Private 4 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todgha Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga

After a peaceful night in the Dades Valley, you’ll wake up to the serene beauty of the surrounding red mountains and enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast. Once you’re refreshed, the journey continues deeper into the Moroccan desert landscapes, taking you along a scenic route lined with ancient kasbahs, lush palm groves, and breathtaking geological formations.

Your first major stop of the day is at the Todgha Gorges, a spectacular series of limestone river canyons carved by the Todgha River. These towering cliffs, which reach up to 300 meters in height, are popular among rock climbers and photographers alike. You’ll have time to walk through the gorge, take photos, and marvel at the sheer rock faces that glow in the morning sun.

From Todgha, your adventure proceeds through Tinjdad, Jorf, and several charming Berber villages, where you’ll witness the everyday life of the locals in southern Morocco. Stop for lunch in the region, and then continue toward Erfoud, a town famous for its fossil workshops and dates, and Rissani, a historic town that once served as the starting point for ancient caravans crossing the Sahara.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the vast Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you’ll check in at your hotel or traditional riad on the edge of the desert. After a hearty Moroccan dinner, enjoy a relaxing evening under the desert stars and rest up for the next day’s desert exploration.

Day 3: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – Nomads – Khamlia – Camel Trek & Desert Camp

Your day begins with a delicious breakfast at your Merzouga accommodation. Soon after, you’ll head off in a 4×4 vehicle to explore the captivating region surrounding the Erg Chebbi dunes, one of Morocco’s most iconic desert landscapes.

The first part of the day is dedicated to visiting desert nomad families who live near the Moroccan–Algerian border. You’ll be warmly welcomed into their tents, where you’ll be offered traditional mint tea and gain insight into their fascinating way of life, living simply and sustainably in the vast, arid Sahara.

From there, you’ll drive to a nearby abandoned village, offering stunning panoramic views of the dunes and desert plains, perfect for photos and storytelling. Later, you’ll continue to the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa people, an ethnic group originally from sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Mauritania and Sudan. You’ll enjoy a live performance of Gnawa music, an entrancing blend of spiritual songs, rhythms, and dancing that express centuries of cultural tradition.

After lunch and a short rest back at your hotel, the next unforgettable part of your journey begins. In the late afternoon, you’ll mount your camel for a guided trek through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the sun begins to set, watch the colors of the sand change dramatically, from bright orange to deep red, as you make your way to your luxury desert camp nestled in the heart of the dunes.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with traditional Sahrawi tea and hospitality. Enjoy a freshly prepared Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by a magical evening of Berber music, drumming, dancing, and stories shared around the fire. Spend the night in your private tent, listening to the peaceful silence of the desert.

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

Rise early to witness one of the most beautiful moments in the desert, the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi. After this awe-inspiring experience, you’ll ride your camels back to the hotel, where you can freshen up with a shower and enjoy breakfast.

Today’s journey takes you north toward Fes, passing through ever changing landscapes that transition from arid desert to fertile valleys and alpine forests. Along the way, you’ll travel through the impressive Ziz Valley, home to one of the largest palm groves in Morocco and dotted with kasbahs and small Berber villages. The lush greenery set against the dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains makes for stunning scenery.

A stop in Midelt or Zaida will allow you to enjoy lunch and stretch your legs. As the road ascends, you’ll enter the Middle Atlas Mountains, home to cedar forests and Barbary macaques, often seen playfully roaming near the road. A brief stop in the Cedar Forest near Azrou offers a chance to see these monkeys up close in their natural habitat.

Continuing north, you’ll pass through the charming alpine town of Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” thanks to its clean streets, European-style architecture, and cool climate.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in the historic city of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Morocco’s oldest imperial city. You’ll be dropped off at your accommodation in Fes, marking the end of your unforgettable 4-day desert adventure from Marrakech to Merzouga.