5 Days Desert Tour Marrakech Fez

Experience the Best of Morocco in 5 Days: Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

This 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour offers a well-rounded taste of Morocco’s iconic sights, from bustling markets and ancient kasbahs to stunning gorges and mesmerizing dunes. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, the reviews and itinerary paint a picture of an adventure that balances captivating landscapes with authentic cultural moments.

What we love most about this tour? First, the seamless mix of historical sites like Ait Benhaddou and Telouet Kasbahs, with the natural beauty of the Dades and Todra Gorges. Second, the chance to experience a traditional camel ride into the Sahara and sleep under the stars in a desert camp. Third, the knowledgeable guides—reviewers rave about Zak and Abderrahim, who make the journey both fun and insightful.

One potential consideration is the long driving hours—about 8 hours on day one alone—so travelers should be prepared for some bus time. But if you’re after an immersive experience that covers Morocco’s most stunning landscapes and historic sites, this tour is a worthwhile choice. It suits those who want a balance of adventure, culture, and comfort, especially if you’re short on time but craving a genuine North African experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Moroccan Experience: Visit UNESCO sites, traditional villages, and desert camps.
• Comfortable Transport: Private transportation ensures smooth transfers between sights.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Zak and Abderrahim enhance your understanding of each location.
• Cultural Encounters: Enjoy folklore shows, Berber meals, and interactions with nomads.
• Stunning Landscapes: From mountains to deserts, the scenery is unforgettable.
• Balanced Itinerary: Mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and culture, with options for off-road exploration.

An In-Depth Look at the 5-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

Day 1: Marrakech to Ouarzazate via Aït Benhaddou

This first day kicks off with an early pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad. As you wind your way through the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll cross the famous Tizi N’Tichka pass, renowned for its scenic switchbacks and panoramic views. Expect plenty of stops for photos, especially at strategic viewpoints that capture the rugged beauty of the mountains.

Your journey includes a visit to the Telouet Kasbah, a relic from the 17th century that hints at Morocco’s feudal past. Here, guides often mention the kasbah’s crumbling walls and intricate decoration as a highlight, offering insight into local history.

For lunch, you’ll dine at a peaceful oasis with the added bonus of a Berber folklore show, which many reviewers found charming and authentic. Afterward, you’ll visit the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized worldwide for its stunning mud-brick architecture and cinematic fame (it’s appeared in movies like Gladiator).

Your day ends in Ouarzazate, a city often called Morocco’s Hollywood, with a cozy hotel stay. The long drive is a consideration, but the scenery and cultural stops make it worthwhile.

Day 2: Dades Gorges, Skoura, and Roses Valley

Wake up in Ouarzazate and set out towards the Dades Gorges, a dramatic canyon known for its towering red cliffs. The journey through Skoura introduces you to the Amredhyle Kasbah, a striking example of Moroccan architecture and a favorite for photography.

Next, you’ll visit Roses Valley, famous for its rose harvests—ideal for a fragrant walk amid pink blooms. An off-road detour takes you 30 km into the valley, where you can meet local nomads living in graves, offering a rare glimpse into their resilient lifestyle, as one reviewer pointed out.

The highlight of the afternoon is visiting Ait Youl Kasbah, a scenic fortress surrounded by lush palm groves. After lunch in Dades Gorges, you’ll have free time to explore or relax. The overnight stay here offers a peaceful retreat amid stunning nature.

Day 3: From Dades Gorge to the Sahara

More mountain scenery greets you as you travel toward the Todra Gorge, a massive fault line carved over centuries by the Todra River. The towering 300-meter cliffs create a spectacular backdrop for photos and exploration.

Lunch in the gorge is a perfect mid-morning break before heading into the desert. The drive into the Sahara takes you through Erfoud and Rissani, where you’ll stop at the grand sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here, the real adventure begins—camel rides into the dunes, about an hour and a half, as reviewers describe, are a must for capturing the iconic desert experience.

The night in a desert camp is unforgettable. You’ll sleep in a traditional nomad tent, enjoying a Berber dinner under a blanket of stars. Many travelers mention the guide’s tips on desert etiquette and the peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Day 4: Desert Sunrise and Cultural Encounters

Waking early for a desert sunrise is often cited as a tour highlight. The shifting colors of the dunes provide a breathtaking backdrop for photos and reflection. After breakfast, you’ll return by camel, taking in the changing landscape.

The visit to the village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music, offers a musical snapshot of desert life. Lunch in Rissani includes a traditional Berber pizza, a filling and delicious local specialty.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to Merzouga, where you can relax at your hotel or explore more of the desert environment. Reviewers appreciate the guides’ local knowledge, which enriches the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Day 5: From Merzouga to Fez

Your final day takes you northward, passing through Azrou, known for its wild monkeys in cedar forests, and stopping for lunch in Medilt. The route offers glimpses of Morocco’s diverse geography—from arid plains to lush forests.

As you approach Fez, the tour concludes with a sense of having experienced a broad cross-section of Morocco’s sights—mountains, deserts, gorges, and ancient cities. The early evening arrival allows for some free time to settle into your riad and reflect on the journey.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Moroccan adventure without the hassle of planning each detail. It’s perfect if you’re after a balance of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical sites.

Adventure seekers will relish the camel rides and off-road excursions, while history buffs will enjoy exploring ancient kasbahs and UNESCO sites. Those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and local interactions will also find this tour rewarding.

Keep in mind, the long driving hours might not suit everyone, especially if you prefer relaxed travel. But for those eager to pack a lot into a short period, this tour offers a concentrated dose of Morocco’s highlights.

The Sum Up

This 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour provides a comprehensive, well-organized way to experience Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultural richness. It’s especially valuable for travelers wanting a guided, hassle-free journey that combines highlights like the Sahara, gorges, and Kasbahs with genuine local encounters.

The reviews point to the importance of the guides—Zak and Abderrahim—who help bring the journey to life with their insights and friendliness. The scenic variety, from mountain passes to desert dunes, keeps the trip engaging and visually stunning.

Although the long travel times might be tiring, the overall value is high for those eager to see Morocco’s best in a manageable timeframe. The experience is suited for adventurous travelers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone craving a memorable desert escape.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the long drives and camel rides may be more suitable for those comfortable with physical activity and travel in vehicles.

Are meals included?
Breakfast and dinners are included, but lunch is not. You might find it convenient to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch during the stops.

What’s the accommodation like?
You’ll spend nights in hotels in Ouarzazate and Dades Gorges, and in traditional desert bivouacs at Merzouga, offering a mix of comfort and authentic local style.

How is transportation arranged?
Private transportation is provided for the entire trip, ensuring a smooth experience between all stops.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is generally a group tour with set stops, but some reviews mention tailor-made options, especially for longer trips.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable shoes, layers for varying temperatures, and sun protection for the desert and mountain excursions.

Is it worth the cost?
Considering the variety of sites visited, guided insights, and included activities like camel riding and desert camping, many travelers find it a good value.

Are there any additional costs?
Lunch is not included, and optional activities or souvenirs might incur extra costs.

How early does the tour start and end each day?
The tour typically starts at 8:00 a.m. with pickups from your hotel or riad, and the final day concludes in Fez in the early evening.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if this Moroccan adventure matches your travel style. With its combination of landscapes, cultural sites, and authentic experiences, it offers a memorable way to explore Morocco in just five days.