4 days · Marrakech → Fes
4-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Overview
The 3-day Marrakech to Fes route with a full extra day in the Sahara. Instead of leaving the dunes the morning after you arrive, you spend a day exploring around Merzouga by 4x4: Gnawa music in a Berber village, flamingos on a seasonal lake, the souk of Rissani. Then a second night in the desert before the drive north to Fes.
Best for: More time in the desert on the way to Fes.
Highlights
- Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate and the Roses Valley
- Todra Gorge on foot
- Two nights in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Gnawa music and dance with local musicians
- Dayet Srji salt lake, where flamingos stop on migration
- Rissani souk and Berber pizza for lunch
- Ziz Valley, Azrou cedar forest and Ifrane on the way to Fes
Day by day
Marrakech – Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
We pick you up in Marrakech and cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass through Glaoua country. You explore Aït Benhaddou, the kasbah seen in Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, stop for lunch, and continue via Ouarzazate, Skoura and the Roses Valley. Night in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley.
Dades – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga desert camp
The Todra Valley's olive, pomegranate and orange groves lead to the gorge, where you walk among the rock walls. Then desert plains and Berber villages via Erfoud to Merzouga. Leave your big luggage in a safe room and ride a camel to camp. Dinner and live music by the fire, night in a private tent.
A day around Merzouga by 4x4
Sunrise on the dunes, breakfast, then a day of off-road exploring. Visit Berber villages and listen to Gnawa musicians, stop at Dayet Srji lake to look for flamingos, and wander the souks of Rissani with a Berber pizza for lunch. Back at the dunes in the afternoon for sunset and a second night in the desert camp.
Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
After breakfast, north through the palm-filled Ziz Valley. Lunch in Midelt with views of the High Atlas, then the cedar forests near Azrou, where Barbary macaques live, and Ifrane with its alpine-style houses. Arrival at your riad in Fes in the evening.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned car with your own English-speaking driver-guide, pickup in Marrakech, drop-off at your Fes riad
- 1 night in a hotel or riad, 2 nights in a desert camp (private tent)
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Camel ride, one camel per person
- 4x4 day around Merzouga, sandboarding and live music at the camp
- Passenger insurance in the vehicle
Not included
Flights, lunches, drinks, entrance fees, tips and personal expenses and your Fes accommodation.
Questions about this tour
Why two nights in the desert?
The first evening is about arriving. The full day gives you the people and places around the dunes, and a second sunset without rushing.
When can we see flamingos?
Only when the lake has water, usually after winter rains. It's never guaranteed.
Can the tour end in Marrakech instead?
Yes, that's the 5-day tour.
Where would your road take you?
Tell us your dates and group size. Abdou or one of the team will reply with a route and a price within 24 hours.