If you want to experience a fantastic desert journey in Morocco, the 4 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga desert is one of the best tours that you will ever have.
Travel over the Middle Atlas Mountains, through the Sahara Desert camp to the Erg Chebbi dunes, and through Todra Gorge and Boumalne Dades Valley on your way to Marrakech.
Our private 4 day Morocco desert tour offers you comfort, culture, and adventure — from camel trekking in the golden Sahara to exploring ancient kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou. Read on for the full Morocco desert itinerary 4 days that will inspire you to book your trip today.
Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 4 Days Overview:
The 4 days tour from Fes to Marrakech is one of the most scenic and culturally interesting Morocco desert tours. From Fes, you pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the Ziz Valley, the dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, the stunning Dades Valley, and… Read more to the bustling city of Marrakech.
You’ll camel-trek across golden dunes, take a 4×4 desert adventure deep into the Sahara, and visit ancient villages and iconic sites such as Ait Ben Haddou. This 4-day trip from Fes is for travelers who want to experience the full variety of Morocco’s landscapes without feeling rushed.
For your stay in the Merzouga desert, you will be able to opt to sleep in a luxury desert camp or at a basic desert camp, with both providing breathtaking views of the starry sky.
GALLERY
Private 4 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Cancellation
Up to 1 day
DURATION
4 days / 3 nights
Available
Year-round
STARTING LOCATION
Fes
ENDING LOCATION
Marrakech (with an option to end in Fez)
Tour price
Contact us
4 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech Highlights
- See the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains. Visit Ifrane and Azrou’s cedar forests.
- Ride camels on the golden Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
- Sleep under the stars in a desert camp. It can be traditional or luxury.
- Meet Berber nomads and enjoy Gnawa music in Khamlia village.
- See the dramatic Todra Gorge and Dades Valley rock formations.
- Walk through the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. It's famous from movies and a UNESCO site.
- Travel over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.
4 days Fes to Marrakech itinerary
Here’s what you’ll experience on this amazing Fes to Marrakech desert tour 4 days:
Day 1: From Fes to the Merzouga Desert via the Middle Atlas
Our desert tour 4 days starts with picking you up from your hotel or riad in Fes around 8:00 AM to kick off your 4 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech and drive to Merzouga via the Middle Atlas mountains. The first part of the trip takes us through the middle Atlas Mountains landscape.
Our first stop is Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco because of its alpine-style houses and clean streets. It’s a lovely spot to stretch your legs and snap a few photos.
Next, we head to the Azrou cedar forest, where you’ll get to meet the friendly wild monkeys that call these ancient trees home. It’s always a fun stop for families and animal lovers.
Afterward, we drive through Midelt, a mountain town famous for its apples, where we’ll pause for lunch. The road then takes us through the stunning Ziz Valley, known for its endless palm groves and traditional Berber villages.
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Merzouga, right on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, your camels will be waiting for a magical ride through the towering Erg Chebbi Sand dunes. As the sun sets, the colors of the sand change beautifully — a memory you’ll never forget.
After about an hour on camelback, you’ll arrive at your desert camp for an overnight stay. Dinner is served under the stars, followed by Berber cultural music around a campfire. Tonight, you’ll sleep in a cozy tent — either standard or luxury, depending on your preference.
Day 1 highlights:
Ifrane, Azrou cedar forest monkeys, Ziz Valley, Erfoud, camel ride at sunset, dinner and overnight in the desert camp.
Day 2: Merzouga Desert Discovery
If you want to wake up early to watch a stunning sunrise over the Sand dunes, it’s truly worth it. After breakfast at camp, meet your driver and head out on a 4×4 desert tour to explore the surrounding Merzouga area.
Our first visit is to a nomadic Berber family. You’ll step inside their traditional tent and learn about their daily life in the desert. It’s a chance to discover a way of life that hasn’t changed much in generations.
Next stop is Khamliya village, where the locals will welcome you with their lively Gnawa music. This African-rooted music is known for its hypnotic rhythms and warm hospitality.
After some mint tea and music, we’ll visit nearby desert sites — fossil beds, panoramic viewpoints, and maybe an old mine. You’ll have lunch either in Khamlia or back in Merzouga.
The afternoon is yours to relax and take your time in the Sahara desert. You can lounge by your hotel pool, climb the nearby dunes, or simply enjoy the desert stillness. Why not try sandboarding in the dunes while you enjoy the sunset view?
Day 2 highlights:
Desert sunrise, nomad family visit, Gnawa music in Khamlia, 4×4 desert tour, hotel stay near the dunes.
Day 3 highlights:
Rissani market, Todra Gorge, Monkey Fingers rocks, Boumalne Dades hotel.
