5 Days Tour Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert
Start Point: Fes
End Point: Marrakech
Transport: Private
Accommodation: Hotel / Desert Camp / Riad
Age range: All
Language: English
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Summary of 5-Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Budget Morocco Tours made this trip carefully, This 5 days tour Fes to Marrakech allows travellers to engage themselves in Morocco’s natural beauty, rich cultural history and unique desert landscapes. From the ancient city of Fes, you’ll travel through the heart of the Atlas Mountains, experience traditional Berber culture and finally arrive in the fascinating Sahara. Each day of the journey brings new adventures, whether it’s meeting wildlife in the cedar forests, camel trekking through the Sahara or discovering Morocco’s most famous kasbahs and gorges.
The journey reach its finale in the vibrant city of Marrakech, with its bustling souks and rich history. This adventure is more than just a sightseeing tour – it is an immersive experience that offers a true taste of Moroccan life, history and breathtaking natural beauty.
Places You’ll See
- Middle Atlas Cedar Forest (Azrou)
- Ziz Valley and Tafilalet Oasis
- Merzouga Desert and Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Rissani Market
- Todra Gorges
- Dades Valley and Gorges
- Kasbah Amridil
- Ouarzazate
- Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass, …
HIGHLIGHTS OF 5 DAYS TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
- Exploring the Atlas Mountains and scenic valleys.
- Visiting the cedar forests and spotting barbarian apes.
- Trekking across the stunning dunes of Erg Chebbi.
- Immersing in Berber culture with a stay in a desert camp.
- Exploring the bustling Rissani Market.
- Witnessing the beauty of the Todra and Dades Gorges.
- Visiting the ancient Kasbah Amridil.
- Discovering Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco.”
- Touring the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO site.
- Crossing the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass to Marrakech.
Why Start This Trip from Fes?
Starting the trip in Fes offers a deep cultural experience. Fes is a historic city in Morocco. It has old medinas, traditional markets, and beautiful Islamic buildings. Starting in Fes gives travellers an authentic taste of Morocco’s cultural heart, setting the tone for an adventurous journey.
Fes also lets you move from city life to the rugged beauty of the Middle Atlas Mountains. As you leave Fes, you’ll see different scenery, including cedar forests and valleys, before reaching the Sahara.
Fes is a good starting point for exploring Morocco’s southern desert region. You can see different landscapes, from valleys to the desert, as you travel along historical trade routes.
Day by Day Itinerary
5-Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech full itinerary
Join us on an amazing trip through the heart of Morocco, where you’ll experience the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures. This itinerary combines the excitement of crossing the Atlas Mountains, experiencing traditional Berber villages, exploring ancient kasbahs and enjoying the stark beauty of the Sahara Desert. You’ll get to experience a rich history, fascinating local traditions and breathtaking natural scenery on this trip. It’s the perfect mix of cultural immersion, adventure and relaxation, giving you an authentic Moroccan experience. The unique blend of desert landscapes, mountain passes and historical stops makes it a one-of-a-kind adventure for travellers looking to explore the essence of Morocco.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1: Fes – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
- Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani Market – Erg Chebbi – Camel Trek
- Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Tinghir – Dades Gorges
- Day 4: Dades Valley – Kasbah Amridil – Skoura – Ouarzazate
- Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Tizin’Tichka Pass – Marrakech
Day 1: Fes to Merzouga Desert via Ziz Valley
Start the day with breakfast in Fes, then head southeast towards the Merzouga Desert. You’ll also get to explore the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountains, and stop at Morocco’s largest cedar forest near Azrou, where you can see playful barbary apes. After lunch in the small town of Midelt, the scenery changes to a vast, open desert as you enter the Errachidia region. Next, we’ll drive through the lush Ziz Valley, which is famous for its date palm groves and is the base of the ruling Alaouite dynasty. You’ll arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon, where you’ll be greeted with traditional mint tea at your riad.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 2: Rissani to Merzouga (camel trek and an overnight stay in a Berber tent).
Start the day with breakfast and a look around the Merzouga area, where you’ll meet the Gnawa people, descendants of Sudanese slaves. You’ll learn about their music and traditions. Next, we’ll visit the nearby Merzouga Bay, which is home to a huge number of birds. After that, we’ll head to Rissani, a historic market town that was once a major trading hub for caravans from Timbuktu. We’ll be heading back to Merzouga for a camel trek into the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll spend the night in a traditional Berber tent, with dinner and stargazing in the serene desert setting.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Day 3: Merzouga to Dades Gorges Todra Gorges and the Palm Groves of Tinghir
Get up early to see the sunrise over the desert dunes before heading back to Merzouga by camel. After breakfast, we’ll head out for the Todra Gorges, which are known for their towering cliffs and narrow canyons. We’ll also explore the picturesque palm groves of Tinghir. Then, we’ll continue through the Dades Valley, where we’ll see the region’s unique rock formations and castles of sand, which are called “monkey toes.” We’ll have lunch in the heart of the gorge before arriving at our luxurious hotel overlooking the Dades Valley for an overnight stay.
Accomodation: Riad/ Hotel/Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
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What makes the 5 Days from Fes to Marrakech an adventure?
This itinerary is an adventure because it combines diverse landscapes with unique cultural experiences, creating a journey that engages both the body and mind. From camel trekking through the vast desert dunes of Erg Chebbi to exploring the narrow gorges of Todra, the physical challenges are both thrilling and rewarding. The opportunity to ride camels and sleep in Berber tents under the stars adds a unique touch of authenticity to the adventure, taking travelers out of their comfort zones and into the heart of the Sahara.
