Discover 4 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

Your 4 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour begins with a morning departure from your accommodation in Marrakech. As you leave the bustling city behind, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, following the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Along the way, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Berber villages, winding roads, and rugged mountain peaks.

The first stop is at Ait Ben Haddou, a historic UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village). This architectural masterpiece has been a filming location for movies and series such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Stroll through its narrow alleys and ancient earthen buildings, soaking in the history of this once-thriving trade post.

Continuing the journey, we arrive in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the Hollywood of Morocco. Here, you’ll have time to admire the Taourirt Kasbah and explore the city’s rich cinematic history.

Next, travel through the Valley of Roses, a region famous for its fragrant rose fields and artisanal beauty products. You’ll have the opportunity to browse locally made rose perfumes, soaps, essential oils, and creams, all crafted using traditional methods.

The adventure then takes you along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, a historic pathway lined with ancient mudbrick fortresses and lush river oases. After scenic stops along the way, you’ll arrive in Boumalne Dades by evening, where you’ll check into a traditional hotel or riad, enjoying a warm Moroccan welcome before resting for the night.

After breakfast, your 4 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour continues with a scenic drive toward the Dades Gorge, a breathtaking canyon where towering rock walls rise dramatically alongside the crystal-clear Dades River. This short stop allows you to admire the unique rock formations and deep ravines carved over centuries.

Next, travel to the Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural wonders, located at 1,550 meters above sea level in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. The gorge’s towering cliffs and narrow canyon pathways create a paradise for climbers and photographers alike.

As we continue toward Merzouga, the landscape shifts from bizarre rock formations to vast oasis valleys, dotted with ancient kasbahs and lush palm groves. A stop in Erfoud, a town famous for its rich fossil deposits, provides the opportunity to visit a workshop specializing in fossil-based crafts and jewelry, showcasing millions-of-years-old marine fossils embedded in decorative pieces.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, where your desert adventure begins. Whether you stay in a desert camp or hotel, you’ll find yourself at the edge of the Sahara, with the first golden dunes of Erg Chebbi just behind your accommodation. A camel trek at sunset takes you across the dunes, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you watch the sky shift into stunning shades of orange and gold.

Be sure to have your camera ready to capture this magical moment before returning to camp, where a traditional Berber dinner and desert music await under the starry sky.

After an authentic Moroccan breakfast, featuring freshly baked bread, olives, traditional egg dishes, and sweet pastries, your 4 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour continues with an exciting regional exploration of Merzouga and its surroundings.

Begin the day with an off-road drive through the Sahara, passing through vast fossil plains and the remnants of ancient coal mines once used for traditional Berber eyeliner production. As we navigate through the dunes, you’ll experience the raw beauty of the desert landscape and its rich history.

A visit to a Gnawa village offers insight into the ancient African rhythms and spiritual music of the Gnawa people, descendants of sub-Saharan slaves who settled in the region centuries ago. Immerse yourself in their captivating drum beats and learn about their unique cultural heritage.

Next, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony with local nomads, where you’ll sit under their handwoven wool tents, gaining a deeper understanding of Berber hospitality and desert survival traditions. This intimate experience provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of Morocco’s desert communities.

For lunch, indulge in Madfouna, the famous Berber pizza, baked over an open fire and filled with savory ingredients. This regional specialty is a must-try, offering an authentic taste of desert cuisine.

The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the dunes at your own pace. Whether you prefer to unwind at your hotel or try sandboarding down the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, the desert offers plenty of adventure.

As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel, followed by a peaceful overnight stay, preparing for the final leg of your journey toward Fes.

On the final day of your 4 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour, we set off early for the journey to Fes, covering a route filled with stunning landscapes and cultural highlights.

The first stop is at Ziz Valley, an impressive oasis lined with thousands of palm trees, offering a picturesque contrast to the desert surroundings. This fertile valley is known for its date palm plantations and traditional Berber villages, creating a breathtaking view worth capturing.

As we continue, we cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, making stops at scenic viewpoints along the way. This region is home to dense cedar forests, rolling hills, and unique rock formations, making it one of Morocco’s most diverse natural landscapes.

One of the highlights of the day is passing through Ifrane National Park, home to one of the largest cedar forests in Morocco. If we’re lucky, we’ll spot Barbary macaques, the famous wild monkeys that have migrated as far as Gibraltar. While feeding them is allowed, caution is always advised when interacting with wildlife.

The journey then takes us through Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco due to its European-style alpine architecture, green landscapes, and snowy winters. Unlike the desert regions, this town has a completely different atmosphere, with chalet-style houses, clean streets, and even grazing cows instead of camels.

After a brief stop in Ifrane, we descend through the mountain roads leading to Fes, where your desert adventure concludes. Upon arrival, we will drop you off at your traditional riad, marking the end of your incredible journey from Marrakech to Fes.

Want to see more over a longer route? Our 5 Days Tour from Tangier to Marrakech is the perfect extension.