4-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

✔Sunset Camel Trek & Desert Camp
✔UNESCO Site of Ait Ben Haddou
✔Todra & Dades Gorges
✔High Atlas Mountain Crossing
✔4×4 Sahara Exploration
✔Gnawa Music & Nomad Visit
✔Ouarzazate Film Studios

Day 1: Fes  → Ziz Valley  → Merzouga

Your desert adventure begins with a morning departure from your Fes hotel. We will journey south towards Merzouga, ascending into the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, a unique city often called “Morocco’s Switzerland” for its alpine-style architecture. From there, we continue to the famous cedar forests of Azrou, where you may spot wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.

After a lunch break in Midelt, the route continues south towards the Sahara. You’ll travel through the stunning Ziz Valley, stopping to admire a panoramic oasis view that offers a lush contrast to the arid landscape. By late afternoon, you will arrive at the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you will settle into your hotel for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 2: Explore Merzouga & Camel Trek activity

After breakfast, you will begin an exciting 4×4 excursion to explore the diverse landscapes around the Erg Chebbi dunes. Your journey includes a visit to the Hassi Labied oasis to see its traditional irrigation canals, followed by a trip to the seasonal Srij lake. The adventure continues to Khamlia village, where you’ll experience captivating Gnawa music, a spiritual sound with ancient roots.

A true highlight of the tour is visiting a nomadic Berber family living in a traditional tent. Here, you’ll share a glass of mint tea and gain insight into their resilient way of life. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will return to the village. From there, your memorable camel trek begins, taking you into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll pause atop a high dune to witness a spectacular sunset and can even try sandboarding.

Finally, you’ll arrive at your traditional Berber desert camp. After a welcome tea, you will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by local music around a campfire, all under a vast, star-filled sky.

Day 3: Merzouga → Rissani Market (Optional) – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

An early start is rewarded with the breathtaking sight of a desert sunrise. Following breakfast and a shower at the camp, you can ride your camel or take a 4WD transfer back to the edge of the dunes. Here, you will meet your driver to continue the tour.

If it’s a market day (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday), we will visit the bustling traditional market in Rissani for a glimpse into local commerce. The journey then continues through small Berber villages to Tinghir, where we’ll admire the beautiful Todra Valley. Our next destination is the magnificent Todra Gorge, a towering canyon perfect for a short walk to soak in the dramatic scenery. After lunch, we will travel to the picturesque Dades Valley for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 4: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → High Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

Today marks the final day of your desert tour. The journey towards Marrakech takes you through the fragrant Rose Valley and the expansive Skoura palm grove. In Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” you can visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah and the renowned film studios.

Next, we will drive to the iconic Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, a spectacular fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage site. This stunning example of Moroccan earthen architecture has been the backdrop for films like Gladiator and The Mummy. You’ll have time here to explore and enjoy lunch.

From there, prepare for the dramatic crossing of the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka pass. At 2260 meters, it is Morocco’s highest road, offering impressive views of valleys and Berber villages. You will arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech in the late afternoon, where you will be transferred to your hotel, concluding your unforgettable adventure.