Adventure in the Sahara desert
6 Days tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert
✓ Private tour with your own driver✓ Free quote, no commitment
→ Overview: 6 Days tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert
This 6 days tour from Fes reaches Marrakech through the Sahara at a comfortable pace. First, you cross the Middle Atlas and ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Then, you spend a full day in the desert, walk in the Todra Gorge and visit Ait Ben Haddou. Finally, a local guide shows you Marrakech before your flight home.
Private tour · Daily departures · Pick-up at your riad. Request your free quote or message us on WhatsApp.
Languages
English, Spanish
Tour type
Private Tour
Availability
All year round, with daily departures
→ 6 Days Tour from Fes at a Glance
| Duration | 6 days / 5 nights |
|---|---|
| Start | Your accommodation in Fes |
| End | Marrakech airport |
| Route | Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech |
| Nights | Desert camp, Merzouga hotel, Dades Valley hotel, 2 nights in a Marrakech riad |
| Guided visit | Full day in Marrakech with a local guide |
| Camel ride | About 1 hour to the camp at sunset (a 4×4 transfer is possible) |
| Best season | March to May and September to November |
→ Why Choose This 6 Days Tour from Fes
This route is designed to feel like a holiday, not a transfer. Therefore, it includes a full day in the desert and a full day in Marrakech.
- Two nights by the dunes. A camp night and a hotel night in Merzouga.
- Time in Marrakech. A guided day in the medina before your flight.
- The best of the south. Todra, Dades, the Rose Valley and Ait Ben Haddou.
- Private from start to finish. Only your group travels with your driver.
Want a day on the coast as well? See the 8 days tour from Fes with Essaouira.
→ 6 Days Tour from Fes Highlights
- Spot wild macaques in the Middle Atlas forests.
- Ride a camel across Erg Chebbi at sunset.
- Sleep beneath the stars in a desert camp.
- Listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia.
- Walk between the walls of the Todra Gorge.
- Wander the lanes of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass.
- Explore the medina of Marrakesh with a local guide.
→ 6 Days Tour from Fes Itinerary, Day by Day
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
Your driver picks you up at your riad or hotel in Fes at 8:00 AM. First, we climb into the Middle Atlas and stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco”. Next, we cross the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques often sit by the road; please watch them, but do not feed them.
Then, we stop for lunch in Midelt, between the Middle and High Atlas. Afterwards, the road follows the gorges and palm groves of the Ziz Valley to Erfoud. Finally, we reach Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, in the late afternoon.
After a mint tea, your camel trek in Merzouga begins. The ride takes about one hour, so you reach the camp at sunset. Later, you share a Berber dinner and listen to drums around the fire.
Overnight
Private tent in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi, with dinner and breakfast.
Day 2: A Day in the Merzouga Desert
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, then have breakfast at the camp. Today you explore the Merzouga area at a relaxed pace.
After breakfast, we explore the area around Erg Chebbi by 4×4. First, we visit a nomad family in their goat-hair tent and share a mint tea. Then, we stop in Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music.
Depending on the season, we also see the lake of Dayet Srji, where flamingos sometimes stop. In the afternoon, you have free time to rest or climb the dunes.
Overnight
Hotel in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast.
Day 3: Merzouga – Erfoud – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
After breakfast, we leave the Sahara and drive west through Erfoud, an old trading town. Then, we walk in the Todra Gorge, where limestone walls rise about 300 metres. Finally, we continue to the Dades Valley, known for its red rocks and kasbahs.
Overnight
Hotel in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast. Driving time: about 5 hours.
Day 4: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, we follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the Rose Valley and Kelaat M’Gouna. Then, we stop in the palm grove of Skoura before reaching Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa”.
Next, we visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar, and have lunch nearby. Afterwards, we cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) and stop at an argan oil cooperative. Finally, we reach Marrakech around 5:30–6:00 PM.
Overnight
Riad in Marrakech, with breakfast.
Day 5: Marrakech with a Local Guide
Today a local guide shows you Marrakech. First, you walk through the medina, a maze of lanes full of craftsmen and hidden courtyards. Then, you see the Koutoubia minaret and Jemaa el-Fna square.
Next, you explore the souks of spices, leather, lanterns and ceramics, and visit one of the historic palaces or gardens. In the afternoon, you have free time for a hammam, a rooftop café or a cooking class.
Overnight
Riad in Marrakech, with breakfast.
Day 6: Marrakech – Airport
After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, we drive you to Marrakech airport.
