If long drives put you off, a 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour lets you see southern Morocco and the Sahara at a calmer, more comfortable pace. This 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is for people who would rather spend time in places than between them. Instead of rushing to the dunes, you stop for the night in Ouarzazate and again in the Dades Valley, so the first three days have the shortest drives of any tour on this route.
You then spend two nights in the Merzouga area, with a full day in the desert between them, before travelling north to Fes. It is a private tour, so the pace follows you — which is why it works well for families with children, older travellers and photographers who want good light rather than a schedule.
On Day 1 you walk through the Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour at a glance
| Duration | 5 days, 4 nights |
| Start | Your accommodation in Marrakech, at a relaxed hour [CONFIRM PICK-UP TIME] |
| Finish | Your accommodation in Fes, Day 5 evening |
| Style | Private — your own vehicle and English-speaking driver |
| Transport | Air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus; fuel and road taxes included |
| Overnights | Ouarzazate · Dades Valley · Merzouga camp · Merzouga camp or kasbah hotel (your choice) |
| Meals | 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners (lunch not included) |
| Longest drive | Day 5, Merzouga to Fes (about 460 km) |
| Price | €660 per person for 2 travellers (€1,320 in total) — less per person in larger groups |
Daily driving compared
Here is why this tour feels slower. Driving times are estimates before stops.
| Day | Route | Approx. driving |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marrakech → Ouarzazate (via Telouet detour [CONFIRM]) | about 4 h + detour [CONFIRM] |
| 2 | Ouarzazate → Dades Valley | about 2 h |
| 3 | Dades → Todra → Merzouga | about 5 h |
| 4 | Around Merzouga | short local drives |
| 5 | Merzouga → Fes | 7.5–8.5 h |
To be clear: the last day is still long. There is no shorter road from Merzouga to Fes. If you would like to break it, we can add a night on the way, for example in Midelt or Ifrane, which turns this into a 6-day trip [CONFIRM].
Who the 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour suits
- Families: shorter days, time to play and rest, and the option of a hotel with a pool for the second desert night [CONFIRM].
- Older travellers: fewer hours sitting, more walking at your own speed, and a 4×4 option instead of the camel.
- Photographers: you are in Aït Ben Haddou in the afternoon, in the gorges in the morning, and on the dunes for two sunsets and two sunrises.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Telouet – Ounila Valley – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
After a relaxed start, cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (about 2,260 m), with stops at viewpoints. Leave the main road for Telouet, once the seat of a powerful local family. Its kasbah was affected by the 2023 earthquake; you see it from outside, and visit inside only if it is open and safe [CONFIRM].
The quiet road down the Ounila Valley (photo stops) passes earth-built villages, terraced fields and coloured rock. It is one of the most scenic stretches of the trip and is skipped on shorter tours [CONFIRM road condition].
Arrive at Aït Ben Haddou (visit) in the afternoon, when the light on the ksar is softer. Walk up through the UNESCO-listed village (inscribed 1987) at your own pace. Lunch on the way (not included). Short drive to Ouarzazate.
Overnight: riad in Ouarzazate, such as Riad Amlal or Dar Chamaa, or similar [CONFIRM]. Meals: dinner.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Valley
Approx. driving: about 120 km, around 2 hours before stops.
A gentle morning. If you like film, visit Atlas Studios (optional, entrance not included), where scenes for many films have been shot, or see the Taourirt Kasbah in town [CONFIRM which is offered].
Continue to the Skoura palm oasis, with a stop at Kasbah Amridil (optional visit), one of the best-known kasbahs in the south. Then follow the road through the Valley of Roses near Kalaat M’Gouna — in May the town holds its rose festival, and you can buy rose water and creams in local cooperatives.
Reach the Dades Valley in the afternoon and take a guided or self-guided walk among the red rock formations sometimes called “Monkey Fingers” [CONFIRM: local guide, length of walk]. Time to rest before dinner.
Overnight: hotel or riad such as Riad Gabsi or Ksar Sultan, or similar [CONFIRM]. Meals: breakfast, dinner.
Day 3: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga, camel ride to camp
Approx. driving: about 280 km, around 5 hours before stops.
Drive up the Dades Gorge for morning light on the hairpin road at Tissadrine (photo stop). Then on to Todra Gorge (visit) for a walk between walls around 300 m high. Lunch near Tinghir (not included). Continue through Tinjdad and Erfoud (pass through) to Merzouga.
