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PRIVATE TOUR — 5 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
OVERVIEW
Take a leisurely journey from Marrakech to Fes on our 5 days tour from Marrakech to Fes, with a relaxed pace to explore the wonders along the way. Experience the unique lifestyle of a Berber family living in mountain caves, enjoy a full day of desert exploration, and connect with a nomadic family in the desert.
This off-the-beaten-path adventure promises an unforgettable desert experience, all while travelling comfortably in our 4×4 vehicles.
Why a private 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes?
Our 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes offers a unique adventure away from the usual tourist path. We venture off-road to hidden gems inaccessible to standard tour buses and mini-vans, travelling at a relaxed pace in comfortable SUVs with a knowledgeable local guide. This personalised approach reveals the authentic beauty of Morocco’s desert landscapes in a way few travellers ever experience.
DURATION: 5 days / 4 nights
START:MARRAKECH
END: FES
TOUR STYLE: PRIVATE
HIGHLIGHTS
– Crossing the High Atlas Mountains
– Visiting the historic Glaoui Kasbah of Telouet
– Exploring the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
– Visiting a Berber family living in a mountain cave
– Marvelling at the Dades and Todra Gorges
– Riding camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes
– Enjoying spectacular desert sunsets and sunrises
– Spending an unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp
– Meeting a nomadic Berber family in the desert
– Enjoying a full-day desert experience
– Watching for Barbary macaques in a cedar forest near Azrou
Here’s the plan. Feel free to customise it to match your interests.
Day 1: Marrakech -> High Atlas Mountains -> Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah -> Ouarzazate
We start with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. As you set off, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains, with stops to soak up the scenery and explore the historic Telouet Kasbah, once the stronghold of the El Glaoui family (the Palace of Glaoui).
Arriving at Ait Ben Haddou around noon, you can have lunch before exploring the enchanting Kasbah, which has been the backdrop for films and series including The Mummy, Gladiator, and parts of Game of Thrones.
Continuing on, we head to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa” and a gateway to the desert. Here you’ll find the famous Atlas Studios. You can explore the studio sets or head to the Taourirt Kasbah, another fortified village once owned by the El Glaoui family. After admiring the Kasbah, we transfer you to your hotel for a relaxing evening, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Ouarzazate -> Skoura -> Kelaat M’Gouna -> Bou Tharar -> Dades Valley
Begin with breakfast before we set off for Skoura, an oasis of over 4,000 hectares of palm trees that once served as a stopover for camel caravans. Here you’ll see the magnificent Amridil Kasbah, offering insight into Kasbah life over 300 years ago.
Our journey continues to Kelaat M’Gouna, home to the famous Rose Valley. In spring, you can stroll among the blooming roses.
Leaving Kelaat M’Gouna, we pass charming Berber villages towards Bou Tharar, then take an adventurous off-road route to the Dades Valley. Along the way we stop to visit a nomadic Berber family living in a mountain cave, enjoying a warm cup of tea and a firsthand look at their way of life.
At the Dades Valley we check into your hotel to unwind. You can take a leisurely walk or a guided hike through the Monkey Fingers Canyon, with its rock formations, slot canyons, and vistas. As evening falls, enjoy dinner and a restful night in the tranquil Dades Valley.
Day 3: Dades Valley -> Todra Gorge -> Merzouga desert
After breakfast, we begin the journey to the Merzouga desert, stopping to walk through the Todra Canyon and admire the panoramic views of the Tinghir oasis.
In the afternoon we reach Merzouga, where you’ll ride camels through the dunes and watch a spectacular sunset from a high dune. At your luxury camp you’ll be welcomed with tea before being shown to your private luxury tent. After dinner, gather around the campfire for drums and traditional Berber songs beneath a star-filled sky.
Day 4: Merzouga desert exploration
For early risers, catch the stunning sunrise. After breakfast, get ready for an exciting day exploring the Merzouga desert.
Start at Khamlia, a small village famous for its Gnawa music. Then head off-road to M’Fis, an abandoned village known for its galena mines, a mineral used in cosmetics.
Experience nomadic life firsthand by visiting a family living near the Erg Chebbi dunes, welcomed with traditional Berber hospitality.
After lunch, we journey to a charming riad with views of the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Relax or swim before catching the sunset, then take a leisurely walk to the dunes for another mesmerising sunset. You can also choose to spend another night at the camp — just tell us at booking.
Day 5: Merzouga desert -> Ziz Valley -> Ifrane -> Fes
Another chance to rise early for the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes from your riad.
