6-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Summary

16 Days Morocco Discovery Tour from Casablanca

6-Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes through the Moroccan Sahara Desert.

During these 6 days / 5 nights, you will visit many amazing sites, including the High Atlas Mountains, the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass, the Kasbah of Ait-Ben-Haddou, and the city of Ouarzazate. You will also explore the Kasbah Amridil, the Dades Valley, and the Todra Gorges.

The tour includes a visit to the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, where you can ride camels, enjoy magical sunsets and sunrises, and spend a night in a desert camp. Explore the Merzouga region in a 4×4 vehicle. You will also visit the traditional market of Rissani and Erfoud, a city famous for its fossils.

Afterward, you will visit Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and the cedar forest, home to the Barbary macaques. Finally, you will explore Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities.

The 6-day tour from Marrakech concludes in Fes.

Main Highlights of the 6-Day Tour

Driving through the stunning High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass
Visiting the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Exploring the Valley of Roses and the Skoura palm groves
Admiring the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley
Enjoying the spectacular Todra Gorges and canyon views
Strolling through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad
Experiencing a camel ride across the golden dunes of Merzouga
Watching the magical sunset over Erg Chebbi
Sleeping under the stars in a luxury desert camp
Witnessing the breathtaking sunrise in the heart of the Sahara Desert
Exploring ancient eyeliner mines and nomad villages
Listening to Gnawa music and dancing in the village of Khamlia
Visiting the wild flamingo lake and lush palm groves
Discovering the historic souk of Rissani and the fossil workshops in Erfoud
Admiring panoramic views of the Ziz Valley
Feeding the Barbary macaques in Morocco’s cedar forests
Experiencing the alpine charm of Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco”
Walking through the medieval Medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Visiting the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish Quarter, and the Borj Sud fortress
Exploring the Al Attarine Madrasa, the Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, and the Chouara Tanneries
Relaxing in your Riad after an unforgettable cultural journey
Transfer to Fes airport and conclusion of the Moroccan desert tour

6-Day Morocco Tour Itinerary from Marrakech

Discover the 6-day Morocco itinerary below to see what the tour includes. You also have the freedom to customize the route according to your preferences and interests.

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Valley of Roses – Dades Valley

The 6-day tour from Marrakech to Fes through the desert begins with an early transfer from the airport or your accommodation in Marrakech. You will then drive through the stunning High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass, with stops to enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking landscapes.

Next, we visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a fortified village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The kasbah has appeared in many films such as Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, and in TV series like Game of Thrones. Afterwards, we head to “The Gateway to the Desert,” Ouarzazate. There will be free time for lunch, then we continue through the Valley of Roses, passing the vast Skoura palm groves. Finally, we drive to Boumalne Dades, where we will spend the night.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Dunes – Camel Ride – Overnight in Luxury Camp

After breakfast, drive through the Dades Valley and stop at a viewpoint to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Dades Gorges. Then continue to the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has carved a large canyon between the mountains with high red cliffs. Free time to explore the gorges and appreciate the stunning landscape. Afterwards, drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, with free time for lunch along the way.

In the afternoon, arrive at the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, where you will switch to camels to cross the sand dunes. There will be a stop to enjoy the sunset from the top of a dune. Then continue to the luxury desert camp, where you can enjoy Berber drum music while dancing around the campfire under a starry sky. Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Day 3: Exploration of the Merzouga Region – Nomads – Khamlia – Merzouga Lake – Erg Chebbi – Palm Groves

It is mandatory to wake up early to witness the beautiful sunrise in the middle of the desert. Free time for breakfast follows. Then, return by camel or 4×4 to Merzouga, where the driver will be waiting. The day will be dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region, with many incredible sites such as sand dunes, a wild lake, mines, fossil areas, and fabulous oases—perfect for outdoor activities.

First, we begin with an off-road visit to an ancient eyeliner mine. Next, we visit the nomads in their hand-woven tents and learn about their way of life while enjoying Berber tea. The next stop is the village of Khamlia, where we will enjoy Gnaoua music and dance performances. Its inhabitants come from Sub-Saharan African countries such as Mali, Sudan, and Niger. Free time for lunch at a restaurant follows. Then, we stroll through a palm grove and drive a few kilometers to see the Merzouga wild lake, also called the Flamingo Lake. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 4: Merzouga Dunes – Erfoud – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes

After breakfast, we leave the desert to visit Rissani, the former capital of Tafilalet, still an important commercial center with a large souk active on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. After strolling through the Rissani souk, we continue to Erfoud to visit one of the fossil marble workshops.

Next, we drive along the Ziz River, stopping to enjoy a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley. Free time for lunch in Midelt. Then we continue to the cedar forest, home to Barbary macaques, which you can feed while walking through the forest. Afterward, we visit Ifrane, famous for its cool climate, snow, and Alpine-style houses, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Finally, we reach Fes for the night, with free time to explore the Medina.

Day 5: Guided Tour of Fes

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation in Fes to begin exploring one of Morocco’s most iconic imperial cities, the cultural and spiritual heart of the country.

The tour starts with a drive, first visiting the magnificent gates of the Royal Palace, followed by the historic Jewish quarter, “La Mellah.” Next, enjoy panoramic views from the Borj Sud fortress. The final stop of this part is the Ceramics Village and School, where you can observe traditional craftsmanship.

Then, take a walking tour through the medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, accompanied by an expert local guide. Highlights include the Al Attarine Madrasa, the University and Mosque of Al Quaraouiyine (considered the oldest university in the world), and the colorful Chouara tanneries, where leather is dyed using centuries-old techniques.

After this unforgettable tour, return to your riad to relax.

Day 6: Transfer to the airport

Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred from your Riad to Fes Airport.

End of the Morocco desert tour from Marrakech.

Gallery

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

Price Includes:

Private 6-day transport in a 4×4 or minivan with air conditioning and fuel included
Private driver who speaks Spanish and English
Expert local guide in Fes
Nights in excellent hotels or riads
One night in a luxury desert camp with private bathroom
Camel ride (one camel per person) or alternative 4×4 transfer
Sandboards available at the camp
Desert excursion in 4×4
3 dinners in Riad, Merzouga camp, and Boumalne Dades
Daily breakfasts

Price Does Not Include:

Flights
Lunches and some dinners
Entrance fees to monuments

Price of the 6-Day Morocco Itinerary

The price varies depending on the number of participants: the more people join the tour, the lower the price per person. Since transportation costs are fixed, the price is divided among the participants. The price also depends on the quality of accommodation. Contact us to get an exact quote.

BOOK THIS TOUR

To book this tour, you can send us the tour title via WhatsApp for a quick response, email it to contacto@turismoenmarrakech.com, or simply complete the form below.