In the late afternoon, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes (about [CONFIRM camel ride duration]) — or go by 4×4 — to Mouhou Luxury Camp. Dinner, campfire and Berber drums.
Overnight: Mouhou Luxury Camp, private tent with own shower and toilet. Meals: breakfast, dinner.
Day 4: A full day in the desert
Get up for sunrise if you wish — or sleep in. This day is planned with you. Typical options [CONFIRM which are operated]: – A 4×4 loop around Erg Chebbi – Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia – Rissani, the old market town of the Tafilalt (traditional souk days Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday [CONFIRM]) – Tea with a nomad family – Sandboarding, or simply resting at camp
Overnight (your choice): a second night at Mouhou Luxury Camp, or a kasbah hotel at the edge of the dunes such as Kasbah Le Berger or Riad Madu, or similar [CONFIRM]. Families often choose the hotel for a pool and more space [CONFIRM pool]. Meals: breakfast, dinner.
Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
Approx. driving: about 460 km, 7.5–8.5 hours before stops.
After a last sunrise and breakfast, head north past Erfoud and along the Ziz Valley palm groves (photo stops). Lunch in Midelt (not included). Cross the Middle Atlas through the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques live — they are endangered, so watch quietly and do not feed them. A short stop in Ifrane, then arrive in Fes in the evening.
Meals: breakfast.
Where you sleep
| Night | Place | Example accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ouarzazate | Riad Amlal or Dar Chamaa, or similar [CONFIRM] |
| 2 | Dades Valley | Riad Gabsi or Ksar Sultan, or similar [CONFIRM] |
| 3 | Erg Chebbi | Mouhou Luxury Camp — private tent with own shower and toilet |
| 4 | Erg Chebbi or Merzouga | Mouhou Luxury Camp, or Kasbah Le Berger / Riad Madu, or similar [CONFIRM] |
We never use basic camps with shared bathrooms. See what your night in our Merzouga desert camp looks like. Heating, electricity and family tent sizes: [CONFIRM CAMP FACILITIES].
Price and how it is calculated
Your price depends on group size (the vehicle and driver are shared across your party), accommodation choices (camp or hotel on Night 4, any room upgrades), season [CONFIRM], and optional activities on Day 4.
| Group size | Private 5-day, per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travellers | €660 |
| 3–4 travellers | €410–€494 |
| 5–6 travellers | €327–€360 |
| 7+ travellers | On request |
| Children | [CONFIRM CHILD PRICING] |
| Single supplement | [CONFIRM SINGLE SUPPLEMENT] |
Deposit: [CONFIRM DEPOSIT %]. Payment: [CONFIRM PAYMENT METHODS]. Cancellation: [CONFIRM CANCELLATION POLICY]. You receive a written quote before booking; there is no online checkout.
Included
- Pick-up in Marrakech, drop-off in Fes
- Private air-conditioned vehicle, fuel, road taxes, English-speaking driver
- 4 nights’ accommodation as above
- Camel ride to camp and back (or 4×4 transfer)
- 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners; vegetarian or vegan on request
- Campfire with Berber drum music
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees (e.g. Atlas Studios, Kasbah Amridil, Telouet if open) and optional local guides
- Optional Day 4 activities
- Tips
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Practical tips for families, older travellers and photographers
- Children: tell us ages so we can plan child seats [CONFIRM availability] and breaks. Some young children prefer the 4×4 to the camel.
- Mobility: the walks in Aït Ben Haddou and the gorges are on uneven ground. Your driver can suggest shorter routes.
- Light: for photography, the best times are the first and last hour of daylight. This itinerary is built to put you in the right place at those times.
- Drones: drones are tightly restricted in Morocco and may be held at customs. Check current rules before you travel [CONFIRM].
- Seasons: spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Summer days in Merzouga often pass 40 °C; winter desert nights can approach freezing and the Tichka pass can see snow.
- Packing: a small overnight bag for camp, layers, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and cash in dirhams.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most driving we do in one day?
Day 5, from Merzouga to Fes: about 460 km, or 7.5–8.5 hours of driving plus stops. Days 1–4 are much shorter.
Can we break the last day with a night on the way?
Yes. We can add a night in Midelt or Ifrane, making it a 6-day trip [CONFIRM accommodation options].
Is Telouet open to visitors?
Its condition after the 2023 earthquake means we only promise a view from outside. If it is open and safe on your date, you can go in [CONFIRM current status].
Should we spend the second desert night at the camp or in a hotel?
