Early morning departure from Marrakech, heading east across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest paved road in North Africa at approximately 2,260 meters above sea level. The mountain road winds through a series of spectacular switchbacks with sweeping views of rocky peaks, deep valleys, and Berber villages perched on the hillsides. Stop along the way for panoramic photographs before beginning the descent toward the pre-Saharan plains of the south.
The first major stop of the day is the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic fortified villages in Morocco. This ancient ksar, built entirely from red earthen clay, has stood as a key stop along the trans-Saharan trade routes for centuries and has appeared in productions including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mummy. Your guide will walk you through the narrow alleyways and take you up to the top granary for sweeping views of the surrounding desert landscape.
Continue through Ouarzazate for a lunch stop before heading east through the Valley of Roses, passing through Kelaat M’Gouna where Damask roses are cultivated and celebrated every May during the famous RoseFestival. Continue into the Dades Valley, arriving in the late afternoon. The winding roads of the Dades Gorge, the dramatic red rock formations, and the ancient kasbahs clinging to the cliffsides make this one of the most beautiful overnight settings in southern Morocco. Check into your riad for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast
After breakfast, begin the day with a drive through the Dades Gorge, passing the famous Monkey Fingers red rock formations near Ait Oudinar before the valley opens out into the broader southern plains. Continue east to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular natural canyon carved by the Todra River through limestone cliffs that rise over 300 meters on either side. At its narrowest point the walls close in to just a few meters wide. Take a refreshing walk along the river through the gorge before continuing south through Erfoud, a desert town known for its fossil-rich black marble workshops, toward Merzouga.
By late afternoon, the towering orange dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. Your camels will be waiting at the edge of the desert for a sunset trek across the golden sands. As the sun descends, the dunes glow in shades of amber and rose and the silence of the Sahara settles completely around you. Arrive at your luxury desert camp to a warm welcome of mint tea and Berber bread. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under a sky full of stars, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of live Berber music around the campfire.
Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast
Rise before dawn to witness the Sahara sunrise, one of the most peaceful and unforgettable moments of the entire journey. As the first light creeps over the dunes, the desert awakens in shades of gold and pink. After breakfast at the camp, the full day is dedicated to exploring the rich culture and landscapes of the Merzouga desert region.
Begin with a visit to a nomadic Berber family in their tent and gain a genuine insight into their quiet, self-sufficient way of life, learning about their traditions, livestock management, and daily routines in one of the most challenging environments on earth. Continue to the fossil mines near Merzouga, where millions of years of prehistoric marine life are embedded in the local rock, a fascinating stop for anyone curious about the deep geological history of the Sahara. Head next to Khamlia village, home to the descendants of sub-Saharan Africans brought to Morocco during the 16th and 17th centuries, who have preserved the ancient tradition of Gnawa music. A live performance by local musicians in this small desert village is one of the most memorable cultural encounters of the entire tour.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is free for optional activities. ATV quad biking across the Erg Chebbi dunes is the most popular choice, offering a thrilling way to explore the desert from a different perspective. Sandboarding and 4×4 excursions are also available. Alternatively, the afternoon can be spent relaxing at your accommodation, walking among the dunes at your own pace, or simply sitting and watching the light change across the desert as the day winds down. The second night is spent in a comfortable riad or hotel in Merzouga, a welcome contrast to the desert camp after a full day of exploration.
Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast
After breakfast in Merzouga, leave the desert behind and begin the long journey north toward Fes. The first stretch of the drive passes through wide open pre-Saharan plains and the small historic town of Rissani, the ancient former capital of the Tafilalt region and the ancestral heartland of Morocco’s Alaouite royal dynasty. If your visit falls on a market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), a brief stop at the Rissani souk offers a genuine glimpse into local desert trade and daily life.
