Explore a 4 days tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga, crossing the Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, Todra Gorges, camel trekking, and a magical Sahara desert camp experience.
- 4 Days/ 3 Nights
- Start in Marrakech
- End in Fes
4 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES OVERVIEW
The 4 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga is an unforgettable journey that takes you across Morocco’s most diverse and scenic landscapes. Traveling through the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll explore historic kasbahs such as Ait Ben Haddou, lush valleys, dramatic gorges, and traditional Berber villages. The highlight of the tour is the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, where you’ll enjoy a camel trek across golden dunes and spend a memorable night in a desert camp under the stars. The journey continues north through desert towns, cedar forests, and the alpine-style city of Ifrane before arriving in Fes, offering a perfect mix of nature, culture, and authentic Moroccan experiences.
Tour Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Exploration of traditional Berber villages and ancient kasbahs
- Walk through the beautiful Dades Valley and Todra Gorges
- Camel trekking experience in the Merzouga Sahara dunes
- Overnight stay in a desert camp under the stars
- Stunning sunrise and sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Drive through the Ziz Valley with its palm oases
- Visit to the cedar forests and chance to see Barbary macaques
- Stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”
- Arrival in the historic city of Fes
The Itinerary of our 4 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fes
Before exploring the day-by-day details, this 4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes is designed to offer a smooth and well-paced journey through Morocco’s most iconic landscapes. The itinerary combines long scenic drives with meaningful stops, allowing you to experience the Atlas Mountains, historic kasbahs, dramatic valleys, and the Sahara Desert without rushing. Each day brings a different atmosphere, from mountain passes and green oases to golden dunes and cultural towns, ending in the imperial city of Fes.
1st day : Marrakech - High Atlas mountains - Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah - Ouarzazate - Rose Valley - Boumalne Dades ( 6 Hours Drive )
Your first day begins with an early departure from Marrakech, heading toward the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of mountain landscapes, Berber villages, and winding roads, with several stops for photos and short breaks.
The journey continues to the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its earthen architecture and role as a filming location for many international movies. After exploring the kasbah, you’ll pass through Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara,” where you may stop for photos near the Kasbah of Taourirt.
In the afternoon, the route takes you through the Rose Valley, renowned for its rose fields and local cooperatives, especially vibrant in spring. The day ends in Boumalne Dades, where you’ll check into your accommodation, enjoy dinner, and relax after a scenic drive of approximately six hours.
2nd day : Boumalne Dades - Todra Gorges - Erfoud -Merzouga Sahara - overnight in a luxury camp ( 5 Hours Drive )
On the second day, after breakfast in Boumalne Dades, the journey continues toward the impressive Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon with towering limestone cliffs and a refreshing river flowing through its narrow passage. You’ll have time to walk through the gorges, take photos, and enjoy the unique natural scenery.
Leaving Todra, the route passes through desert towns and palm-filled oases, including Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and as a gateway to the Sahara. The landscape gradually changes as you approach the vast desert, offering a true sense of Morocco’s southeastern region.
By the afternoon, you arrive in Merzouga, where camels await to take you on a memorable trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy the magical sunset over the Sahara before reaching your luxury desert camp. The evening includes dinner, traditional music around the campfire, and a peaceful night under the star-filled desert sky, after a scenic drive of about five hours.
3rd day : Explore Merzouga region - Nomads - Khamlia - Merzouga lake - Erg Chebbi - palm grove ( 2 Hours Drive )
On the third day, after enjoying breakfast at the desert camp, you set out to explore the Merzouga region and its surrounding desert landscapes. The day begins with a short drive through the dunes and nearby plains, offering insight into daily life in this remote Saharan area.
You will visit nomadic families, where you can learn about their traditional lifestyle, culture, and hospitality. The tour continues to the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnawa music, where you’ll enjoy a live performance and discover the area’s rich African heritage.
Later, you’ll stop at Merzouga Lake (Dayet Srij), a seasonal lake that attracts flamingos and other migratory birds when filled with water. The journey then takes you around the Erg Chebbi dunes and through a nearby palm grove, highlighting the contrast between lush oases and vast desert sands. After a relaxed day with about two hours of driving, you return to your accommodation to enjoy dinner and overnight in Merzouga.
4th day: Merzouga Dunes - Erfoud - Midelt - Cedars forest - Ifrane - Fes (7 Hours Drive )
On the fourth day, you depart Merzouga early in the morning, with the option to watch the sunrise over the dunes before leaving the desert. The journey begins through Erfoud, passing fossil-rich areas and palm oases as you head north toward the Middle Atlas Mountains.
The drive continues through Midelt, a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, where you’ll stop for lunch and a short break. As the landscape changes, you’ll pass through the cedar forests, home to the famous Barbary macaques, offering a refreshing contrast to the desert scenery.
In the afternoon, you arrive in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets. After a brief visit, the journey continues to Fes, where your 4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes comes to an end, following a scenic drive of approximately seven hours.
Our Desert Tour Marrakech To Fes 4 Days Price:
The price of our 4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes depends on several factors, including the number of travelers, the type of accommodation selected, and the travel season. To provide you with the most accurate and best possible offer, please contact us directly with your travel dates and group details. We’ll be happy to customize the tour and share a tailored price that fits your needs.
Tour Includes & Excludes:
What’s Included in the Price:
Private transportation for 3 days in a comfortable 4×4 or air-conditioned minivan, including fuel
Pick-up and drop-off from your riad or any location in Marrakech
Dedicated private driver/guide who speaks English
One overnight stay in a high-quality hotel or traditional riad
One overnight stay in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga with a private bathroom
Camel trek experience (one camel per person), with a 4WD transfer option available if preferred
Sandboarding equipment provided at the desert camp
Daily dinners and breakfasts
What’s Not Included:
Lunch meals and beverages
Tour Map
Know Before You Go:
Weather conditions can vary significantly during your 4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes due to the different regions and altitudes you will pass through. The High Atlas Mountains and Middle Atlas areas can be cool or even cold, especially in the early mornings and evenings, while the Sahara Desert is warm during the day and can become surprisingly cold at night. We recommend checking the weather forecast before your trip and being prepared for temperature changes throughout the journey.
Please pack comfortable clothing suitable for different climates, including light, breathable clothes for daytime and warmer layers such as a jacket or sweater for evenings and early mornings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring kasbahs, gorges, and desert areas. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a scarf are also recommended to protect against the sun and desert winds.
If you have any food allergies, dietary requirements, or medical conditions, please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements. This includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special meal requests. Letting us know ahead of time ensures a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience throughout your desert tour.