4 Days Desert tour from Fes to Marrakech

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest (Azrou) – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Your desert adventure begins with a morning departure from your riad or hotel in Fes. The road heads southward toward the Alpine-style town of Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Enjoy a short break here, perhaps sip a warm drink or snap a few photos, before continuing to the cedar forests of Azrou in the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you might spot the wild Barbary macaques that inhabit the woods.

Journey onward via the scenic Ziz Valley, a lush corridor lined with thousands of date palms, and pass through Midelt before reaching the edge of the Sahara: Merzouga. Here, check into a charming riad overlooking the magnificent dunes of Erg Chebbi, and unwind as the golden desert unfolds around you.

• Approximate distance: 500 km

• Estimated driving time: 7.5 hours

Day 2: Discovering the Magic of the Merzouga Desert

Start your day with breakfast and then begin exploring the mystical surroundings of Merzouga. Your first destination is the nearby village of Khamlia, where you’ll be welcomed with live Gnawa music, a spiritual genre brought to Morocco by sub-Saharan African communities.

The journey continues off-road to the old mining village of M’Fis, known for its abandoned Galena (lead ore) mines. Along the route, you’ll encounter nomadic Berber families living in traditional tents behind the Erg Chebbi dunes. Sharing tea with them offers a humbling insight into a lifestyle rooted in simplicity and survival in the harshest of environments.

In the late afternoon, saddle up for a thrilling camel trek through the towering sand dunes. En route to your desert camp, you’ll pause on a high dune for a chance to try sandboarding and soak in a spectacular Sahara sunset. Later, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner, followed by a lively campfire evening with drum music and storytelling beneath a starlit sky.

• Approximate distance: 57 km

• Estimated driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge

Rise early to catch the surreal sight of the sunrise over the dunes, a highlight not to be missed. After breakfast, depart the camp and head westward, passing through Rissani, the cradle of Morocco’s Alaouite dynasty. If your visit coincides with one of the local market days (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday), you’ll have the opportunity to explore an authentic Moroccan souk, full of spices, handmade goods, and local delicacies.

Continue through Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops, and drive along palm-lined roads until reaching the dramatic canyons of Todra Gorge, where you’ll stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural beauty. Later in the afternoon, arrive in the peaceful Dades Valley, home to spectacular rock formations and traditional kasbahs. Dinner and overnight at a hotel nestled within the gorge.

• Approximate distance: 310 km

• Estimated driving time: 5 hours

Day 4: Dades Gorge – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, start your final day by exploring a portion of the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” heading towards Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinematic hub. You may choose to visit the famous Atlas Studios or simply admire the view from outside.

The highlight of the day is a stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortified village (ksar) renowned for its earthen architecture and for being the backdrop of iconic films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Wander through the alleys of this living piece of history before continuing toward Marrakech.

Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and several scenic Berber villages. With a number of photo opportunities and rest breaks along the way, you’ll arrive in Marrakech by evening. Your driver will drop you off at your accommodation, wrapping up a rich and memorable Moroccan desert adventure.

• Approximate distance: 353 km

• Estimated driving time: 6.5 hours