4 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
Overview
Our on a 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, exploring Morocco’s stunning landscapes, culture, and history. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, visit UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou and historic kasbahs in Skoura, and marvel at the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations in the Dades Valley.
Ride camels at sunset in the Erg Chebbi dunes, spend magical nights in a Berber desert camp, experience Gnawa music in Khamlia, and return to Fes via the lush Ziz Valley, Cedar Forest of Azrou, and the alpine town of Ifrane.
Highlights
- Drive through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
- Explore Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit the beautiful Amridil Kasbah in Skoura.
- Discover the Monkey Fingers rock formations in the Dades Valley.
- Walk through Todra Gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs.
- Camel ride at sunset in the Merzouga dunes.
- Spend nights in a desert camp and enjoy traditional Berber music.
- Visit Khamlia Village and hear Gnawa music.
- See the Ziz Valley, a lush green stretch of palm trees.
- Spot Barbary monkeys in the Cedar Forest of Azrou.
- Stop in Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco.
4 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech ⇢ High Atlas Mountains ⇢ Skoura ⇢ Dades Valley.
Our trip starts at 8 AM as we leave Marrakech and head for the High Atlas Mountains. Continue to the picturesque Tizi n’Tichka pass where you can make photo stops and visit the local Berber villages. We continue our journey to the historical Ait Ben Haddou terrace which is considered an ancient kasbah; you will have a nice lunch there.
After lunch, we will continue the tour to Ouarzazate also called the ‘Hollywood of Morocco’, and to the palm groves of Skoura. Paying a visit to the beautiful Amridil Kasbah is a great opportunity to take pictures before proceeding to the Rose Valley.
Thus, we get to Dades Gorges where you will be amazed by the rock formation called “Monkey Fingers”. Have dinner and spend the night in a wonderful hotel and then have breakfast and continue with the tour.
Day 2: Dades Valley ⇢ Todra Canyon ⇢ Merzouga Desert.
We get up and have some breakfast then proceed to the beautiful Todra Canyon which is famous for its high cliffs and peace. The trail to the gorge is quite easy therefore one is allowed to walk through the gorge before continuing with the drive to Tinejdad and Erfoud which are well known for their beautiful dates and fossils respectively.
Thus, around the late afternoon, we get to Merzouga, and the desert experience starts. Change your vehicle for a camel and ride into the beautiful Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun sets in the western desert.
When you get to the desert camp you will have some traditional Moroccan dinner and get to learn more about the local culture through music and storytelling around the fire. Enjoy the night in a comfortable tent with a view of the stars.
Day 3: Full-Day Excursion in Merzouga.
Catch a picturesque sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast. Today, take a deeper insight into the culture and landscapes of Merzouga. Visit seasonal Lake Dayet Srij, home to migratory birds, and the village of Khamlia to experience soulful Gnawa music.
Discover the mythical mines of Mifis and nomadic families to learn about their lifestyle. Return to your riad for lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon to chill out or take part in optional activities such as quad biking or sandboarding.
The possibility of another night of enchantment in the desert is in your hands – you can choose to stay at camp again. Dinner and night in Merzouga.
Day 4: Merzouga Desert ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Cedar Forest of Azrou ⇢ Fes.
Today is the final day; leave the desert behind for a beautiful drive through the Ziz Valley, stopping en route to see the oases and towering palms. Make lunch stopover in the town of Midelt. Onward to Cedar Forest of Azrou; there Barbary monkeys will be around the cars.
En route, the coffee break is in Ifrane, “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine style in architecture and cleanliness in the streets. We will arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, which is when our great adventure will come to an end around 6 PM.
Gallery
Price Include And Exclude
Include
- Convenient Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off.
- Private, air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable journey.
- Car fuel.
- Experienced, professional driver and tour guide to enhance your experience.
- Camel ride per person.
- Sanboarding.
- Overnight camping.
- 2 Night stay in Dades Valley & Merzouga.
- Transfer either by car or camels from the camp.
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner x3
Not Included
- Lunches.
- Drinks.
- Entrance fee to monuments.
- Tipping (Optional)
Booking
- If this itinerary doesn't align with your needs, we can adjust and tailor it to suit your preferences. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for customization.