Marrakech to Fes 4-Day Desert Journey via Merzouga

Depart from Marrakech in the morning and begin your journey through the High Atlas Mountains, following the scenic road that winds over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides.

Reach the ancient village of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars, with its mud-brick kasbahs rising above the desert plain. Explore the site with your guide and discover why it has been featured in famous films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After lunch, continue toward Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” then pass through the palm groves of Skoura and the fragrant Valley of Roses, famous for its spring bloom and traditional rosewater distilleries.

Arrive in the Dades Valley by evening, where you’ll enjoy dinner and overnight stay at your hotel surrounded by stunning red cliffs and kasbahs.

After breakfast, depart to explore the dramatic Dades Gorges. Follow the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, winding through colorful Berber villages and fertile valleys. Admire the unique rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers” before continuing toward Tineghir, a lively town surrounded by a vast palm grove that stretches along the river.

Next, reach the impressive Todra Gorges, where 300-meter-high cliffs rise on both sides of a crystal-clear stream. Enjoy a gentle walk through the canyon, a favorite spot for photographers and mountain climbers alike. Take in the cool air and majestic scenery before stopping for lunch on the way to the desert.

In the afternoon, travel toward Merzouga, gateway to the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Arrive by evening and settle into your hotel, set in a peaceful location at the foot of the golden dunes. Enjoy dinner and a restful night as the silence of the Sahara surrounds you.

Today is dedicated to discovering the wonders of the Erg Chebbi Desert and the life that thrives around it. After breakfast, embark on a 4x4 circuit around the dunes, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and meeting local nomadic families who still live in traditional tents scattered across the desert.

Continue to the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa musicians, whose ancestral rhythms and spiritual songs echo the African heritage of the Sahara. Sit back and enjoy their mesmerizing live performance before heading to Rissani, the former capital of the Alaouite dynasty, where you’ll taste a delicious traditional Berber pizza for lunch.

In the afternoon, your camel caravan will be waiting for an unforgettable sunset ride across the golden dunes. As the sun dips below the horizon, the desert transforms into a sea of colors.

Arrive at your Sahara desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and a warm smile. Enjoy a Moroccan tagine dinner, listen to Berber drumming around the campfire, and gaze at the stars and rising moon illuminating the vast Sahara night. Fall asleep in your tent — surrounded by peace, silence, and starlight.

Wake early to climb the dunes and watch the sunrise over the Sahara — a moment of pure magic as the desert glows in shades of gold and orange.

After this breathtaking start, return by camel to the hotel at the edge of the dunes, where a refreshing shower and breakfast await you.

Begin your journey north toward Fes, passing through the ever-changing landscapes of the Ziz Valley and the province of Errachidia. Enjoy panoramic views of palm groves and fortified villages before stopping for lunch in Midelt, a peaceful town nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Continue through Azrou, where you may spot Barbary macaque monkeys playing among the ancient cedar trees, then drive through the alpine-style town of Ifrane, often called “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its clean streets and cool climate.

Arrive in Fes by late afternoon or early evening. Your driver will ensure you are dropped off safely at your chosen riad or hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable 4-day desert journey from Marrakech to Fes.