Tours from Fes
5 Days Private Desert Trip From Fes To Marrakech via Merzouga
5 Days Private Desert Trip from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga, Overview:
Join us on a mesmerizing journey through Morocco, combining the charm of the Middle Atlas, the mystique of the Sahara Desert, and the historical grandeur of southern kasbahs. Starting from the cultural heart of Fes, this 5-day tour offers travelers a seamless blend of natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and unforgettable adventures. From cedar forests and mountain passes to golden dunes and iconic kasbahs, each day promises immersive encounters with Morocco’s diverse scenery, local traditions, and nomadic heritage.
Highlights of the 5 Days Private Desert Trip from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga:
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Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests.
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Visit the charming towns of Ifrane and Azrou, famous for handicrafts.
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Cross the impressive Zad Pass (2,178 m / 7,146 ft).
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Explore the Ziz Valley with its lush palm groves.
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Discover Merzouga and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
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Camel trek into the Sahara Desert at sunset.
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Overnight in a traditional Berber nomadic bivouac.
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Sunrise over the Sahara and outdoor breakfast experience.
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Visit Erfoud and its fossil-rich landscape.
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Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorge.
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Drive along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” in Dades Valley.
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Explore the Valley of Roses and local kasbahs near Kelaa M’gouna.
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Visit Skoura’s palm groves and Kasbah Amredhyle.
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Tour Ouarzazate’s Kasbah Taourirt, Tifoultout, and film studios.
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Explore UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
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Cross the scenic Tichka Pass en route to Marrakech.
Why book this Private Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech?
A 5 Days Private Desert Trip from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga is the perfect way to experience Morocco’s stunning diversity at a relaxed pace. This journey takes you from the cultural heart of Fes through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, the lush Ziz Valley, and the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges, before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. Here, you’ll enjoy a camel trek at sunset, spend a magical night in a desert camp under the stars, and wake up to an unforgettable sunrise.
Traveling privately means flexibility and comfort, with your own driver-guide and the freedom to stop whenever you wish. Along the way, you’ll discover Berber villages, meet nomadic families, and explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakech. This trip combines landscapes, culture, and adventure, making it one of the most rewarding ways to connect Fes and Marrakech.
Tour Details – 5 Days Private Desert Trip from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga
Day 1 : Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga :
The first day begins at around 8:00 am at Riad or Hotel in Fez, then we set of for Midelt through the Mountains and the cedar forests of the breathtaking middle Atlas, then we pass by Ifrane, a charming ski resort town and Azrou, an important handicraft centre specialized in the work of cedar wood, then we have lunch in Midelt before travelling over the Zad pass (2,178m/7,146ft), in the afternoon we go to the small town of Erfoud via Errachidia and the Ziz valley which is dotted with palm trees, finally the first day will end in the desert town of Merzouga, where you will spend the evening in a hotel on the edge of the amazing dunes of the Sahara.
Day 2 :Tour Around Erg Chebbi Desert & Camel Trekking – Merzouga :
Starting the day with a delicious breakfast, then make a Tour of the local area, including: visiting 2 oasis of Merzouga, passing through the Gnaoua village of Khamlia, looking at the mines of Mifiss, meeting with Berber nomads of the desert, visiting the oasis of Tissardmine, and then returning to the hotel at around 3pm, we find camels waiting to take us into the beautiful Erg Chebbi Dunes, in order to watch the sunset and spend the evening in a bivouac (camp), then we enjoy a Berber dinner, and sleep in traditional Nomad camel hair tent .
Day 3 : Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Touroug – Tinjdad – Tinghir – Toudra Gorges – Boumalne –Dades Valley – Dades Gorges :
The Sahara sunrise is a very incredible scene to take photos of , actually each day you spend in Morocco you need a new SD for your camera, we wake up early and have our breakfast outdoors, it is a very nice adventure to go back to the Hotel for a shower we’ll ride camels, after having some rest we depart to Erfoud, which is known for its fossils and geology, we can see the beautiful palm tree groves, followed by having a lunch and a short walk in the amazing Todra Gorge, we see a stream runs through the center of the impressive rocky gorge, and walk amongst local vegetable gardens and towns. It is a great respite from the heat of the desert, finally we will stop , relax and have dinner in a Hotel in Boumalne de Dades.
