Are you ready to trade the noise of the modern world for the silence of the Sahara? Our signature 6-Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes is not just a trip; it is a passage through time. While many travelers rush this route in just three days, seeing only a blur of landscapes through a car window, our extended 6 days Morocco itinerary invites you to slow down. This is the “Route of Kings,” a journey that connects Morocco’s two oldest Imperial Cities—Marrakech and Fes—via the majestic dunes of Merzouga.
Designed by Visit Maghreb travel agency, this Marrakech to Fes desert tour 6 days itinerary is crafted for those who seek depth over speed. You will not just drive past the High Atlas Mountains; you will stop to drink mint tea with locals. You will not just look at the Sahara; you will sleep under its stars in a luxury camp. From the Hollywood backdrops of Ouarzazate to the medieval labyrinth of Fes, every mile of this 6 day trip from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga reveals a new layer of Morocco’s soul.
Whether you are a couple seeking a romantic private Morocco tour, a family introducing your children to the world, or a solo traveler chasing the spirit of adventure, this tour offers the perfect balance of discovery and comfort. We handle every logistical detail—from luxury 4×4 transport to boutique Riad accommodations—so you can focus on the magic of the Maghreb.
Atlas Adventure: Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) and witness the dramatic shift from the lush Haouz plains to the arid pre-Saharan slopes on your 6 day trip from Marrakech to Fes.
Cinematic History: Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, the mud-brick fortress featured in Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Geological Wonders: Hike the gravity-defying “Monkey Fingers” rock formations in Dades and marvel at the 300-meter vertical cliffs of the Todra Gorges.
Sahara Magic: Experience a sunset camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes and enjoy a night of Berber drumming and stargazing in a luxury desert camp.
Cultural Immersion: Sip tea with a real Nomadic family in their goat-hair tent and feel the rhythm of spiritual Gnawa music in Khamlia village.
Alpine Forests: Traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains, stop in “Little Switzerland” (Ifrane), and feed the wild Barbary Macaque monkeys in the Azrou Cedar Forest.
Imperial Grandeur: Conclude your 6 days Fes via Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech with a full-day guided walking tour of the Fes Medina, home to the world’s oldest university.
With countless agencies offering Morocco desert tours, why should you trust your holiday to Visit Maghreb travel agency?
The standard route covers nearly 1,000 kilometers. Doing this in 3 days means spending 8 to 10 hours a day in a car. Our 6 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes breaks the journey into manageable 4-5 hour drives. This “slow travel” approach gives you time to hike, shop, relax by the pool, and actually absorb the culture rather than just driving past it.
We believe that a private Morocco tour should be personal. We don’t use shared buses. You will travel in a high-end, air-conditioned 4×4 (Toyota Land Cruiser Prado) or a luxury minivan (Mercedes V-Class) exclusive to your group. This means you can stop whenever you want—for a photo of a panoramic view, a coffee break, or to inspect a fossil shop in Erfoud.
Our drivers are not just chauffeurs; they are local Berbers who grew up in these mountains and deserts. They know the hidden spots that guidebooks miss, the legends of the tribes, and the best places to eat authentic Tagine. When you book this 6 days tour from Marrakech to Fes, you are booking a cultural bridge.
At Visit Maghreb travel agency, we pride ourselves on transparency. Your price includes fuel, tolls, private transport, high-quality accommodation, and breakfasts/dinners. We don’t surprise you with hidden fees.
Your 6 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes begins with a pick-up at 8:00 AM from your Riad or hotel in Marrakech. As we leave the Red City, the noise of the souks fades, replaced by the serene olive groves of the Haouz Plain. Ahead looms the massive wall of the High Atlas Mountains.
The Tizi n’Tichka Pass We begin our ascent of the Tizi n’Tichka pass, an engineering marvel built by the French Foreign Legion in the 1920s. Winding up to 2,260 meters (7,415 feet), this is the highest major mountain pass in North Africa. The views are breathtaking: terraced Berber villages cling to the mountainsides, their adobe houses camouflaged against the red earth. In winter, these peaks are capped with snow, creating a stunning contrast with the arid valleys below. We will make plenty of stops for photos and perhaps a cup of coffee at a panoramic cafe.
