6-Day Fez to Marrakech Desert Tour via the Sahara
Fez → Sahara Desert → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Marrakech
A private 6-day Fez to Marrakech desert tour via the Middle Atlas, two nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes, the Todra and Dades gorges, Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou. The reverse of our classic Marrakech-to-Fez route, for travellers whose flights land or leave from Fez. A full day to sit still in the dunes, a night in each of the gorges and Ouarzazate, and a finish in Marrakech rather than a backtrack.
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Highlights
- The Middle Atlas cedar forests around Ifrane and Azrou, home to Barbary macaques
- Two nights at a desert camp in Erg Chebbi, with a camel trek and a full day in the dunes
- Visits to nomadic Berber communities and Khamlia's Gnawa music
- The Todra Gorge on foot, then the Dades Valley and its Monkey Fingers rock formations
- The Rose Valley, Skoura and Ouarzazate, then Ait Benhaddou and the Tizi n'Tichka pass into Marrakech
Day by day
This itinerary is a starting point. The order and pace can be adjusted once we know what matters most to you.
Fez to Merzouga
South through the Middle Atlas, stopping in Ifrane, often called the 'Little Switzerland' of Morocco, and in the cedar forests of Azrou, where Barbary macaques gather at the roadside. Lunch in Midelt, then down through the Ziz Valley and its palm groves to Merzouga. In the afternoon you ride out by camel through the Erg Chebbi dunes to a desert camp in time for sunset, with a traditional dinner under the stars and music and storytelling by the fire.
About 7.5 hours on the road, roughly 460 km, plus stops
Tiziri Desert Camp or similar, Erg Chebbi
Merzouga Day Trip
Up early for sunrise over the dunes, then breakfast at camp. A day with almost no driving: we visit nearby nomadic Berber families to see how they live, and Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa music. The morning can include Erfoud's fossil workshops, where stone full of ancient marine fossils is cut and polished. The afternoon is open for sandboarding, quad biking or resting at camp, followed by a second night under the desert stars.
Short 4x4 excursion only
Tiziri Desert Camp or similar, Erg Chebbi
Merzouga to Todra Gorge
We head west from Merzouga toward the Todra Gorge, stopping at villages and palm oases on the way. The gorge walls rise sheer above the river, and there is time for an unhurried walk along the water.
About 3.5 hours on the road, roughly 230 km
Dades Paradise or similar, Dades Valley
Dades Valley to Ouarzazate
Through the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and old kasbahs, with a stop at the Monkey Fingers for a guided walk. We continue through the Rose Valley, known for its rose products and its annual rose festival, to Skoura and then Ouarzazate, nicknamed the 'Hollywood of Morocco', where you can visit the Atlas Film Studios or the Taourirt Kasbah.
About 2 hours on the road, roughly 110 km, plus stops
Kasbah Yu Palace or similar, Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate to Marrakech
A walk through the fortified ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a filming location for many well-known films, then across the High Atlas on the Tizi n'Tichka pass with scenic stops on the way down to Marrakech, arriving by evening.
About 4.5 hours on the road, roughly 200 km
Riad Aslal or similar, Marrakech medina
Marrakech Departure
Free time in Marrakech this morning, then a private transfer to the airport or your onward transport.
Airport transfer only
Included
- ✓Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver and guide for the full route
- ✓5 nights' accommodation in hotels, riads and a desert camp
- ✓1 camel trek into the dunes
- ✓Breakfasts and dinners throughout
Not included
- —International flights
- —Lunches
- —Entry fees to monuments and museums
- —Travel insurance
- —Tips for driver and guide
Prices start from, per room, in euros
Prices
Single
1 person per room
From€3,072(≈ $3,430 USD)€3,614 (≈ $4,040 USD)15% off, reserve by 17 Feb 2027
Double
2 people per room
From€3,426(≈ $3,830 USD)€4,030 (≈ $4,500 USD)15% off, reserve by 17 Feb 2027
from €1,713(≈ $1,915 USD)€2,015 (≈ $2,250 USD) per person
Triple
3 people per room
From€4,166(≈ $4,655 USD)€4,901 (≈ $5,475 USD)15% off, reserve by 17 Feb 2027
from €1,389(≈ $1,550 USD)€1,634 (≈ $1,825 USD) per person
Quadruple
4 people per room
On request
Prices include taxes. Groups, children and camp upgrades priced on request. Offer ends 17 February 2027
Prices are charged in euros. USD amounts are approximate and based on a recent exchange rate.
Questions about this route
- ★★★★★
Amazing Experience with Morocco Tailored Tours!
I had a wonderful experience with Morocco Tailored Tours! 🇲🇦 The team was professional, friendly, and very helpful throughout the trip. Everything was well organized, and the itinerary was tailored to our preferences, allowing us to discover the beauty, culture, and traditions of Morocco. Thank you for an unforgettable adventure! I would definitely book with them again.
Toni Alehyane, Alexandria, Virginia · Travelled Jul 2026 · Friends · Written 16 October 2026 · via Tripadvisor
- ★★★★★
Experience of my life
Very good and professional people, it feels like home and they make everything in a safe and beautiful way Sand dunes and oasis , it’s an experience 100% everyone should do
Aristides B · Travelled Aug 2026 · Solo · Written 27 September 2026 · via Tripadvisor
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Tour at a glance
- Duration
- 6 days · 5 nights
- Price
- From €1,713(≈ $1,915 USD)€2,015 (≈ $2,250 USD)15% off, reserve by 17 Feb 2027 per person, double or twin room
- Transport
- Private car/4x4
- Languages
- English, French
- Availability
- Year-round
Read before you go
The Marrakech to Sahara road: Ouarzazate, Dades and Todra Gorge
The journey to the dunes is a trip in itself, and these are the stops that actually deserve your time.
Read article
Merzouga or Zagora: which Sahara fits your trip?
One has the tall golden dunes, the other is far closer to Marrakech. The right answer depends on how many days you have.
Read article
Ait Benhaddou, the 'Gladiator kasbah': what a visit is like
Familiar from film sets, but still a real, lived-in place.
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