4 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (2 nights) → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes
Overview
This is the unhurried version of the Marrakech to Fes desert crossing. After the classic journey through Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge, you have a whole day to enjoy the area around Erg Chebbi before heading north to Fes.
Spend the extra day exploring Khamlia, a village known for its Gnawa musicians, the market town of Rissani and the ruins of ancient Sijilmassa, or simply relaxing at camp and walking in the dunes. Optional activities such as quad biking, sandboarding or a 4×4 excursion can be added. With two nights in the desert, this tour suits travellers who want to truly feel the Sahara rather than just pass through it, and it pairs well with a luxury camp.
Tour highlights
- Two nights in the Erg Chebbi area
- Gnawa music in Khamlia village
- Rissani market and the ruins of Sijilmassa
- Time for optional quad, 4×4 or sandboarding
- Ziz Valley, Midelt and the Middle Atlas cedar forest on the way to Fes
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley
Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, visit Ait Ben Haddou and continue to the Dades Valley for the night.
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Day 2
Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga desert camp
Walk in the Todra Gorge and drive to Merzouga. Camel ride into the dunes for sunset and dinner at camp.
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Day 3
A full day around Erg Chebbi
After sunrise and breakfast, explore at your own pace: Khamlia village and its Gnawa musicians, Rissani’s market and Sijilmassa, or optional activities on the dunes. Second night at the camp or in a hotel at the foot of the dunes.
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Day 4
Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes
Drive north through the Ziz Gorges and Midelt, then across the Middle Atlas via the cedar forest and Ifrane. Evening arrival in Fes.
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver who speaks English (other languages on request)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in the departure and arrival cities
- Accommodation for every night of the itinerary (hotel, riad or kasbah and desert camp)
- Breakfast and dinner on each overnight stay
- Camel ride to and from the desert camp where the itinerary includes one
- Fuel, tolls and parking
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and kasbahs
- Local guides in medinas unless stated in your quotation
- Optional activities (quad, 4×4 excursions, sandboarding…)
- Travel insurance and flights
- Tips and personal expenses
Practical information
Accommodation
1 night in the Dades Valley, 2 nights at Erg Chebbi (desert camp, or one night in a hotel at the edge of the dunes).
Transportation
Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver from Marrakech to Fes. Camel ride in Merzouga.
Departure & arrival
Starts: Marrakech · Ends: Fes
- Itineraries can be adjusted: tell us your dates, pace and interests
- Accommodation category (standard, superior or luxury) is chosen when you book
- Long driving days include regular photo, coffee and lunch stops
- Bring warm layers for desert nights, especially from November to March
- Final inclusions, price and payment terms are confirmed in your written quotation
Frequently asked questions
Can we choose a luxury desert camp?
Yes. Luxury camps with private en-suite tents can be selected when you request your quote.
Are the optional activities included?
No. Quad biking, sandboarding and 4×4 excursions are optional and quoted separately.
Can we end the tour in Chefchaouen?
Yes, we can extend the tour beyond Fes on request.
Request this tour
Send your dates and group details. We reply with a personalised proposal. Your request is not a confirmed booking until we confirm it in writing.
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Tell us your dates and we will prepare a clear, personalised proposal.