5-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech: Ultimate Itinerary
The journey
Tour overview
Journey from the imperial city of Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara Desert — a guided medina walking tour, a luxury glamping night in the Erg Chebbi dunes, a full-day 4x4 desert excursion, Todra and Dades Gorges, and the UNESCO Ait Benhaddou Kasbah.
Day 1: Fes Airport Arrival – Fes Old City Medina Guided Walking Tour Seamless arrival at Fes-Saïs Airport and transfer to your riad. After checking in, meet a local guide for an immersive walking tour of Fes El Bali — the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), Al-Qarawiyyin University, and the Chouara Tannery. Overnight in Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de La Medina (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Fes – Ifrane – Barbary Monkey Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp Depart for the Sahara via Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco," and the cedar forests of Azrou to meet wild Barbary macaques. Arrive at Erg Chebbi for a sunset camel trek to your luxury desert camp. Overnight in Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Half Board)
Day 3: Deep Sahara Desert Excursion – Tea with Nomads – Khamlia Gnaoua Music – Flamingo Lake A full-day 4x4 excursion into the dunes to meet Sahara nomads, followed by Khamlia village's Gnaoua music and the seasonal flamingo lake of Dayet Srji. Overnight in Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Half Board)
Day 4: Merzouga Desert – Rissani Souks – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges Explore the historic trading souks of Rissani, then the towering limestone cliffs of Todra Gorges, before checking into the Dades Valley. Overnight in Dades Paradise or Dar Blues (Half Board)
Day 5: Dades Gorges – Valley of the Roses – Ait Benhaddou Kasbah – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech The fragrant Valley of the Roses, the UNESCO World Heritage Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, and the Tizi n'Tichka pass through the High Atlas, arriving in Marrakech for drop-off.
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Starts in
- Fes (hotel pick-up)
- Travel style
- Private or small group (max 17)
- Guides speak
- English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic
- Season
- Year-round, best Oct–Apr
- Activity level
- Easy to moderate
Highlights
- Full-day guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Fes El Bali medina and the Chouara Tannery
- Barbary monkey forest visit in the cedar forests of Azrou
- Sunset camel trek and two nights of luxury glamping in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Full-day 4x4 Sahara excursion — nomadic families, Khamlia Gnaoua music, and the flamingo lake
- Rissani's historic souks, birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty
- Todra Gorges' towering 300-metre limestone cliffs
- UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones
- Crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech
Day by day
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1Fes Airport Arrival – Fes Old City Medina Guided Walking Tour
Airport transfer and guided tour of Fes El Bali, the Chouara Tannery, and Al-Qarawiyyin University.
Overnight: Riad Fez Mahal or La Perle de La Medina
- 2
Day 2Fes – Ifrane – Barbary Monkey Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Ifrane, the Azrou cedar forest, and a sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
- 3
Day 3Deep Sahara Excursion – Nomads – Khamlia Gnaoua Music – Flamingo Lake
Full-day 4x4 excursion across the Sahara.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp
- 4
Day 4Merzouga – Rissani Souks – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges
Rissani trading souks, Todra Gorges, and the Dades Valley.
Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues
- 5
Day 5Dades Gorges – Valley of the Roses – Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and the Tizi n'Tichka pass, drop-off in Marrakech.
Want to add a night, slow the pace or end in another city? Every private itinerary can be adjusted. Ask us to customise it.
Good to know
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide for all 5 days
- Airport pickup in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech
- Guided walking tour of the Fes Medina
- Half Board accommodation for both nights in the Merzouga luxury desert camp and one night in Dades Gorges
- Full 4x4 Merzouga desert excursion (nomad visit, Khamlia Gnaoua music, flamingo lake)
- Sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Traditional Berber music around the campfire
Not included
- Lunches and beverages
- Entrance fees to monuments and Kasbahs
- Tips and personal expenses
Per person, in euros
Prices
| Room type | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single1 person per room | €1,534 |
| Double2 people per room | €819 |
| Triple3 people per room | €648 |
| Quadruple4 people per room | €559 |
Prices include taxes. Groups, children and camp upgrades priced on request.
Before you go
Practical information
Meeting point
Your hotel or riad in Fes, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. Exact time confirmed on booking.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure. 50% refund between 7 and 14 days. Free date changes whenever possible.
What to bring
Comfortable layers, a warm jacket for desert nights, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and a scarf or hat.
Fitness
Suitable for most fitness levels. Light walking and an optional camel ride. Tell us about any mobility needs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour private or shared?
You can take this tour privately, with your own driver-guide and vehicle, or join a shared small-group departure (up to 17 guests) where available. Tell us which you prefer when you enquire.
Is this tour suitable for first-time desert travelers?
Absolutely. Our guides are experienced with travelers of all backgrounds and will make sure you feel comfortable and safe throughout the journey. No prior desert experience is required.
What type of accommodation is used?
We use a mix of traditional riad hotels in cities and authentic Berber desert camps with private tents, comfortable bedding, and camp lighting. Luxury glamping options are available on request.
Are meals included in the tour?
Most meals are included as listed in the "What's Included" section. Breakfast is provided at hotels; dinners and breakfasts at the desert camp are always included. Lunches in cities may be at your own expense.
How do I get to the departure city?
We pick you up from your hotel or riad in Fes. We can also arrange airport transfers and recommend trusted hotels if needed, just ask when booking.
Can I change the itinerary?
Yes. Every private tour can be adjusted: add a night, swap a stop, upgrade your desert camp or finish in a different city. We will send an updated itinerary and price.
What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara?
October to April offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F during the day). July and August are very hot but manageable with proper preparation. The desert is beautiful year-round.
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