Day 4 : Dades Gorges – Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Kelaa M’gouna – Skoura – Ouarzazate :
We travel through the very nice Dades Valley after taking breakfast till we reach the ancient Kasbah of Ait Youl, following by drive through the Valley of the Roses and the road of thousand Kasbahs, we’ll see some incredible rocky landscapes and Kasbahs, when we arrive near Kalla Mgouna we’ll have a one special local lunch, then go to the palm groves of Skoura to the Kasbah of Amredhyle, finally we arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening and spend the night in a Riad.
Day 5 : Ouarzazate – Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech :
We will drive to Marrakech via Ouarzazate. Still, before this, we will take our breakfast, we will go to the Kasbah of Taourirt, Tifoultout, and the Cinema Studio, there we take more and more beautiful photos since it is a world-famous site. We go to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (under UNESCO protection) and visit the surrounding traditional villages. We pass through some attractive, magical scenes en route to the Tichka Pass, arriving in Marrakech in the evening. We will drop you off wherever you wish before ending this wonderful 5 Days Private Desert Trip from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga.
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Gallery of the 5 Days Private Desert Trip from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga
Map of the 5 Days Private Desert Trip from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga
FAQ about this 5 Days Private Desert Trip from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga
1. How long is the camel ride in Merzouga?
Usually between 1 to 1.5 hours each way, depending on your camp’s location in the dunes. Travelers who prefer not to ride camels can request a 4×4 transfer to the camp.
2. What type of accommodations are included?
You’ll stay in a mix of traditional riads, kasbah-style hotels, and one night in a desert camp (standard or luxury, depending on your choice).
3. Is the tour suitable for families or older travelers?
Yes. The private nature of the tour makes it flexible. The pace can be adjusted, and camel rides or long walks can be replaced with 4×4 transport if needed.
4. Is the tour stroller accessible?
Not fully. Cities and some flat areas can handle strollers, but medinas, kasbahs, and especially the desert dunes are not stroller-friendly. A baby carrier is recommended for rougher terrain.
5. What is the best time of year to do this trip?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather. Summer can be very hot in the desert, while winter nights can be cold.
6. How much driving is involved each day?
On average, you’ll spend 4–6 hours on the road daily, with plenty of scenic and cultural stops along the way to break up the journey.
7. What should I pack for the desert overnight stay?
Comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a warm layer for the evening. Most camps provide blankets, but it’s good to have a jacket in colder months.
8. Can dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes, most riads and camps can prepare vegetarian, vegan, or other special meals with prior notice.
9. Is the tour customizable?
Absolutely. Since it’s a private trip, the itinerary, pace, and even accommodation style can be adapted to your preferences. Feel free to contact us.
What they say about this 5 Days Private Desert Trip from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga
This was the highlight of our trip to Morocco! The landscapes kept changing every day, from the green valleys to the breathtaking Sahara dunes. Riding camels into the sunset and spending a night under the stars was a dream come true. Everything was perfectly organized, and our driver made us feel safe and comfortable throughout the journey. Highly recommended!
If you want to really understand Morocco, this is the way to do it. We visited small villages, met local Berber families, and explored kasbahs I had only seen in movies. The private tour gave us the freedom to stop wherever we wanted, and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
I cannot recommend this enough! From the cedar forests to the Todra Gorge and finally the Sahara Desert, every stop felt like a new discovery. Watching the sunrise over the dunes was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. The organization, hospitality, and attention to detail were top-class.
We loved every moment of this 5-day trip. The desert camp was far more comfortable than expected, with delicious food and live music around the fire. The kids especially enjoyed the camel ride, and the whole family felt welcomed everywhere we went. This tour is ideal for families looking for both adventure and relaxation.
The private nature of the tour made all the difference. Our driver was punctual, professional, and very friendly. We had plenty of time for photos, coffee breaks, and exploring at our own pace. Driving through the Atlas Mountains and ending up in vibrant Marrakech was simply magical. Worth every penny!