In the evening, we’ll settle into a cozy hotel in Boumalne Dades for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant nearby, and then we drive along the Dades Valley, famous for its amazing rock formations nicknamed Monkey Fingers. If you’re traveling in April or May, you might also catch the blooming rose fields in the Valley of Roses.
From there, we continue to the dramatic Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs reach up to 300 meters on either side of a narrow river. We’ll stop for a short walk inside the gorge and take in the beauty of this natural wonder.
After breakfast, we leave Merzouga behind and head to Rissani, a desert town with one of the most interesting traditional markets in southern Morocco. If it’s market day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday), we’ll stop to explore. It’s a lively, colorful place full of donkeys, spices, clothes, and handmade Berber goods.
Day 3: From Merzouga to Dades Valley via Todra Gorge
Day 4 highlights:
Ouarzazate film studios, Ait BenHaddou, High Atlas Mountains, arrival in Marrakech.
We’ll arrive in Marrakech by the early evening, marking the end of your unforgettable Fes to Marrakech desert tour 4 days.
After lunch nearby, we’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains via the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m). Along the way, we’ll stop at panoramic viewpoints for incredible mountain scenery.
Next, we arrive at the legendary Ait BenHaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient fortified village is one of Morocco’s most photogenic spots. You’ll walk through its narrow alleys and learn about its history and movie fame.
We’ll stop for a photo break in Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco. Big movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, and parts of Game of Thrones were filmed here. If you like, you can visit one of the famous film studios (optional).
On our final day, we set off after breakfast towards Ouarzazate, passing through lush palm groves and charming villages.
Day 4: From Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou
Note
Please note that the itinerary for the 4 days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech is fully customizable to suit your specific needs and preferences.
Whether you wish to add extra stops, modify the schedule, or include special experiences, we are here to tailor the tour to create a memorable Moroccan adventure that meets your expectations.
Feel free to contact us to discuss how we can personalize your journey to fit your desires.
Our private 4 days tour is designed to provide a comprehensive, hassle-free experience with the following inclusions:
What's Included in Our Tour
- Private transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle throughout the entire journey
- Professional, English-speaking driver/guide with extensive knowledge of Moroccan berber culture
- Three nights' accommodation (one night in a desert camp, two nights in carefully selected hotels or riads)
- Daily breakfast and dinner (lunch available at additional cost)
- Camel trekking in the Sahara Desert with experienced guides
- Desert Excursions: Visits around Merzouga area
- Scenic Stops: Opportunities to stop for landscape views and photographs
- 24/7 customer support during your trip
What's Not Included in the 4 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech
- Entry Fees: Admission to sites and attractions not specified in the itinerary.
- Drinks: Beverages, including bottled water, are not included (except during excursions).
- Lunch: Daily lunch is not included; options are available at local restaurants or markets.
- Optional Activities: Quad biking and other additional activities are not included.
We’ve thoughtfully crafted this package to include everything essential for a memorable journey, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience rather than logistical details.
Our Desert Camps: Comfort Meets Adventure
Our desert camps in the Erg Chebbi dunes offer the perfect balance between authentic Saharan experience and comfort. Forget any notions of roughing it – our camps feature:
Spacious traditional tents with proper beds and quality linens
Private bathroom facilities with hot water (in luxury camp options)
Common areas decorated with colorful Moroccan carpets and comfortable seating
Electricity provided by solar power for environmental sustainability
Professional staff, including cooks, camel handlers, and camp managers
We offer two types of desert camps to suit different preferences:
Standard Camp:
Comfortable shared facilities
Traditional Berber tents with proper beds
Authentic atmosphere with essential comforts
Perfect for travelers seeking a more traditional experience
Luxury Camp:
Private ensuite bathrooms with hot showers
Elegantly furnished tents with higher quality bedding
More spacious common areas
Enhanced dining experience
Superior service level
Both options provide the magical experience of sleeping under Saharan stars while ensuring your comfort and safety.
Best Time to Take the Morocco Sahara Desert Tour
The desert climate creates some definite sweet spots for this journey. Here’s our month-by-month breakdown:
October to November: Perhaps the perfect time. Daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm (70-85°F/21-29°C), and nights in the desert are cool but not cold. The tourist crowds are smaller than the peak season, and the landscapes still retain some greenery from the light autumn rains.
March to May: Spring brings wildflowers to many regions along our route, especially in the Middle Atlas Mountains and valleys. Temperatures are similar to fall, making outdoor exploration comfortable. April can occasionally bring sandstorms in the desert regions, though these are typically brief.
