Skip to main content

moroccotoursexpeditions.com

Duration

5 Days

Tour Type

Morocco Tours

Group Size

Customized

Tour Guide

Private guide

Overview:

Our 5 days Morocco tour from Fes takes us through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the palm groves of the Ziz Valley, and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi before continuing through southern Morocco to Marrakech. This private journey combines scenic drives, traditional architecture, a camel excursion, and an overnight stay at a desert camp. We begin in Fes and travel south toward Merzouga, where an additional day allows us to explore the surrounding desert region. We then discover Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley, continue through Skoura to Ouarzazate, and visit Aït Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas Mountains. This proposed itinerary starts in Fes and ends in Marrakech. It includes four overnight stays and offers more time for the southern valleys than a shorter desert crossing.

Discover Morocco on a Private Five-Day Tour from Fes

Our private Morocco tour from Fes suits travelers who want to connect Fes and Marrakech through the desert rather than travel directly between the cities. We organize the journey for your private party, discussing accommodation preferences and sightseeing interests before departure. Selected stops can reflect your interests in photography, architecture, short walks, local culture, or desert activities. The five-day format gives us a full day in the Merzouga region and divides the journey from the Dades Valley to Marrakech with an overnight stay in Ouarzazate. The first day remains a long drive, but the later stages provide more room for exploration and breaks.

Highlights:

  • Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
  • Discover the mountain setting of Ifrane.
  • Stop near cedar woodland where access and timing permit.
  • Enjoy views of the Ziz Valley and its palm groves.
  • Experience the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga.
  • Join an arranged camel excursion in the desert.
  • Spend a night at a Merzouga desert camp.
  • Explore the wider Merzouga region.
  • Walk beneath the cliffs of Todra Gorge.
  • Discover the Dades Valley and Skoura oasis.
  • Explore Aït Ben Haddou.
  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains before arriving in Marrakech.

Included:

  • Private A/C 4×4 Vehicle or Minivan + fuel
  • English/Spanish speaking driver during the tour
  • Pick up & drop off at your accommodation
  • Accommodation with dinner and breakfast
  • Camel Trek to overnight in a luxury camp (private tent )
  • Free time to explore sites such as Kasbah, Walks, Canyons, Breaks for photos,…Etc

Excluded:

  • Lunch
  • Flights
  • Drinks

Itinerary:

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Early Departure from Fes

We begin our 5 days Morocco tour from Fes with an early departure from the agreed pickup location. For accommodation inside the medina, we confirm the nearest meeting point accessible to our vehicle. Leaving early helps us manage the distance while allowing time for selected stops before reaching Merzouga. As we leave Fes, agricultural land gradually gives way to higher ground and mountain scenery.

Ifrane and the Cedar Woodland Region

Our route takes us toward Ifrane, where a short stop may be included. Its mountain setting and distinctive architecture provide a contrast with the historic streets of Fes. We continue through the Middle Atlas region, passing woodland, plateaus, and mountain settlements. Where suitable, we may stop near cedar woodland for a short break. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. If animals are present, we observe them from a respectful distance without feeding or approaching them.

Lunch toward Midelt

We continue toward Midelt, with lunch planned according to our progress. This provides time to rest before the next stage of the journey. Throughout the day, we include practical breaks while keeping our expected arrival in Merzouga in mind. Water, medication, and frequently used belongings should remain accessible during the drive.

Views of the Ziz Valley

Traveling through the Errachidia region and Ziz Valley, we encounter palm groves and cultivated land beneath dry, rocky slopes. Where access and timing permit, we stop at a viewpoint to appreciate the contrast between the oasis and the surrounding terrain. We then continue through the Erfoud region toward Merzouga, where the dunes begin to appear beyond the open plains.

Camel Excursion and Desert Camp Overnight

On arrival, we prepare for the arranged camel excursion near Merzouga and confirm luggage handling. The excursion offers a slower introduction to the Erg Chebbi dunes, allowing us to appreciate their curved ridgelines and changing shadows. Where arrival time and conditions permit, we schedule it around late-afternoon light. Because this is a long travel day, sunset timing cannot be guaranteed. Travelers who prefer not to ride a camel can discuss an alternative vehicle transfer before booking. At camp, we settle into our tents and enjoy dinner. Some properties offer music in a communal gathering area, while clear skies may provide opportunities for stargazing. We confirm the camp’s facilities and evening arrangements in advance.

