Marrakech to Fes 5-Day Desert Tours – Camel Trek, Dades Gorge & Sahara Bivouac

Overview 

Experience the ultimate Moroccan desert journey with the Marrakech to Fes 5-Day Desert Tours — a fully immersive adventure that connects two of Morocco’s most iconic imperial cities through breathtaking landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi (Merzouga). This 5-day tour is the most recommended option for travelers who want depth, comfort, and authentic cultural encounters.

From the High Atlas Mountains to the Dades and Todra Gorges, from fossil-rich Erfoud to the remote Hamada Desert, this journey offers far more than just a camel ride. You’ll explore Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO-listed), hike in dramatic canyons, visit the Gnaoua village of Khamlia, enjoy tea with Berber nomads, and spend a magical night in a luxury desert camp under a sky full of stars.

With private A/C transport, English-speaking driver, daily breakfast and dinner, and handpicked accommodations, this tour delivers an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and comfort — perfect for couples, solo travelers, and small groups seeking the soul of southern Morocco.

Description 

Begin your Moroccan odyssey in Marrakech, where your journey starts at 8:00 AM with a pickup from your hotel or riad. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), winding through the High Atlas Mountains, and stop at the legendary Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah — a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Dune. Continue to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you can visit the Atlas Film Studios or Cinema Museum (optional).

On Day 2, travel through the fragrant Valley of Roses, known for its Persian rose production, and into the Dades Valley, famous for its surreal “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. Explore Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with 300-meter cliffs, before spending the night in the Berber village of Tamtatoucht.

Day 3 brings a morning hike in Todra Gorge, followed by a visit to Erfoud, the “Gateway to the Sahara,” where you’ll tour a fossil workshop before arriving in Merzouga.

On Day 4, dive deep into the Sahara: visit Dayet Srij Lake, home to flamingos and migratory birds; experience Gnaoua music in Khamlia; enjoy tea with nomads in the Hamada (Black Desert); and end with a sunset camel trek into the dunes for an overnight in a luxury desert camp.

On Day 5, wake to a Sahara sunrise, then journey north to Fes via the Ziz Valley, Midelt (lunch), and Ifrane National Park, where you’ll see wild Barbary macaques in the cedar forest. Arrive in Fes in the evening — your tour will be complete with memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights

✅ Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass with panoramic Atlas Mountain views
✅ Visit Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah
✅ Explore the Valley of Roses, Dades Gorge, and Todra Gorge
✅ Hike in Todra Gorge among palm groves and fig trees
✅ Discover Erfoud’s fossil workshops
✅ Visit Dayet Srij Lake — a desert oasis for birdwatching
✅ Experience Gnaoua music in the village of Khamlia
✅ Enjoy tea with Berber nomads in the Hamada (Black Desert)
✅ Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
✅ Spend a night in a luxury desert camp under the stars
✅ Drive through the Ziz Valley and Ifrane National Park
✅ See wild Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat
✅ Includes private transport, daily breakfast & dinner, and 24/7 support

Includes & Excludes

Includes

• Private modern air-conditioned minibus or SUV (fuel included)
• Professional English-speaking driver for the entire trip
• 4-night accommodation:
  • Night 1: Hotel in Ouarzazate
  • Night 2: Hotel in Tamtatoucht or Dades Gorge
  • Night 3: Hotel in Merzouga
  • Night 4: Luxury desert camp near Erg Chebbi
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech
• Local guide at Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Camel trek to and from the desert camp
• Bottled water is provided in the vehicle
• 24-hour customer support throughout the tour
• Option to start the tour from any major city or airport (Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, etc.)

Excludes

• Lunches (not included — budget ~10–15€ per meal)
• Drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks)
• Tips for driver and camp staff (optional, appreciated)
• Flights or airport transfers (unless specified)
• Travel insurance
• Optional visits:
  • Atlas Film Studios or Cinema Museum in Ouarzazate
  • Todra Gorge guided hike (can be arranged)
• Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, optional excursions)

Tour Plan (Itinerary)

Day 1: Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate

8:00 AM – Pickup from Your Hotel/Riad
Your driver collects you in Marrakech. Begin your journey south.

9:00 AM – Cross Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)
Stop for photos of the High Atlas and traditional Amazigh villages.

11:30 AM – Visit Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
Explore the UNESCO-listed fortified village with a local guide.

