Experience Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and golden dunes on this unforgettable 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. Travel through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, and ride camels across the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga before ending your journey in the cultural capital of Fes.

📌 Wondering about the best time to visit Morocco or asking yourself “Is Morocco safe to visit?” — don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Check out our helpful guides to plan your desert trip with confidence.

If this 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes doesn’t align with your travel plans, feel free to explore all our Morocco tours — we will help you customize the perfect Moroccan desert tour adventure.

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura Oasis – Rose Valley – Dades Gorge

Your journey begins with an early departure from Marrakech, traveling across the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Along the way, you will stop for panoramic views and photo opportunities of traditional Berber villages nestled in the rugged hillsides.

The first major stop is the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning fortified village famous for its earthen clay architecture and as the filming location for Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and more. Enjoy a walk through its winding alleys and panoramic views from the top.

Continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” for a short visit to the Kasbah Taourirt or optional entrance to the Atlas Film Studios.

The route then leads you through the lush palm groves of the Skoura Oasis and on to the fragrant Rose Valley, where roses are harvested each spring for local beauty products.

By late afternoon, you will arrive at the stunning Dades Gorge, famous for its winding roads and dramatic rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers.” Dinner and overnight stay in a acccommodation nestled between the mountains.

Day 2: Boumalne Dades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)

After breakfast, you will depart Boumalne Dades, following a scenic drive toward the dramatic Todra Gorges, a natural wonder carved deep between vertical limestone cliffs. You will have time to walk along the riverbed and take in the towering canyon walls — a paradise for photographers and rock climbers.

Continue your journey through the arid, fossil-rich landscapes of southeastern Morocco, passing through Tinjdad and Erfoud, a town famous for its date palms and fossil workshops. You may stop at a local fossil museum or a traditional market, depending on timing and interest.

By late afternoon, you will arrive in the desert gateway of Merzouga, where your real Sahara desert adventure begins. Trade your transportation for a camel ride over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoying the magical sunset from the top of the sand dunes.

Tonight, you will stay in a luxury Berber desert camp under a star-studded sky. Enjoy traditional Moroccan music, a delicious dinner, and the quiet majesty of the Sahara.

Day 3: Sahara Desert Exploration

The third day of your 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes offers a deep dive into the cultural heart of the Sahara Desert. After watching the sun rise over the dunes and enjoying breakfast at your camp, you will set off on a day 4×4 desert adventure across the Erg Chebbi region.

Your first stop is a visit with a nomadic Berber family, where you will experience authentic desert hospitality and learn about their traditional way of life. From there, you will continue to the Mfis lead mines, once a key site during the French colonial era, offering a glimpse into the desert’s rich geological history.

Next, head to the village of Khamlia, where you will enjoy a live performance of spiritual Gnawa music — a unique blend of African rhythms and trance-like melodies passed down through generations.

For lunch, our local famous food as people from desert is Berber pizza (Madfouna) — We highly recommend it a hearty flatbread stuffed with spiced meat and vegetables, cooked in a local traditional oven.

In the afternoon, visit a local garden to see how desert agriculture thrives using ancient irrigation systems. This peaceful walk gives you insight into the resilience and ingenuity of life in the Sahara.

Optional Activity: Add extra excitement to your 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes with an adrenaline-filled ride through the dunes on a quad bike or dune buggy (available at an extra cost).

You will return to your desert camp to relax and enjoy another magical night beneath the stars.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes

On the final day of your 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, you will rise early for one last breakfast in the desert before leaving the golden dunes of Merzouga.

The journey north begins with a stop in Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalt and a bustling traditional market town known for its ksars, date palm groves, and unique desert culture. If it’s market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), you will get to witness authentic local life.

Next, enjoy a scenic drive through the Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s longest oasis valleys, lined with thousands of palm trees and fortified villages. You will pass through Errachidia and ascend into the High Atlas Mountains, reaching Midelt, a town nestled between the High and Middle Atlas ranges, where you will stop for lunch.

As you continue through the cedar forests near Azrou, keep an eye out for wild Barbary macaques, often seen playing along the roadside.

Your next stop is Ifrane, a charming alpine-style town often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” known for its clean streets, red-roofed houses, and European feel.

By evening, your driver will drop you off in Fes, marking the end of your unforgettable 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes — a desert trip filled with landscapes, history, culture, and unforgettable moments.

📩 Ready to ride camels, sleep under the stars, and explore Morocco’s ancient kasbahs?

Contact us today to book or customize your 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes — your Sahara desert tour adventure awaits!