Fez to Marrakech 5-Day Itinerary: Scenic Desert Route
Omar Benali · 12 min · Itineraries
Five days Fez to Marrakech via the Sahara — the desert route in reverse, with two desert nights.
This 5-day Fez-to-Marrakech desert route is the classic Sahara loop run in reverse — ideal for travellers flying into Fez and out of Marrakech. The extra two days over the 3-day minimum give you a second night in the desert and a relaxed arrival in Marrakech, so you actually experience the Erg Chebbi dunes rather than just driving past them.
Day 1 — Fez to the Cedar Forest
Leave Fez and drive south through the Middle Atlas, stopping at Ifrane and the Cedar Forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques are often spotted. Overnight in Midelt on the edge of the Middle Atlas.
Day 2 — Cedar Forest to the Sahara
Continue south through the Ziz Valley to Merzouga, where the Erg Chebbi dunes rise on the horizon. Swap the vehicle for a camel and trek into the dunes for sunset, arriving at a desert camp for a Berber dinner and a night under the stars.
Day 3 — A Full Day at Erg Chebbi
The day that justifies the 5-day format. Watch sunrise over the dunes, then choose a 4x4 to nomad families and the Khamlia Gnawa village, sandboarding, a guided dune hike, or simply resting at camp. A second night in the desert deepens the experience.
Day 4 — Todra Gorge & Dades Valley
A final desert sunrise, then drive through Todra Gorge — 300-metre canyon walls — and the Dades Valley, the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs". Overnight in a kasbah guesthouse with the gorge glowing at sunset.
Day 5 — Aït Ben Haddou to Marrakech
A morning visit to the UNESCO ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, then the climb over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to Marrakech, arriving by late afternoon. The tour ends here — a Marrakech stay or onward travel can be added.
How to Book
We run this as a 5-day private tour starting in Fez and ending in Marrakech, with all transport, kasbah and camp accommodation, a driver-guide and most meals included. Tell us your dates via the plan-my-trip form.
What to Budget
A private 5-day version runs approximately $650–1,000 per person (private driver-guide, kasbah and desert camp accommodation, guided tours, most meals). A luxury camp raises the total. International flights are not included.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do Fez to Marrakech via the Sahara in 5 days?
Yes. Five days is ideal for the Fez-to-Marrakech desert route in reverse: Cedar Forest, Merzouga with two desert nights, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley and Aït Ben Haddou. Three days is the minimum; five lets you actually experience the dunes.
How much does a 5-day Fez-to-Marrakech desert trip cost?
A mid-range private 5-day trip runs roughly $650–1,000 per person including private driver-guide, kasbah and desert camp accommodation, guided tours and most meals. Luxury camps raise the total. Flights are extra.
Is the Fez-to-Marrakech route different from Marrakech-to-Fez?
The route is the same in reverse — the sights are identical, only the direction changes. Choose based on your flight in/out cities. Fez-to-Marrakech suits open-jaw flights into Fez and out of Marrakech.
What is the route for 5 days Fez to Marrakech?
Fez → Cedar Forest (night 1, Midelt) → Merzouga camel trek (night 2, desert camp) → full day at Erg Chebbi (night 3, desert camp) → Todra Gorge & Dades (night 4) → Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech (day 5).
Can this 5-day route be customised?
Yes — we build it as a private, tailor-made tour with a dedicated driver-guide, hand-picked kasbahs and a private or shared desert camp. Tell us your dates via the plan-my-trip form.
Related Morocco tours
Ready to experience this for yourself? These handpicked tours match the guide above — each runs with experienced local guides and private transport.
Plan a private Morocco trip
Tell us your dates, group and interests, and our Marrakech-based team will design a private itinerary around you — free, with no obligation. An enquiry is not a confirmed booking; availability and final pricing are confirmed before anything is booked or charged.
Plan a private Morocco trip · Morocco itineraries by length · Browse all Morocco tours · Call or WhatsApp +212 667 212 912 · mtbinmoroccotrips@gmail.com