4 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech

On the first day of our 4 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, known for its Alpine weather. Along the way, you’ll make a short stop in Ifrane, lovingly referred to as “Little Switzerland.” Go for a walk through the pleasant green streets, or enjoy some coffee and pastries at one of the French-style coffee shops. 

From there, you’ll head off to Michlifen, home to Morocco’s famous ski resorts, and you’ll explore the beautiful cedar forest in Azrou, home to the Barbary apes. You can even feed the monkeys if you fancy!

After your time with your new forest friends, your journey will continue through the small mountain towns of Timahdite and Zaida – a major watering hole connecting local bus travelers coming from every corner across the country. A destination well-known amongst Moroccans for some of the best meat restaurants on offer, as well as a great stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

For those of you who love apples, the next stop is for you. Midelt is a famous agricultural hinterland producing all kinds of delicious fruits and vegetables, but is most commonly referred to as the national apple capital as 90% of the countries apples are produced here. 

Savor a tasty lunch in er-Rich before a scenic drive through the Ziz Valley and oasis, dotted with the seemingly endless palm groves of Ouled Chaker and small Berber villages. This location is one of the principle resource areas for the production of dates – an essential element of the Moroccan way of life – and are of the very best quality.

In the evening you’ll arrive to Merzouga where you’ll hop on a camel and trek your way into the mesmerizing Sahara Desert for a spectacular sunset, followed by a night spent in a desert camp. You’ll be greeted by some delicious tea and local snacks as you settle into your desert haven before being swept away by the beauty of the night sky and berber music around the campfire, making for a truly memorable lifetime experience. Dinner is included.

On the second day of our 4 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, we encourage you to wake up early in order to witness the stunning sunrise over the Sahara Desert. It’s worth it, we promise!

After a tasty desert breakfast at the camp, you’ll explore the surrounding area and be welcomed into the home of a nomadic family to learn more about their traditional way of life.

From there you’ll take a trip to M’fis, an abandoned mining town peacefully tucked away in the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. While it may be a ghost town, it still holds its allure as a formerly vibrant place where the mineral kohl was extracted to create ancient eyeliner. 

On your way to Khamlia where you will pay a visit to the Tuareg people – an indigenous ethnic group also known as the “Blue Men of the Sahara Desert” – venture up to some of the highest viewpoints where you can properly take in the vast beauty of the region. Once in Khamlia, you will be treated to some exceptional traditional music and dance by this special group of people found in Morocco only here. 

After some fine entertainment, take delight in trying a local dish found only in Morocco – Berber Pizza. A classic recipe composed of ground beef, onions, and exotic spices that harmoniously come together for a culinary experience like no other. 

Later venture into the stunning Erg Chebbi Dunes and enjoy the tranquility of the desert. In the afternoon you’ll head back to the hotel near the palm grove, where you can relax and take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. Dinner is included.

On the third day of our 4 days tour from Fes to Marrakech after breakfast, you’ll be taken to Rissani to visit its souk, then to Erfoud to see a fossil workshop. Next, will be the Toudgha Gorges, known for its mountains and cliffs.

It is in fact heaven for climbers and those obsessed with mountains and rocks. On the way there, you will stop by Rissani, a town known for its traditional souks and Ksars, before reaching the Toudgha Gorges. Afterward, you will continue to the Dades Gorges, where you will have dinner and spend the night.

The third day of our 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech may end up in Ouarzazate or the Valley of Roses depending on the high season. Dinner is included.

On the final day of your 4 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, you will leave the Dades Gorges and head towards Marrakech. 

Your first stop will be in the Valley of Roses, named after its thousands of rose bushes. The region is home to the production of roses for various uses, ranging anywhere from beauty products to cooking products. While the industry exists year-round, a Rose Festival is held once a year in mid-May to celebrate the end of the rose season. 

You will pass by Skoura, known for its Kasbahs and palm groves, as well as Ouarzazate, the little Hollywood of Africa, where you can visit the famous Atlas Studios.

Speaking of world-famous, you will then continue to the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for several major Hollywood movies, including Academy Award winners The Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, and blockbuster hits, such as The Mummy.

Your journey will then continue through the High Atlas Mountains where you can enjoy stunning views of its diverse scenery and landscapes.  Our 4 days desert tour from Marrakech will come to an end, we will make sure to drive you to your accommodation in Marrakech.

Later on, you can explore Jamaa El fna square.  Also, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the city’s famous night markets. Dinner is included.