4 Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Duration
4 Days
Departure
Marrakech
Min groupe size
1
Languages
English, Spanish +3…
About this tour :
This 4-day journey from Marrakech to Fes takes you through Morocco’s most captivating landscapes, from the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara, and finally into the cultural heart of Fes. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient kasbahs, dramatic gorges, lush palm valleys, and remote desert regions. The experience includes camel trekking, desert sunsets and sunrises, cultural encounters with nomads, and unforgettable scenery across mountains and oases.
Highilights :
- Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains with panoramic viewpoints.
- Explore the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Travel through the scenic Rose Valley and the landscapes of southern Morocco.
- Discover the dramatic rock formations of the Dades Valley.
- Walk through the towering cliffs and oasis of Todra Gorge.
- Experience camel trekking across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
- Watch unforgettable sunset and sunrise views in the Sahara Desert.
- Enjoy an overnight experience in a traditional desert camp.
- Meet local nomads and learn about their desert way of life.
- Explore desert villages known for music, fossils, and palm groves.
- Journey through the lush Ziz Valley oasis.
- Pass through cedar forests in the Middle Atlas Mountains.
- Stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.”.
- Arrive in Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco.
Itinerary :
Day 1: Marrakech ➝ High Atlas Mountains ➝ Ait Ben Haddou ➝ Dades Valley
Your desert adventure begins with departure from Marrakech, heading toward the High Atlas Mountains. The route climbs through winding roads and scenic mountain passes, with stops to admire panoramic views and traditional Berber villages.
The first major visit is the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its impressive earthen architecture and cinematic history. After spending time exploring the kasbah and enjoying lunch, the journey continues through Ouarzazate and the Rose Valley, arriving in the Dades Valley by evening. Dinner is included, followed by an overnight stay surrounded by dramatic rock formations and peaceful landscapes.
Day 2: Dades Valley ➝ Todra Gorge ➝ Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, the tour continues toward the spectacular Todra Gorge, where towering canyon walls rise above a narrow river and palm-lined oasis. You’ll have time to walk through the gorge and appreciate its natural beauty.
The road then leads through desert towns, ancient irrigation systems, and fertile oases, revealing the changing landscapes of southern Morocco. By afternoon, you’ll reach the edge of the Sahara near Merzouga. Camels await to take you across the dunes of Erg Chebbi, offering stunning views as the sun sets over the sand.
Upon arrival at the desert camp, enjoy a traditional dinner followed by live Berber music around the campfire. Spend the night beneath a sky filled with stars.
Day 3: Merzouga ➝ Desert Exploration ➝ Nomads ➝ Camel Trek
Wake early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, one of the most memorable moments of the tour. After breakfast, the day begins with a 4×4 desert exploration around the Merzouga area.
You’ll visit nomadic families living in the desert and learn about their traditional lifestyle while sharing a cup of mint tea. The tour continues to a nearby village known for its rich musical heritage, where you can experience local rhythms and songs. After lunch, enjoy a peaceful walk through palm groves that bring life to the desert environment.
In the late afternoon, prepare for another camel ride into the dunes, allowing you to experience the Sahara from a different perspective as the light changes. The evening is spent in the desert camp with dinner, music, and stargazing.
Day 4: Merzouga ➝ Ziz Valley ➝ Middle Atlas ➝ Ifrane ➝ Fes
After breakfast, you’ll leave the desert and begin the journey north toward Fes. The route follows the Ziz Valley, where vast palm groves line the riverbanks, offering striking contrasts against the surrounding arid terrain.
Continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the scenery shifts to cedar forests, home to Barbary macaques often seen along the roadside. A stop is made in Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Fes, marking the end of your 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour.
Included :
- Private transportation with a professional local driver
- Hand-picked accommodations (riads, kasbahs, boutique hotels or desert camps, depending on itinerary)
- Breakfasts included in most accommodations throughout the trip
- Dinners in the desert and remote regions, when applicable
- Cultural and heritage activities listed in your itinerary
- Local certified guides at major historical sites and selected cities
- Camel ride in the Sahara for desert tours
- Assistance from our dedicated team throughout your stay
Excluded :
- International flights to and from Morocco
- Lunches and beverages, unless specified
- Entrance fees to certain monuments or optional activities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for guides and drivers (at your discretion)
