4 Days Morocco Desert Trip from Fes to Marrakech

Your 4-day desert adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Fes. We depart the city and journey south, making our first stop in Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco,” for a brief break. Our drive continues into the Middle Atlas Mountains to the cedar forests of Azrou, where we will pause to observe the native Barbary macaque monkeys in their natural habitat.

Traveling onward through Midelt, the landscape transforms as we follow the path of the scenic Ziz Valley, a lush oasis of palm groves that cuts through the arid terrain. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Merzouga, where you will check into a beautiful riad situated on the edge of the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes.

After breakfast, your day is dedicated to exploring the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Sahara. We will first visit the village of Khamlia, where you will experience the powerful and spiritual Gnawa music, performed by descendants of Sub-Saharan tribes. Next, we will venture off-road to the abandoned mining village of M’Fis to see the mineral deposits once used for traditional makeup.

A highlight of the day will be sharing mint tea with a nomadic Berber family living behind the Erg Chebbi dunes. This is a unique opportunity to experience their warm hospitality and gain insight into a resilient way of life far from modern civilization. In the afternoon, your camel caravan awaits. You will trek across the stunning sand dunes, pausing to try sandboarding and witness a breathtaking desert sunset. Your destination is a traditional desert camp, where dinner will be served under the stars, followed by Berber music around a campfire before you retire for a magical night.

An early wake-up call is rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over the golden dunes. After enjoying breakfast at the camp, our journey continues towards the Dades Gorge. We will travel through the towns of Rissani and Erfoud, with an optional stop at Rissani’s bustling traditional market if it is a market day (Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays). This souk offers an authentic glimpse into local life.

Our route then takes us to the magnificent Todra Gorge, a colossal canyon with sheer rock walls reaching 300 meters high. You will have time to walk along the river and admire the impressive scenery. From there, we proceed to the Dades Gorge, renowned for its dramatic rock formations and scenic beauty. You will check into your hotel here for dinner and an overnight stay.

Following breakfast, we will travel along the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” towards Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” We will then visit the crown jewel of the region: the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a spectacular fortified village that has served as a backdrop for numerous famous films and TV series, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After lunch, we begin the final leg of our journey, a dramatic ascent over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. The winding road offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We will descend from the mountains in the late afternoon, concluding our 4-day tour as we drop you off at your accommodation in Marrakech.