4-Day Desert tour from Fes to Marrakech

Set off in the morning at 08:30 from your hotel or riad in Fes for the commencement of your 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech. Heading southwards, you’ll pass through Ifrane, affectionately known as the Switzerland of Morocco, where houses sport-sloping roofs—a rarity in this North African country, designed to withstand the winter snowfall.

Afterwards, your journey traverses the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-n-Talremt pass, journeying along scenic routes bordered by oak and cedar trees up to Azou. Here, a stop is made to observe Barbary macaques playing and foraging for treats.

Next, you’ll proceed to Midelt just in time for lunch, dubbed the “apple capital” and nestled at the foot of Ayachi Mountain. Continuing southwards, you’ll traverse the mountains, enjoying splendid views and passing through Berber villages. As you descend the mountains, you’ll be captivated by the lush green oases and towering palm groves, marking the beginning of the Ziz Valley.

You’ll arrive in Errachdia and then Erfoud, renowned for its date festival and fossils. Here, you can visit a local workshop and witness the skilful transformation of fossil-rich rocks into practical and decorative artefacts.

Your day culminates with arrival at the dunes of Merzouga for a sunset camel ride, reaching the desert camp near the Erg Chebbi dunes (250m). The sunset from atop the dunes is a breathtaking spectacle. Here, amidst the Erg Chebbi dunes, dinner is served, and you’ll spend the night in a desert camp amidst the expansive dunes.

An early wake-up allows you to witness the serene spectacle of the sunrise, casting enchanting hues over the dunes. The return journey to the hotel is by camelback, followed by breakfast before heading eastwards to Marrakech.

Travelling on the paved road, you’ll reach Tinjdad. You’ll notice curious piles of sand flanking the road—these are the heads of the “khettarat,” ingenious underground water channels designed to reduce evaporation in the desert heat. Descending into these channels offers a cool respite and admiration for ancient engineering.

In the Todra Gorges, lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant overlooking the valley, followed by a riverside stroll, exploring villages and venturing into the mountains. Arriving at the Dades Gorges, you’ll marvel at the stunning rock formations, kasbahs, and picturesque villages along a scenic walk.

You’ll spend the night in a charming guest house overlooking the valley.

After breakfast, your journey continues through the beautiful Valley of the Roses, with an optional stop at the cosmetics cooperative in Kalaat M’Gouna, producing cosmetic products from the abundant roses of the valley.

Then, you’ll travel via the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs, reaching Skoura Oasis where you’ll visit Kasbah Amredhil with its museum. The Kasbah, once depicted on the old 50 dirham banknote, has been beautifully restored and is well worth the visit.

Just before reaching Ouarzazate, a stop is made to visit the Atlas Studios, a movie wonderland known for its versatile sets. Here, you can experience the unique thrill of movie sets and their reorganisation to cater to various production studios.

You’ll spend the night in a beautiful riad.

After breakfast, an hour’s drive takes you to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous kasbah in Morocco. After lunch, you’ll explore the kasbah, renowned for its appearance in numerous Hollywood blockbusters.

Continuing, you’ll traverse the Ounila Valley with its prosperous villages, stunning mountains, and views of Telouet. Finally, you’ll reach Kasbah Telouet, once the palatial residence of the Lords of the Atlas, the Glaoui Family. Although now in ruins, the architectural marvel of this historic home is sure to impress. Lunch is either here or later in the mountains.

Crossing the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, you’ll arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon. Your driver will transfer you to your riad, marking the end of your 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.