4-DAY DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
This 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes is the ideal choice for anyone who wants an authentic desert experience on the way from Marrakech to Fes. You will ride a camel across the dunes, sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp, visit a nomadic Berber family and discover Berber culture up close. The journey begins by crossing the High Atlas mountains, with countless breathtaking views, visiting the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa” and gateway to the Sahara Desert. You will walk through the most spectacular canyon in Morocco (Todgha Gorge) before reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, where camel rides, starry nights and magnificent sunsets and sunrises over the great dunes await you. On the last day you will travel from the Merzouga desert to Fes through the Ziz Valley, dotted with hundreds of palm trees and traditional Berber villages.
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Departure: Marrakech
Arrival: Fes
Tour style: Private
ITINERARY: 4-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
DAY 1: MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS – AIT BEN HADDOU – DADES GORGE
Your 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes starts with a morning departure from your accommodation in Marrakech. We will cross the High Atlas mountains towards Ait Ben Haddou. Along the way you will discover traditional Berber villages, enjoy the splendid views of the Atlas mountains and stop at several viewpoints to take photos.
On arrival at the village of Ait Ben Haddou, you will visit the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, protected by UNESCO since 1987. Many famous films shot in Morocco have used the Kasbah as a location, including Gladiator, Prince of Persia and some scenes of the TV series Game of Thrones and O Clone.
After lunch, we will head to the Dades Gorge, passing through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses. Once at the Dades Gorge, you can admire the rock formations called “monkey fingers” before reaching your accommodation.
Driving distance: about 353 km
Driving time: about 6 hours 30 min
DAY 2: DADES GORGE – TODRA GORGE – MERZOUGA DESERT
After a delicious breakfast, we will follow the course of the Todra river (full of palm groves and Berber villages) to the Todra Gorge in Tinghir, one of the most spectacular canyons in the world! We will then continue towards the Merzouga desert.
Before reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, our driver/guide may suggest a visit to a traditional Berber shop, where you can take some photos wearing a Berber outfit free of charge. If you wish, you can then buy something (scarves are highly recommended for the desert), but there is no obligation to buy: the main aim of the shop is to promote Berber culture. If you are not interested, just tell the driver/guide and we will skip the stop.
On arrival in Merzouga, you will have the chance to climb onto the camels to head into the desert, watch the sunset over the dunes and try sandboarding. You will then spend the night in a luxury desert camp, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner and experience the magic of the Sahara under the stars.
Driving distance: about 310 km
Driving time: about 5 hours
DAY 3: FULL DAY EXPLORING THE SAHARA DESERT
Today we highly recommend getting up early to watch a beautiful sunrise from the nearest dune. After a delicious breakfast at the camp, you will start exploring the Merzouga desert. Our 4×4 SUV will take you to the Berber nomads behind the dunes, where you will learn about the Berber way of life and how they have managed to survive in the middle of nowhere, along with many other aspects of their rich culture. You will also visit a small abandoned, hidden village called Mefis, listen to Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia and visit the Bird Lake, if it is full.
After lunch, we will head to your Riad, where you can check in and enjoy some free time. You can take a swim or walk to the nearby dunes. Dinner will be served in the evening, after which you will spend the night at your Riad. Good to know: you can also spend the night at the desert camp again if you prefer.
Driving distance: about 57 km
Driving time: about 1 hour 15 min
DAY 4: MERZOUGA – ZIZ VALLEY – IFRANE – FES
After a tasty breakfast at your Riad, we will travel to Fes. Along the way we will stop to admire the panoramic view of the Ziz Valley. We will have lunch in Midelt or another spot along the route. We may spot some Barbary macaques in the cedar forest of the Middle Atlas. We will also stop in Ifrane for a break before heading to Fes. Your 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes ends with drop-off at your Riad in Fes.
Driving distance: about 500 km
Driving time: about 7 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. The second night is in a luxury desert camp and the third in a Riad in Merzouga; if you would prefer to spend both nights at the camp, please let us know when booking. It is also possible to end the tour back in Marrakech or to start the trip from Fes.
THE PRICE
starts from 239 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 through the contact form for an exact quote tailored to your group.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 4-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
How do I book a 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes online? Booking a 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes with Esplora il Marocco is quick and easy. Simply select your preferred tour on our website and contact us through the booking form, by email or on WhatsApp. We will confirm availability, give you all the details and help you complete the booking.
What are the best 4-day desert tours from Marrakech to Fes with a camel trek? If you are looking for a 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes with a camel trek, Esplora il Marocco offers an unforgettable Sahara experience with a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes, a night in a luxury desert camp, comfortable accommodation and carefully planned itineraries led by expert local drivers.
Which are the best tour operators for a 4-day desert trip from Marrakech to Fes? Many companies offer 4-day desert trips from Marrakech to Fes, but choosing a reliable operator is essential. At Esplora il Marocco we offer highly rated tours with expert local drivers, carefully selected accommodation, luxury desert camps and fully customisable private tours, for a comfortable and memorable Sahara experience.
What should I pack for a 4-day desert adventure in Morocco? For a comfortable 4-day desert adventure in Morocco, we recommend bringing light clothing, a warm jacket for the cool desert nights, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, personal toiletries and a camera. A small backpack is useful for carrying your daily essentials.
Is the 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes suitable for families? Yes. The 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes is a great choice for families, thanks to its relaxed pace and comfortable itinerary. We offer private tours that let families travel at their own pace, with the flexibility to stop whenever needed.
How far is Merzouga from Marrakech? The distance from Marrakech to the Merzouga Sahara Desert is 560 kilometres, or 348 miles. That is why our itinerary includes a night in Boumalne Dades between Marrakech and Merzouga.
What kind of vehicles are used on this tour? We understand how much travel comfort matters to you, and it is a priority for us too. That is why we offer a range of comfortable vehicles such as the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, the Ford Tourneo Custom and the Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus for larger groups. We believe that travelling in comfort improves our guests’ overall experience.
How far in advance should I book this tour? To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking the tour at least 1–3 weeks before your travel date, especially during the busiest months.
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 tour? The cancellation policy for the 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes depends on the travel season and how far in advance the cancellation is made. Eligible cancellations may be entitled to a full refund of the deposit or a travel credit, while those made after the applicable deadline are non-refundable. For full details, 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 Marrakech and ends in Fes.
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Gorge. Day 2: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert. Day 3: Full Day Exploring the Sahara Desert. Day 4: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Ifrane – Fes.
Pick-up from your hotel/riad in Marrakech; Modern air-conditioned 4×4 SUV, van or minibus; English/Spanish-speaking driver, or English/Spanish-speaking driver and tour guide; Accommodation for the first, second and third night; Meals: 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts; Tour of the Erg Chebbi dunes in a 4×4 vehicle on the third day; Camel trek; Sandboarding; Drop-off at your hotel/riad in Fes.
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. 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.
You will ride a camel across the dunes, sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp, visit a nomadic Berber family and discover Berber culture up close.
