4 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

This 4-day journey from Fes to Marrakech is a complete Moroccan adventure, blending mountain scenery, desert exploration, cultural encounters, and historic landmarks. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, visit alpine-style towns and cedar forests, follow lush valleys, and reach the golden dunes of the Sahara. Along the way, enjoy camel trekking, desert sunsets and sunrises, nomadic culture, dramatic gorges, ancient kasbahs, and panoramic mountain passes before arriving in the vibrant city of Marrakech.

• Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
• Visit Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture.
• Stop at cedar forests inhabited by Barbary macaques.
• Explore the Ziz Valley with panoramic viewpoints.
• Camel trek across the dunes of Merzouga at sunset.
• Overnight desert experience under the stars.
• Visit Todra Gorge and travel through the Dades Valley.
• Discover the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou.
• Cross the High Atlas Mountains via mountain passes.

Day 1: Fes ➝ Ifrane ➝ Cedar Forests ➝ Middle Atlas ➝ Merzouga Desert

Your adventure begins with a departure from Fes toward southern Morocco. The first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” where clean streets and alpine-style buildings offer a pleasant contrast to the desert landscapes ahead.

The journey continues to the cedar forests near Azrou, home to Barbary macaques that often roam freely among the trees. Afterward, the road leads through the Middle Atlas Mountains, with a lunch stop along the way.

In the afternoon, you’ll cross a scenic mountain pass overlooking the Ziz Valley, where palm groves stretch across the landscape. Passing through desert towns known for dates and fossil heritage, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a fossil workshop and learn about this ancient craft.

By evening, you arrive at the edge of the Sahara near the Erg Chebbi dunes. Dinner and traditional music create a warm welcome, offering a peaceful introduction to the desert atmosphere.

Day 2: Merzouga Area ➝ Desert Exploration ➝ Nomads ➝ Camel Trek ➝ Desert Camp

After breakfast, the day begins with an off-road desert excursion by 4×4. You’ll explore the surrounding desert landscapes, including an old mining site once used for traditional cosmetics. A visit to local nomads follows, where you’ll learn about their daily life and customs while sharing a cup of mint tea.

Next, head to Khamlia village, known for its deep musical roots and cultural heritage. Here, you’ll experience traditional rhythms and songs with origins in sub-Saharan Africa. After lunch nearby, enjoy a peaceful walk through palm groves that bring life to the desert environment.

In the late afternoon, prepare for a camel trek into the dunes. As the sun sets over the sand, the Sahara reveals its most magical colors. Upon arrival at the desert camp, you’ll be welcomed with tea, followed by dinner and live music around the campfire. The night is spent beneath a sky filled with stars.

Day 3: Merzouga ➝ Rissani ➝ Erfoud ➝ Todra Gorge ➝ Dades Valley

Rise early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, a highlight of the Sahara experience. After breakfast, return from the desert by camel and continue the journey westward.

The next stop is Rissani, once a major trading center for desert caravans. You’ll explore its traditional market, still lively and authentic. The tour then continues to Erfoud, where fossil craftsmanship is showcased, offering insight into the region’s geological history.

Passing through palm-filled valleys and desert villages, you’ll stop for lunch before arriving at the impressive Todra Gorge. Towering rock walls frame a narrow canyon, making it one of Morocco’s most striking natural sites. After time to explore, the journey continues to the Dades Valley, with stops to admire unique rock formations and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the valley.

Day 4: Dades Valley ➝ Rose Valley ➝ Ouarzazate ➝ Ait Ben Haddou ➝ High Atlas ➝ Marrakech

After breakfast, the tour continues through the Rose Valley, famous for its fragrant fields and traditional rose products. In spring, the region comes alive with local celebrations centered around the rose harvest.

The road leads through palm oases toward Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the desert and known for its cinematic heritage. From here, continue to the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its earthen architecture and appearances in international films and series.

After exploring the kasbah, the journey crosses the High Atlas Mountains via winding roads and scenic viewpoints. Stops are made along the way for photos and lunch before descending toward Marrakech, where the tour concludes with drop-off at your chosen location.

• 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

• 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)