Discover the full magic of Morocco’s south on this 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech. Ideal for travelers who want to experience more of the Sahara at a relaxed pace, this journey includes camel trekking in Erg Chebbi, overnight desert camping, visits to ancient kasbahs, dramatic gorges, and local Berber villages. You’ll enjoy varied landscapes and rich cultural encounters along the way.
If you’re asking yourself when is the best time to visit the Sahara Desert or is Morocco safe to visit, we’ve created detailed guides to help you travel with peace of mind.
And if this 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech doesn’t fully match your plans, explore all our Morocco tours — we offer flexible itineraries tailored to your needs.
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Gorge & Ziz Valley – Camel Trekking in the Sahara Desert
Your 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech begins with an early departure from your riad or hotel in Fes, heading south through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco, with its alpine architecture and tidy streets — a perfect place for a photo break.
Continuing on, you will pass through the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to the playful Barbary macaque monkeys. This peaceful forest is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Next, the journey takes you through Midelt, where we stop for lunch that is between the Middle Atlas Mountains and the High Atlas Mountains.
In the afternoon, descend into the striking Ziz Gorge and drive along the lush Ziz Valley, lined with thousands of date palms and traditional kasbahs — a stunning introduction to southern Morocco’s oasis landscapes.
By late afternoon, you will reach the edge of the Sahara Desert near Merzouga, where your camel awaits. You will ride across the glowing Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun sets, an unforgettable experience that will surely be a highlight of your desert trip.
Spend the night in a desert camp, enjoying traditional Moroccan music, a warm dinner, and a sky full of stars in the heart of the Sahara.
Day 2: Sahara Desert Exploration – Nomads, Gnawa Music, Berber Culture & Optional Adventure
After breakfast at your desert camp, Day 2 of your 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is dedicated to exploring the rich culture and landscapes of the Sahara Desert beyond the dunes.
We begin with a 4×4 excursion through the desert’s black volcanic rocks and golden sands. The first stop is a visit to a nomadic Berber family, where you will be welcomed into their traditional tent and learn about their simple yet resilient lifestyle in the desert.
From there, we will drive to the Mfis lead mine, a fascinating relic from the French colonial era that offers insight into the region’s history. Next, you will visit the village of Khamlia, home to descendants of Sub-Saharan Africans who will welcome you with a performance of Gnawa music — spiritual and rhythmic melodies unique to southern Morocco.
For lunch, we highly recommend trying Berber pizza, a delicious stuffed bread cooked in a traditional fire oven — a must-try local specialty that perfectly reflects the desert’s culinary culture.
After lunch, take a walk through a traditional Saharan garden, where locals grow dates, herbs, and vegetables using ancient traditional irrigation system.
In the afternoon, those looking for more adrenaline can opt for a quad bike or dune buggy adventure across the dunes (optional, not included — ask your guide to arrange in advance).
Return to your desert camp just in time to enjoy another peaceful night under the stars, complete with a delicious dinner and local music.
Day 3: Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
On Day 3 of your 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, wake up early to catch a spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes — one of the most breathtaking sights in the Sahara Desert. After breakfast, take 4×4 back to Merzouga where the road journey continues.
Your first stop is Rissani, a town rich in history and home to one of southern Morocco’s most authentic traditional markets. Especially lively on market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays), Rissani offers a chance to witness local life in action — from date stalls and spices to donkeys and handicrafts.
Next, you will visit Erfoud, a desert town well known for its fossil workshops. Here you can learn how marine fossils — millions of years old — are carefully extracted and transformed into decorative and functional art. Erfoud is also famous for its International Date Festival, celebrating the region’s date palm harvest and culture.
From there, the road winds through palm groves and small villages until you reach the dramatic Todra Gorges. These limestone canyons, carved by the Todra River, rise up to 300 meters and are a favorite among hikers and climbers. You will have time to walk along the gorge floor and soak in the towering rock formations.
Your day ends in the peaceful Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Settle into your hotel, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, and relax with stunning views of red rock cliffs and lush oasis landscapes.
Day 4: Dades Valley – Rose Town – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, your final day of the 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech begins with a scenic drive through the Valley of Roses, known for its fragrant rosewater distilleries and pink blossoms during springtime. In El Kelaa M’Gouna (Rose Town), you can visit a local cooperative to see how rose-based products like creams and oils are made.
Continue to Skoura, a palm-filled oasis renowned for its ancient kasbahs, especially the impressive Kasbah Amridil, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s fortified architecture and family life.
The next stop is Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara and a famous filming location nicknamed the Hollywood of Africa. You will pass by the historic Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Film Studios, both available for visits if time allows.
From there, you will travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning fortified village made of clay and straw, featured in films like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. You will have time to explore the ksar and admire panoramic views from the hilltop.
In the afternoon, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m elevation). The winding road offers photo stops and panoramic views of Berber villages clinging to the mountainside.
You will arrive in Marrakech by evening, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad — marking the end of your unforgettable 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Want to personalize this experience? Contact us today — we’re here to help.