4 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech via the Merzouga Desert
Embark on an immersive 4-day journey from Fes to Marrakech, offering the best of Morocco’s natural beauty and rich culture. This tour takes you through the breathtaking Middle Atlas Mountains, across the vast Sahara Desert, and over the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you’ll visit traditional Berber villages, explore ancient kasbahs, and enjoy the magic of the desert with camel trekking and nights spent under the stars. Let’s explore what each day has in store for you.
Day 1: Fes to Merzouga – Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley
Morning Departure from Fes: Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Fes, heading toward the stunning Middle Atlas Mountains. As you wind through the mountains, you’ll pass through charming Berber villages and cedar forests.
Ifrane – Little Switzerland of Morocco:
Your first stop will be in the town of Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” due to its European-style architecture and cool climate. Take a quick stroll through this neat, picturesque town before continuing your journey.
Azrou and Cedar Forests: Next, you’ll pass through the Berber town of Azrou and the surrounding cedar forests, home to Barbary apes. You can stop here to stretch your legs, take some photos, and enjoy the peaceful forest atmosphere.
Lunch in Midelt:
You’ll stop for lunch in Midelt, a town known for its apple orchards and nestled between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountains. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a meal before continuing toward the desert.
Ziz Valley – Scenic Drive:
As you head further south, you’ll drive through the scenic Ziz Valley, famous for its lush palm groves, oases, and red cliffs. Stop along the way for photos of this stunning landscape before arriving in the desert.
Arrival in Merzouga – Camel Trek into the Desert:
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you’ll swap your vehicle for a camel and embark on a camel trek into the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. Watching the sunset as you ride through the dunes is an unforgettable experience.
Night in a Desert Camp:
After your camel trek, you’ll arrive at a traditional Berber camp nestled among the dunes. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars, accompanied by Berber music around the campfire. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable tent, fully equipped for a cozy desert experience.
Day 2: Full Day in Merzouga – Explore the Desert and Berber Culture
Sunrise Over the Dunes: Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Sahara Desert. The early morning light transforms the landscape into a sea of golden dunes, offering stunning photo opportunities.
Exploring the Merzouga Region: After breakfast, you’ll have the entire day to explore the Merzouga area. You can visit a Berber nomad family to learn about their way of life or head to the nearby village of Khamlia, where you can experience the unique Gnawa music, a spiritual and rhythmic genre performed by local musicians.
Adventure Activities: For those seeking adventure, you can try quad biking or sandboarding on the dunes. These activities are a fun and exciting way to explore the vast desert landscape.
Second Night in the Desert: In the evening, you’ll return to your desert camp for another magical night under the stars. After a traditional Moroccan dinner, relax by the campfire, enjoy more Berber music, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the Sahara.
Day 3: Merzouga to Dades Valley – Todra Gorge and Berber Villages
Camel Ride Back to Merzouga: Begin your day with another camel ride back to Merzouga village, where your driver will be waiting. After breakfast, you’ll set off on the next leg of your journey toward the Dades Valley.
Todra Gorge – Towering Canyons: Along the way, you’ll stop at the spectacular Todra Gorge, one of the most impressive natural sights in Morocco. The gorge features towering rock walls that rise up to 300 meters, creating a breathtaking canyon. You’ll have time to explore the gorge, take a leisurely walk along the river, or just enjoy the dramatic scenery.
Dades Valley – The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs: After exploring Todra Gorge, you’ll continue your drive through the scenic Dades Valley, also known as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. This route is famous for its ancient fortresses, lush oases, and dramatic rock formations. You’ll spend the night in a hotel or guesthouse in the valley, enjoying a traditional dinner and taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Day 4: Dades Valley to Marrakech – Kasbah Aït Benhaddou and High Atlas Mountains
Morning in Dades Valley: After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey to Marrakech, passing through more picturesque landscapes and ancient kasbahs along the way.
Kasbah Aït Benhaddou – UNESCO World Heritage Site: Your next major stop is at Aït Benhaddou, a famous fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient ksar has been used as the backdrop for countless movies and TV shows, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore its narrow alleys, climb to the top for panoramic views, and take in the rich history of this remarkable site.
Lunch in Ouarzazate: After exploring Aït Benhaddou, you’ll stop in Ouarzazate for lunch. Known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” Ouarzazate is also home to the famous Taourirt Kasbah and several film studios.
High Atlas Mountains – Tizi n’Tichka Pass: In the afternoon, you’ll cross the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of the highest road passes in North Africa. The winding road offers incredible views of the mountains and traditional Berber villages.
Arrival in Marrakech: Your tour concludes with your arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. You’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, bringing your 4-day desert adventure from Fes to Marrakech to an end.
What’s Included:
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Camel trekking in Merzouga
- 2 nights in a desert camp (with dinner and breakfast)
- 1 night in a hotel/guesthouse in Dades Valley (with dinner and breakfast)
The 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakech offers a perfect combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From camel trekking through the Sahara Desert to exploring historic kasbahs and witnessing the beauty of Morocco’s mountains, this journey provides an authentic and immersive Moroccan experience. Whether you’re watching the sunset over the dunes or wandering through the ancient streets of Aït Benhaddou, this tour promises unforgettable memories of Morocco’s diverse landscapes. Ready for an adventure of a lifetime?