After a hearty breakfast, we begin the journey to Fes, with stops at the picturesque Ziz Valley, a cedar forest near Azrou where you may spot Barbary macaques, and the scenic town of Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco.”
You’ll arrive in Fes by late afternoon. Your guide will drop you at the nearest accessible spot to your hotel or riad, concluding your 5-day off-the-beaten-path tour from Marrakech to Fes.
Booking & Payment
How early should I book my Morocco tour?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially if you’re travelling during spring, autumn, or holiday seasons. Early reservations guarantee better availability, a wider choice of accommodations, and more flexibility to personalise your itinerary.
How do I pay for my tour?
Booking is simple. We require a small deposit to secure your reservation, which can be paid via PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer. The remaining balance is paid directly to your driver-guide in cash on the first day of your tour. We accept Euros (€), US Dollars ($), and Moroccan Dirhams (MAD).
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Our cancellation terms are clearly explained on our Cancellation Policy page. We recommend reviewing the policy before confirming your reservation.
Can I create my own itinerary?
Absolutely! Every private Morocco tour can be fully customised. Whether you want to change destinations, extend your trip, upgrade hotels, or add unique experiences, we’ll design an itinerary that perfectly matches your travel style, schedule, and budget.
Transportation
What type of vehicles do you use?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles depending on your group size.
Every vehicle is professionally maintained to ensure a safe and comfortable journey across Morocco.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes. We can collect you from any Moroccan airport at the beginning of your trip and drop you off at the end. Your driver will be waiting with your name upon arrival. Flights are not included in the tour price.
Which airport should I fly into?
Most international travelers arrive in:
You can also start your tour from:
We’ll help you choose the best airport based on your itinerary.
Driver-Guides
Who will be our guide?
Our professional driver-guides are experienced locals who know Morocco inside and out. They don’t just drive—they introduce you to Moroccan culture, history, traditions, hidden places, and local life, making your journey much more meaningful.
Do your guides speak English?
Yes. English is our standard language. We can also arrange guides who speak French, Spanish, Italian, German, or other languages upon request, depending on availability.
Accommodation
What type of hotels do you offer?
We carefully select quality accommodations throughout Morocco, including:
Every accommodation is chosen for comfort, cleanliness, excellent service, and authentic Moroccan charm.
Are the desert camps luxury?
Yes. We only work with luxury desert camps.
Every tent includes:
We do not use standard camps with shared facilities.
Can I choose my hotels?
Of course. We’ll provide several carefully selected accommodation options based on your budget. If you already have a hotel or riad you’d like to stay in, we’ll gladly include it whenever possible.
Sahara Desert & Activities
How far is the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh?
The Merzouga Sahara Desert is approximately 560 km (348 miles) from Marrakesh. Because of the distance, our tours include scenic overnight stops, allowing you to enjoy the journey rather than spending an entire day driving.
How far is the Sahara Desert from Fes?
The drive from Fes to Merzouga covers approximately 500 km (310 miles).
How far is Casablanca from Merzouga?
Casablanca is about 660 km (410 miles) from the Sahara Desert. We usually recommend a 5-day (or longer) itinerary to enjoy the journey comfortably.
Do I have to ride a camel?
Not at all.
If camel riding isn’t for you, we’ll transfer you to your luxury desert camp by comfortable 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost.
What activities can I do in the Sahara?
Besides the famous camel trek and overnight desert camp experience, you can also enjoy:
Can I add extra activities to my trip?
Absolutely.
Popular additions include:
Tour Experience
What’s the difference between a private tour and a shared tour?
Private Tour
Shared Tour
Both options provide excellent service—the choice simply depends on your travel style and budget.
Is 7 days enough to visit Morocco?
Yes.
A well-planned 7-day itinerary allows you to experience many of Morocco’s highlights, including:
It’s one of the most popular trip lengths for first-time visitors.
What can I see in one week?
In seven days, you can explore:
Which 7-day itinerary is best?
The best route depends on your arrival airport.
Popular options include:
We’ll recommend the ideal itinerary based on your flight schedule.
Why book with us?
As a local Moroccan tour operator, we offer:
Meals
Are meals included?
Most desert tours include:
Lunches are generally not included, giving you the freedom to choose where you’d like to eat during the day. Each tour page clearly lists what’s included.
Can you accommodate special diets?
Yes.
We happily accommodate:
Simply let us know your dietary requirements when booking, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements throughout your journey.
