4-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Overview

An unforgettable 4-day journey from Marrakech to Fes through the breathtaking landscapes of southern Morocco and the Sahara Desert. This immersive experience takes you across the majestic High Atlas Mountains, through ancient kasbahs, lush valleys, and into the heart of the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Along the way, you’ll discover traditional Berber villages, dramatic gorges, and enjoy authentic desert hospitality under a sky full of stars.

Tour Highlights – 4-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

• Travel across the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou, an iconic film set

• Visit Ouarzazate, home to the famous Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah

• Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Dades Valley and Todra Gorges

• Experience a sunset camel trek through the mesmerizing dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga

• Spend a magical night in a Berber desert camp with traditional music and Moroccan cuisine

• Witness unforgettable sunrises over the Sahara Desert

• Meet nomadic families and explore remote Berber villages

• Drive through the lush Ziz Valley and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains

• Spot wild Barbary apes near Azrou before arriving in the imperial city of Fes

Tour Details

Destination: Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate & Fes
Departure Location: Any location in Marrakech
Return Location: Any location in Fes
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Price: Varies depending on the number of travelers

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorge

Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) with panoramic views. Along the way, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified village featured in blockbuster films like Gladiator and the hit series Game of Thrones.
After lunch, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you can visit the famous Atlas Film Studios and the historic Taourirt Kasbah.
Our route then takes us through the Valley of Roses, renowned for its annual Rose Festival, before reaching the stunning Dades Gorge, where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel, with dinner included.

Day 2: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we set out toward the spectacular Todra Gorge, a natural wonder with towering canyon walls that attract climbers and nature lovers alike. We then pass through the scenic Ziz Valley, lined with date palms, before arriving in Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and Sahara gateway.
We visit a local fossil museum or artisan cooperative before continuing to Rissani, an ancient market town and cradle of the Alaouite dynasty.
From here, we head into the Merzouga Desert, where you’ll enjoy a night at a charming desert riad at the edge of the dunes.

Day 3: Full Day in the Merzouga Desert

This day is dedicated to exploring the magic of the Erg Chebbi dunes. You may choose a camel trek, a 4×4 desert excursion, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere.
We visit the Khamlia village, home to Gnaoua musicians known for their spiritual music and rich cultural heritage. Later in the afternoon, we’ll ride camels into the dunes to watch the sunset over the Sahara, followed by a memorable evening in a traditional Berber camp. Enjoy dinner under the stars with live drumming around the campfire for a truly unforgettable desert night.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Midelt – Fes

After an early wake-up to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes, return by camel to the camp base for breakfast. We begin our journey north, passing through Erfoud and Rissani, then making a stop in Midelt—nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains—for lunch.
Continuing through cedar forests and mountain villages, we may encounter Barbary macaques near Azrou before reaching our final destination: the imperial city of Fes, where the tour concludes.