This 5 Days Atlas Desert Trip Fes to Marrakech is private Sahara tour from Fes is our most popular short itinerary — perfectly designed for travelers who have already spent time in the northern cities like Ifarn and want to experience the Sahara and the south. Starting in Fes, you cross the Middle Atlas mountains, drive through cedar forests, descend into the Sahara dunes of Merzouga, camp under the stars, then return through the dramatic Todra Gorge and Dades Valley and the UNESCO Amredal kasbah and Ait Ben Haddou before arriving in Marrakech. Five days, four nights, the full Sahara experience — and a completely private journey at your own pace. Marrakech to Fez Desert Trip 4 Days
Early morning departure from Fes. Drive south through the alpine town of Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou — watch for Barbary macaques in the trees. Lunch stop in Midelt, the “apple city” of Morocco. Cross the dramatic Ziz Gorge. Arrive in Merzouga in late afternoon. Mount camels for a guided sunset trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Arrive at your luxury desert camp for dinner and music under the stars.
Overnight: Luxury desert camp, Erg Chebbi
Wake before sunrise for the dawn over the dunes — a moment that never disappoints. Camel ride back to Merzouga village. Breakfast. Morning at leisure — optional 4×4 excursion, sandboarding, or visit to the nomadic camps near Merzouga. Afternoon drive west through the Draa Valley and the Valley of Roses. Stop at the magnificent Todra Gorge — walk the canyon floor between towering 300m walls of red limestone. Continue to the Dades Valley.
Overnight: Dades Valley kasbah hotel
Morning drive through the spectacular Dades Gorge — winding road through red rock formations and ancient kasbah villages perched above the river. Continue west to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s desert film capital. Visit Atlas Film Studios — one of the largest film studios in the world, where Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones were filmed. Visit Kasbah Taourirt, one of the finest kasbahs in southern Morocco.
Overnight: Ouarzazate
Morning visit to the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — one of Morocco’s most iconic and photographed sites. Cross the magnificent Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) of the High Atlas Mountains, with extraordinary views of peaks and Berber villages. Descend into the Marrakech plain. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon. Check into your riad.
Overnight: Marrakech riad
( it depends on your time ) Morning exploration of Marrakech: the Djemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, and the medina souks. Transfer to Marrakech Airport for your flight, or extend with additional Marrakech nights.
Tour ends in Marrakech Airport or Hotel
Is the drive from Fes to Merzouga too long for one day?
It is a long day — approximately 7 hours of driving. We always depart very early (7:00–7:30 AM) and break for lunch in Midelt. The scenery is outstanding throughout, which makes the drive enjoyable. If you prefer, we can split this into two days with an overnight in Midelt or Errachidia.
Where exactly does the tour start in Fes?
We pick you up at your hotel or riad – Airport in Fes — anywhere in the city. Please share your accommodation address when booking.
Can this tour be done in reverse — Marrakech to Fes?
Yes, absolutely. We can reverse the full routing, starting in Marrakech and ending in Fes. This is a popular option for travelers flying into Marrakech and out of Fes or Casablanca.
What is the best time of year for this desert tour?
You cannot copy content of this page