Drop-off
Marrakech Menara Airport.
→ What’s Included and Not Included
Everything is clear from the start, so there are no surprise fees.
What's Included
Covered from start to finish
- Private, air-conditioned transport throughout the tour.
- Experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
- Pick-up at your accommodation in Fes and drop-off at Marrakech airport.
- 1 night in a desert camp, with dinner and breakfast.
- 2 hotel nights (Merzouga and Dades Valley), with dinner and breakfast.
- 2 nights in a Marrakech riad, with breakfast.
- Camel trek and sandboarding in the dunes.
- Local guide for the day in Marrakech.
What's not Included
Extra costs to plan for
- Lunches and drinks.
- Dinners in Marrakech.
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Flights or transport not mentioned in the itinerary.
→ 6 Days Tour from Fes Route Map
→ Photo Gallery
→ Good to Know: 6 Days Tour from Fes
- Private & door to doorPrivate tour: only your group, with your own driver and vehicle. Pick-up at your riad or hotel in Fes; drop-off in Marrakech.
- Driving timeFes to Merzouga (about 7–8 hours) and the Dades Valley to Marrakech (about 6 hours) are the long days; a full day in Marrakech closes the trip.
- AltitudeThe road crosses the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 m: it is cold in winter and, after heavy snow, can close for a few hours.
- AltitudeIfrane and Azrou in the Middle Atlas sit at about 1,600 m – mornings and evenings are fresh even in spring.
- Desert night1 night in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes and 1 night in a hotel in Merzouga; the camel ride to camp usually takes about an hour. From November to March desert nights can drop close to 0 °C – bring a warm layer.
- Local guideIn Marrakech, the medina visit is with a local guide, with free time afterwards for Jemaa el-Fna.
- Best seasonBest months: March to May and September to November. In July and August the desert passes 40 °C, so activities are planned early in the morning and at sunset.
- What to bringBring cash in dirhams for lunches, drinks and tips, plus sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf for sun and sand.
Local Expert Tip
On the descent to Midelt, look out for apple orchards – Midelt is known as Morocco’s apple capital, and roadside stalls sell the harvest in autumn.
→ 6 Days Tour from Fes: Frequently Asked Questions
How many nights are in the desert?
One night in a camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes and one night in a hotel in Merzouga.
Is the Marrakech day guided?
Yes. A local guide shows you the medina, the souks and a palace or garden.
Where does the tour end?
At Marrakech airport on day 6, depending on your flight time.
Are the hotels and camp private?
Yes. Private rooms everywhere and a private tent in the camp.
What should I pack?
Warm layers for the desert night and comfortable shoes. See what to pack for the Sahara desert.
Can we finish in Fes instead?
Yes. Choose the 4 days Fes to Merzouga tour for a round trip.
→ Customize Your 6 Days Tour from Fes
Because this is a private tour, you can adapt it. For example, travellers often ask us to:
- Add an Essaouira day trip at the end.
- Add a guided day in Fes before the desert.
- Choose a higher camp category for a honeymoon in Morocco.
- Keep a slower pace with children on Morocco family tours.
Have something else in mind? Then let us plan a tailor-made Morocco tour.
→ Book Your 6 Days Tour from Fes
Ask us for the price
This 6 days tour from Fes is private, so the price depends on your group size, travel dates and the riad or camp category you choose. Send us your dates and number of travellers and we will reply with a clear quote, with no hidden costs.
- Private driver & vehicle
- Built around your dates
- Free, no-obligation quote
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→ What Our Travelers Say
“My mom and I had a great trip! Abdul Abderrahim guided our group of 22 for 10 days all around the country. He always a delight and informative. He was very attentive to any needs or wishes of the group and made the trip seamless. Thank you!”
Chip S
Traveled with family
“The entire adventure was marvelous. There was a lot of driving but our driver was very safe and he made frequent stops and showed us many landmarks and cultural treasures. Our visit to the desert was our highlight of the trip. I can highly recommend.”
Evita M
Traveled with friends
“Just returned from a fascinating 12 day Morocco group tour with guide Abdul. We had an amazing, immersive, super fun experience. Abdul was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, funny, patient, and pleasant. He shared personal memories of growing up Berber…”
Maria R
Traveled with friends
“We had a two week tour through Morocco and it was excellent. We visited many different locations, including the big city medina’s of Marrakech and Fez, the lovely coastal city of Essaouira, the fabulous desert area…”
Catherina2015