Best On a Budget 4 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Desert

Day 1 : Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Starting your journey, On A Budget 4 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Desert, with a pick up at the hotel or Riad where they are staying at 8am and we head south to cross the Middle Atlas Mountains to Ifrane, called “the little Moroccan Switzerland” because of its great resemblance to that country. One of the animals that once inhabited here was the Atlas lion, which is why it has become the symbol of the city and to which a stone statue has been dedicated in the center of it. We will take the opportunity to take some photos. We will cross the famous cedar forests. We will be able to admire the Great Cedar Gouraud, the largest millenary cedar in the region and also feed the hundreds of Gibraltar monkeys that live in the area. Lunch in Midélt and in the afternoon we will pass through the Ziz Valley. More than 20km of palm groves and 10 million palm trees make it one of the largest in the world. Arrival to Merzouga and hospitality tea in our Hotel, to later enjoy our first contact with the desert, climbing to the nearest dunes and relax with a spectacular sunset. Dinner and overnight in hotel very close to the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

 

Day 2 : Desert of Merzouga – Nomadic Families – Khamlia

Today will be a day of Total Desert. After a copious and rich breakfast, we will go around the Erg Chebbi, an expanse of sand desert where the Great Dune of Morocco is located, of more than 250 meters of altitude, and we will connect by track with part of the route followed by the old Paris-Dakar and with the mountains that border with Algeria in the background. Stop in the oasis of Tissardmin, where we can find a race of fossils that is still in this region, and we will continue towards a nomadic settlement where we will know some of the secrets of his life and customs. Later, stop at a panoramic point where we can contemplate the Erg Chebbi as a whole. We will arrive at the village of Khamlia, originally from Mali, where we will relax with a tea while we enjoy a small concert of spiritual music from Gnawa. Return to the hotel to go out in a caravan of camels to enter the heart of the dunes and watch an unforgettable sunset. We will arrive with the camels at the camp where we will stay in Haima’s” Shops made with dromedary hair ” like those used by desert nomads. Dinner and a night in Haimas in the heart of the desert under a spectacular blanket of stars.

 

Day 3 : Merzouga Sahara – Market of Rissani – Gorges of Todra – Dades Valley

“Appointment with the Sunrise” since they are in the desert, it is recommended to get up early to walk to the highest dune that is around the camp to enjoy the sunrise and this relaxing landscape that nature offers, we will return in dromedary to the town of Merzouga. After a delicious breakfast, we have to say goodbye to the desert and we will go to Rissani where we will visit its market (if we are lucky and it is one of the market days: Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday) we will follow the road to Erfoud where there is also the possibility of visiting the Fossilized marble factory before continuing to the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. 1 hour later, we will arrive at one of the strongest points of the High Atlas: The Todra Gorges. The channel of the Todra River has formed a defile of vertical walls of enormous proportions and of great beauty; It is a paradise for climbers and a unique place. Lunch at the site and a half-hour walk would be recommended to see and enjoy the Gorges in detail. In the afternoon, we will continue to the Dadès Valley, also known as the Valley of Figs, passing by Boumalne Dadés. We will stop at the ” patas de mono ” Dinner and night at the Gorges of Dadés.

 

Day 4 : Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, we can enjoy one of the best views of the Dades Valley. We will do it from one of the most strategic places that the mountains offer us. From there we will be able to observe the number of kasbahs that there is and the picturesque of each of them, then exit towards a road dotted with diverse kasbahs of great interest. After several stops to enjoy the route of the Thousand Kasbahs, the Valley of Roses, and the great palm grove of Skoura, we will arrive in Ouarzazate and visit the Kasbah of Taourirt, the former residence of the Glaoui or Pasha of Marrakech, Film Studios and Museum of the Cinema if you are interested. We will also go to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, where we will visit its famous Kasbah (Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986). In this spectacular frame, several famous films have been shot, like Gladiator, Obelix, Sahara with Penélope Cruz, etc. Continue our journey through the famous pass of Tizi n’Tichka to arrive in Marrakech, marking the end of this on a budget 4 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Desert.  

1. Culture & Etiquette

• Morocco is welcoming and culturally rich, but traditions are important. Dress modestly in rural areas and when visiting markets or religious sites.
• Greetings matter: a simple “Salam Alaikum” always creates a warm connection.
• Public displays of affection are uncommon, especially outside big cities.
• Always ask before taking photos of locals, especially in the desert or souks.

2. Money, ATMs & Payments

• Moroccan currency is the Dirham (MAD) and is not available outside the country.
• ATMs are widely available in major cities; withdraw when you can; small towns have fewer machines.
• Souks, small restaurants, and local guides often prefer cash.
• Credit cards are accepted in hotels, riads, and large businesses, but not always in rural areas.
• Bring some small bills for tips, markets, and snacks.

3. Safety & Health Tips

• Morocco is generally very safe for travelers, including solo female travelers.
• Petty theft can happen in crowded markets; keep your belongings secure.
• Tap water is not recommended; bottled water is cheap and everywhere.
• Street food is amazing but choose busy, clean vendors.
• Pharmacies are easy to find, and medication access is good.

4. Transportation & Getting Around

• Taxis are affordable; use small taxis for city rides and grand taxis for longer distances.
• Trains between Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Marrakech are clean and reliable.
• For the desert, expect long but scenic drives; the journey is part of the adventure.
• Renting a car is common, but driving in medinas is not recommended.

5. Weather & Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are ideal: pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Summers can reach 45°C in the desert and southern regions.
• Winter brings cold nights, especially in the mountains and the Sahara, pack warmth even if the days are sunny.
• Coastal cities like Casablanca and Essaouira are breezy and mild year-round.

6. Packing Tips for Morocco

• Light, breathable clothing for the day + warmer layers for evenings.
• Comfortable walking shoes for medinas and uneven streets.
• A scarf or shawl, useful for sun, wind, or modesty in cultural areas.
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses (Morocco is sunny all year).
• Portable charger, desert camps, and long drives may have limited outlets.
• Small backpack for day trips and medinas.

7. Desert Travel Tips

• Desert nights are cold from October to April; pack fleece, warm socks, and a jacket.
• Summer desert days are extremely hot; drink water often and wear loose cotton clothes.
• Camel rides are part of the experience; wear long pants to avoid friction.
• Sand can get into everything—keep devices in zipped bags.
• Electricity in camps is limited; charge essentials beforehand.
• If you’re staying in a luxury camp, they often provide showers, hot water, and comfortable bedding.

8. Food & Eating Customs

• Moroccan cuisine is flavorful but not always spicy—great for most travelers.
• Tajines, couscous, harira, and mint tea are must-tries.
• Sharing food is a sign of hospitality; you’ll often be offered more than you can finish.
• Eating with the hand (right hand) is traditional in some places but not required—utensils are always available.

9. Communication & Language

• Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is the main language.
• French is widely spoken in cities.
• Many locals in tourism also speak English, Spanish, or Italian.

Useful phrases:
• “Shukran” – Thank you
• “Safi” – Enough / okay
• “Besh-hal?” – How much?

10. What to Expect in Souks

• Souks are lively, colorful, and full of bargains.
• Haggling is normal—start at 30–40% of the asking price and negotiate politely.
• Vendors are friendly and love conversation; take your time.