Join us on a 4 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, passing through picturesque landscapes and charming villages. Traverse the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas Mountains, stopping at Azrou to observe the famous cedar forest and possibly spot Barbarian apes. Drive through the magnificent Ziz Gorges and along the luxuriant Ziz Valley, enjoying panoramic views. Explore the Gnawa village of Khamlia, visit the beautiful Merzouga Lake with its flamingos, and discover the historic city of Rissani.
Experience a camel trek into the mesmerizing sand sea of Merzouga and spend a night in a desert camp. Witness a breathtaking sunrise before returning to Merzouga village. Journey to the Todra Gorges, hike through the valley, and marvel at the rock formations of the Dades Valley. Continue through the Dades Valley, the route of the thousand Kasbahs, with stops at Kalaat Mgouna and the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Finally, cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and arrive in Marrakech, concluding the tour.
We will meet you at your accommodation in Fes and start travelling to Merzouga via Ifran and Midlet. During this journey you’ll experience glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas Mountains. Stopping at Azrou, a Berber village in the middle of the famous cedar forest – the largest in Morocco – where you may well sight Barbarian apes.
We’ll travel through the Tizi n’ Talghamt Pass to Midelt and along the magnificent Ziz Gorges carved through volcanic rock. Continue along the luxuriant Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way. We will drive through welcoming Berber villages to Erfoud, and then Rissani, before you arrive to Merzouga . You will be welcomed by a glass of mint tea before you check in to your riad or hotel.
Today’s driving distance: Approximately 421 Km / 260 miles
Today’s driving time: Approximately 7 hrs
After breakfast in your riad or hotel you will start an explorative journey of the area. You will be visiting the Gnawa people in their village Khamlia , where you will learn about the Gnawa music and their lifestyle. Not far away you will visit the lake of Merzouga, with its bird population, including the flamingos. Afterwards, you will visit the old city of Rissani – the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty – the current ruling royal family in Morocco.
Rissani is surrounded by 360 ksar (a fortified village with many towers) and has a big souk (an open market), held three times a week. Once called Sijilmassa, this was the meeting place for the salt caravans, coming from Timbuctou in Mali. Here you’ll walk through the souk, selling spices, vegetables and cloths. Drive back to the village of Merzouga.
On the afternoon, you will mount your camel, guided by an experienced camel man to explore within the sand-sea of Merzouga. Dinner will be served in front of the tent where you will spend the night.
Today’s driving distance: Approximately 20 Km / 12miles
Today’s driving time: Approximately 4 hrs
Early in the morning, your camelman will wake you up to watch what well may be the best sunrise of your life. Afterwards, you will peacefully camel-trek back to the village of Merzouga. Enroute you couldn’t fail to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast in the riad or hotel, you’ll leave for Rissani , Tinghir, and Todra gorges – the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco.
Here you will have the option to hike for an hour within the valley, where you will meet locals and learn about the culture and geography. After lunch in the heart of the gorge, you will continue to the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sandcastles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes”. Here you will stay overnight in a riad or hotel.
Today’s driving distance: Approximately 247 Km / 153 miles
Today’s driving time: Approximately 4 hrs
After breakfast in your riad or hotel, you will start travelling through the Dades Valley towards Ouarzazat and then to Marrakech. The route through Dades Valley is the way of the thousand Kasbahs – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photographic shots of the trip.
You will stop at Kalaat Mgouna, “the rose city”, where you will have the option to visit the cooperative for the roses, to purchase the rosewater, which will make your linen smell good a long time after your trip is over.AC
Continue to Marrakech via the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Built by Et Hami El Glaoui, one of the last Berber chieftains during the 19th century, now the Kasbah is a house of many Glaoui people. Your journey will continue through the majestic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m) over the High Atlas Mountains, before arriving at your accommodation in Marrakech.
Today’s driving distance: Approximately 317 Km / 196 miles
Today’s driving time: Approximately 5 hrs
Once you book your Fes to Marrakech desert tour 4 days with us, you should expect to stay at authentic hotels and luxury camps in the Sahara desert, including private rooms and ensuite tents with essential amenities, complete with private showers and flush toilets, ensuring a comfortable and private stay. Our guests can choose from various accommodation options, from luxurious suites to all-inclusive resorts. We have narrowed down the best accommodation options to suit all preferences, budgets, services, decorations, and locations. We gathered the top-rated hotels and desert camps in Morocco based on our deep experiences and we’ve organized them by luxury, mid-range, and budget to help you choose the best hotel for your group.
All our accommodations are decorated in Moroccan style. The rooms are clean and well-maintained, providing a truly outstanding experience such as complimentary breakfast, and guests praise the helpful staff, which is the perfect place to unwind after an exploration day full of activities. We constantly allow our guests to match between Our best-selected accommodations also. In case, these accommodations are not available on your requested dates, we’ll book the alternative ones in the same category and let you know in advance. If you have a preferred alternative accommodation in mind, just let us know and we’ll be happy to accommodate your request, ensuring it aligns with your travel plans and preferences. Your comfort and convenience are our priority! We invite you to get in touch with us, selecting the accommodation level and our local team will share the accommodation links.
The price of our 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech can vary depending on several factors, including accommodations, the size of your group, and the season of your travel. The more participants in your group, the lower the cost per person, making it ideal for larger groups seeking affordability.
For those who prefer to travel in October, April or the end of December, we highly recommend contacting us in advance. This will not only help you avoid peak season fees but also provide a greater chance of securing your preferred accommodations during these popular travel periods.
For a pricing quote, we invite you to get in touch with us as soon as you know your dates. Our expert team shall provide the best price that meets your requirements and budget.
Traverse Morocco is the place to go! If you’re looking to enjoy your vacation in Morocco, I’d highly advise contacting Traverse. Everyone we encountered was absolutely wonderful. Mohammed helped to coordinate our trip while Abraham provided transportation. Abraham was WONDERFUL! So kind, patient and helpful…
Service was amazing ! Great communication, definitely using Traverse Morocco again ! Highly recommend 10/10! Shukran ! Thanmerth!
The best time to visit the Sahara Desert is during the cooler months, from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for exploring.
We highly recommend you bring a couple of essential things such as comfortable and loose clothes for the camel ride, a camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a scarf for your camel ride experience. In addition to that, your 4 day Fes to Marrakech desert tour includes a full day in the desert to attend Berber nomad families in their tents. Moreover, if you have some clothes, toys, or notebooks you do not need anymore in your entire life. Please do not hesitate to bring them for a donation, they’ll appreciate it.
Definitely yes! All our selected camps are luxurious, guaranteeing your comfort with the added convenience of private ensuite bathrooms.
Moroccan cuisine is diverse and flavorful, known for dishes such as tagine (slow-cooked stews), couscous, and pastilla (a savory pastry). It often features a blend of spices like cumin, saffron, and cinnamon.
The early bird catches the worm! It’s recommended booking this tour as soon as you know your exact dates of travel. Not only to avoid the high season travel fees, but you’ll have a chance to stay at preferred accommodations.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+212 663 606 413
contact@traversemorocco.com