5 day tour from Fes to Marakech via the Atlas & Desert
5 DAY Desert Tour From Fes to Marrakech via the Atlas & Desert, Presented to you by Prime Morocco Tours.
5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Duration: 5 Days & 4nights
Departure: 08:00 am
Starting Location: Fes
Ending Location: Marrakech
Overview:
Embark on an exhilarating five-day journey through the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Morocco, starting from the vibrant city of Fes and culminating in the enchanting city of Marrakech. This immersive tour offers an unforgettable exploration of historical landmarks, breathtaking natural wonders, and authentic cultural experiences.
Highlights of the Tour:
- Depart from Fes and journey towards Merzouga, renowned for its golden desert.
- En route, visit the European-inspired city of Ifrane and the cedar forests inhabited by wild monkeys.
- Experience a camel ride into the desert, dine under the stars, and enjoy local music by the campfire.
- Witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the desert dunes before returning to Merzouga.
- Explore surrounding villages, including Hassi Labied, Merdani, Khamlia, and M’fis.
- Visit Khamlia, a Gnawi village known for its spiritual music and welcoming locals.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch with panoramic views near the Algerian border.
- Explore traditional ksour and desert villages in Rissani, including the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif.
- Journey through the Ziz Valley towards Todra Gorges, passing through Amazigh villages near Tinghir.
- Explore cinematic buildings in Ouarzazate, dubbed the “Hollywood of Morocco.
- Depart from Ouarzazate and journey towards Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka mountain pass.
Program of the 5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Erfoud–Merzouga:
The trip will start from Fez city, recognized as an international heritage by UNESCO, we will first meet at the hotel or raid where you are booked. Heading towards Merzouga, known for its golden desert in the southeast of Morocco. Through the route we will drive by the city of Ifran; different from the other cities of the country, Ifran has wonderful European architecture surrounded by the Cedar forest; here we can stop to feed monkeys living in that forest and enjoy the fresh air. After that we will continue the route to Midelt City, located in the middle atlas; known for its apple production and the ancient mines of Plumb. We will stop there for lunchtime and continue the trip. The next direction will be Erfoud an oasis town in eastern Morocco, crossing the Tizi Ntalghamt a passage through the mountain that will transport you to another landscape view with deserted mountains except next to the river. Arriving at Arfoud the trip we will drive directly to Merzouga stop at an auberge leave your luggage there and ride camels to the khaima “the tent” in the desert. You will be served dinner then listen to the local music with drums and dance around a campfire.
Day 2: Merzouga – Berber Families – Black Desert – Merzouga (Camel Ride & Night in Sahara):
The morning in the desert will start very early to allow you to see the sunrise and the changing of color of the golden dunes with time. After that, you will ride back camels to Merzouga at a hotel where you can get a fresh shower and a tasty breakfast before going in a visit to the villages surrounding Erg Chebbi dunes such as Hassi Labied, Merdani, Khamlia andM’fis. We will meet locals on the way to Khamlia who will show you their culture. On the sand, you will probably encounter desert reptiles and mammals. Arriving in Khamlia known as the Gnawi village, black people coming from southern countries of Africa as slaves in the past were integrated into the Moroccan society. The people there will welcome you very hospitably with a cup of tea made in the desert manner (Amazigh whiskey) and listening to their lovely spiritual Gnawi music. Leaving Khamlia we will go toward the Algerian borders to have a panoramic view of the golden dunes before having a picnic lunch under the shadow of a tree. The ride will continue visiting nomads of the region living under an Amazigh tent and taking care of their herds. On the way back to Merzouga to have dinner and sleep the night at the hotel, you will come across the volcanic rocks and the Yasmina Lake where you will be surprised with the natural postcard of the dunes surrounding the lake ( in spring)
Day 3: Merzouga – Errissani – Erfoud – Jorf – Todra Gorges:
On the second day, you will wake up early in the morning to admire the sunrise shining on the golden sand. After that, we ride back on camels to the auberge. Where you will have a shower to refresh your body and then an appetite breakfast. Putting your things back on the bus. We will Drive toward Rissani town situated at the edge of the Ziz Valley. Where are traditional ksour and desert villages and the Mausoleum of the first Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ali Cherif, the grandfather of the current King of Morocco? There we will be served lunch and continue the journey towards the Todra gorges through the Amazigh villages near the Oasis of Tinghir surrounded by the mountain of the High Atlas. Arriving at the Gorges where you spend the night you will be amazed by the shape of the limestone shaped years ago by the power of water, this place is known for rock climbing sport.
