4 Days From Marrakech to Fes Via Merzouga Desert Tour

Explore the highlights of Morocco on this 4-day, 3-night journey from Marrakesh to Fes via the Sahara Desert. Travel through the stunning Atlas Mountains and visit the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and the city of Ouarzazate. Discover the scenic Dades Valley, the dramatic Todra Gorges, and charming Berber villages along the way.

Experience the magic of the Merzouga Sahara Desert with a camel ride into the heart of the dunes, and enjoy unforgettable sunsets and sunrises. Visit the traditional market of Rissani and the fossil-rich town of Erfoud. See Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco, and walk through the cedar forests where Barbary macaques roam freely. The tour concludes in Fes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities.

Duration: 4 days/3 nights

Start: Marrakech

End: Fes

Tour Style: Private

HIGHILGHTES:

Driving through the High Atlas Mountains and crossing the Tizi-N-Tichka pass
Visiting the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in famous movies and TV series
Touring Ouarzazate, including Atlas Studios
Exploring the Rose Valley in Kalaa Magouna and learning about local rose products
Admiring the spectacular landscapes of Dades Valley
Walking through Todra Gorges with its high red cliff-sided canyon
Riding camels across the Merzouga Sahara Desert and enjoying the sunset over Erg Chebbi
Experiencing a night in a luxury desert camp with Berber music under the stars
Visiting nomad villages, Khamlia, and strolling through Merzouga lake and palm groves
Driving along the Ziz Valley, feeding Barbary Macaques in the cedar forest, and visiting Ifrane before arriving in Fes

TOUR Itinerary

The 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour begins with an early pick-up from your accommodation or the airport in Marrakech. Drive through the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass, stopping for breathtaking panoramic views along the way. Continue to visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous filming location for movies such as Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as the TV series Game of Thrones. Head to Ouarzazate, the “Gate of the Desert,” and explore Atlas Studios, where many major films were shot. Then drive to the Rose Valley, renowned for its annual May festival where locals sell rose products including perfumes, rose water, oils, and cosmetics. End the day in Boumalne Dades with dinner and overnight at a hotel or Riad.

After breakfast, enjoy the spectacular Dades Gorge landscape, then continue to the Todra Gorges, a striking red-cliff canyon carved by the Todra River. Take your time to explore, photograph, and appreciate the dramatic scenery, followed by a break for lunch. In the afternoon, reach the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, where you switch to camels to cross the sand dunes. Pause atop a high dune to admire the magical desert sunset before arriving at the luxury desert camp, where you can enjoy Berber drum music and dance around the campfire under a sky full of stars. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

Rise early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the desert. After breakfast, return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4. Spend the day exploring the Merzouga region, known for its sand dunes, wild lakes, mines, fossil sites, and lush oases, perfect for outdoor adventures. Begin with an off-road drive to an ancient eyeliner mine, then visit local nomads in their handmade tents and enjoy traditional Berber tea. Continue to Khamlia village, where you can experience live Gnaoua music and traditional dance performed by locals of sub-Saharan origin. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, then stroll through a palm grove and visit the wild lake of Merzouga, also called Flamingos Lake. Dinner and overnight at a hotel.

On the final day, leave the desert and visit Rissani, the historic capital of Tafilalet, with its vibrant souk open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Continue to Erfoud to explore workshops creating fossilized marble. Drive along the Ziz River and stop for panoramic views of the Ziz Valley, then enjoy lunch in Midelt. Continue to the Cedars Forest to see the Barbary Macaques and feed them if you wish. Visit Ifrane, famous for its alpine-style architecture and cooler climate, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Conclude the tour with drop-off at your accommodation or Fes airport. End of the 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour.

4 days private transportation in a 4×4 or minivan with A/C and fuel
Pickup from your riad or any location in Marrakech
Private English-speaking driver/guide
2 nights in excellent hotels or riads
1 night in a luxury desert camp with private bathroom
Sandboarding available at the desert camp
Camel ride per person (optional 4×4 transfer available)
Desert excursion in a 4×4
Dinners and breakfasts
Drop-off at your riad or any location in Fes

Lunches and drinks
Entrance fees to Atlas Studios (approx. 8€ per person)

Please fill out the form below to contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible. For a faster response please send a WhatsApp: +212 668 342 513 message or call us at +212678099129 . We look forward to connecting with you. Email: Dunestours2@gmail.com

How to pay for the tour?

Our payment process is simple and hassle-free. To confirm your booking, we require a small deposit, which can be easily paid via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise at the time of reservation. The remaining balance is to be paid in cash to your driver or guide on the first day of the tour, in euros, US dollars, or the equivalent amount in Moroccan dirhams.

What currency is used, and how do I get money?

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, but cash is needed in many smaller towns and markets.

Is it possible to customize the tour itinerary?

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, but cash is needed in many smaller towns and markets.

Do I ride a camel in the desert?

Absolutely. You can fully customize your tour package to suit your preferences, including adding extra stops, upgrading accommodations, or choosing alternative transport options such as 4×4 transfers.

What type of accommodation is provided in the desert?

Yes, camel treks are often part of desert tours (e.g. crossing dunes to reach a camp).

What is the duration of the camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes?

Yes, camel treks are often part of desert tours (e.g. crossing dunes to reach a camp).

What are the camps in the desert like?

You’ll spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp featuring private tents. The camps offer essential comforts such as comfortable bedding, shared or private bathroom facilities (depending on the camp type), warm blankets, and a communal dining area for meals and relaxation.

What’s your cancellation / refund policy?

This depends on how many days before departure you cancel. We typically require a deposit to hold the booking and partial or full refunds depending on timing.

Is Morocco safe for tourists?

Yes. Morocco is generally considered safe for travelers