4-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech with Merzouga Camp

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Ride camels across the golden dunes of Merzouga and camp under the starry Sahara sky
• 02 Discover the dramatic Todra Gorge and the stunning Dades Valley
• 03 Explore the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou and historic Ouarzazate
• 04 Experience nomadic life, Gnawa music in Khamlia, and local flavours in Rissani

Explore Morocco on a 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, travelling through the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, and the lush Ziz Valley before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. Ride camels at sunset, camp under the Sahara's starry skies, and discover nomadic traditions along the way. Continue to the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges, the Valley of Roses, and Ouarzazate, then visit the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou before crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains to end in vibrant Marrakech.

Ride camels at sunset, camp under the Sahara's starry skies, and discover nomadic traditions along the way.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Fez, Marrakech, Midelt, Ouarzazate, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Erfoud, Rissani, Aït Benhaddou, Ziz Valley, Erg Chebbi, Azrou, Ifrane, Skoura, Dadès Gorges

Languages Arabic, English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

From Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt and Ziz Valley

• Early morning departure from Fes towards Ifrane, often called "Little Switzerland" for its alpine-style charm.
• Stop at Azrou's cedar forest, home to playful Barbary monkeys - a perfect photo opportunity.
• Continue via the Tizi n'Talghamt Pass, pausing in Midelt for lunch.
• Drive through the Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves and dramatic landscapes.
• Arrive in Merzouga, freshen up, then begin your camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
• Watch the sunset over the desert before settling into a Berber camp, where you'll enjoy dinner and sleep under a starry Sahara sky.

2

Day 02

Sunrise, Khamlia, Nomad Encounters and Rissani

• Rise early to catch the sunrise over the dunes. Return by camel to the hotel for breakfast and a refreshing shower.
• Visit Khamlia village to experience the soulful Gnawa music.
• Meet a nomadic family in the desert and learn about their way of life.
• Explore Rissani, once an important caravan hub, and enjoy a traditional lunch.
• Return to your hotel in Merzouga, relax by the pool, and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

3

Day 03

From Merzouga to Dades Gorge via Erfoud and Todra Gorge

• Depart Merzouga after breakfast, passing through Erfoud, famous for fossils, and the traditional villages of Jorf, Touroug, and Tinjedad.
• Arrive at the Todra Gorge, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically around you - a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. Lunch en route.
• Continue into the Dades Valley, famous for its "Monkey Fingers" rock formations.
• Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in the Dades Gorge.

4

Day 04

From Dades Gorge to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou

• Journey through the Valley of Roses, known for its fragrant blooms and rosewater products.
• Pass through Skoura to see the beautiful Kasbah Amridil, before reaching Ouarzazate for a visit to Kasbah Taourirt.
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, Morocco's most iconic fortress, featured in films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.
• After lunch, cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka Pass, with scenic stops along the way.
• Arrive in Marrakech around 5:30 PM. End of the tour.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Pick-up from your Riad or any location in Fes
• Private transportation with vehicle and fuel included
• 2 nights in excellent hotels with half board
• Night stay in a luxury Berber camp
• Camel trekking experience in the desert
• Dinner and breakfast provided in the desert
• Professional driver speaking English, French, and Spanish
• Drop-off at your Riad or any location in Marrakech

What's Not Included

• Lunch and drinks
• Entrance fees to monuments
• Tips

Know before you go

• This is a suggested tour itinerary.
• If it does not match your preferences, please feel free to contact us.
• We can create a custom itinerary based on your interests and stay duration.
• We offer tailor-made tours across Morocco.
• The price varies depending on the number of participants.
• More participants mean a lower price per person, as the fixed transportation cost is shared.
• Pricing also depends on the level of accommodation chosen.
• The exact quote will be decided after the tour request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Fez, Morocco

Tour start

Fes, Morocco

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.