4-Day Desert Tour Overview
Complete Fes to Marrakech Desert Circuit via Sahara & Atlas MountainsThe tour includes private transportation, guided visits, desert camp accommodation, camel trekking, and comfortable hotel stays.
The Fes to Marrakech 4-day desert tour covers approximately 900 kilometers through Morocco's most spectacular regions. Starting from the imperial city of Fes, you'll journey through the Middle Atlas to the Sahara desert at Merzouga, then travel through the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley (known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs"), visit the UNESCO-protected Ait Ben Haddou, cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka pass, and finally arrive in Marrakech.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Morocco's desert magic while connecting two of its most famous cities. You'll enjoy Berber hospitality, traditional cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes at every turn. For more information about the region's geology, visit the Wikipedia page on Todra Gorge.
4-Day Desert Tour Itinerary: Fes to Marrakech
Detailed day-by-day itinerary of your desert circuit adventureDay 1: Fes - Ifrane - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Merzouga Desert Camp
Departure from Fes & Middle Atlas
Depart from your accommodation in Fes and travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Visit the charming town of Ifrane, known as "Morocco's Little Switzerland" for its alpine architecture. Continue through cedar forests where you might spot Barbary macaques.
Midelt & Ziz Valley to Merzouga
Stop in Midelt for lunch (optional) with mountain views. Continue south, descending into the spectacular Ziz Valley with its extensive palm groves and dramatic gorges. Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga in the late afternoon.
Camel Trek & Desert Camp
Meet your camel caravan for a magical sunset camel trek into the heart of the Sahara. Arrive at your desert camp nestled among the dunes. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, accompanied by Berber music around a campfire. Overnight in comfortable desert tents.
Day 2: Merzouga - Rissani - Todra Gorge - Dades Valley
Sunrise & Return from Desert
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara dunes (optional). Enjoy breakfast at the camp, then camel trek back to Merzouga village. Take a shower at a local hotel before continuing your journey.
Rissani & Todra Gorge
Visit Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet region and birthplace of Morocco's Alaouite dynasty. Explore the traditional market (souk) if time permits. Continue to the spectacular Todra Gorge, where limestone cliffs rise 300 meters above the river. Take a walk through the gorge to appreciate its scale.
Dades Valley & Overnight
Travel through the scenic Dades Valley, also known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" for its numerous traditional fortifications. Stop at strategic viewpoints including the famous "Monkey Fingers" rock formations. Check into your hotel in the Dades Valley area for overnight stay.
Day 3: Dades Valley - Rose Valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou
Dades Valley Exploration
After breakfast, explore more of the Dades Valley, visiting traditional kasbahs and Berber villages. Travel through the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" toward Kelaat M'Gouna.
Rose Valley (Seasonal)
If traveling during April-May, visit the fragrant Valley of the Roses near Kelaat M'Gouna. Learn about rose water and oil production at a local cooperative. Outside rose season, enjoy the scenic drive through this agricultural region.
Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou
Arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara." Optional visit to the Atlas Film Studios. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, the most famous ksar (fortified village) in Morocco. Explore this ancient settlement on foot with your guide. Check into your hotel near Ait Ben Haddou.
Day 4: Ait Ben Haddou - High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech
Ait Ben Haddou & Telouet Kasbah
Morning visit to Ait Ben Haddou for better photography light and fewer crowds. Then travel through the Ounila Valley, stopping at the partially restored Telouet Kasbah, once the seat of the powerful Glaoui family.
Atlas Mountains Crossing
Begin the spectacular drive over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m), the highest mountain pass in North Africa. Stop at panoramic viewpoints to photograph the dramatic landscapes and traditional Berber villages.
Arrival in Marrakech
Descend from the Atlas Mountains toward the plains surrounding Marrakech. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon (around 5:00-6:00 PM), where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation, completing your 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Desert Tour Highlights
Experience the best of Morocco's 4-day desert circuitMerzouga Desert
Camel trekking & overnight in Sahara desert camp
Todra Gorge
300m high limestone cliffs & scenic walk
Dades Valley
"Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" with stunning views
Ait Ben Haddou
UNESCO World Heritage fortified village
Ifrane
Morocco's "Little Switzerland" alpine town
Atlas Mountains
Spectacular crossing via Tizi n'Tichka pass
What's Included / Not Included
Complete details for your 4-day desert tour package- Hotel pick-up in Fes & drop-off in Marrakech
- Private transportation in comfortable vehicle
- English/French-speaking driver/guide
- 3 nights accommodation (hotels & desert camp)
- Camel trekking in Merzouga (sunset & sunrise)
- Dinner & breakfast at desert camp
- Breakfast at hotels (Days 2, 3, 4)
- Camp accommodation (private tent with beds)
- Mineral water during transfers
- Lunches during the journey
- Drinks and personal snacks
- Entrance fees to monuments & museums
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips for guides and camel handlers
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Dinners at hotels (except desert camp)
Practical Details
Important information for your 4-day desert tourFrequently Asked Questions
About our 4-day Fes to Marrakech desert tourThe tour includes 3 nights accommodation: Night 1 in a comfortable desert camp in Merzouga (private tent with beds and bedding); Night 2 in a hotel/riad in Dades Valley area (standard rooms with private bathrooms); Night 3 in a hotel/riad near Ait Ben Haddou (standard rooms with private bathrooms). All accommodations are selected for comfort, cleanliness, and authentic Moroccan character. The desert camp typically has shared bathroom facilities, while hotels have private bathrooms.
Daily driving distances vary: Day 1: Fes to Merzouga (~7-8 hours with stops); Day 2: Merzouga to Dades Valley (~4-5 hours with stops); Day 3: Dades Valley to Ait Ben Haddou (~4-5 hours with stops); Day 4: Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech (~5-6 hours with stops). The journey is broken with frequent stops for photos, visits, meals, and restrooms. The scenic nature of the routes makes the travel time enjoyable. Private transportation ensures comfort and flexibility.
Essential packing includes: comfortable clothing (layers for varying temperatures), closed shoes for walking/camel riding, sandals, warm jacket (desert nights can be cold), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), headlamp or flashlight, camera with extra batteries, power bank, personal toiletries, small towel, sleeping bag liner (optional for desert camp), and any necessary medications. Pack in soft luggage for easier transport.
Yes, absolutely! As a private tour, it can be customized to your preferences. Possible customizations include: adding extra nights in any location, changing accommodation types (upgrading to luxury camps/hotels), adding specific activities (quad biking in desert, hiking in Todra Gorge), or extending the tour to visit other destinations like Essaouira, Chefchaouen, or Casablanca. You can also adjust the daily pace or add/remove stops. Discuss your preferences when booking for a customized quote.
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are pleasant throughout the route. Winter (December to February) offers cool days but cold desert nights - bring warm clothing. Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot in the desert, though manageable with early starts and air-conditioned vehicles. The Rose Valley is particularly beautiful during the rose harvest in May. Regardless of season, the tour operates year-round with appropriate preparations.