Overview

Take the scenic route from Marrakech to Fes with our 4-day desert tour. This extended itinerary allows for a more relaxed pace and a deeper immersion into the wonders of the Sahara. Spend two nights in the Merzouga region, giving you a full day to explore the desert's unique landscapes, culture, and the famous Erg Chebbi dunes before continuing your journey to the cultural capital of Fes.

Highlights

Travel from Marrakech to Fes with an extra day to enjoy the desert.
Cross the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou.
Walk through the Todra and Dades Gorges.
Enjoy two nights in the Merzouga desert area.
Experience a camel trek at sunset and spend a night in a Berber camp.
Explore the desert with a 4x4 tour, visiting nomads and Khamlia village.
Journey through the Ziz Valley and cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley

Your trip begins with a morning pick-up in Marrakech. We will travel across the High Atlas Mountains, stopping for photos at the scenic Tizi n'Tichka pass. We'll then visit the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture. After lunch, we continue through Ouarzazate, the Skoura Oasis, and the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," arriving in the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (Camel Trek & Night in Camp)

After breakfast, we drive to the impressive Todra Gorge, where you can walk and admire the towering canyon walls. The journey continues towards the Sahara, reaching the village of Merzouga. Here, you'll begin a camel trek into the vast Erg Chebbi dunes. You'll watch a spectacular sunset over the sand before arriving at your desert camp. The evening includes a traditional Moroccan dinner and Berber music around a campfire under the stars.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Exploration → Rissani → Merzouga

After a desert sunrise and breakfast at the camp, you will have a full day to explore the desert region. We'll take a 4x4 tour to visit a nomadic family, discover fossil mines, and experience the Gnawa music in Khamlia village. In the afternoon, we'll visit the traditional market (souk) of Rissani. You will spend the night in a comfortable hotel at the edge of the dunes in Merzouga, where you can relax by the pool.

Day 4: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Ifrane → Fes

On the final day, we start our journey to Fes. The route takes us through the beautiful Ziz Valley, known for its palm groves, and across the Middle Atlas Mountains. We will stop to see the Barbary apes in the cedar forest near Azrou and pass through Ifrane, a charming town known as "Little Switzerland." Your tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation in Fes in the evening.

What's Included

Private A/C vehicle transportation from Marrakech to Fes.
Experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
3 nights of accommodation (2 hotels, 1 desert camp).
Dinners and breakfasts each day.
Camel trek in Erg Chebbi.
4x4 tour for desert exploration.

What's Not Included

Lunches and drinks.
Entrance fees to monuments.
Personal expenses and tips.

Why Choose This Tour?

This 4-day tour is the perfect blend of adventure and comfort, offering an extended stay in the desert. Unlike the 3-day version, this trip allows for a full day of desert exploration with a 4x4, giving you a much deeper insight into the local culture and landscape. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to experience everything the Sahara has to offer without feeling rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main advantage of the 4-day tour? The 4-day tour includes a full day of exploring the Merzouga desert area by 4x4, which is not possible on the shorter 3-day tour. This allows you to visit nomads, hear Gnawa music, and see more of the unique desert environment.

What kind of accommodation is provided? You will stay in comfortable hotels in the Dades Valley and Merzouga, and spend one night in a traditional Berber desert camp with private tents.

Is this tour a one-way trip? Yes, this is a one-way tour that starts in Marrakech and ends in Fes, making it a convenient way to travel between the two cities.