Continue north into the Ziz Valley, one of the most beautiful and photogenic landscapes in southern Morocco. The valley follows the Ziz River through a long corridor of thousands of date palms, ancient mud-brick kasbahs, and small Berber villages that have been sustained by the river’s waters for thousands of years. Stop at the panoramic viewpoint high above the valley for sweeping photographs of the palm groves stretching out below, framed by red rock cliffs and desert mountains, before continuing through the Foum Zabel tunnel and across the Tizi-n-Talghemt mountain pass.
Arrive in Midelt in the early evening, a quiet and pleasant mountain town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, famous throughout Morocco for its high-quality apples and traditional Berber carpets. The surrounding mountain scenery makes it a genuinely peaceful place to spend the final overnight of the journey. Enjoy a traditional dinner and a restful night at a comfortable riad or hotel.
Meals included: Dinner and Breakfast
After breakfast in Midelt, set off on the final leg of the journey north toward Fes. The road climbs back into the Middle Atlas Mountains through increasingly lush and forested terrain. The first major stop is the cedar forest around Azrou, where Atlas cedar trees tower above the road and Barbary macaque monkeys roam freely among the branches and along the roadside. These primates are found almost nowhere else on earth and a close encounter with them in their natural forest habitat is one of the more unexpected and charming highlights of this northern stretch of the route.
Continue north to Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco, a spotlessly clean alpine town with European-style stone chalets, manicured parks, and cool mountain air that provides a striking contrast to the desert landscapes of the previous days. Stop for a short walk and a coffee before the final stretch north to Fes.
Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon. Depending on your travel plans, your Navigate Morocco driver will drop you off at your riad or hotel in the medina, at your chosen accommodation outside the city, or directly at Fes Airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your 5-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour with Navigate Morocco.
Meals included: Breakfast
Is this a private tour?
Yes. This is a fully private tour operated exclusively for you and your travel companions by Navigate Morocco. You will have a dedicated vehicle and driver-guide for all 5 days and will not share with any other group at any point during the journey.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Marrakech with a pickup from your hotel, riad, or Marrakech Menara Airport. It ends in Fes with a drop-off at your accommodation or Fes Airport depending on your onward travel plans. Simply let us know your arrangements at the time of booking and we will organize accordingly.
Why are there two nights in Merzouga?
Two nights in Merzouga allows for a genuinely immersive Sahara experience rather than a rushed overnight stop. The first night in the luxury desert camp gives you the full sunset camel trek and campfire experience. The full day on Day 3 allows you to explore the desert properly, visiting nomadic families, Khamlia village, and the fossil sites, and the second night in a comfortable riad or hotel gives you a more relaxed base with full bathroom facilities after a day of exploration.
What type of accommodation is included?
You will stay in a riad in Dades Valley, a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, a comfortable riad or hotel in Merzouga, and a riad or hotel in Midelt. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, cleanliness, and authentic Moroccan character.
Are the ATV quad bikes included?
ATV quad biking across the Erg Chebbi dunes is an optional activity available at an additional cost, paid locally on the day. It is not included in the base tour price. Your driver-guide will arrange it for you in Merzouga if you wish to try it.
What meals are included?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts and 4 dinners throughout the journey. Lunches are not included, giving you the freedom to explore local restaurants and street food along the route.
Is the camel trek suitable for all travelers?
Yes. The sunset camel trek is slow-paced and guided by experienced local handlers, making it suitable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels. A 4×4 transfer to the desert camp can be arranged as an alternative if preferred.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. Navigate Morocco offers fully flexible itineraries. Stops, pacing, accommodation preferences, and the number of nights at each destination can all be adjusted to match your group’s interests and schedule.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
The best months are March to May and September to November, when temperatures are comfortable across all regions of the route. Summer can be very hot in the Sahara and southern Morocco, while winter is cooler but still manageable with appropriate clothing.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, light layered clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. Bring a warm layer for cool evenings in the mountains and desert. A small daypack is ideal for daily excursions and thecamel trek.