December to February: Winter offers the unique advantage of potentially seeing snow in the Atlas Mountains while experiencing mild desert days. However, desert nights can drop below freezing, and some mountain passes may occasionally close after heavy snowfall. The upside is significantly fewer tourists and better rates.
June to September: Summer brings intense heat, particularly in the desert where temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (38°C). While our vehicles are air-conditioned, the midday desert sun can be overwhelming for some travelers. If summer is your only option, we adjust the itinerary to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours.
Preparing for Your Desert Adventure
Packing strategically makes all the difference on this diverse journey. Here’s what we recommend bringing:
Clothing:
Lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime
Warmer layers for evenings (especially in the desert and mountains)
Modest attire that covers shoulders and knees (especially important for women)
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring
Sandals for the desert camp
Swimwear (some accommodations have pools)
Sun hat with good coverage
Light scarf (useful for sun protection and occasional windblown sand)
Essentials:
High SPF sunscreen
Sunglasses with UV protection
Personal medications
Hand sanitizer
Small daypack for daily excursions
Camera with extra memory cards (the landscapes are incredibly photogenic)
Power bank for charging devices
For the Desert Night:
Headlamp or flashlight
Warm sleepwear (desert temperatures drop significantly at night)
Small towel for the camel trek
We’ve designed our tour to be accessible to most fitness levels. The camel ride typically lasts about an hour each way, and while some find it uncomfortable at first, most quickly adjust to the rhythmic motion. For those who prefer not to ride camels, we can arrange 4×4 transportation to the camp instead.
Cultural Insights Along the Route
Our journey isn’t just about stunning landscapes – it’s a deep dive into Morocco’s rich cultural tapestry. Throughout the four days, we’ll encounter:
Berber Villages: The indigenous people of North Africa, the Berbers (who call themselves Amazigh) have inhabited these regions for thousands of years. In remote mountain villages, we’ll observe traditional agricultural practices, distinctive architecture, and textile traditions that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Nomadic Traditions: In the desert regions, we’ll learn about the semi-nomadic pastoralists who move with their herds according to the seasons. Their knowledge of the harsh desert environment, traditional music, and oral storytelling traditions offer fascinating insights into a vanishing way of life.
Architecture Evolution: From the mud-brick kasbahs of the south to the rammed earth constructions of the Atlas Mountains, the journey showcases how Moroccans have brilliantly adapted building techniques to local materials and climate conditions.
Culinary Traditions: Each region we pass through has its own specialties. You’ll taste differences in the tagines, discover unique local ingredients, and perhaps even participate in bread-baking in a traditional community oven.
Craft Heritage: Throughout the journey, we’ll encounter artisans practicing ancient crafts – from carpet weaving in the Middle Atlas to pottery in the Draa Valley and metalwork in the southern oases.
Our guides share these cultural insights organically throughout the journey, helping you connect more deeply with the places we visit rather than simply passing through them.
Why Choose Our 4 day desert tour
What makes our tour stand out in a country full of desert tour offerings? We’ve built our reputation on these key differences:
Thoughtful Pacing: Unlike many operators who rush through the same route in 3 days, our 4-day itinerary allows for a more relaxed experience. You’ll have time to truly appreciate each location rather than just checking it off a list.
Expert Local Guides: Our driver-guides aren’t just drivers – they’re cultural ambassadors with deep knowledge of Morocco’s history, traditions, and hidden gems. Many have grown up in the very regions we explore.
Authentic Connections: We’ve developed relationships with local communities over the years of respectful tourism. This means you’ll enjoy genuine interactions rather than staged “
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the Sahara Desert?
The best time to visit the Sahara Desert is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months. During these times, the weather is more moderate, with cooler temperatures compared to the extreme heat of summer and the cold nights of winter.
Is the camel trek safe?
Yes, the camel trek is safe. The camels used for these treks are well-trained and accustomed to carrying tourists. Additionally, experienced guides accompany all treks, ensuring your safety and providing assistance as needed.
What should I pack?
Bring comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, warm layers for cooler desert nights, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera.
Are meals included?
Breakfasts and dinners are usually included, while lunches are often arranged at local restaurants and are not included in the tour price.
Can I customize the tour?
Customization options are available. Contact us in advance to discuss any specific preferences or changes.
What languages are spoken by the guides?
Guides typically speak English, French, and sometimes other languages. Please confirm with us for specific language needs.
4 days Dsert tour from Fes to Marrakech reviews
This was the highlight of our Morocco trip! The camel ride into the dunes at sunset was pure magic. The campfire songs under the stars made us feel so welcome. Our driver, Hassan, was so friendly and shared great stories about berber culture life. Highly recommend this 4 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech worth every moment
4 days Sahara desert tour from fes to marrakech: Tour map
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