Discover Morocco’s ever-changing beauty on this 4-day private desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. Cross the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs and green valleys, ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, and spend magical nights under a million stars in the Sahara Desert.
Overview
This 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Travel through the High Atlas Mountains, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, explore the majestic Dades and Todra Gorges, and dive deep into the calm of the Merzouga Desert.
Experience camel trekking, authentic Berber hospitality, and nights filled with rhythm, firelight, and stories under the stars.
The journey ends in Fes, one of the world’s oldest and most spiritual cities, after crossing cedar forests, mountain towns, and Berber villages that reveal the real soul of Morocco.
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m)
- Visit the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO)
- Discover Ouarzazate & Dades Gorges
- Sunset camel ride in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Overnight in a luxury desert camp
- Scenic drive across the Ziz Valley to Fes
Itinerary
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Morocco’s dramatic landscapes — from Marrakech’s vibrant medina to the endless sands of the Sahara. This private 4-day tour takes you across the High Atlas Mountains, through deep valleys and historical kasbahs, to the heart of the desert.
You’ll ride a camel across the dunes of Erg Chebbi, sleep in a luxury tent surrounded by silence and stars, explore remote Berber villages, and visit film-worthy sites like Ait Ben Haddou.
Every day brings a new scene — lush palm groves, rose valleys, winding gorges, and cool mountain breezes — creating an unforgettable journey that blends comfort, authenticity, and Morocco’s timeless charm.
Your desert adventure from Marrakech to Fes begins early in the morning around 8:00 AM. After being picked up from your hotel or riad, you’ll cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m), enjoying stunning panoramic views of Berber villages nestled among the hills.
Along the way, you’ll stop for photos and coffee before reaching the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for being the set of Hollywood movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
After lunch (optional) and a guided visit to the kasbah, continue to Ouarzazate, often called “The Hollywood of Africa”, known for its film studios and desert scenery. You’ll also pass through the palm groves of Skoura and the Valley of Roses before arriving at your hotel in the Dades Valley for dinner and overnight.
🏨 Accommodation: Babylon Hotel or similar (half board: dinner & breakfast)
🏨 Accommodation: Hotel Babylon or similar
After breakfast, explore the Dades Gorge, a stunning canyon carved by nature.
Continue toward Tinghir, a beautiful oasis town surrounded by palm trees, before reaching the dramatic Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most awe-inspiring natural sites, where the cliffs rise up to 300 meters high.
Enjoy a leisurely walk through the gorge before heading toward Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and dates market.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, your camels will be waiting to take you on a peaceful camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
As the sun sets, the desert glows in shades of gold and red — a perfect moment to take photos before arriving at your luxury desert camp.
Savor a traditional dinner, enjoy Berber music by the fire, and sleep under a sky full of stars.
🏕️ Accommodation: Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga (Dinner & Breakfast included)
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes — a truly magical sight.
After breakfast, start your day exploring the Erg Chebbi region in a 4x4. Visit Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people known for their spiritual music, and enjoy a live performance.
Meet Berber nomads living in traditional tents and learn about their desert lifestyle. Continue through the black desert formed by volcanic rocks and stop for panoramic views of the dunes.
You can also enjoy optional activities such as sandboarding or quad biking.
Return to your camp in the late afternoon to relax, sip mint tea, and watch another mesmerizing sunset before dinner under the stars.
🏕️ Accommodation: Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga (Dinner & Breakfast included)
After breakfast, say goodbye to the Sahara and drive north through the Ziz Valley, stopping to admire the lush palm groves and deep canyons.
Continue through Errachidia and Midelt, a mountain town known for its apple farms, where you’ll stop for lunch.
As you cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, you’ll pass through Azrou’s cedar forest, home to the friendly Barbary apes, and visit Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture and clean streets.
Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon — where your driver will drop you off at your riad or hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable desert adventure.
🏠 End of the Tour in Fes.
Included / Not Included
Included in the price
- Private transport (A/C 4x4 or minivan)
- Professional driver-guide
- 1 night in Dades (hotel with dinner & breakfast)
- 2 night in luxury desert camp (dinner & breakfast)
- Camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes
- Pick-up in Marrakech & drop-off in Fes
Not included in the price
- Local guides & entrance fees (optional)
- Quad biking (optional)
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips (optional)
FAQs
Bring comfortable clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and warm layers for the night. Also, don’t forget your camera!
You can choose between a standard shared camp or a private luxury camp — depending on your budget and preference.
Yes! This is a private tour, and we can adjust the itinerary, duration, or stops to match your needs.
Can I share the tour with other travelers to reduce the price?
Yes, quad biking is available in Merzouga. You can book it directly at the desert camp or through your driver. Prices depend on the duration and type of quad.
You need mainly two days in Fes to explore it properly.
A guided walking tour of the old medina will let you discover hidden gems, historical monuments, and local craftsmanship.
If you have more time, you can add an extra day to explore the souks at your own pace or visit the nearby blue city of Chefchaouen, which has become increasingly popular.
It’s about 200 km each way, making it a perfect day trip from Fes.
Fes is Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, known for its ancient medina, traditional tanneries, and Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the oldest universities in the world.
The city is also famous for its craftsmen, zellige tiles, and authentic Moroccan atmosphere.
Yes, Fes is generally safe for travelers.
Like any major city, it’s recommended to stay alert in crowded places and keep your belongings close.
Local people are friendly and welcoming, and guided tours make it even easier to explore comfortably.
The distance between Marrakech and Fes is about 520 km if you take the direct highway through Casablanca and Rabat.
However, the most scenic and popular route is via the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, crossing the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, and Ziz Valley.
This route covers around 1030 km and usually takes 3 days and 2 nights, allowing you to fully enjoy Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes, Berber villages, and desert adventures along the way.