The Telouet Detour (Road Permitting) Unlike rushed tours, our 6 days Morocco itinerary often allows for a detour to the Kasbah of Telouet. Once the palatial headquarters of the powerful El Glaoui family (the “Lords of the Atlas”), this crumbling ruin hides a stunning interior of intricate mosaics and painted cedar ceilings that rival the Sultan’s palaces. It is a haunting reminder of the fleeting nature of power.
Ait Ben Haddou: The Hollywood of Africa Descending the Ounila Valley, we follow the ancient salt caravan route to Ait Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the most famous Ksar (fortified village) in Morocco. Its earthen towers and defensive walls are a masterpiece of pre-Saharan architecture. Your driver will give you time to wander its narrow alleys, climb to the old granary for a panoramic view, and walk in the footsteps of Russell Crowe (Gladiator) and Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones).
Ouarzazate to Dades After lunch, we pass through Ouarzazate, known as the “Door of the Desert,” and continue through the Skoura Palm Grove. As the sun sets, we enter the Dades Valley, driving past the bizarre “Monkey Fingers” rock formations.
Driving Distance: ~320 km (198 miles).
Driving Time: Approx. 6 Hours (excluding stops).
Accommodation: Luxury Riad in Boumalne Dades (Dinner & Breakfast included).
After a traditional Berber breakfast on the terrace overlooking the valley, the second day of your 6 day trip from Marrakech to Fes takes you deeper into the geological wonders of the south.
The Monkey Fingers & Todra Gorges We start with a closer look at the “Monkey Fingers” (Les Doigts de Singe), strange conglomerate rock formations sculpted by wind and water into bulbous shapes. A short drive brings us to Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorges. Here, the Todra River has carved a narrow trench through the limestone mountains. The cliffs rise 300 meters (1,000 feet) straight up, while the canyon floor is just 10 meters wide in places. You will have time for a leisurely walk along the river, watching local farmers tend to their plots and climbers scaling the vertical walls.
The Fossil Capital Continuing east, the landscape flattens into the pre-Saharan steppe. We stop in Erfoud, world-renowned for its fossils. 350 million years ago, this desert was a shallow sea. Today, it is a treasure trove of ammonites, orthoceras, and trilobites. We will visit a local workshop to see how artisans excavate and polish these ancient stones into beautiful sinks, tables, and jewelry.
Arrival in Merzouga In the late afternoon, the black Hamada gives way to the golden sands of Erg Chebbi. This is the highlight of your Marrakech Desert Tour 6 Days. You will leave the 4×4 behind and mount your “ship of the desert”—a dromedary camel. The 1-hour trek into the dunes is timed for sunset. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, turning the sands from gold to pink to purple, is a spiritual experience.
Night in the Desert You will arrive at your luxury desert camp, where a private tent with an ensuite bathroom and hot shower awaits. The evening is spent feasting on Moroccan tagines, followed by live Gnawa music around the campfire under a sky thick with stars.
Driving Distance: ~250 km (155 miles).
Driving Time: Approx. 4.5 Hours.
Accommodation: Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga (Dinner & Breakfast included).
Unlike standard tours that rush you out the next morning, our 6 Days Fes via Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech dedicates a full day to exploring the unique culture and ecology of the desert.
Sunrise & 4×4 Adventure Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Algerian border—a photographer’s dream. After breakfast, we hop back into the 4×4 for an off-road adventure. We will drive across the dunes to visit the seasonal Lake Dayet Srji (if it has rained), where you might see flocks of pink flamingos against the desert backdrop.
Khamlia Village & Gnawa Music We visit the village of Khamlia, known as the “Village of the Blacks.” The residents here are descendants of slaves brought from Sudan, Mali, and Niger centuries ago. They will treat you to a performance of Gnawa music, a hypnotic, spiritual rhythm involving iron castanets (krakebs) and deep bass lutes. It is a moving display of cultural resilience.
