Marrakech to Fez via Merzouga Desert-4 Days

Day by day

1. 01
   Day 1Marrakech – High Atlas – Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Roses Valley – Dades Valley+

   • Distance ~320 km

   Meals: Dinner included

   After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel/riad in Marrakech . Travel through the High Atlas Mountains along the winding road of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramas and stops for photos.

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah Aït Benhaddou , Morocco’s most famous fortress village. Explore its narrow alleys, mud-brick kasbahs, and climb to the top for sweeping desert views .

   Continue to Ouarzazate , known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” with its Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah. Drive through the Skoura palm oasis and the Valley of Roses , renowned for rosewater distilleries and cosmetics.

   Arrive at the spectacular Dades Valley , carved by the river and lined with red & ochre cliffs. Dinner and overnight in a Moroccan-style hotel in the Valley.

   Night · Hotel/Riad in Dades Gorge

2. 02
   Day 2Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert+

   • Distance ~280 km

   Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included

   After breakfast, enjoy the stunning drive along the Road of 1000 Kasbahs , dotted with ancient fortresses. Stop at the Todra Gorge , where sheer cliffs rise up to 300m — a favorite for climbers and hikers. Take a short walk by the river.

   Continue via Erfoud , famous for its fossil workshops and dates festival. The scenery gradually transforms into golden dunes as you approach Merzouga Desert , home to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes.

   Settle into your desert riad/hotel facing the dunes. Relax, watch the dunes change colors at sunset , and enjoy a traditional Berber dinner.

   Night · Riad/Hotel facing Erg Chebbi dunes

3. 03
   Day 3Merzouga Desert Exploration – Khamlia Village – Camel Ride – Sahara Camp+

   Distance: ~40 km local exploration

   Travel Time: 3–4 hrs of easy driving (with visits)

   Camel Ride: ~1 hr each way (sunset & sunrise)

   Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included

   Day Highlights

   Your day begins with a relaxed exploration of the Merzouga region, a unique desert landscape at the edge of the golden Erg Chebbi dunes:

   - Hassi Labied Oasis – discover traditional Berber irrigation channels, still used today to cultivate crops in the desert.

   - Merzouga Seasonal Lake – depending on the season, you may spot migratory birds such as flamingos.

   - Khamlia Village – home of the Gnawa people, originally from sub-Saharan Africa, famous for their spiritual music and dance. Enjoy a live performance of Gnawa rhythms and a special “desert pizza” lunch baked in the sand.

   - In the late afternoon, return to Merzouga where your camel caravan awaits. Ride gently across the dunes at sunset , watching the colors of the Sahara shift from gold to deep red.

   Upon arrival at your camp, settle into your private tent and enjoy a traditional Berber dinner by the campfire, followed by local drumming and stargazing under one of the clearest skies in the world .

   Overnight Camp Options

   - Standard Desert Camp (included): Private tent with comfortable bedding; shared or private facilities depending on availability.

   - Luxury Desert Camp (upgrade): Spacious en-suite tent with hot shower, electricity, stylish décor, and full comfort.

   Supplement for Luxury Camp: +€80 per person

   Night · Sahara Desert Camp

4. 04
   Day 4Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Fes+

   • Transfer ~7 hours

   Meals: Breakfast

   After enjoying a hearty breakfast in Merzouga, we leave the desert behind and begin the journey back to Fes, one of Morocco’s most iconic imperial cities. The road winds through the breathtaking Ziz Valley, a fertile oasis dotted with palm groves, kasbahs, and small Berber villages. Take time to pause and capture the panoramic views of this unique desert landscape, where the contrast between green palms and golden cliffs is truly stunning.

   As we ascend into the High Atlas Mountains, the scenery transforms dramatically: rugged peaks, winding roads, and traditional Berber villages clinging to the hillsides. We stop in the town of Midelt, a lively market town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, where you can enjoy a relaxed lunch and perhaps browse local crafts.

   Our journey continues through Azrou, a town famous for its cedar forests. These ancient forests are home to the playful Barbary monkeys, and you’ll have the chance to see them in their natural habitat—an unforgettable wildlife experience.

   Passing through Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets, we descend toward Fes. You’ll notice the striking contrast between the mountain landscapes and the historic city that awaits. By early evening, around 5:00 PM, we arrive in Fes, where your next adventure in Morocco’s cultural heart will begin.

   Total journey: Approximately 7 hours

What to bring

Photos