6-Day Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fès via Sahara

📌 Overview

Six days from Marrakech to Fès — the classic Sahara crossing with a full day to explore Fès at the end. High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Rose Valley, Todra Gorge, Erg Chebbi dunes, desert camp, Ziz Valley, and a complete day in Morocco’s extraordinary medieval medina. Perfect for those who want to experience the desert adventure and end with deep cultural immersion in Fes.

🗺️ Itinerary

🌅 Day 1: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou to Ouarzazate

High Atlas crossing and UNESCO kasbah

Depart from Marrakech at 9:00 AM, heading towards the High Atlas Mountains. Traverse the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) with breathtaking views. Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village famous for its role in many films. Continue to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film capital. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

🌅 Day 2: Ouarzazate to Skoura to Rose Valley to Dades Valley

Palm groves and floral landscapes

After breakfast, visit the Atlas Film Studios. Drive to Skoura, known for its beautiful palm groves and the Amridil Kasbah. Continue to Kelaat M’Gouna, the heart of Morocco’s rose-growing region. Drive to the Dades Valley. Overnight in Boumalne Dades.

🌅 Day 3: Dades Valley to Todra Gorge to Merzouga

Canyon hike and Sahara desert adventure

Start your day with a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, heading towards the Todra Gorge. Explore this stunning canyon with its towering rock walls. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey to Merzouga. Upon arrival, embark on a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Overnight in a luxury Bedouin camp.

🌅 Day 4: Merzouga Desert Exploration

Sunrise, 4×4 adventure and Berber culture

Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, explore the desert by 4×4, visiting Khamlia village for traditional Gnawa music. Try sandboarding on the dunes. Visit a nomad family to learn about their way of life. Overnight in the desert camp.

🌅 Day 5: Merzouga to Ziz Valley to Midelt to Fes

Palm groves, mountains and imperial city

After breakfast, begin your journey to Fes. Pass through the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at scenic viewpoints. Arrive in Fes by 6:00 PM. Check into your hotel and begin your exploration of the ancient medina.

🌅 Day 6: Explore Fes

Full day in Morocco’s spiritual capital

Full day exploring Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University (the world’s oldest university), Bou Inania Madrasa, Chouara Tanneries, and the Dar Batha Museum. Get lost in the labyrinth of the Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the souks and try traditional Fassi cuisine for dinner.

✅ Includes

  • Private air-conditioned transportation throughout
  • Professional English/French/Spanish-speaking guide
  • 5 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels and luxury desert camp
  • Daily breakfast and 3 dinners
  • Camel trek in Erg Chebbi with sunset and sunrise views
  • 4×4 desert excursion in Merzouga
  • Entrance fees to all mentioned historical sites and attractions
  • Guided tour of Fes medina
  • Local taxes and service charges

❌ Excludes

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks (except water during meals)
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Tips and gratuities (recommended: 5-10 EUR per person per day)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages

ℹ️ Trip Facts

Transport Private minibus (2-12 pax)
Accommodation 3-4 star hotels & luxury desert camp
Meals Breakfast daily, 3 dinners
Start Point Marrakech (hotel pickup at 9:00 AM)
End Point Fes (hotel drop-off at ~6:00 PM)
Group Size 2-12 people (private groups available)
Best Time to Go March to November
Difficulty Easy to Moderate
Language English, French, Spanish

❓ FAQ

What is the advantage of this one-way tour vs round trip?

This one-way tour allows you to experience more of Morocco without backtracking. You start in Marrakech and end in Fes, both major cultural centers, while covering all the highlights in between.

Can I extend this tour to include Chefchaouen?

Yes! We can add 2 days in Chefchaouen by extending the tour after Fes. This would give you the complete northern Morocco experience.

How much time do we spend in Fes?

You’ll have a full day to explore Fes, which is perfect for experiencing the city’s rich history and culture. The medina is quite large and complex, so having a full day allows you to see the major attractions without rushing.

What should I pack for both desert and city climates?

For the desert: warm layers for nights, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. For Fes: comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.

What is special about the Fes medina?

The Fes medina is one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s particularly famous for its traditional crafts, tanneries, and religious schools (madrasas).

Is this tour suitable for those with limited time?

Yes! This 6-day tour is perfect for those with limited time who want to experience the best of Morocco’s desert and imperial cities. It covers all the major highlights in a well-paced itinerary.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

6-Day Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fès via Sahara
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