Tea with Nomads We drive deep into the black volcanic desert to meet a semi-nomadic Berber family. Living in traditional tents woven from goat hair, they survive in this harsh environment with their herds. You will be welcomed into their home for “Berber Whiskey” (mint tea) and bread, gaining a rare insight into a lifestyle that is slowly disappearing.
The M’Fis Mines Before returning, we visit the ghost town of M’Fis and its lead and kohl mines, a relic of the French colonial era.
Driving Distance: Local exploration.
Accommodation: Luxury Hotel/Riad at the dune edge (Dinner & Breakfast included).
Today is the longest drive of your 6 day trip from Marrakech to Fes, but the constantly changing landscapes make it mesmerizing.
The Ziz Valley We leave the desert and head north. The route follows the Ziz Valley, a spectacular canyon filled with millions of date palms. It is the largest palm grove in Morocco and a vital source of the delicious Mejhoul dates. We stop at a panoramic overlook to admire this river of green winding through the red rock.
Crossing the Middle Atlas We cross the Tizi n’Talghmt pass to reach the high plains of Midelt, famous for its apples and minerals. After lunch, the scenery shifts dramatically to alpine forests. We enter the Azrou Cedar Forest, home to the majestic Atlas Cedar trees and the endangered Barbary Macaque monkeys. We will stop to observe these playful creatures in their natural habitat—feel free to feed them peanuts (sold by locals)!
Ifrane: Little Switzerland Our final stop before Fes is Ifrane. With its red-tiled roofs, ski chalets, and manicured parks, it feels more like Europe than Morocco. Built by the French in the 1930s as a hill station, it is now a posh university town.
Arrival in Fes We descend into the Saiss Plain and arrive in Fes in the early evening. Your driver will drop you off at your historic Riad in the Medina.
Driving Distance: ~470 km (290 miles).
Driving Time: Approx. 7.5 Hours.
Accommodation: Historic Riad in Fes (Breakfast included).
Your 6 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes culminates with a deep dive into the spiritual capital of Morocco. Fes el-Bali is the world’s largest car-free urban zone, a UNESCO site with over 9,000 alleys.
The Royal Palace & Mellah Your private local guide will meet you after breakfast. We start at the Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen) to admire its massive golden brass doors. We then explore the Mellah, the old Jewish Quarter, with its distinct architecture and the Ibn Danan Synagogue, testifying to the long history of coexistence in Morocco.
The Medina Walking Tour We enter the ancient Medina through the famous Blue Gate (Bab Boujeloud). Your guide will navigate the maze, leading you to:
Al Quaraouiyine University: Founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, it is the oldest continually operating university in the world.
Al Attarine Madrasa: A masterpiece of Marinid architecture with intricate zellij tile work and carved cedar wood.
Nejjarine Museum: A beautifully restored caravanserai dedicated to wooden arts and crafts.
The Chouara Tanneries No visit to Fes is complete without seeing the tanneries. We will head to a rooftop terrace to look down on the stone vats filled with colorful dyes (poppy for red, indigo for blue, saffron for yellow). You will see men working the hides exactly as they did in medieval times.
Activity: Full Day Walking Tour.
Accommodation: Historic Riad in Fes (Breakfast included).
On the final day of your 6 days Morocco itinerary, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Riad. Depending on your flight schedule, Visit Maghreb travel agency will arrange your private transfer to Fes Saiss Airport (FEZ). Alternatively, if you are continuing your travels, we can transfer you to the train station.
This marks the end of your Marrakech to fes desert tour 6 days. You leave not just with photos, but with the dust of the Sahara on your shoes and the warmth of Moroccan hospitality in your heart.
We know that every traveler is unique. That is why we designed this 6 Days Marrakech Merzouga Desert Tour to showcase the very best of Morocco’s culture, landscapes, and local life. However, we also understand that travel is personal—sometimes you might wish for an extra day to relax in the dunes or explore a hidden village.
