4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley [321 km]

We’ll pick you up at 8 am from your hotel/riad in Marrakech to head towards the High Atlas Mountains, a sub range of the Moroccan Atlas, crossing the Tizi-N’Tichka Pass. During the journey, we’ll make several stops to appreciate the breathtaking panoramic views and capture photos of the Berber villages blending with the earth-toned landscape. Moving south, we reach the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou or the Fortified City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. This spectacular setting has served as the backdrop for numerous famous movies like Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator, Obelix, Jewel of the Nile, and more. We’ll have lunch in the village before continuing to Ouarzazate, known as the Gateway to the Desert, with its Taourit kasbah or fortress.

We’ll proceed to the Valley of Roses, passing through the Great Palmeraie of Skoura, where over 700 palm trees and numerous kasbahs scatter across the oasis and its surroundings. Later, we’ll reach the Valley of Roses, known for cultivating beautiful Damascus roses used in cosmetics like the highly-prized rose water. This valley hosts the Rose Museum once a year in May. Finally, we’ll arrive at the Dades Valley, where we’ll spend the night.

Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert [249 km]

After breakfast, enjoy one of the best views of the Dades Valley from a strategic mountain location, offering a panoramic view of the picturesque kasbahs. After multiple stops along the way, we’ll reach the Todra Gorges. Located near the city of Tineghir, these gorges lead to the desert and are surrounded by a valley full of palm trees and adobe villages. It’s a renowned destination for climbing enthusiasts due to the impressive Todra and Dades Faults, the most known and stunning in Morocco.

Following a hike in the Todra Gorges and lunch in Tinejdad or Touroug, we head to the desert to reach the impressive dunes of Merzouga. From there, embark on a camel caravan for about an hour to our nomadic tents situated in the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets over the dunes. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in nomadic tents, surrounded by the tranquility of the desert and under a spectacular blanket of stars.

Day 3: Merzouga Sightseeing [60 km]

Today is a day of total desert immersion, starting with a “Dawn Date” in the desert. As you’re in the desert, it’s worth waking up early to walk to the highest dune near the tents and witness the sunrise over this serene landscape.

After riding camels back to Merzouga village and a hearty breakfast, we’ll circle Erg Chebbi, the expanse of sand dunes with the tallest one being over 250 meters high. We’ll follow part of the route of the former Paris-Dakar Rally, passing through the mountains bordering Algeria in the background.

Make a stop at the Tissardmin oasis, known for fossils still found in the region, and continue towards a nomadic settlement where you’ll learn about some of their secrets and customs. Another stop at a panoramic viewpoint to admire the entire Erg Chebbi. Reach the village of Khamlia, originally from Mali, where you can relax with tea while enjoying a small Gnawa spiritual music concert.

Return to the hotel and free time to explore the village or climb nearby dunes to witness the sunset.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes [468 km]

Once ready, head north, crossing the Tafilalet Palmeral where you can see a vast number of palm trees, making it one of the largest palm groves in the world. Passing through, you’ll have a stop at the Ziz Valley, named after the river that descends from the High Atlas and feeds the palm grove. Take a mandatory stop to observe the valley from above and see the village of Aoufous.

A planned stop in Midelt, for a rest and lunch. In the afternoon, continue the last day by passing through the Cedar Forest where, if you’re lucky, you might encounter some monkeys. Don’t miss Ifrane, located on the northwestern slope of the Middle Atlas, at 1,630 meters above sea level.

Ifrane’s broad avenues, urban development, impeccable cleanliness, gardens, and green areas, along with its architecture more typical of an Alpine city, make Ifrane feel out of place in Morocco. It earned the nickname (Moroccan Switzerland), housing the Michlifen ski resort, one of the most important tracks globally. Arrival in Fes around 6 pm, transfer to the hotel, and the end of the trip.