Day 2: Explore Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi Region

Morning in the Desert

Travelers who wish to rise early can enjoy the morning light around camp before breakfast. After the arranged departure from camp, we begin the local activities specified in your itinerary. This additional day gives us time to discover the region beyond the camel excursion and overnight experience.

A Local 4×4 Excursion

A prearranged 4×4 excursion around Merzouga can introduce rocky plains, small settlements, and open desert landscapes surrounding Erg Chebbi. The wider region reveals a varied environment, with terrain that differs from the dunes themselves. We follow suitable local routes and stop at the places agreed in your program. The quotation specifies the vehicle, duration, route, and included visits. Weather, access, and ground conditions may require adjustments.

Discovering Khamlia

A visit to Khamlia may be included to discover the village’s musical traditions. Where a performance is arranged, we allow time to listen and appreciate its local context. We clarify whether the visit and any performance contribution are included or payable separately. Visits involving local households take place only where hosts welcome guests. We respect residents’ privacy and ask permission before taking photographs.

Optional Activities or Time to Relax

The afternoon can include free time or optional activities such as quad biking, buggy driving, or sandboarding. Motorized excursions require separate confirmation and generally involve an additional charge. Travelers who prefer a quieter afternoon can enjoy their accommodation and nearby views. We spend our second night at a hotel or riad in the Merzouga area. A second camp overnight can be discussed as an alternative.

Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

Leaving the Merzouga Region

After breakfast, we travel west toward Tinghir and Todra Gorge. The journey passes through open terrain and settlements, revealing landscapes beyond the dunes. We include a lunch break along the route, selected according to our progress. As we approach the Todra Valley, palm groves and cultivated areas contrast with the surrounding dry hills.

Walking in Todra Gorge

At Todra Gorge, steep rock walls rise above the valley floor. We stop for a short walk through an accessible section, allowing time to appreciate the cliffs and take photographs. The visit provides a welcome opportunity to stretch after the drive. Our standard itinerary includes sightseeing rather than an extended hike. Longer walking routes or climbing activities require additional time and separate arrangements.

Overnight in the Dades Valley Area

We continue toward the Dades Valley region, where we spend our third night. Depending on arrival time and our accommodation’s location, we may include a nearby viewpoint or short walk. The region combines rocky slopes, traditional villages, and cultivated stretches. We settle into our hotel or guesthouse, with dinner provided according to the selected package.

Day 4: Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Skoura – Ouarzazate

Morning in the Dades Region

After breakfast, we allow time for a selected valley stop before continuing toward Ouarzazate. Because we are not traveling all the way to Marrakech today, there is more flexibility for sightseeing along the route. We agree on the preferred balance between walking, photography, and cultural visits before departure.

Traveling through the Valley of Roses

We continue through the landscapes around Kelaat M’Gouna and the Valley of Roses. Villages and cultivated areas sit beneath dry hills and mountain scenery. The valley changes with the season, and roses are not in bloom throughout the year. We may stop for photographs or a short break before continuing toward Skoura.

Discovering Skoura

The Skoura oasis introduces palm groves, agricultural land, and traditional earthen buildings. A visit to Amridil Kasbah can be considered as part of the day’s arrangements. Its architecture offers an opportunity to explore regional building styles in greater detail. We confirm whether admission and guiding are included before adding the visit.

Arrival in Ouarzazate

We continue to Ouarzazate, where we spend our final overnight stay. Depending on timing and your interests, an optional cinema studio visit or sightseeing around the Taourirt Kasbah area may be arranged. These visits require advance planning and may involve separate entrance fees. The evening provides time to relax before the High Atlas crossing the following day.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

Exploring Aït Ben Haddou

After breakfast, we travel to Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified settlement known for its earthen houses, towers, and defensive walls. We allow time to explore on foot, following passages between traditional buildings and appreciating the details of their construction. Higher sections offer views across the settlement and its surroundings. The paths include uneven surfaces and steps, so comfortable footwear is useful. A shorter walking route can be discussed if needed.

Crossing the High Atlas Mountains

We continue toward Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains, following the road via Tizi n’Tichka. Mountain valleys and hillside settlements create a changing backdrop. We include a lunch stop and suitable breaks, depending on our progress and the road conditions. Travelers who experience motion sickness should prepare for the winding sections before departure.

Arrival in Marrakech

We arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon or evening, depending on the day’s visits, traffic, and weather. The tour ends at the agreed drop-off point. For accommodation inside pedestrian streets, we confirm the nearest accessible location before arrival. We recommend keeping the evening flexible rather than planning a tight onward connection.

Book Your Tour