No worries! We offer full flexibility to tailor the trip according to your specific rhythm. Whether you want to add a stop, spend more time in a favorite location, or simply adjust the pace of your 6 days tour from Marrakech to Fes, we are happy to modify the itinerary to suit your needs.
Our expert team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, suggest unique options, and help customize your journey exactly how you envision it. And remember: the more people in your group, the lower the cost per person, as transportation costs are shared. Feel free to reach out anytime—we are here to make your Moroccan experience as perfect as possible.
We have handpicked the most atmospheric and comfortable properties for your 6 days tour from Marrakech to Fes. Both ensure safety, cleanliness, and authentic Moroccan hospitality.
|
Night
|
Location
|
Standard Option
|
Luxury Option
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| Night 1 | Dades Valley | Clean, comfortable rooms. (e.g., Hotel Babylon Dades,…) or similar |
Chez Pierre or Xaluca Dades or similar |
| Night 2 | Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi) | Private tent, ensuite bathroom, hot shower (e.g Les Roches Luxury Desert Camp) or similar | Private tent, ensuite bathroom, hot shower (e.g Les Roches Luxury Desert Camp) or similar |
| Night 3 | Merzouga | Auberge les Roches or similar |
Riad Serai or similar |
| Night 4 and 5 | Fes | Riad Ahlam or Riad Ghita or similar |
Palais Amani or Riad Fes or similar |
The price for the 6 Day Trip from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga varies based on the season and the number of travelers. Prices below are estimated per person.
Ready to embark on this 6 Days Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes?
Inquire: Use the contact form on the Visit Maghreb travel agency website or WhatsApp us directly.
Customize: Tell us your travel dates and preferred luxury level. We can adjust the itinerary (e.g., add a day for hiking).
Deposit: Secure your booking with a small deposit via PayPal or Bank Transfer.
Confirmation: Receive your detailed itinerary and voucher instantly.
Enhance your 6 days Morocco itinerary with these optional adventures:
Quad Biking (ATV): Rent a high-power Quad or Buggy in Merzouga and tear across the dunes with a guide. Adrenaline guaranteed!
Hammam & Spa: After the dusty desert, treat yourself to a traditional Moroccan Hammam (steam bath and scrub) in Fes.
Cooking Class: Learn to cook a Chicken Citron Tagine or Couscous with a local family in the Dades Valley.
Hot Air Balloon: Take a hot air balloon ride over Marrakech or the desert (requires advance booking and extra cost).
We booked the 6 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes and it exceeded every expectation. Our driver, Youssef, was incredible—safe, knowledgeable, and funny. The night in the luxury camp in Merzouga was the highlight; the silence of the desert is something I will never forget. Visit Maghreb organized everything perfectly, from the riads to the guides in Fes. Highly recommended!
I was hesitant about the long drive, but breaking it up over 6 days was the best decision. The Marrakech to fes desert tour 6 days allowed us to see the ‘real’ Morocco. Feeding the monkeys in Azrou and having tea with nomads were experiences we couldn’t have planned on our own. Visit Maghreb travel agency provided a top-tier service. The car was brand new and very comfortable.
To ensure your 6 days in Morocco from Marrakech are smooth, keep these tips in mind:
Cash is King: While luxury hotels accept cards, many small shops, cafes, and bathrooms on the road only take cash (Moroccan Dirham – MAD). ATMs are available in all major towns (Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Rissani, Fes).
SIM Cards: We recommend buying a local SIM card (Maroc Telecom or Orange) at the airport or in Marrakech. Coverage is surprisingly good, even in parts of the desert.
Dress Code: Morocco is a conservative Muslim country. While tourists can wear what they like, it is respectful to cover shoulders and knees, especially in rural areas and the Fes Medina.
Climate: The desert is extreme. It can be scorching hot during the day and freezing cold at night (especially in winter). Pack layers!
Motion Sickness: The drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass involves many winding roads. If you suffer from car sickness, bring medication.
Alcohol: Alcohol is not strictly forbidden for tourists but is not sold in general stores. You can buy it in Carrefour in Marrakech or at hotel bars.
Photography: Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in the countryside.
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