4-Day Desert tour from Fes to Marrakech

Day 1: Fes – Merzouga Dunes

After breakfast, we begin our journey toward the beautiful dunes of Merzouga. We will pass through Ifrane, known as the “Moroccan Switzerland,” and stop to visit the cedar forest in Azrou to see the monkeys climbing the trees.

We continue through the rolling mountains of the Middle Atlas, passing through Midelt and the Ziz River. We will stop for photos of the impressive panoramic views over the Ziz River Gorges. We then proceed to the city of Erfoud, famous for its fossil extraction. Finally, we arrive at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, where we can experience the peace of the desert and witness a spectacular sunset and a fascinating starry sky. Dinner and overnight stay at a lodge located at the foot of the dunes.

Day 2: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi (Deep Desert Exploration)

After breakfast, we set out on a “Grand Tour” to discover the true desert, navigating between dunes, villages, and the Merzouga oasis. We will stop in the village of Khamlia (the village of the Black people) to enjoy their traditional music and have some tea. Then, we continue our adventure to live like true nomads.

We will pass the Mifiss mines, vast desert plateaus, and meet Berber nomads of the desert at the Tissardmine oasis. At 3:00 PM, we return to the lodge to leave the 4x4s and mount our dromedaries. These will take us into the heart of the desert, where we will witness an unforgettable sunset. We will spend the night in a wild oasis located an hour and a half away, camping under a blanket of stars.

Day 3: Erg Chebbi – Todra Valley – Ouarzazate

We wake up early to catch the beautiful spectacle of the sunrise over the sea of dunes (weather permitting). After returning by dromedary to the lodge for a shower and breakfast, we continue to Rissani, the first imperial city of Morocco, to visit its legendary market—the largest in Southern Morocco.

The journey continues toward Tazzarine, passing through Alnif in the Mader basin. We then head to the famous Todra Gorges, the Dades Valley, the Valley of the Roses, and the Skoura oases. Arrival in Ouarzazate for dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Marrakech

After breakfast, we head toward Marrakech. Before leaving the area, we visit the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This famous Kasbah has been the filming location for many movies, including Obelix, Babel, Sahara, Kingdom of Heaven, Cleopatra, and Gladiator.

After the visit, we continue our return to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (the highest pass in the Atlas at 2,260 meters altitude). After enjoying the spectacular views, we will arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon.

End of the Fes to Marrakech Route.