4 Days Marrakech to Fes via Desert Tour

Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dades Valley

Ascend the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass

We begin with an early morning departure from Marrakech, journeying across the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters, the highest mountain road in Morocco. This drive offers breathtaking views of snow-dusted peaks, traditional Berber hamlets, and panoramic valleys.

Aït Benhaddou – Morocco’s Most Iconic Kasbah

We stop to explore Aït Benhaddou, a fortified ksar that stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its honey-colored adobe walls and towers have made it a popular backdrop for Hollywood films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Wander its narrow alleys, discover ancient grain stores, and capture spectacular views from its hilltop summit.

Visit Ouarzazate and the Skoura Oasis

After lunch in Ouarzazate—the “Hollywood of Africa”—you’ll have the chance to visit Atlas Film Studios or the historic Taourirt Kasbah. Then, we journey through the Skoura Oasis, famous for its palm groves and hidden kasbahs, before reaching the Dades Valley, also called the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a charming riad or guesthouse nestled in the valley’s red-rock canyon.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Tinjdad – Erfoud – Merzouga

Discover the Towering Todra Gorges

After breakfast, we drive toward the majestic Todra Gorges, where 300-meter-high cliffs surround a narrow canyon carved by a crystal-clear river. Take time to stroll through this natural marvel, ideal for hikers, climbers, and photography lovers.

Scenic Drive to the Edge of the Sahara

Continuing our journey, we pass through Tinjdad and Erfoud, both towns rich in desert culture and fossil history. A stop in Rissani—a former caravan trading center—gives you insight into the roots of Morocco’s Alaouite dynasty and a chance to explore its traditional souks.

Camel Trek into the Merzouga Dunes at Sunset

Upon arriving in Merzouga, your camel caravan awaits. Set out across the towering Erg Chebbi dunes, some of the highest in Morocco, with golden sands that shift color with the setting sun. The camel ride to your camp is a peaceful, mesmerizing experience that immerses you in the silence of the Sahara.

Overnight in a Luxury Desert Camp

At your luxury desert camp, enjoy mint tea upon arrival, a freshly prepared Moroccan dinner, and live Berber music by the campfire under a sky filled with stars. Your comfortable private tent offers an authentic yet stylish desert experience.

Day 3: Merzouga – Nomad Villages – Khamlia – Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Midelt

Desert Exploration and Berber Culture

Rise early for an unforgettable sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast at camp. Instead of heading out right away, we spend the morning exploring the Merzouga region. Visit nomadic families, learn about their desert lifestyle, and discover Khamlia village, home of the Gnaoua people, where you can enjoy traditional African spiritual music.

Optional activities include sandboarding, ATV quad biking, or simply relaxing in the magical silence of the Sahara.

Drive to Midelt via Ziz Valley

After an enriching cultural experience, we begin our journey north. Drive through the Ziz Valley, Morocco’s most fertile desert oasis, lined with date palms and adobe villages. Stop along the way to admire the panoramic gorges and river views.

We arrive in Midelt, a scenic mountain town nestled between the High and Middle Atlas, where you’ll spend the night in a cozy hotel or guesthouse. Enjoy a hearty dinner and prepare for the last leg of your adventure.

Day 4: Midelt – Cedar Forests – Ifrane – Fes

Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains

After breakfast, we cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, a region of cedar forests, volcanic peaks, and rolling hills. The route passes through Azrou, where you can visit the famous cedar forest and encounter the friendly Barbary macaques that inhabit the area.

Ifrane – The “Switzerland of Morocco”

We make a stop in Ifrane, a surprising alpine-style town known for its clean streets, European architecture, and snowy winters. It’s one of the most picturesque and well-kept towns in Morocco, offering a perfect place for a coffee break and a walk through its peaceful parks.

Arrival in Fes

By the afternoon, we arrive in Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and a UNESCO-listed medieval wonder. This marks the end of your 4-day desert journey from Marrakech to Fes, with memories of the Sahara, the kasbahs, and the majestic mountains etched into your soul.

What’s Included in the 4-Day Desert Tour

• Comfortable private transportation (4×4 or minibus) with fuel

• Professional English-speaking driver/guide

• 3 nights of accommodation:

  • 1 night in Dades Valley

  • 1 night in Merzouga desert camp

  • 1 night in Midelt

• Camel trek (sunset & sunrise) in Merzouga

• Dinner and breakfast at all accommodations

• Visits to Aït Benhaddou, Todra Gorges, and Berber villages

• All local taxes and tolls

Tour Highlights

• Drive across the Atlas Mountains and scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass

• Visit the UNESCO Aït Benhaddou Kasbah

• Explore the towering Todra and Dades Gorges

• Camel ride and overnight in Erg Chebbi dunes

• Meet nomadic families and enjoy Gnaoua music in Khamlia

• Discover the Ziz Valley, Ifrane, and Azrou’s cedar forests

• Cultural immersion in Berber, Arab, and nomadic traditions