Day 4: Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges – Roses Valley – Skoura–Ouarzazate:
Waking up at Dades Gorges, you will have your breakfast and start traveling towards the Hollywood city of Morocco, Ouarzazate. The drive will take you through the piste Boutagherar and the oasis of Skoura which is cultivated with hectares of roses, where we can stop for a lunchtime and enjoy the landscape of the region. Arriving in Ouarzazate, we will visit many Cinematographic buildings. Then we can have dinner and call it a day
Day 5: Ouarzazate – Kasbah AitBenhaddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
The next morning, you will have a breakfast meal. Then we will start the trip from Ouarzazate. The drive will take us to the Ighram “the fortified village” of Ait ben Haddou; where we will have lunch, this village took its name from the Ksar (collective living building) of Ait Ben Haddou, a World Heritage site, where the famous films were shot to name but a few as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Mummy. Going via the Tizi N’Tichka mountain passage in the High Atlas, you will have some time to take pictures of the mountain winds. Then the trip will continue to its final point Marrakech, or as it is known for the Amazigh people, the land of God “Amour N Akouch” in the evening time. Here comes the end of our services.
Map: 5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Useful Information for New Travelers in this 5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Pricing & Booking
The price of this tour varies depending on the number of travelers and any specific customizations you may want. To get an accurate quote tailored to your group size and preferences, please contact us directly. We pride ourselves on transparency and will provide all the details you need to plan your perfect adventure.
Why Book With Us?
Choosing us means choosing a hassle-free and personalized experience. Our team is passionate about sharing Morocco’s hidden gems and authentic experiences with you. From private transfers and comfortable accommodations to expert local guides, every aspect of the tour is designed with your comfort and safety in mind. Plus, if the 9-day itinerary from Fes to Marrakech isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, we offer customized tours that can be tailored to your interests, timeline, and budget.
Ease & Comfort on This Tour
Traveling through Morocco’s diverse terrain can be daunting for new visitors, but with us, the journey is effortless. We handle all logistics including pick-ups, drop-offs, and accommodation arrangements, so you can focus on enjoying the stunning sights and cultural encounters. Our vehicles are well-maintained and spacious, and our guides are fluent in multiple languages to ensure clear communication and a seamless experience. Whether you want to explore ancient medinas, ride camels in the desert, or hike through mountain gorges, this tour offers an easy, enriching way to discover Morocco.
Note before you go:
Before embarking on this unforgettable 5-day journey from Fes to Marrakech, here are some essential tips and facts to help you prepare:
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What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you’ll explore uneven terrain, including desert sands and rocky gorges. Bring layered clothing to adapt to varying temperatures—warm clothes for chilly desert nights and lighter fabrics for daytime. Don’t forget sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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Health & Safety: Stay hydrated, especially during desert and mountain stops. It’s advisable to carry basic medications and any personal prescriptions, as pharmacies might be limited in remote areas.
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Currency: The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the local currency. While credit cards are accepted in bigger towns, cash is preferred in smaller villages and markets. ATMs are available in major cities along the route.
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Cultural Etiquette: Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, so modest dressing is appreciated when visiting religious sites and rural communities. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages.
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Language: Arabic and Berber are the official languages, but French is widely spoken. Your guide will assist with translations and local insights to enrich your experience.
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Connectivity: Internet access may be limited in remote areas like the Sahara and mountain villages. Use this as an opportunity to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the surroundings.
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Physical Activity: The tour involves moderate walking and camel riding. Make sure you’re comfortable with these activities and let us know if you have any mobility concerns.