Duration

4 Day / 3 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

17 people

Languages

English, Espanol

About this tour

The 4-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour adds what every 3-day itinerary lacks: a full day in the Sahara. You’ll cross the High Atlas, explore the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and the film studios of Ouarzazate, walk the Todgha Gorge — and then spend a whole day among the Erg Chebbi dunes: 4×4 desert circuit, Gnawa music in Khamlia, nomad family visit, and a second magical evening before continuing to Fes.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech — Tizi n’Tichka — Ait Ben Haddou — Dades Valley

Over the High Atlas with photo stops, then Ait Ben Haddou — the mud-brick fortress seen in Gladiator, The Mummy and Game of Thrones. Continue via Ouarzazate’s Atlas Film Studios and the Kasbah Amridil in Skoura to the Dades Valley for the night.

Day 2: Dades — Todgha Gorge — Merzouga camel trek

Walk the towering Todgha canyon, lunch in the Tinghir oasis, then reach Merzouga by afternoon for the sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi and your first night at the desert camp.

Day 3: Full Sahara day — Khamlia — nomads — dunes

This is the day that makes it. A 4×4 circuit of the dune sea, Gnawa music with the village musicians of Khamlia, tea with a nomadic family, the black desert and the seasonal flamingo lake — then sunset from the high dunes and a second desert-region night.

Day 4: Ziz Valley — Midelt — cedar forests — Fes

North through palm-filled gorges and the Middle Atlas cedar forests (Barbary apes near Azrou), arriving at your Fes riad by evening.

What’s included

Air-conditioned modern 4×4 or van with an English-speaking driver-guide, hotel stays with dinner and breakfast, the Erg Chebbi camel ride, the Sahara camp experience and drop-off in Fes.

Choosing your desert route

Tight on time? The 3-day Marrakech to Fes tour hits the highlights. Want the desert as part of a loop from Marrakech? See the 6-day Sahara desert tour, or browse every option on our Sahara desert tours page.

Highlights

Cross the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech to Ouarzazate.
Explore the preserved Kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou and Amrdil.
Stroll through the Todgha oasis, gaining insights into Berber culture.
Embark on a camel trek in Erg Chebbi, witnessing a breathtaking sunset.
Indulge in the luxury of spending a night in your Sahara desert camp.
Visit the Fossils museum in Erfoud.
Encounter Barbary apes in the Middle Atlas Mountains on route to Fes.

Included/Excluded

A/C modern 4×4 or van with an English-speaking guide.
Hotel stays with dinner and breakfast.
Camel ride in Erg Chebbi.
Sahara desert camp experience.
Drop off at your Fes accommodation.

Beverages during dinners.
Lunches on the way.
Local guides and entrance fees (if any).

Frequently asked questions

The distance between Marrakech and Fes is 520 Km via the motorway. The scenic route through the Middle Atlas Mountains is 570 Km, requiring a whole day. An alternative route through Merzouga and the Sahara desert is 1030 Km, taking a minimum of 3 days.

Approximately 1030 Km via the Merzouga route, requiring a minimum of 3 days for a fulfilling journey

While optional, the camel ride is a highlight. Alternative arrangements can be made for those who prefer.

The camel ride is approximately 1 hour, offering a unique journey through the mesmerizing desert landscape.

Bathrooms are shared, but showers are available in the morning at the camp operator's lodge.

Yes, experience the thrill of the desert landscape with available quad bike rentals. Check with local providers for details.

While individual tents may lack outlets, common areas often provide facilities for charging electronic devices.

A stay of at least 3 days is recommended to fully explore Fes and its rich history, culture, and attractions.

Absolutely! Couples or small groups can join our private tour for a shared and enriching experience.