
1,394 €
|
3 travellers
|
615 €
|
1,845 €
|
4 travellers
|
565 €
|
2,260 €
|
5 travellers
|
535 €
|
2,675 €
|
6 travellers
|
495 €
|
2,970 €
|
Prices are per person in euros, because every tour is private. For 7 or more travellers, also ask us for a group quote.
Ready to plan your private Morocco tour?
Send us your dates and group size, and we will reply with a free quote. Of course, you can also ask us any question before you book.
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Then we send you a free, tailored quote.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- 100% private tour with your own driver
- Itinerary adjusted to your dates
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Marrakech → Telouet → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Midelt → Fes
FAQ About the 5 Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes
What can I expect from the 5 day tour from Marrakech to Fes?
In short, you see the High Atlas, the kasbahs, the gorges and the Sahara. In addition, you ride camels, sleep two nights in a desert camp and enjoy Berber music.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, families enjoy it. In fact, children love the camels and the dunes. Besides, vegetarian and vegan meals are always available.
How long are the camel rides?
In general, each camel ride lasts about one hour. You ride at sunset on Day 3 and again on Day 4, and you can also ride at sunrise.
Where do we sleep on the 5 day tour from Marrakech to Fes?
To begin with, you sleep in a riad in Ouarzazate and a hotel in the Dades Valley. Then you spend two nights in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, in a private tent with its own bathroom.
Can I charge my phone at the camp?
Yes. In most camps, you can charge your phone in the main tent. However, power may be switched off late at night, so a power bank is useful.
What should I pack?
Above all, pack light clothes for the day and warm layers for the night. Also bring sunscreen, sunglasses and good shoes. Also see our guide on what to wear in the Sahara.
Can I add activities or extra nights?
Yes. For example, you can add sandboarding, a quad ride or a night in Fes. Just tell us before you book.
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