4-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga
Tour from
Fes
Duration
4 days
Min people
1 person
Destination
Marrakech
Embark on an unforgettable 4-day journey from Fes to Marrakech, discovering the dramatic landscapes of southern Morocco and the golden sands of Erg Chebbi. This adventure combines the natural beauty of the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, the serene palm-filled Ziz Valley, and the vast Sahara Desert with cultural encounters in Berber villages and desert communities. Experience camel trekking across towering dunes, spend a magical night in a traditional desert camp under the stars, explore gorges and valleys, and visit the historic kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, all culminating in a scenic journey across the High Atlas back to Marrakech.
- Observe wild Barbary macaques in the cedar forests of Azrou
- Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains
- Explore palm groves and Berber villages in Ziz Valley
- Meet a nomadic family in the desert and learn about their lifestyle
- Camel trekking and overnight in a desert camp under the stars
- Witness sunrise and sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Walk through the Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley
- Explore the historic Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah and cross the High Atlas Mountains
Tour Details
Day 1: Fes – Middle Atlas – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
The journey begins with an early morning departure from Fes, heading south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Pass through picturesque towns and make a stop in the cedar forests of Azrou, where wild Barbary macaques roam freely among the trees. Continuing through the scenic Ziz Valley, you’ll see lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages, providing insight into local life and culture. By late afternoon, you will arrive at Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara Desert, where your desert adventure begins with the stunning views of golden sand dunes. Dinner and overnight in Merzouga mark the start of this desert journey.
Day 2: Merzouga Desert Exploration – Camel Trek – Night in the Desert
Start the day with breakfast before heading to the small village of Khamlia, known for its rich Gnawa musical traditions. Continue to explore the surrounding desert area, including abandoned villages and unique mineral sites. A visit to a nomadic family offers the chance to enjoy mint tea and learn about their traditional desert lifestyle. In the afternoon, embark on a camel ride across the sweeping Erg Chebbi dunes. Stop at a high dune to try sandboarding and watch the sun set over the vast desert horizon. The evening is spent around a campfire in a desert camp, listening to Berber drums under a star-filled sky, creating an unforgettable night in the Sahara.
Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate
Wake early to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the dunes before returning to Merzouga for breakfast. Begin the journey toward Ouarzazate, stopping at the traditional market in Rissani to observe local and nomadic trade. Continue through Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon with ancient kasbahs surrounded by palm trees, where you can stroll and admire the striking scenery. Afterward, drive through the scenic Dades Valley and the fragrant Rose Valley, passing by traditional kasbahs and small Berber villages. Arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the region’s unique desert and mountain landscapes.
Day 4: Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to Aït Ben Haddou, a historic kasbah recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its appearances in international films. Continue the journey across the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at scenic viewpoints and traditional Berber villages along the way. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass and admire the dramatic mountain landscapes before descending toward Marrakech. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon or evening, concluding the 4-day desert tour from Fes with memories of Morocco’s mountains, gorges, dunes, and cultural treasures.