4-Day Tour From Fes To Marrakech Via Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Fes – Midelt – Rissani – Merzouga

Your journey begins in Fes, where you’ll embark on a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is in Ifrane, often referred to as “Morocco’s Switzerland” due to its European-style architecture and cool climate. Continue to the cedar forests near Azrou, home to Barbary macaques, where you can pause to observe these playful monkeys in their natural habitat. Journey onward through the Ziz Gorge, marveling at the dramatic landscapes as you pass by Midelt, a town known for its apple orchards and nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges. As you approach Rissani, explore the town that serves as the gateway to the Sahara, known for its traditional markets and historical significance as the former capital of the Tafilalet region. Arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea at a charming Riad. Enjoy a hearty dinner and settle in for the night, preparing for your desert adventure.

Day 2: Merzouga Desert Tour and Camel Trekking

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off to explore the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes. Begin your adventure with a 4×4 tour of the desert, visiting the village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music, where you can experience the hypnotic rhythms of this ancient African tradition. As you traverse the golden sands, you’ll learn about the life of the Berber nomads, stopping to share a traditional Berber pizza in Rissani, a dish unique to this region. In the late afternoon, return to Merzouga to prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a camel trek into the heart of the Sahara. As the sun begins to set, you’ll ride through the dunes, bathed in the warm glow of the fading light, until you reach your desert camp. Here, under a blanket of stars, you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner accompanied by Berber music, before spending the night in a cozy nomadic tent, surrounded by the peaceful silence of the desert.

Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges

After enjoying a spectacular sunrise over the desert, savor breakfast at your camp before embarking on your journey to Dades Gorges. Start by leaving the sandy dunes of Merzouga and driving through the lush oasis of Tafilalet, with its endless palm groves. As you pass through the small towns and villages, you’ll make a stop at the awe-inspiring Todra Gorges, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically to heights of over 300 meters. Take a leisurely walk along the river, marveling at the towering rock walls that nature has carved over millennia. After a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey through the scenic Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Here, the landscape changes to stunning rock formations, including the famous “Monkey Toes.” As evening falls, arrive at your hotel nestled in the valley, where you’ll enjoy a complimentary dinner and unwind in the tranquil surroundings of this picturesque region.

Day 4: Dades Gorges – Ouarzazate – Marrakesh

Start your day with a hearty breakfast amidst the beautiful scenery of Dades Valley before setting off towards Marrakesh. Travel through the Valley of Roses, particularly vibrant during the spring bloom when the air is filled with the scent of roses. Make a brief stop in Kalaat Mgouna, known for its rose products, and then continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its famous film studios and picturesque locations. Here, visit the historic Kasbah of Taourirt, a striking example of traditional Moroccan architecture. Your journey then takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village that has served as the backdrop for many films and TV shows. After exploring the kasbah, continue your drive over the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Arrive in Marrakesh by late afternoon or early evening, where you’ll check into your hotel and have the rest of the evening to relax or explore the vibrant city on your own.

Contact us to customize your tour in Morocco.