Fez to Marrakech Sahara Desert Tour – 4 Days

Your journey begins after breakfast as we leave Fez and head to the remote eastern town of Merzouga. Along the way, we will stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” where you can stretch your legs near the lion statue and admire the beautiful gardens. Continuing through the Middle Atlas, we will drive through a vast cedar forest and stop to observe the playful Barbary apes. We will traverse the Tiz Ntalghamt Pass and Ziz Gorge, where you can enjoy stunning views of the High Atlas plateau. As the landscape shifts to reveal the first hints of the desert, we will arrive in Errachidia. Here, you will experience the warmth of Berber hospitality while enjoying a delicious lunch. We will then drive through the lush Ziz Valley, making stops for panoramic photos before reaching Erfoud and Rissani. By late afternoon, we will arrive in Merzouga, where you will be welcomed with traditional mint tea before checking into your riad for the night.

At 9:00 AM, your guide will pick you up for a full-day exploration of Merzouga and its surroundings. Our first stop is Khamlia village, where you will meet the descendants of Sub-saharan slaves and enjoy their spiritual Gnawa music and vibrant dancing. We will venture off-road behind the Erg Chebbi dunes to visit abandoned mines, remote desert villages, and a nomadic Berber encampment. The nomadic families will warmly welcome us, offering tea and sharing insights into their traditional way of life. Return to Merzouga for lunch, where we recommend trying the famous Berber “pizza” – a savory pie stuffed with meat, vegetables, and Moroccan spices cooked over an open flame. In the late afternoon, you will embark on a 50 to 70-minute dromedary camel ride through the golden Erg Chebbi dunes to our luxury desert camp. Witness a magical sunset and, if you’re feeling adventurous, try sandboarding (requested). Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, followed by an evening of music and storytelling under the starry Sahara sky.

Rise early to catch the sunrise over the dunes before enjoying breakfast at the camp. We will return to Merzouga by camel and bid farewell to the desert as we drive to Rissani. Explore the local market, famous for its dates, spices, and unique crafts. Our journey continues through Erfoud to the stunning Todgha Gorge, where you will take a refreshing walk through the towering rock canyon. After lunch, we will drive to Boumalen Dades, passing by kasbahs and scenic landscapes. Along the way, we will stop at the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formation and capture panoramic views of the Dades Gorge. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a charming hotel nestled at the base of the canyon.

After breakfast, we will drive through the picturesque Skoura Valley and the rose-filled town of Kelaa Mgouna on our way to Ouarzazate. This route, known as the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” offers countless photo opportunities. We will stop for lunch at Ait Ben Haddou, the largest and most famous kasbah in Morocco. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once an important stop for traders crossing the Sahara. Walk through the ancient alleys, cross the riverbed, and climb to the granary for panoramic views of the village. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey over the High Atlas Mountains, passing through scenic Berber villages and winding roads before arriving in Marrakech. Your adventure concludes in Marrakech where our driver will drop you off at your accommodation.