4 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Departure from Fes

Begin your journey with an early morning pickup from your hotel or riad in Fes. Travel south through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through cedar forests where you can see Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.

Stop in Ifrane and Azrou

Enjoy a brief stop in Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco,” famous for its European-style architecture and alpine climate. Continue to Azrou, where the lush cedar forests provide opportunities to see wild monkeys and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Ziz Valley and Desert Approaches

Descend into the stunning Ziz Valley, a vast oasis famous for its palm groves and winding river. Enjoy panoramic views and visit local villages as the landscape gradually transitions toward the desert.

Arrival in Merzouga and Sunset Camel Trek

Arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon and prepare for a classic camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Witness a spectacular sunset over the Sahara, painting the sand dunes in vibrant shades of orange and red.

Overnight in Luxury Desert Camp

Spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp, complete with comfortable tents, authentic Moroccan dinner, and the mesmerizing sounds of Berber music under a dazzling starlit sky.

Day 2: Merzouga – Sahara Desert Exploration – Nomadic Villages

Sunrise in the Desert

Wake early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara, a peaceful and unforgettable moment.

4×4 Desert Excursion and Cultural Visits

After breakfast, embark on a 4×4 adventure around the dunes and desert plains, visiting:

• Nomadic Berber families living traditional desert lifestyles

• The village of Khamlia, home to the soulful Gnaoua music and African heritage

• Fossil quarries and panoramic desert viewpoints

Optional Activities

Spend the afternoon enjoying optional desert activities such as:

• Sandboarding down the dunes

• Quad biking or buggy rides across the Sahara

• Relaxing and absorbing the vast desert tranquility

Second Night in Desert Camp or Desert Lodge

Choose to spend your second night in the desert camp or upgrade to a nearby comfortable desert lodge with modern amenities. Enjoy dinner and the unique desert night atmosphere.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Depart Merzouga

After breakfast, bid farewell to the desert and travel towards the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley.

Visit Rissani Market

Stop at Rissani, a historic town known for its lively souks and rich connection to Morocco’s royal lineage. Explore the traditional market and ancient mudbrick kasbahs.

Tinghir and Todra Gorges

Continue to Tinghir, gateway to the breathtaking Todra Gorges. Take a walk through the narrow canyon walls soaring up to 300 meters high, surrounded by lush greenery.

Dades Valley – Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs

Drive along the scenic Dades Valley, famed for its striking rock formations and ancient kasbahs scattered throughout the palm groves.

Overnight in Dades Valley

Stay overnight in a traditional riad or guesthouse overlooking the valley, savoring local cuisine and warm hospitality.

Day 4: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Aït Benhaddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

Drive to Ouarzazate

After breakfast, continue your journey to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa.” Optionally, visit the renowned Atlas Film Studios or the historic Taourirt Kasbah.

Explore Aït Benhaddou Kasbah

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou, an ancient fortified village famed for its striking earthen architecture and cinematic history.

Cross the High Atlas Mountains

Return to Marrakech via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters) through the High Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views of rugged peaks, traditional Berber villages, and terraced slopes.

Arrival in Marrakech

Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon or early evening. You will be dropped off at your hotel or riad, concluding your unforgettable 4-day Morocco desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.

What’s Included

• Private, air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus transportation

• English-speaking driver/guide

• Pick-up from Fes and drop-off in Marrakech

• 2 nights accommodation in Merzouga (desert camp or desert lodge)

• 1 night accommodation in Dades Valley guesthouse or riad

• Camel trekking at sunset and sunrise in Erg Chebbi

• 4×4 desert excursion with cultural visits

• Meals: daily breakfasts, 3 dinners including desert camp meals

• Entrance fees to key sites

• All fuel, tolls, and local taxes