4 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Your adventure begins with an early departure from Fes. Traveling through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the scenery quickly changes to cedar forests, rolling hills, and charming towns. You will stop in Ifrane, nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and in the cedar forest of Azrou to see the Barbary apes. After a relaxing break, continue towards Midelt, a town known for its apple orchards, where you will enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, the road leads through the impressive Ziz Valley, with its long oasis of palm trees and fortified villages. Passing by Erfoud, famous for its fossils, you will finally reach Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, you will ride camels across the dunes of Erg Chebbi to reach your desert camp. Dinner, traditional Berber music, and an unforgettable night under the stars await you in the desert.

This day is dedicated to exploring the desert and its surroundings. After breakfast at camp, you will enjoy a 4x4 desert tour around the dunes, visiting small oases, fossil areas, and panoramic viewpoints. A highlight will be visiting Khamlia village, where you can experience live Gnawa music performed by local musicians. You will also meet nomadic families living in tents, learning about their traditions and way of life.

Lunch can be enjoyed in a local restaurant or with a nomadic family before returning to Merzouga. In the afternoon, you can relax or prepare for another camel ride into the dunes to watch the sunset over Erg Chebbi, one of the most magical experiences of the tour. Dinner and overnight will be in a desert camp or riad near the dunes.

After breakfast, say goodbye to the desert and drive towards Rissani, a traditional market town with rich history. From here, you continue towards Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorges, where massive cliffs rise dramatically on both sides of the river. You will have time to walk along the gorge and enjoy lunch in the area.

In the afternoon, the journey takes you to the Dades Valley, also known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” The landscapes are breathtaking, with colorful rock formations, green valleys, and traditional Berber villages. Dinner and overnight will be in a charming hotel or riad overlooking the Dades Gorge.

On the last day, continue through the Dades Valley towards Ouarzazate, know for its famous film studios. A short visit can be made to the studios if you wish. The journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, the most famous ksar (fortified village) in Morocco. You will have time to explore its alleys and admire the mud-brick architecture.

In the afternoon, drive across the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. Along the way, you will see traditional Berber villages clinging to the hillsides and enjoy panoramic mountain views. By early evening, you will arrive in Marrakech, where the driver will drop you off at your accommodation, marking the end of your 4-day desert adventure from Fes.