5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Itinerary – 5 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Your 5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech begins with a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where we stop in Ifrane, famously known as “Little Switzerland.” This charming town, with its European-style architecture, is a surprising contrast to the rest of Morocco.

Next, we venture into the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to the Barbary macaques. Here, you can take photos and interact with these playful monkeys, an experience unique to this Morocco desert tour. Continuing through the Atlas Mountains, we pass through Midelt and the breathtaking Ziz Valley, where thousands of date palm trees flourish, creating an oasis amid the rugged terrain.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll embark on an unforgettable camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, the highlight of any Sahara adventure. As the sun sets, the dunes glow in warm hues, providing a perfect backdrop for photography.

Tonight, you’ll stay in a luxury desert camp, where a traditional Berber experience awaits. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner, followed by live Amazigh music under a sky full of stars, completing your first day of this 5 days desert tour from Fes.

🔹 Highlights of Day 1:
✔ Visit Ifrane – Morocco’s “Little Switzerland”
✔ See wild Barbary monkeys in the Cedar Forest
✔ Cross the Ziz Valley and admire its oasis views
✔ Camel trek in the Sahara Desert
✔ Enjoy a night in a luxury desert camp with Berber music

Accommodation:

• Lux camp: Oasis Luxury Camp

Day 2: Merzouga – Khamlia – Nomad Families

Wake up early to witness an awe-inspiring Sahara sunrise before enjoying a hearty Moroccan breakfast at your desert camp. We then ride camels back to Merzouga, where we visit Khamlia, a small desert village known for its Gnawa music. The rhythmic beats and deep-rooted traditions of this Moroccan heritage will leave you captivated.

Next, we head to Rissani, a historic market town and an essential stop on any Morocco desert tour. Here, you can explore the traditional souk, famous for its authentic crafts, spices, and local delicacies, including the delicious Medfouna, often called “Berber pizza.”

We continue deeper into the Sahara adventure, visiting nomadic families who live in traditional tents, offering a glimpse into the unique Berber lifestyle. This intimate cultural exchange is what sets this 5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech apart, allowing you to experience Morocco beyond its landscapes.

In the afternoon, we visit a desert lake, a hidden oasis where you may spot flamingos and other migratory birds. To conclude the day, we return to your hotel, where a refreshing swimming pool offers relaxation after an exciting day in the desert.

🔹 Day 2 Highlights:
✔ Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara Desert
✔ Ride camels back to Merzouga village in the morning
✔ Visit Khamlia village and enjoy traditional Gnawa music
✔ Explore the Rissani souk, famous for its spices, crafts, and Medfouna (Berber pizza)
✔ Meet nomadic families and learn about their desert lifestyle
✔ Discover a hidden desert lake, home to migratory birds like flamingos
✔ Relax at a hotel with a swimming pool, a perfect retreat after a day in the desert

Accommodation:

• Standard: Riad Ksar Merzouga or similar
• Premium : Dar Morocco or similar

Day 3: Merzouga – Erfoud – Todgha Gorges – Dades

After enjoying a stunning sunrise in the Sahara, we leave Merzouga behind and set off toward Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the desert. The first stop on this leg of your 5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech is the breathtaking Todra Gorge.

The Todra Gorge is a natural wonder, with its towering 300-meter cliffs creating a dramatic canyon. The gorge is popular among hikers and climbers, but even a short stroll along the river will let you appreciate its sheer beauty. The contrast between the lush palm groves and the rugged rock formations makes this stop one of the highlights of any Morocco desert tour.

Next, we drive through the Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. This scenic route is dotted with fortified villages, dramatic rock formations, and verdant oases. Along the way, we stop in Rose Valley, famous for its annual Rose Festival and the production of rose water and perfumes. Visit a local cooperative to learn about the traditional rose distillation process and shop for unique, fragrant souvenirs.

Our journey continues through Skoura, where we admire the lush palm groves. Arriving in Ouarzazate, we visit the Taourirt Kasbah (from the outside) before checking into our accommodation. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner before resting for the next day’s adventure.

🏨 Overnight in Ouarzazate

🔹 Day 3 Highlights:
✔ Walk through the majestic Todra Gorge
✔ Visit the Dades Valley & Rose Valley
✔ Discover Skoura’s palm groves  
✔ See the historic Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate

Accommodation:

• Standard: Riad Amlal or similar
• Lux : Dar Chama or similar
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Day 4: Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas Mountains – Imlil

After breakfast, your 5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech continues with a visit to Atlas Film Studios, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Many famous films, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones, were shot here. Take a guided tour to explore iconic film sets and learn about Morocco’s role in the film industry.

Next, we visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most famous fortified villages. Its mud-brick kasbahs and narrow alleys have made it a backdrop for countless Hollywood movies. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Ounila Valley.

After exploring Ait Benhaddou, we embark on a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). This winding road offers breathtaking views of Morocco’s rugged landscapes and traditional Berber villages.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Imlil, a picturesque mountain village at the base of Mount Toubkal. Experience an authentic Berber homestay, where you’ll be welcomed by a local Berber family in their house. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner and learn about Berber traditions.

🏡 Overnight in a Berber homestay in Imlil

🔹 Day 4 Highlights:
✔ Visit the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate
✔ Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou
✔ Drive through the High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass
✔ Stay with a Berber family in Imlil

Accommodation: Berber family lodge 

Day 5: Ouarzazete-Aït Benhaddou-Atlas Mountains-Marrakech