Discover the heart of Morocco on this captivating 4-day journey from Fes to Marrakech. Traverse the stunning Middle and High Atlas Mountains, visit Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture and iconic lion statue, and encounter wild Barbary macaques in Azrou’s ancient cedar forests.
Marvel at the lush Ziz Valley, carved by Morocco’s second-longest river, before the ultimate Sahara experience: a camel trek across the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. Witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, and spend an unforgettable night under the stars at a desert camp.
This private tour offers extended time in the Sahara to explore the Merzouga area and connect with Berber nomad families. You’ll also discover Rissani’s traditional weekly market, the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges, Ouarzazate’s famous film studios and Taourirt Kasbah, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ksar Ait Benhaddou. A perfect blend of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes awaits!
✔ Accommodation: Nights in 4* riads/hotels + Night in a luxury desert camp
✔ Meals: Daily breakfast + 2 dinners (desert camp)
✔ Transport: Private AC vehicle + camel trek
✔ Guides: Local experts in Marrakech and Fes
✔ Entrance Fees: All major sites (Ait Ben Haddou, Bahia Palace, etc.)
Your 4-day desert adventure commences at 8:30 AM. Your driver will pick you up from your Fes hotel. We then set off towards Merzouga. The journey takes you through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. You’ll glimpse charming Berber villages along the way. Our first significant stop is Ifrane. This beautiful city is often called “Moroccan Switzerland” due to its distinctive alpine-style architecture.
From there, we continue to Azrou. Azrou is home to a famous cedar forest. Here, you may spot wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. We’ll pause for a lunch break in Midelt, a town nestled within the Atlas range. Afterwards, our route heads south towards Erfoud. This town is renowned for its fossils and its vibrant annual date festival.
You’ll travel through the stunning Ziz Valley. We will stop to admire a panoramic oasis view. It’s a lush contrast to the surrounding arid landscapes. By late afternoon, you will arrive at the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll be ready for dinner and your overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Merzouga.
After breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on an exciting 4×4 excursion. This trip explores the diverse and interesting sites around the Erg Chebbi dunes. Your exploration includes a visit to the Hassi Labied oasis. Here, you can observe its traditional irrigation canal and witness local land agriculture. We will then head south towards the seasonal Srij lake. Its presence depends on recent rainfall. The journey continues to Khamlia village. This offers you the chance to experience captivating Gnawa music. It’s a spiritual sound with ancient roots, brought by people who migrated to Morocco generations ago.
Beyond tourism, Merzouga is also known for its minerals and fossils. You’ll have the chance to see the M’ifis mines. A true highlight of our 4×4 tour is visiting a nomadic Berber family. They still live in their traditional tent amidst the Sahara. Here, you’ll share a glass of mint tea. You will also gain insight into their unique way of life. Throughout the excursion, we’ll make several stops at scenic viewpoints. These are perfect for capturing photos of the breathtaking scenery. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll return to the village.
From this point, you’ll begin your memorable camel trek. This journey into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll pause atop a high dune to witness a spectacular sunset. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try sandboarding.
After these beautiful moments, you’ll continue to your traditional Berber desert camp. You’ll be welcomed there with a glass of tea. You will have time to relax before a delicious dinner. Dinner is followed by traditional Berber drumming music. Enjoy this under the vast, star-filled desert sky. Finally, you will retire to your nomadic tent for the night.
An early start today is rewarded with the breathtaking sight of a desert sunrise near the camp, a truly magical experience. After these lovely moments, you will enjoy breakfast and have the opportunity to shower at the camp. You can then choose to ride your camel or take a 4WD transfer back to the edge of the dunes, where you will meet your driver to continue your 4-day desert tour.
As we journey onward, if it happens to be a Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday, we may visit the bustling traditional weekly market in Rissani, offering a glimpse into local commerce. We will then pass through small, authentic Berber villages such as Touroug and Tinjdad, eventually arriving in Tinghir. Here, we’ll stop to admire its beautiful Todra Valley, a lush expanse filled with palm trees and vibrant vegetation. Our journey then leads us to the magnificent Todra Gorge, a towering canyon situated at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, renowned as a prime spot for rock climbers.
You’ll have free time to walk through its impressive high canyons and soak in the dramatic scenery. After a break for lunch, we will travel to Boumalne Dades, and by the afternoon, we’ll arrive in the picturesque Dades Valley for your dinner and overnight stay at a comfortable hotel or riad.
Today marks the final day of your enriching Fes to Marrakech desert tour. Our journey continues in the direction of Marrakech, taking us via Kalaat M’gouna, famous for its fragrant Rose Valley, and through the expansive Skoura palm grove. In Ouarzazate, often dubbed the “Hollywood of Africa,” you will have the option to visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah and the renowned film studios, where many international movies have been filmed.
Next, we will drive to the iconic Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986. This spectacular fortified village, a stunning example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture, has served as the backdrop for famous films including Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, and The Jewel of the Nile; you’ll have free time here to explore and enjoy lunch.
Following this, we continue our trip, embarking on the dramatic crossing of the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka pass. This is Morocco’s highest road pass, reaching an elevation of 2260 meters (7415 ft) above sea level, and it offers truly impressive views of sweeping valleys, rugged mountains, and numerous nearby Berber villages. You can expect to arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, marking the conclusion of your memorable 4-day desert tour.
At Sahara Marvels, we take pride in crafting unforgettable Moroccan experiences. However, if our standard tours don’t perfectly match your dreams—we’ll create one that does!
✉ Simply contact us, share your vision, and we’ll design a custom itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and budget. Your satisfaction is our priority, and Morocco’s magic should be explored your way.
Reach out anytime—we’re here to make your perfect adventure a reality!