1:00 PM – Lunch in Ouarzazate
Eat at a local restaurant (own expense).

2:30 PM – Visit Atlas Film Studios or Cinema Museum (Optional)
Explore Morocco’s Hollywood — where Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Dune were filmed.

4:00 PM – Arrive in Ouarzazate
Check in to your hotel. Free evening.
Overnight in Ouarzazate

Day 2: Ouarzazate → Dades Gorge → Todra Gorge → Tamtatoucht

7:30 AM – Breakfast & Departure
Leave after breakfast.

9:00 AM – Drive Through Valley of Roses & Kelaa M’Gouna
Pass fragrant rose fields and traditional cooperatives.

11:00 AM – Dades Gorge & “Monkey Fingers” Rock Formations
Photo stop at the famous geological formations.

12:30 PM – Explore Todra Gorge
Walk through the narrow canyon with towering cliffs.

2:00 PM – Continue to Tamtatoucht
Arrive in the Berber village. Check in and rest.

7:00 PM – Dinner & Overnight Stay
Traditional meal at the hotel.
Overnight in Tamtatoucht

Day 3: Tamtatoucht → Erfoud → Merzouga

7:30 AM – Breakfast & Departure
Morning hike in Todra Gorge (optional, 1 hour).

9:00 AM – Drive to Merzouga via Erfoud
Stop at a fossil workshop to see how locals carve prehistoric fossils into art.

2:00 PM – Arrive in Merzouga
Free time to explore the dunes or relax.
Overnight in Merzouga Hotel

Day 4: Merzouga Full-Day Excursion & Camel Trek

7:00 AM – Visit Dayet Srij Lake
See flamingos and migratory birds in this rare desert wetland.

10:00 AM – Khamlia Village
Experience live Gnaoua music — a spiritual rhythm with African roots.

12:00 PM – Lunch in Merzouga (own expense)

2:00 PM – Hamada (Black Desert) & Nomadic Tea Visit
Meet a nomadic family and enjoy mint tea in their tent — a unique cultural moment.

5:00 PM – Sunset Camel Trek into Erg Chebbi
Ride into the dunes as the sun sets.

7:00 PM – Dinner & Overnight in Luxury Desert Camp
Enjoy a Berber-style dinner under the stars.
Overnight in Desert Camp

Day 5: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Fes

6:00 AM – Sunrise & Mint Tea
Wake to a magical Sahara sunrise.

7:00 AM – Breakfast at Camp
Fresh bread, olives, jam, and fruit.

8:00 AM – Camel Ride Back
Return to the village and meet your vehicle.

9:00 AM – Depart for Fes via Ziz Valley
Drive through the vast Ziz Valley, known for its palm oases.

12:30 PM – Lunch in Midelt
Eat at a local restaurant (own expense).

2:00 PM – Visit Ifrane National Park
Stop in the cedar forest to see wild Barbary monkeys.

4:00 PM – Arrive in Fes
Drop-off at your hotel or riad. End of tour.

FAQs

Q: Why is the 5-day tour the most recommended?
A: It offers the most immersive experience — with deeper cultural stops, birdwatching, nomadic encounters, and no long final-day drives.

Q: What makes Day 4 special?
A: It includes rare experiences — visiting Dayet Srij, Khamlia Gnaoua music, and tea with nomads — not found on shorter tours.

Q: Is the desert camp comfortable?
A: Yes — our luxury camp includes furnished tents, warm blankets, rugs, and private dining. Shared eco-toilets are clean.

Q: Can I charge my phone?
A: Limited solar charging may be available. Bring a power bank.

Q: Are meals included?
A: Breakfast and dinner are included daily. Lunches are not included, giving you freedom to explore local cuisine.

Q: Is this tour suitable for solo travelers or couples?
A: Absolutely — ideal for couples, solo adventurers, and culture lovers.

Q: Can I start from Fes or Casablanca?
A: Yes — we offer flexible start points. Contact us to customize.

Q: Can I upgrade to a private tent or luxury camp?
A: Yes — premium upgrades with en-suite bathrooms and private tents are available on request.

✅ Ready for the ultimate Sahara journey?
Book your Marrakech to Fes 5-Day Desert Tour today and experience Morocco’s desert, culture, and hospitality like never before — a true adventure of a lifetime.