4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga

We will start this tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via Ouarzazate. Along the way, we will visit a UNESCO World Heritage site and explore Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” We will stop for photos at the famous Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Africa, and visit Taourirt Kasbah, the Roses Valley, and the Dades Valley.

The journey continues to the Merzouga Desert, where you will enjoy a camel trekking experience and spend the night in traditional Berber tents in the middle of the dunes. You will also explore the Erg Chebbi area, meet nomads, and visit Berber villages.

The tour then heads toward Fes, passing through the Rissani market, Erfoud, Ziz Valley, Midelt, and Azrou, where we will visit the Cedar Forest. Finally, we arrive in Ifrane, known as the “Moroccan Switzerland,” before reaching Fes.

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

After meeting at the agreed location, we begin our journey southeast through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m altitude). Enjoy scenic stops to admire breathtaking landscapes and traditional Berber villages.

We visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. This spectacular location has been featured in many films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and The Jewel of the Nile. Free time is provided for lunch in the village.

We then continue to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” with a photo stop at Atlas Studios. After visiting Taourirt Kasbah, one of the most impressive in Morocco, we drive through the Skoura palm groves to the Roses Valley, known for its annual Rose Festival in May.

Finally, we arrive in the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we depart toward the Todra Gorges, passing through impressive landscapes filled with kasbahs and Berber villages. The gorge’s high rock walls make it a popular destination for climbers.

After a short walk in the gorges, we continue toward Erfoud with free time for lunch in Touroug. We will visit a local fossil workshop before heading to the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.

Upon arrival, prepare for a camel trek (about 1.5 hours) to enjoy a magical sunset. You will spend the night in a traditional desert camp (Berber tent), with dinner and music under the stars.

Day 3: Merzouga – Nomads – Khamlia Village – Erg Chebbi

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes—an unforgettable experience. After returning by camel to the hotel, enjoy breakfast.

We then explore the Erg Chebbi area, home to Morocco’s highest dunes (over 250 meters). Travel along the old Paris-Dakar route, visit the Tissardmin oasis, and discover fossil sites.

You will meet nomadic families and learn about their traditional lifestyle. Later, visit Khamlia Village, originally from Mali, where you will enjoy Gnawa music and tea.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes

After breakfast, we head north through the Tafilalet palm grove, one of the largest in the world. We stop to admire the panoramic views of the Ziz Valley.

We continue to Midelt, known as the “Apple Capital,” for lunch. Then drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing nomadic areas.

In Azrou, we visit the Cedar Forest, home to Barbary macaques. Then we continue to Ifrane, famous for its European-style architecture, clean streets, and alpine atmosphere.

Finally, we arrive in Fes in the evening.

What’s Included

  • Private transport (4×4, minibus, or bus) with air conditioning
  • Professional multilingual driver/guide
  • Fuel
  • 1 night in hotel or riad
  • 2 nights in the desert (dinner & breakfast included)
  • Camel trekking experience
  • Sandboarding in the dunes

What’s Not Included

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Flight tickets
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums
  • Accommodation in Marrakech

If you would like to modify this tour, feel free to contact us in advance—we will be happy to customize it to your needs.