4 day desert tour from marrakech to fes
Duration
Tour Type
Explore Tours
The 4 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes is a popular tourist route that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in Morocco. You’ll start your trip in the bustling city of Marrakech, before heading into the High Atlas Mountains. Here, you’ll visit the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been used as a backdrop for many Hollywood films. You’ll then continue on to the Dades Valley, where you can go for hikes and explore the many kasbahs (traditional Berber fortifications).
On day three, you’ll make your way to Merzouga, a small town on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll take a camel trek into the desert dunes, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional Berber camp. On your final day, you’ll travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Fes, another of Morocco’s imperial cities.
Included/Exclude
- Air-conditioned private van or 4x4 vehicle depending on group size
- Pick up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes
- Driver/Guide:Â An English-speaking driver or guide will be with you throughout the tour, sharing their knowledge of the places you visit and Berber culture.
- Overnight in a spacious luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi with private toilet and shower, lamps, traditional Moroccan handcrafted furnishings
- Camel trek:Â A camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes is usually included on day three of the tour.
- Breakfast
- Lunches:Â You'll need to factor in the cost of lunches throughout the tour.
- Drinks
- Tips:Â Tipping your guide and driver is customary, though not mandatory.
Tour Plan
Start your journey over the desert from Marrakech to Fes early in the morning by leaving your riad at 8:30.
You pull off in the direction of Kasbah Telouet after the Tichka pass at the top of the High Atlas Mountains. This Kasbah, which consists of three main structures, belonged to the Glaoui family, the Lords of the Atlas. Every extension to the building was constructed at a different time and is now in ruins. It is unsafe to enter two areas because they have been so severely damaged by the wind and rain. As you approach the furthest end of the most undamaged building, there is a sudden surprise.
More surprises can be found in the Ounila Valley's shape of the rock and soil, several tiny Berber towns and gardens, as well as smaller Kasbahs. After viewing the famous Kasbah, lunch is waiting for you at Ait Ben Haddou.
Then continue to Rose valley. A Rose Festival is held annually in May, where the locals offer their rose products, from perfumes, rose water, oil, to cosmetic products. Then we drive to Boumalne dades, Dinner and overnight In a hotel.
Explore the spectacular Dades Gorges landscape after breakfast. Next, we continue to the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River's passage has cut out a massive canyon through the mountains, creating a canyon with steep red cliff walls. Lunch break is available. You are welcome to explore the gorges and take in the breathtaking scenery.
We arrive at Merzouga, the Sahara desert, in the afternoon. where you cross the dusty desert on camels instead of horses. We'll pause so you can stand on a tall dune and take in the breathtaking sunset. Proceed to the opulent desert tent where you can dance around the bonfire beneath a huge starry sky while listening to the melody of Berber drums. Dinner and the night spent in the camp.
It is essential to get up early in order to see the breathtaking dawn in the middle of the desert. Breakfast is on your own at this time. Next, you ride camels back to Merzouga, where the driver is waiting for you. We set aside the day to explore the Merzouga region. There are a ton of amazing places in the area, like sand dunes, a wild lake, mines, fossil locations, and magnificent oases. which are perfect locations for a wide range of outdoor pursuits.
First, we travel off-road to an old eyeliner mine near Merzouga to start our adventure. Next, we visit the nomads in their tent created by hand. Sip a Berber tea and discover their way of life. Our next stop is the village of Khamlia, where you may take in performances of Gnaoua music and dance. Mali, Sudan, and Niger are among the sub-Saharan nations from where its people come originally. Time to spare for a meal at a restaurant. We then go through a grove of palm trees after that. After that, travel a little distance to witness Merzouga's wild lake, also known as Flamingo Lake. Dinner and rest of the night within a hotel.
On the final day of your four-day desert excursion from Marrakech to Fes. You rise early in the morning to take in the breathtaking desert dawn. After having breakfast on your own, ride camels back to Merzouga, where your driver is waiting for you. Next, we go from the desert and travel to Rissani Town, which was Tafilalet's former capital. Remaining a significant hub for trade in the area, Rissani features a sizable souk that comes alive on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. We visit one of the fossilized marble workshops in Erfoud after taking a stroll through the Rissani souk.
Following that, we drive along the Ziz River and pause to take in the magnificent panorama of the Ziz Valley. Lunch break free in Midelt. Next, we head into the Cedars Forest, home of the Barbary Macaques. While exploring the forest, feel free to give them food. Subsequently, we travel to Ifrane, which is renowned for its frigid temperatures, snowfall, and chalet-style homes—no surprise it's dubbed the Switzerland of Morocco. Finally, we drop you off at your Fes accommodation or the airport. Tour's end.
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4.6
This desert tour was a fantastic way to see a different side of Morocco. The scenery was stunning, and the Berber hospitality was heartwarming. The food was delicious and plentiful, with a good mix of traditional and Western dishes. There were a few minor hiccups with communication regarding pick-up times, but overall, it was a great experience. Just be prepared for some long drives between destinations.
4.6
This tour was absolutely incredible! From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the serene beauty of the desert, we saw and experienced so much. Our guide, Ismail, was fantastic – knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to answer our questions. The camel trek was a highlight, and the starry sky in the desert camp was breathtaking. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure in Morocco!
4.2
This tour was pure magic! We felt transported to another world, riding camels through the golden dunes and sleeping under a blanket of stars. The guides were amazing – funny, informative, and always attentive to our needs. We learned so much about Berber culture and traditions. Fes was a fantastic end point to the trip, with its bustling medina and rich history. This is a tour I’ll never forget!