4-Day Tour: Marrakech to Fes via the Merzouga Desert

4-Day Desert Journey: From Marrakech to Merzouga and Fes

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Rose Valley – Dades Gorges
Your adventure begins with a morning departure from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8:00 AM. We cross the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi N’Tichka pass, pausing for photo opportunities and views of picturesque Berber villages tucked into the mountainside.

We arrive at the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified village known for its earthen clay architecture and as the filming location for movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Sahara. After exploring, enjoy a lunch break in the town.

Next, we travel to Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Desert,” where we visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah. Our journey continues through the lush Skoura palm grove and into the fragrant Rose Valley, famous for its annual Rose Festival held in May. We then reach the scenic Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga – Camel Trek – Desert Camp
After breakfast, we begin the day by exploring the Dades Valley’s impressive rock formations and centuries-old kasbahs. Continuing toward the Todra Gorges near Tinghir, we admire the sheer canyon walls and traditional Berber villages nestled in the landscape.

Following a short walk and lunch break in Tinejdad or Touroug, we head to Merzouga and the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes. At the edge of the desert, we mount camels for a one-hour trek across the dunes to our desert camp. Watch the sun set over the dunes and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by a night in a cozy Berber tent.

Day 3: Merzouga Exploration – Nomadic Life – Khamlia – Desert Hotel
Begin the day with an unforgettable sunrise over the dunes before returning to Merzouga by camel for breakfast. This day is dedicated to exploring the fascinating desert region. We circle the Erg Chebbi dunes, visiting the Tissardmin Oasis and fossil-rich areas, and travel part of the legendary Paris-Dakar rally route.

We’ll meet local nomadic families, learning about their daily lives and traditions. A highlight of the day is Khamlia Village, home to people of Malian descent. Enjoy mint tea and a live performance of traditional Gnawa music. In the afternoon, check into your desert hotel, where you can relax or walk to nearby dunes to witness another magical sunset. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 4: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
After breakfast, we begin our journey north through the vast Tafilalet palm grove—one of the largest in the world. We follow the scenic Ziz Valley, making a stop at a panoramic viewpoint near Aoufous.

We continue to Midelt for a lunch break and rest, then drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the cedar forests near Azrou, where we may spot wild Barbary macaques. Our next stop is the charming town of Ifrane, often called “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and ski resort, Michlifen.

We arrive in Fes by early evening around 6:00 PM. Transfer to your hotel marks the end of your desert adventure.