Exploring ancient kasbahs and meeting local Berber and Gnawa communities offer more than just a tourist experience; it provides a genuine connection to Morocco’s rich history and vibrant traditions. The itinerary weaves through historic caravan routes, marketplaces, and ancient towns, allowing you to feel like part of a centuries-old story.
The adventure also lies in the unexpected beauty of the journey itself. As you traverse the towering Atlas Mountains, witness sunrises over the desert, and explore lush palm groves, each day presents new and surprising landscapes. Whether it’s watching the desert change color at sunset or navigating the winding roads of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the ever-changing scenery keeps the spirit of adventure alive throughout the trip.
The journey offers ample opportunities for hands-on experiences, from bargaining in local markets to learning about traditional Berber life. Each activity feels like an adventure, whether you’re sipping mint tea with locals in a kasbah or navigating the sands of the Sahara on a camel.
Finally, what makes this trip an adventure is its transformative nature. You start in the ancient city of Fes, explore Morocco’s remote wilderness, and end in the bustling medina of Marrakech. By the end of the trip, you’ll have not only explored Morocco’s landscapes but also experienced its culture, people, and traditions in a way that leaves a lasting impact.
What's Included
The 5 day trip from Fes to Marrakech include:
- Pick up from your accommodation and drop-off
- Car + Fuel
- Camel Trek (Camel per person)
- Dinner & Breakfast
What's not Included
The 5 day trip from Fes to Marrakech does not include:
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Flights Tickets
- Entrance to monuments
- All accommodations are subject to change
Road map of 5-Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech
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5 days from Fes to Marrakech Sightseeings
The 5-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech offers a journey through unforgettable landscapes, where you’ll immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Morocco’s rich culture and diverse natural wonders. Here is some of sightseeing of the trip:
Middle Atlas Cedar Forest (Azrou)
Located in the Middle Atlas Mountains, this vast cedar forest is home to Morocco’s famous barbarian apes. As you drive through the winding roads, you’ll have the opportunity to stop and interact with these playful creatures in their natural habitat. The forest’s towering cedar trees and serene environment provide a peaceful escape from the arid landscape of the surrounding region.Ziz Valley and Tafilalet Oasis
Known for its lush palm groves, the Ziz Valley is a stunning contrast to the surrounding desert. This oasis is renowned for its date production and is considered one of the largest in Morocco. The valley’s rich agricultural history is tied to the region’s ancient trading routes, and its beauty is enhanced by the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.Merzouga Desert and Erg Chebbi Dunes
Merzouga is the gateway to the vast Sahara Desert, where you’ll experience the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. These towering dunes, some reaching up to 150 meters, are among the most stunning desert landscapes in the world. A camel trek into the heart of the dunes offers a truly magical experience, especially during sunrise and sunset.Rissani Market
Once the starting point of trans-Saharan caravans, Rissani is a historic town with a bustling market that retains its traditional atmosphere. The market is a vibrant meeting place where you’ll find locals trading livestock, dates, and handicrafts. This is also one of the best places to witness authentic Moroccan culture, with its distinctive architecture and way of life.Todra Gorges
The Todra Gorges are a dramatic series of limestone canyons with towering walls that reach up to 300 meters in height. The narrow gorges are a popular spot for rock climbers, but even if you’re not climbing, the sheer scale of these cliffs and the surrounding landscapes make for a breathtaking experience.Dades Valley and Gorges
The Dades Valley is known for its dramatic landscapes, from steep gorges to unique rock formations. The valley is often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Kasbahs” because of the many ancient fortresses that dot the landscape. The rock formations, often called “monkey toes,” are a particular highlight, offering photographers endless opportunities.Kasbah Amridil
This historic kasbah, located in the Skoura palm grove, offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s past. Built in the 17th century, it is one of the best-preserved kasbahs in the region and a great place to learn about traditional Berber architecture and culture. The kasbah was once a key stop on the trading route linking the Sahara to the north of Morocco.Ouarzazate
Often called the “Hollywood of Morocco,” Ouarzazate is a city known for its film studios and historic kasbahs. The city has been used as a backdrop for many international films, including “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Gladiator.” Besides its cinematic fame, Ouarzazate is a gateway to the Sahara and a center of Berber culture.Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ait Ben Haddou is one of the most famous kasbahs in Morocco. This ancient fortified village is a maze of earthen buildings and has been used as a backdrop for numerous films and TV shows. A visit here offers a journey back in time, with its narrow alleys, towering walls, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.Tizi n’Tichka Pass
The Tizi n’Tichka Pass is the highest road pass in Morocco, offering breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding valleys. As you wind your way through the pass, you’ll see traditional Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides, providing a fascinating glimpse into rural Moroccan life. The pass is also a gateway to the city of Marrakech, marking the transition from the rugged mountains to the vibrant urban landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions - 5 days from Fes to Marrakech
How long is the camel trek in Merzouga?
The camel trek usually lasts between 1-2 hours, depending on the itinerary and the location of the desert camp.What should I pack for the trip?
Comfortable clothing for desert and mountain climates, sunscreen, a hat, and a jacket for cooler evenings are recommended.Is this trip suitable for families?
Yes, this trip is family-friendly, with activities that cater to both adults and children, including camel rides and cultural experiences.Are meals included in the trip?
Yes, most meals are included, particularly breakfasts and dinners at your accommodations.Is there a lot of walking involved in this trip?
The trip involves moderate walking, especially during visits to markets, kasbahs, and gorges, but the overall pace is relaxed.Can dietary preferences be accommodated?
Yes, many riads and camps can accommodate dietary preferences such as vegetarian or gluten-free options if requested in advance.
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