Marrakech to Fez 5-Day Itinerary: Desert Route via Sahara
Hassan Ait Baha · 12 min · Itineraries
Five days Marrakech to Fez via the Sahara — the desert route with two desert nights and time at the dunes.
This 5-day Marrakech-to-Fez desert route is the extended version of the classic 3-day Sahara loop. The extra two days give you a second night in the desert and a relaxed arrival in Fez — so you actually experience the Erg Chebbi dunes rather than just driving to them and back. It is the best way to turn a transfer into the highlight of your trip.
Day 1 — Marrakech to the Dades Valley
Leave Marrakech early and climb the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stopping at the UNESCO ksar of Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. Continue through the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" to the Dades Valley for the night, where the gorge glows red at sunset.
Day 2 — Todra Gorge to the Sahara
A morning stop at the dramatic Todra Gorge, then the drive east 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, music around the fire 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 excursion to nomad families and the Khamlia Gnawa village, sandboarding on the big dunes, a guided hike to a remote corner of the erg, or simply resting at camp. A second night in the desert deepens the experience.
Day 4 — Merzouga to Midelt
A final desert sunrise and breakfast, then drive north through Errachidia to Midelt, on the edge of the Middle Atlas. An afternoon walk in the Ziz Valley and a relaxed evening at a Middle Atlas guesthouse.
Day 5 — Cedar Forest to Fez
Drive through the Cedar Forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques are often spotted, and continue to Fez, arriving by late afternoon. The tour ends here — onward travel or a Fez stay can be added.
How to Book
We run this as a 5-day private tour starting in Marrakech and ending in Fez, with all transport, kasbah and camp accommodation, a driver-guide and most meals included. The Merzouga Desert 4-Day is the core. 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
How many days from Marrakech to Fez via the Sahara?
Five days is ideal — it allows the classic 3-day desert loop plus a second desert night and a relaxed arrival in Fez. Three days is the minimum; five days lets you actually experience the dunes rather than just driving to them.
How much does a 5-day Marrakech-to-Fez 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.
What is the route for 5 days Marrakech to Fez?
Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou & Dades (night 1) → Todra Gorge & Merzouga camel trek (night 2, desert camp) → full day at Erg Chebbi (night 3, desert camp) → Cedar Forest (night 4, Midelt) → Fez (day 5).
Is this a one-way tour?
Yes — this is a one-way tour starting in Marrakech and ending in Fez. It suits open-jaw flights (into Marrakech, out of Fez or Casablanca). If you need to return to Marrakech, add a travel day or take the train.
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.
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