Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 4 Days

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast at your riad in Fes, your private driver will pick you up. You’ll begin your journey toward the Sahara Desert.

The road takes you through the wide Saiss plains. Soon, you’ll reach Ifrane, a quiet town known for its clean streets and European-style houses. It’s often called the Switzerland of Morocco. You’ll stop here for a short break—maybe enjoy coffee in the cool air.

From Ifrane, the road climbs into the Middle Atlas Mountains. You’ll pass forests and winding roads until you arrive at the cedar forest near Azrou. This is home to the wild Barbary monkeys. You’ll stop here to take photos and watch the monkeys jump through the tall trees.

After this, the drive continues through Berber villages and changing landscapes. Around midday, you’ll reach Midelt, a small town known for apple farms and local mining. This is your lunch stop. You can enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal at a local restaurant with mountain views.

After lunch, the scenery begins to shift. You’ll start descending toward the desert, following the path of the Ziz River. You’ll pass through deep gorges, palm tree oases, and old Kasbah villages. A photo stop will be made at a high point where you can see the full stretch of the Ziz Valley.

You’ll continue south, passing the town of Errachidia, and then through Erfoud, known for its fossils and its yearly date festival. Here, the desert slowly starts to appear.

By late afternoon, you’ll reach Merzouga, a small town at the edge of the Sahara. Your camels will be waiting for you here. You’ll begin a one-hour camel ride across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. The soft light of sunset makes the sands glow.

You’ll arrive at your desert camp just before dark. A warm Berber dinner will be served, followed by traditional music around the campfire. You’ll spend the night in a private tent under a sky full of stars.

Day 2: Merzouga – Khamlia – Oasis – Desert Exploration – Camel Ride & Camp

Rise early to witness the first light painting the desert dunes. The golden light over the sand is a peaceful and unforgettable sight.

After watching the sunrise, ride your camel back to Merzouga village. At your hotel or riad, enjoy a fresh breakfast and take some time for a hot shower and rest.

Once you’re ready, your driver will take you on a 4×4 tour to explore the Merzouga desert and nearby villages.

Your first stop is the small village of Khamlia. This village is known for its Gnawa music, played by local families whose roots go back to sub-Saharan Africa. You’ll sit and enjoy a live performance, full of rhythm and spiritual energy.

From here, continue the drive to the Hassi Labied oasis, where you can see traditional farming methods and irrigation canals in use. If the seasonal lake near Merzouga (Lake Srij) has water, you might also spot migratory birds like flamingos.

Next, head toward the abandoned village of M’Fis, which was once a mining area. The region is known for its fossils and minerals, especially Galena, once used in old makeup products. The views here are wide and silent, showing the harsh beauty of desert life.

After the mines, you’ll visit a local nomad family living behind the dunes. They live in simple tents and follow a traditional Berber lifestyle. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of mint tea and learn how they survive in such a remote place. It’s a quiet moment that gives you a new perspective on desert life.

Around midday, return to Merzouga or stop in a small oasis village for a local lunch. It’s a good time to relax before the next experience.

In the late afternoon, it’s time to prepare for your second camel trek, this time for sunset. Ride through the tall dunes of Erg Chebbi, where the sun begins to drop and the sky turns orange and red. You’ll stop at a high dune to try sandboarding, take photos, or just sit quietly.

As the light fades, ride the last stretch to your desert camp. You’ll be welcomed with tea and time to rest.

After dinner, the camp comes alive with Berber drumming and music around the fire. You can join in, or just sit back under the stars. It’s a quiet, magical end to a full desert day.

You’ll sleep again in a private nomadic-style tent, surrounded by silence and sand.

Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate

After breakfast and a quick shower at your desert camp, you’ll begin your journey out of the Sahara.

You’ll first pass through the town of Rissani, a small but historic town known for its old trading markets. If it’s a market day (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday), you can stop to walk through the colorful souk. Locals come here to sell everything from spices and dates to handmade tools and donkeys.

From Rissani, the road continues through Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils and desert stone workshops. You’ll pass small Berber villages like Touroug and Tinjdad, where people still live a simple traditional life.

By mid-morning, you’ll reach Tinghir, a green valley full of palm trees, farming land, and mud-brick houses. The fresh contrast from the desert will feel refreshing.

Just beyond Tinghir is your next stop—Todra Gorge. These towering red rock canyons are famous for rock climbing and natural beauty. You’ll stop here to walk between the high cliffs and feel the cool breeze in the narrow pass. It’s the perfect spot to capture beautiful photos and unwind.

You’ll have lunch nearby—usually at a small local restaurant with views of the mountains or riverside.

In the afternoon, the journey continues toward the beautiful Dades Valley. The landscape here starts to shift again—winding roads, red hills, and scattered kasbahs along the cliffs. You’ll stop for panoramic views and short photo breaks along the way.

From Dades, the road takes you through the Valley of Roses. If you’re traveling in April or May, this area smells sweet and is covered with blooming Damask roses. Even outside of season, you can visit a local distillery and see how rose water is made.

Next, pass through the Skoura palm grove, an oasis filled with thousands of palm trees and hidden kasbahs. This peaceful area is often missed by tourists, but it’s one of the most beautiful stops on the road.

By early evening, you’ll reach Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Morocco because of its nearby film studios. This is your overnight stop. You’ll check into your riad or hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner after a full day of stunning landscapes and local life.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After an early breakfast and shower at your hotel, you’ll begin the last day of your journey.

First, stop at the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. It’s a UNESCO site and one of the most visited places in Morocco. Many movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed here.

You’ll walk across a small bridge or through the shallow river. Then explore the old mud-brick village and enjoy views from the top.

After visiting the kasbah, stop nearby for lunch at a café with a view.

In the afternoon, drive through the High Atlas Mountains. You’ll cross the Tizi N’Tichka Pass, the highest road in Morocco.

The road is full of sharp turns, Berber villages, and mountain views. You’ll stop for photos and short breaks along the way.

By late afternoon or evening, you’ll arrive in Marrakech. Your driver will then take you back to your hotel. The desert tour ends here—full of memories and moments to remember.