Tour Overview
The 4 day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech offers an unforgettable experience of Moroccoโs diverse landscapes and rich culture. Over the span of 4 days and 3 nights, you will explore some of the most stunning destinations in the country. Starting from Fes, you will visit Ifrane, often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco, and wander through the serene cedar forests. After a lunch break in Midelt, the journey continues along the scenic Ziz River before reaching the Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Here, you can enjoy a camel ride, spend the night in a desert camp, and take in the magical sunrise and sunset over the dunes. The tour also includes a thrilling 4ร4 journey through the desert, visits to the traditional market in Rissani and the fossil town of Erfoud, and an exploration of the dramatic Todra and Dades gorges. On the final day, youโll visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-n-Tichka pass. The tour concludes in Marrakech.
Itinerary
The 4 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour begins with an early pick-up from the airport or your accommodation in Fes. Heading south through Imouzzer, we stop to visit Ifrane, a charming town known for its alpine-style houses and cool temperatures, earning it the nickname โthe Switzerland of Morocco.โ Afterward, we continue to the lush cedar forests, home to the Barbary Macaquesโfeel free to feed them as you explore this peaceful woodland.
Next, we make our way to Midelt, where you will enjoy a lunch break. The journey continues toward the Sahara Desert, passing through the stunning Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass and following the path of the Ziz River. By afternoon, we arrive at the mesmerizing dunes of Merzouga, where you will embark on a camel ride through the sands. We’ll pause on a high dune to watch the magical sunset before heading to a luxury desert camp.
In the camp, you can experience the rhythm of Berber drums and dance around the campfire under a starlit sky. Dinner will be served, and youโll enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of the desert.
Waking up early is a must to witness the stunning sunrise in the middle of the desert. After some free time for breakfast, you’ll ride camels back to Merzouga, where your driver will be waiting. The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring the fascinating Merzouga region, home to remarkable sites like sand dunes, wild lakes, ancient mines, fossil areas, and breathtaking oases. These are perfect for a variety of outdoor adventures.
We begin by heading off-road to visit an ancient eyeliner mine, an intriguing remnant of history. Following this, weโll meet local nomads, learning about their traditional lifestyle while sipping on authentic Berber tea inside their handmade woven tents. Next, we visit the village of Khamlia, where you will be treated to a lively performance of Gnaoua music and dance. The villagers are descendants of sub-Saharan communities from Mali, Sudan, and Niger, enriching the cultural experience.
You’ll have free time for lunch at a local restaurant before we continue to explore a peaceful palm grove. Our last stop of the day takes us to Merzougaโs wild lake, often called Flamingo Lake, a serene spot that attracts migrating flamingos and other wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a comfortable hotel in Merzouga.
After breakfast, we depart from the desert towards Rissani, a historic town that once served as the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani remains an essential trading hub in the region, known for its bustling souk, which comes alive particularly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
After exploring the lively Rissani Souk, we head to Erfoud, where we visit one of the renowned workshops specializing in fossilized marble. From there, we continue our journey through the lush palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, leading us to the stunning Todra Gorges. Here, the Todra River has carved a grand canyon with towering red cliffs, creating an extraordinary landscape that’s a paradise for rock climbers. Take your time to explore the gorges, marvel at the dramatic scenery, and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Lunch will be enjoyed at a nearby restaurant.
Following lunch, we continue driving through Boumalne Dades towards the Dades Valley. Along the way, we’ll stop to admire the unique “monkey fingers” rock formations and take in the panoramic views from a mountaintop lookout over the Dades Valley. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel.
After breakfast, we depart from the desert towards Rissani, a historic town that once served as the ancient capital of Tafilalet. Rissani remains an essential trading hub in the region, known for its bustling souk, which comes alive particularly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
After exploring the lively Rissani Souk, we head to Erfoud, where we visit one of the renowned workshops specializing in fossilized marble. From there, we continue our journey through the lush palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, leading us to the stunning Todra Gorges. Here, the Todra River has carved a grand canyon with towering red cliffs, creating an extraordinary landscape that’s a paradise for rock climbers. Take your time to explore the gorges, marvel at the dramatic scenery, and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Lunch will be enjoyed at a nearby restaurant.
Following lunch, we continue driving through Boumalne Dades towards the Dades Valley. Along the way, we’ll stop to admire the unique “monkey fingers” rock formations and take in the panoramic views from a mountaintop lookout over the Dades Valley. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel.
Price includes
- Private 4ร4 vehicle or minibus with A/C
- Fuel
- English / Spanish-speaking driver
- 1 night in Merzouga hotel
- 1 night in Boumalne Dades hotel
- 1 night in the desert camp
- Camel ride
- Breakfasts
- Dinners
Price Excludes
- Lunches & Drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments
Tour on the Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.