4 Days Desert & Mountains Tour From Fes

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

Departure from Fes

Your adventure starts early with a private pickup from your accommodation in Fes. Drive southward through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping first in Ifrane, known for its European-style architecture and clean, serene atmosphere.

Azrou Cedar Forest

Continue to Azrou, where you will explore the cedar forests and encounter wild Barbary macaques, a unique chance to observe these playful monkeys in their natural habitat.

Ziz Valley

Descend into the stunning Ziz Valley, a vast oasis known for its palm groves and winding river. Stop to take in panoramic views and visit traditional Berber villages.

Arrival at Merzouga

Reach the desert town of Merzouga by late afternoon. Here, you’ll prepare for a classic camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes just before sunset.

Overnight Desert Camp

Enjoy a night in a traditional Berber desert camp, complete with authentic cuisine and live Berber music under the starry Sahara sky.

Day 2: Merzouga – Sahara Exploration & Nomadic Culture

Sunrise in the Desert

Witness the unforgettable sunrise over the Sahara dunes, a serene and breathtaking experience.

4×4 Desert Tour

After breakfast, embark on a guided 4×4 excursion exploring the dunes and surrounding desert plains. Visit nomadic Berber families, the village of Khamlia with its vibrant Gnaoua music, fossil sites, and panoramic viewpoints.

Optional Activities

Enjoy optional activities such as sandboarding, quad biking, or relaxing in the desert’s peaceful environment.

Second Night in the Desert

Choose to spend your second night either in the desert camp or upgrade to a nearby desert lodge with modern comforts.

Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Depart Desert

After breakfast, leave Merzouga and drive west towards the stunning Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs and lush greenery.

Walk Through Todra Gorges

Take a refreshing walk through the gorge, enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty and unique rock formations.

Dades Valley

Continue to the Dades Valley, famous for its spectacular landscapes and numerous ancient kasbahs perched above the valley floor.

Overnight in Dades Valley

Spend the night in a traditional guesthouse or riad in the valley, enjoying local hospitality and delicious Moroccan cuisine.

Day 4: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Aït Benhaddou – Fes

Morning Drive to Ouarzazate

Depart Dades Valley and head to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Optionally visit the Atlas Film Studios or the historic Taourirt Kasbah.

Aït Benhaddou Kasbah

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou, a stunning example of earthen architecture and a backdrop for many international films.

Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains

Return to Fes via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, absorbing the spectacular mountain views and visiting traditional Berber villages along the way.

Arrival in Fes

Arrive back in Fes in the evening with memories of a diverse journey through Morocco’s mountains and desert.

What’s Included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide

• Pick-up and drop-off in Fes

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

• 1 night accommodation in Dades Valley guesthouse or riad

• Camel trek at sunset and sunrise in the desert

• 4×4 desert tour around Erg Chebbi

• Visits to Todra Gorges and Aït Benhaddou

• All meals as specified (breakfasts and 2 dinners)

• Entrance fees to key sites

• Fuel, tolls, and local taxes