Fes to Marrakech

Erg Chebbi Desert Tour

5 Days

Overview

This 5-day desert tour offers a rich cross-section of Morocco’s landscapes and cultures. Starting in the historic city of Fes, you'll journey through the alpine towns and cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, into the golden dunes of the Sahara, and onward through dramatic gorges, fertile valleys, and ancient kasbahs. Each day reveals new scenery and traditions, ending in vibrant Marrakech. From camel rides and desert sunsets to kasbahs and mountain passes, this tour is designed for travelers seeking variety, authenticity, and memorable experiences.

Highlights

  • Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains with stops in Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou

  • Encounter wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat

  • Panoramic journey through the Ziz Valley with views of palm groves and desert kasbahs

  • Sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes

  • Overnight in a luxury desert camp with private tents, Berber music, and stargazing

  • Visit to the dramatic Todra Gorges and a walk through its towering canyon walls

  • Drive through the winding Dades Valley and the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations

  • Explore the Valley of Roses, Skoura Oasis, and the iconic Kasbah Amridil

  • Guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

  • Cross the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains on the way to Marrakech

What's Included

  • Private transport in an air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan

  • Hotel or riad pick-up in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech

  • English-speaking driver/guide throughout the journey

  • 2 nights in comfortable hotels or guesthouses (Midelt & Dades Valley)

  • 1 night in a luxury desert camp (private tent with en-suite bathroom)

  • 1 night in a riad or hotel in Ouarzazate

  • Sunset camel rides in the Sahara dunes

  • Daily breakfast and dinner included at all accommodations

  • Berber music and campfire experience at the desert camp

  • Bottled water and traditional Moroccan tea at the camp

  • Scenic stops, cultural visits, and photo opportunities along the way

Not Included

  • Lunches

  • Local guides

  • Entrance fees

  • Tips

Itinerary

Day 1: Fes to Midelt

Leave Fes in the morning and drive south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Make a short stop in Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its alpine-style architecture and clean air. Continue through cedar forests near Azrou, where you may encounter wild Barbary macaques. Pass through the high plains and Berber villages before arriving in Midelt, a peaceful town surrounded by dramatic mountain views. Enjoy dinner and rest at a local hotel or riad.

Day 2: Midelt to Merzouga

After breakfast, continue your journey through the spectacular Ziz Valley, where rows of palm trees and traditional kasbahs line the riverbanks. Stop for photos along the Ziz Gorge and in Erfoud, a town known for its fossil workshops and desert culture. By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Meet your camel caravan and trek across the golden sands as the sun sets. Reach your luxury desert camp for a traditional dinner, Berber drumming around the fire, and stargazing beneath the Sahara sky.

Day 3: Merzouga to Dades Gorges

Wake up early for a magical sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast at the camp. Ride your camel or transfer by 4x4 back to Merzouga, then head west through desert towns and arid landscapes. Stop at the Todra Gorges, where dramatic cliffs rise 300 meters high and a stream runs through the narrow canyon. Enjoy a short walk and lunch in the gorge before continuing to the scenic Dades Valley. Admire the winding roads, ancient kasbahs, and rock formations such as the “Monkey Fingers.” Overnight in a welcoming guesthouse or small hotel with valley views.

Day 4: Dades Gorges to Ouarzazate

Enjoy a relaxed morning and perhaps a short walk in the Dades Valley before continuing along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Drive through the Valley of Roses, famous for its rosewater cooperatives and spring blossoms, and into the Skoura Oasis, known for its date palms and historic kasbahs. Stop to explore the photogenic Kasbah Amridil before arriving in Ouarzazate. Known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” this town is home to movie studios and ancient fortresses. Settle into a charming riad or hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Ouarzazate to Marrakech

Begin the final leg of your journey with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning mudbrick fortress featured in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Walk through its alleys and climb to the top for panoramic views. Then drive over the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, stopping for photos and lunch along the way. By late afternoon, arrive in Marrakech and drop off at your hotel or riad.

* This 5-Day Fes to Marrakech Erg Chebbi Desert Tour can be customized to create a personalized experience.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • This tour is private and customizable, meaning you'll travel with your own group and have a dedicated driver-guide throughout the journey.

  • We recommend packing comfortable walking shoes, a hat or scarf for sun protection, sunglasses, layers for cooler desert nights.

  • Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs can be accommodated just let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

  • You’ll stay in comfortable, locally-owned riads or boutique hotels with traditional Moroccan charm, and spend one unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp with en-suite tents, hot showers, and a star-filled sky overhead.

  • The camel ride is optional. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can arrange a 4x4 transfer to the desert camp with no extra cost—just let us know your preference ahead of time.