Description
This is the only one of our itineraries that combines two consecutive nights in the Sahara with a one-way route: you leave Marrakech and arrive in Fes at around 18:00 on day four, without doubling back. Most people who book it carry on travelling from the north, so it is worth arranging the hotel and the onward flight out of Fes in advance.
Day one is about six hours to the Dades, with Aït Ben Haddou visited alongside a local guide through the souks and the craft workshops, the oasis of Skoura and the Valley of Roses. Day two brings the Todra Gorges and then Erfoud, town of fossils and dates, before the sunset ride out to the Mouhou Camp.
On day three there is barely any driving: a 4×4 takes you to nomad families under their tents, to an abandoned village that once lived off galena mines, to Khamlia for a live gnaoua performance and, if it has filled with water, to the lake of Dayet Srij and its migrating birds; in the evening you return to the same camp. Day four climbs north through the Ziz Valley, Midelt and Ifrane. If camels are not for you, the transfer to the camp by 4×4 costs nothing extra.
| Day | Departure from | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Marrakech | Dades |
| 2nd | Dades Valley | Merzouga |
| 3rd | Merzouga | The desert (Merzouga) |
| 4th | Merzouga desert | Fes |
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech > High Atlas > Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah > Ouarzazate > Mgouna > Dades:
After picking you up in Marrakech, we begin our journey through the High Atlas Mountains. The roads are steep and winding, with spectacular views along the way. The drive from Marrakech to the Dades Valley takes about six hours.
On the way, we descend towards the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou, a famous fortified village with a rich history. You will have time to explore the market area, where a local guide will show you the fascinating souks and craft stalls.
Continuing our journey, we pass through the desert oasis of Skoura and visit the scenic Valley of Roses. From there we follow the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, a route dotted with ancient fortresses and breathtaking landscapes.
We spend the first night in a hotel in the Dades Valley, where dinner is served.
Day 2
The Dades Valley > Todra > Erfoud > The Merzouga desert (Erg Chebbi):
The second day of your adventure begins with a delicious breakfast at the hotel to give you energy for the journey ahead. After checking out, we set off on a scenic four-hour drive towards the edge of the Sahara desert at Merzouga.
Along the way, we stop in the charming town of Tinghir, known for its lush palm groves and traditional Berber houses. From here you can enjoy a pleasant walk through the beautiful Todra Oasis, followed by a visit to the dramatic Todra Gorge, towering limestone canyons that are a popular destination for hikers and climbers.
Continuing east, we pass through the desert town of Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and dates.
On arrival in Merzouga, you are welcomed by a camel caravan that takes you on a magical sunset trek among the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. The one-hour ride offers breathtaking views as the sun drops below the horizon, painting the desert in orange and golden shades.
As night falls, we reach our own Bedouin-style desert camp, Mouhou Camp, where you can have dinner under the stars, listen to live Berber music by the fire and sleep peacefully surrounded by the silence of the Sahara.
Day 3
Merzouga > Berber villages > The Black Desert > Khamlia > Merzouga:
Start the day early to witness the serene beauty of sunrise in the desert from your camp: an unforgettable and peaceful experience. After a delicious breakfast, one of our local drivers, Omar or a colleague of his, will pick you up for the 4×4 excursion to explore the whole Merzouga desert.
The first stop takes us to an area where nomadic families live. You are welcomed into one of their traditional tents and offered mint tea, an authentic chance to learn about their way of life and how they survive in such a remote and harsh environment, far from modern civilisation.
We then venture into a hidden, abandoned village, once known for its galena (lead ore) mines. This forgotten settlement in the middle of the desert offers a glimpse into a lesser-known part of Moroccan history.
Afterwards we continue to the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnaoua music. Here, local musicians descended from sub-Saharan African communities, such as those of Sudan and Mali, give a live performance. It is a unique cultural experience that highlights the musical and spiritual heritage of the region. You can also enjoy a freshly prepared lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, if the nearby seasonal lake of Merzouga (Dayet Srij) has filled with water, we stop to watch the migratory birds and enjoy the peaceful landscape before heading back to the camp among the dunes for a relaxing evening and your second night in the desert.
Day 4
Merzouga > The Ziz Valley > Midelt > Azrou > Ifrane > the city of Fes:
The day starts early to watch the breathtaking sunrise over the desert, followed by a hearty breakfast at the camp. On the journey to Fes, the first stop is the Ziz Valley, followed by Midelt, often called the “apple city”, set between the Middle and High Atlas mountains. In Midelt we break for lunch at the restaurant we use on every pass through: tagine, grilled meat (BBQ) and mint tea before getting back on the road.
We then continue to Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its clean streets, alpine-style architecture and European atmosphere. After a scenic drive through the Atlas region, we arrive in Fes at around 18:00, bringing our unforgettable tour to a close.
Book the 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes
The price of the 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes through the Merzouga desert starts at 220 euros, but varies according to the travel season, the type of accommodation and the number of participants.
Book nowNote: The itinerary of the 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes can be personalised to suit your requirements.
Included
- Pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech
- Modern private transport in a 4×4 SUV, van or minibus
- Experienced driver (multilingual)
- Accommodation for the first, second and third nights
- Meals: 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts
- Camel trek
- Two nights in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi
- Sandboarding on the dunes
Not included
- Entrance tickets, where required
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tips
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach the desert from Marrakech?
The journey from Marrakech to the Sahara desert, and Merzouga in particular, takes about 9-10 hours of driving. To make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable, we include an overnight stay in the Dades Valley to break up the long drive.
Can I skip the camel ride to the desert camp?
Absolutely! If you would rather not ride a camel, we have you covered. You can travel comfortably in a 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost. We will take you straight to the camp: your comfort and satisfaction are our priorities!
How far in advance should I book this tour?
It is best to book the tour as early as possible: first come, first served! Booking in advance guarantees availability and gives you more flexibility with dates and accommodation.
How do I book and pay for the tour?
Our payment process is simple and hassle-free. To confirm your booking, we kindly ask for a small deposit, which can easily be paid by PayPal, bank transfer or Wise at the time of booking. The balance is due in cash on the first day of the tour and is paid directly to your driver or guide. You can pay in euros, US dollars or the equivalent amount in Moroccan dirhams.
With the August heat, are two nights in the desert manageable?
In August the Sahara really is hot and a sandstorm can blow up. If conditions do not hold, one of the two nights is spent in a hotel in Merzouga and the next day's programme stays the same.
What our travellers say
Excellent
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