Multi-Day Desert Tour: Fes to Marrakech via Sahara

Classic 4-day desert journey from Fes to Marrakech through the Sahara, Gorges, and Aït Benhaddou.

About this experience

This epic 4-5 day desert tour connects Morocco's two great imperial cities - Fes and Marrakech - via the Sahara Desert, offering one of the country's most unforgettable adventures. The journey crosses the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at Ifrane ('Moroccan Switzerland' with alpine-style architecture and cedar forests where Barbary macaques roam), the Ziz Valley (a palm oasis stretching 50km), and the Sahara dunes of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi - Morocco's largest sand sea). Highlights include: sunrise camel trek into the dunes, overnight in a Berber desert camp with traditional music and astronomical stargazing far from light pollution, Todra Gorge (300m limestone cliffs popular with climbers), Dades Valley with its 'monkey fingers' rock formations, the UNESCO site of Aït Benhaddou (filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones), and finally Marrakech. The drive crosses the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m) through the High Atlas. Most tours include transport, driver/guide (English/French/Spanish speaking), desert camp with meals, camel ride, and monument entrances. Summer (June-August) is extremely hot (45°C+ at noon), so spring and autumn are ideal. The Fes-Marrakech route is the classic Moroccan journey[citation:6].

Insider Tips

• Spring and autumn are ideal - summer is extremely hot (45°C+)[citation:6]
• The tour typically ends in Marrakech - book onward flights from there
• Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO site featured in Gladiator and Game of Thrones[citation:6]
• The desert camp is the highlight - bring warm clothes for cold nights
• The Ziz Valley palm oasis stretch is one of the most scenic drives[citation:6]

Best Time to Visit

Best experienced during: Spring (Mar-May), Autumn (Sep-Nov)