4-DAY DESERT TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
Explore the splendid dunes of Erg Chebbi on an exciting 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakech. This guided adventure will take you across the Moroccan Sahara Desert, revealing the extraordinary cultural and geographical variety of southern Morocco. On the way you will reach Merzouga through the Middle Atlas mountains and the scenic Ziz Valley. On the second day you will visit a local Berber family in the desert, ride a camel across the enchanting Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a desert camp. The third day takes you to the magnificent Todra Gorge in Tinghir and the Dades Gorge. On the fourth day you will travel along the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to visit the splendid Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, then cross the High Atlas mountains before arriving in Marrakech.
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Departure: Fes
Arrival: Marrakech
Tour style: Private and small group
ITINERARY: 4-DAY TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
DAY 1: FES – IFRANE – MIDDLE ATLAS – ZIZ VALLEY – MERZOUGA
Start your 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakech with a morning pick-up at your hotel/riad in Fes. Leaving the city, we will head to Ifrane, where we will make a short 15-minute stop, perhaps with a coffee break, before continuing to the cedar forest of Azrou in the Middle Atlas. Here you will have the chance to see the Barbary macaques.
We will continue to Merzouga via Midelt and along the Ziz Valley (a valley full of palm trees). You will arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon and enjoy your stay in a lovely riad overlooking the golden sand dunes that surround the town.
Driving distance: about 500 km
Driving time: about 7 hours 30 min
DAY 2: FULL DAY DISCOVERING THE MERZOUGA DESERT
Your day exploring the Merzouga desert begins with a delicious breakfast at your riad. The first stop will be the town of Khamlia, where you can listen to a unique musical style called Gnawa, played by local inhabitants whose origins are in southern Africa. You will then continue off-road to M’Fis, an abandoned village with mines of galena, a mineral once used to make mascara.
You will also have the chance to learn about the nomadic way of life of a family living behind the Erg Chebbi dunes near the border, enjoying a cup of tea in one of their traditional Berber tents. This ethnic group has chosen a very different life, far from civilisation, and it is fascinating to discover how they live.
In the afternoon, get ready for an epic camel ride across the high Merzouga dunes to the desert camp. Along the way you will stop on a high dune, where you can try sandboarding while watching a splendid sunset. After dinner, you can relax around the fire under the starry sky, while the camp staff play the drums and are happy to teach you how to play them. Enjoy a magical night.
Driving distance: about 57 km
Driving time: about 1 hour 15 min
DAY 3: MERZOUGA – TODRA GORGE – DADES GORGE
Today we highly recommend getting up early to watch a beautiful sunrise. After a tasty breakfast at the desert camp, you will set off on a pleasant journey through several places such as Rissani, Erfoud, Tinghir and the Todra Gorge, heading to the Dades Gorge. If today is market day in Rissani (Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday), you can choose to visit a traditional Moroccan souk: a fantastic cultural experience to discover traditional crafts, spices and local street food. You will have many other stops along the way to take beautiful photos and get to know the local people and their traditions.
In the afternoon you will arrive at the Dades Gorge, where your hotel for the night awaits you. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Driving distance: about 310 km
Driving time: about 5 hours
DAY 4: DADES GORGE – OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU – HIGH ATLAS – MARRAKECH
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will have the chance to explore the area. We will then take the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs towards Ouarzazate. Here you can visit the Atlas Studios or take some photos from outside. You will visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site used as the set of many famous films such as Gladiator, Prince of Persia and the TV series Game of Thrones.
After a tasty lunch, the journey continues to Marrakech across the magnificent High Atlas mountains, past many characteristic Moroccan Berber villages and with plenty of stops along the way. Your 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakech ends with drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
Driving distance: about 353 km
Driving time: about 6 hours 30 min
IMPORTANT!