Choose the camp for another evening under the stars and a second sunrise from the dunes. Choose a kasbah hotel if you want more space, a pool [CONFIRM] or an easier evening with children.
Is this tour suitable for grandparents who cannot ride a camel?
Yes. A 4×4 transfer replaces the camel ride, and walks can be shortened. Tell us about any mobility needs when you ask for a quote.
How is this different from the 5-day tour that returns to Marrakech?
The 5-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour ends back in Marrakech. This one ends in Fes, so you do not repeat any road.
Related tours
- 4-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour with a Full Day in the Sahara — one day shorter, similar desert day
- 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour (Private) — the classic short version
- 5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour with 2 Desert Nights
- All Marrakech to Fes desert tours via Merzouga
Planning your five days
When to go
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable months for a 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour. The days are warm, the gorges are pleasant for walking, and the second desert night is cool rather than cold.
In winter, the Tichka pass can see snow and desert nights can approach freezing. A 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour still works well then, because the short early days give you a buffer if the pass is slow.
In summer, plan the desert day around the heat. On a 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour you have time to rest in the middle of the day and go out again for sunset.
How the pace feels, day by day
- Day 1: a relaxed start, a mountain pass and an afternoon walk in Aït Ben Haddou.
- Day 2: the easiest day, with about two hours of driving and time for a kasbah, the Valley of Roses and a walk in Dades.
- Day 3: a moderate day through two gorges, ending with a camel ride at sunset.
- Day 4: no long drives; you choose how busy it is.
- Day 5: the long drive north to Fes, broken by lunch in Midelt and stops in the Middle Atlas.
Compared with the shorter versions, the big difference on a 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is Day 2. That gentle day is what makes the rest of the week feel unhurried.
Ideas for your free desert day
Day 4 is the heart of the 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour. Guests often plan it in one of three ways [CONFIRM which activities are operated]:
- Calm: sunrise from the dunes, a late breakfast, rest at camp and sandboarding in the late afternoon.
- Curious: the 4×4 loop, Gnawa music in Khamlia and a visit to Rissani on a market day.
- Active: a short quad or buggy ride in the morning and a long walk on the dunes at sunset.
For details of each option, see our page on things to do in Merzouga. Tell us your preferences when you book your 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour, and we will plan the day with you.
Packing for five days on the road
A 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour crosses mountains, valleys and desert, so pack layers rather than one heavy coat:
- A small overnight bag for the camp nights; your main bag stays in the vehicle [CONFIRM]
- Comfortable walking shoes for Aït Ben Haddou, Dades and Todra
- A warm layer and a hat for the evenings
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Travel-sickness tablets if you need them on mountain roads
- Cash in dirhams for lunches, entrance fees and tips
Travelling with children or grandparents
The short days at the start make a 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour easier for children than most routes. Bring snacks and games for the longer drive on Day 5, and tell us ages so we can plan breaks and seats [CONFIRM child seats].
For grandparents, the main question is walking. On a 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour every walk can be shortened, and the camel ride can be replaced by a 4×4. Your driver can also drop you close to viewpoints.
Choosing between 4 and 5 days
The 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour has the same full desert day but longer drives at the start. Choose the 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour if you would rather spend an extra night on the road than long hours in the vehicle.
If you are short of time, the 4-day version is a good compromise. If comfort, photography or children are your priority, the extra day on a 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is usually worth it.
A few more questions
Can we add nights in Fes at the end?
Yes. Many guests stay two or three nights in a Fes riad after their 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour, and we are happy to suggest good areas to stay.
Can we start on any day of the week?
Yes, it is a private tour. If you want to see Rissani’s market, tell us, and we can time the start of your 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour so that Day 4 falls on a souk day [CONFIRM souk days].
Is there time to see the Fes medina?
Not on Day 5, because you arrive in the evening. Plan at least one full day in Fes after the 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour ends, ideally with a local guide.
Can we do the route in reverse?
Yes. Our 5-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour at a relaxed pace covers similar places in the opposite order. The reverse of the 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour starts with the long drive, so the slow days come at the end.
Plan your slower journey
Tell us who is travelling (including children’s ages and any mobility needs), your dates, and what you would like to do on the desert day. We will suggest a pace that fits and send a quote.
- Ask on WhatsApp: +212 667 850 421 (8:30–20:00 Morocco time)
- Contact form: Check availability & get a quote
- Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]
Morocco Desert Excursions is a local company founded by Sahara natives from Merzouga.
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