4-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga

Your journey begins at 8:00 AM as we depart from Fes and head south towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. The drive takes us through Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” due to its alpine-style architecture and clean streets. We then pass through Azrou, a renowned Berber handicraft center, famous for its exquisite cedar woodwork. Continuing our journey, we cross the Ziz Valley, a lush palm oasis, before arriving in Midelt, where we stop for lunch with stunning mountain views. In the afternoon, we drive through the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas, passing through the Ziz Gorges and the desert town of Erfoud, known as the gateway to the Sahara and famous for its fossils and date markets. By evening, we arrive in Merzouga, at the foothills of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes, where a comfortable hotel awaits you for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we embark on an exciting desert exploration. Our first stop is Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people, where you will experience their hypnotic live music performance. We then venture off-road around the Erg Chebbi dunes, stopping at a traditional Berber nomad encampment, where we will be welcomed with a cup of mint tea. This visit offers a unique opportunity to experience the traditional desert lifestyle and gain insight into their way of life. For lunch, we savor a delicious Berber pizza, a local specialty, before returning to the hotel to relax and prepare for an unforgettable camel trek. As the sun begins to set, you will ride camels across the golden dunes, witnessing the breathtaking Sahara sunset. Upon arrival at the desert camp, you will enjoy a traditional Berber dinner under the stars, followed by an evening of live music and drumming around the campfire. Overnight in a comfortable nomadic tent.

We rise early to experience the magical sunrise over the dunes, an unforgettable sight. After a traditional Berber breakfast, we return to Merzouga by camel, freshen up, and begin our journey toward the Todra Gorges. On the way, we stop in Rissani, where we visit the Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum, the resting place of the founder of the Alaouite dynasty. Continuing through the Tafilalt oasis, we pass several Berber villages, including Jorf, known for its date palm plantations, and Tinjdad, before reaching the dramatic Todra Gorges. With towering 300-meter-high cliffs, Todra is one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural sites. We take a short walk through the canyon, where you will have time to admire its breathtaking rock formations. Our journey continues through the Dades Valley, famous for its unique “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. We stop to enjoy a panoramic view of the valley, then proceed to our hotel or riad for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we travel through the Dades Valley, passing through Kalaat M’Gouna, known as the “Valley of Roses”, where the famous Damask roses bloom each spring. We then continue to Skoura, an oasis renowned for its majestic Kasbahs, including the Amridil Kasbah, one of Morocco’s most well-preserved fortresses. We arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa”, due to its film studios and cinematic history. We take a short stop at the Taourirt Kasbah, an impressive fortress built by the Glaoui dynasty. Next, we visit the legendary Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most iconic Kasbah in Morocco. This ancient fortress has been featured in numerous films, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. After a guided tour, we enjoy lunch with a view of the Kasbah. In the afternoon, we begin our journey back to Marrakech, crossing the stunning Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Along the way, we stop to enjoy panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and visit a local Argan oil cooperative, where you can learn about the traditional process of making Argan oil. By early evening, we arrive in Marrakech, where your tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, riad, or preferred location.