Please note that this is a suggested itinerary. If it does not exactly match your needs, do not hesitate to contact us. We will organise a tailor-made itinerary based on your preferences and the length of your stay in Morocco. This tour is also available as a shared small-group tour and can start in Marrakech and end in Fes with the reverse variant. You can also spend both nights in the desert instead of just the second; optional quad or buggy activities among the Erg Chebbi dunes are available on request. For a more relaxed and immersive experience, the 5-day version is also available.
THE PRICE
starts from 240 EUR per person and varies according to the number of participants, the accommodation chosen and the travel date. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person. The cost of transport is fixed and is shared among the travellers. Contact us for an exact quote tailored to your group.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 4-DAY TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
How do I book a 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakech online? Booking a 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakech is quick and easy. Simply choose your preferred tour on our website and contact us through the booking form, by email or on WhatsApp. We will confirm availability, answer your questions and give you everything you need to book with complete peace of mind.
How far is the desert from Fes? The distance between Fes and the desert is 500 km (311 miles).
How far is the desert from Marrakech? The distance between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech is 560 km (348 miles).
Can I skip the camel ride to the camp? Of course! If you are not keen on riding the camels, we have an alternative for you. You can relax in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost and we will take you to the camp with complete peace of mind.
Are there bathrooms at the camp? Absolutely: all the camps in our selection are classified as luxury camps and guarantee your comfort with the added convenience of en-suite private bathrooms.
What kind of vehicles are used on the 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakech? Great question! The type of vehicle depends on the number of participants in the group. Several vehicles are available, such as the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, the 8-seater Ford van and the Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus (suitable for groups of eight to seventeen passengers), as well as other comfortable options.
How far in advance should I book this tour? The early bird catches the worm: we recommend booking your trip as early as possible.
How do I pay for the tour? Our payment process is simple and hassle-free. To confirm the booking we ask for a small deposit, which can easily be paid by PayPal, bank transfer or Wise when booking. The remaining balance can be paid in cash on the first day of the tour directly to our driver/guide. You have the flexibility to pay in euros, US dollars or the equivalent in dirhams.
What is the cancellation policy for the 4-day tour from Fes to Marrakech? The cancellation policy depends on the travel season and the notice given before departure. Early cancellations may be entitled to a full refund of the deposit or a future travel credit, while late cancellations are non-refundable. For the full terms, please see the Cancellation Policy page.
BOOKING PROCESS:
Contact us through the contact form, by email or on WhatsApp, telling us the number of travellers, your approximate departure date and the accommodation category you would like.
Booking: we ask for a small deposit to confirm the booking (via PayPal, Wise or bank transfer). The remaining balance can be paid in cash (in EUR, USD or MAD) directly to the driver on arrival.
WHY CHOOSE PRIVATE TOURS IN MOROCCO?
A private tour lets you travel at your own pace, with maximum flexibility in timings, stops and choice of accommodation. You will have an expert driver and vehicles for your exclusive use at your complete disposal, for a trip in total comfort and safety.
The tour lasts 4 days / 3 nights. It departs from Fes and ends in Marrakech.
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga. Day 2: Full Day Discovering the Merzouga Desert. Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge. Day 4: Dades Gorge – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech.
Pick-up from your accommodation in Fes; Modern air-conditioned 4×4 SUV, van or minibus; English-speaking driver, or English-speaking driver and tour guide; Accommodation for the first, second and third night; Meals: 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners; 4×4 excursion in Merzouga; Camel trek; Sandboarding; Drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
Lunches; Drinks; Entrance tickets, when required; Tips (optional).
The price depends on the number of travellers, the time of year and the accommodation category you choose. As it is a private tour, you only pay for your own group. Contact us with your dates and group size for a free, no-obligation quote.
Yes, the tour style is: Private and small group. You travel only with your own group, with a dedicated driver/guide. The itinerary is a suggested route: we can adjust it or create a tailor-made trip to suit you.
On the second day you will visit a local Berber family in the desert, ride a camel across the enchanting Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a desert camp.
