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This four-day tour explores the stunning Erg Chebbi Dunes on a journey from Fes to Marrakech through Morocco’s Sahara, showcasing the remarkable cultural and geographic diversity of Southern Morocco through some of its most striking settings: Ifrane, the Middle Atlas Mountains and the cedar forest of Azrou, the Ziz Valley, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga, Khamlia, M’Fis, Rissani, Erfoud, Todgha Gorge in Tinghir, the Dades Gorge, the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, Ouarzazate, the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, and the High Atlas Mountains.
You observe Barbary apes in the cedar forest, meet a Berber family in the desert, ride a camel across the mesmerizing dunes, sleep under the stars in a desert camp, stroll along the rock formations of Todgha Canyon, and step back in time exploring the ancient walls and courtyards of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: FES -> IFRANE -> MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> ZIZ VALLEY -> MERZOUGA
Start your tour with a morning pick-up from your hotel/riad in Fes. Depart the city and head towards Ifrane, where you can take a brief 15-minute stop and perhaps have a cup of coffee before continuing your journey to the cedar forest of Azrou in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the Barbary monkeys.
Drive to Merzouga via Midelt and along the Ziz Valley (a valley full of palm trees). In the afternoon, arrive at Merzouga and enjoy your stay at a beautiful riad overlooking the golden sand dunes that surround the town.
Approximate driving distance/time: 500 km / 7 hours 30 minutes
DAY 2: FULL DAY TO EXPLORE THE MERZOUGA DESERT
Your day of exploration in the Merzouga desert begins with a delicious breakfast in your riad. Your first stop will be the small town of Khamlia, where you can listen to a unique style of music called Gnawa, played by the locals who originally came from the south of Africa. Next, you’ll drive off-road to M’Fis, an abandoned village with mines of Galena, a mineral once used to make Mascara.
You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the nomadic lifestyle of a family living behind the Erg Chebbi Dunes near the borders, as you enjoy a cup of tea in one of their traditional Berber tents. This ethnic group has chosen to live a very different life away from civilization, and it’s fascinating to discover their way of life.
In the afternoon, get ready for an epic camel ride across the high dunes of Merzouga to your desert camp. On the way, you’ll stop on a high dune, where you can experience sandboarding while watching a stunning sunset. After dinner, you can relax around a campfire under the starry sky, while the camp staff plays drums and happily teaches you how to play them. Enjoy a magical night.
Approximate driving distance/time: 57 km / 1 hour 15 minutes
DAY 3: MERZOUGA -> TODRA GORGE -> DADES GORGE
Today, waking up early is highly recommended to catch a pretty sunrise. After that, have a yummy breakfast at your desert camp.
Next, you’ll be going on a fun road trip through different places like Rissani, Erfoud, Tinghir, and Todra Gorge, on your way to Dades Gorge. If today happens to be a market day in Rissani (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday), you can choose to visit a traditional Moroccan market. It’s a fantastic cultural experience that will provide you with a glimpse into the local way of life. This is the place where there are traditional handicrafts, spices, and street food that are not easily found elsewhere. You’ll have many other stops along the way to take cool pictures and learn about the local people and their traditions.
In the afternoon, arrive in Dades Gorge, where your hotel for the night awaits. Dinner and overnight in your hotel.
Approximate driving distance/time: 310 km / 5 hours
DAY 4: DADES GORGE -> OUARZAZATE -> AIT BEN HADDOU -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> MARRAKECH
After a delicious breakfast in your hotel, you’ll get to explore the area. Then, drive along the road of 1000 Kasbahs to Ouarzazate. Here, you can visit the Atlas Studios or just have some photos from outside. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, which was used for the filming of many famous movies such as Gladiator, Prince of Persia, and the TV series Game of Thrones.
After enjoying a tasty lunch, your journey continues as you make your way to Marrakech while crossing the magnificent High Atlas Mountains. You’ll pass through a variety of charming Moroccan Berber villages. You’ll have many stops along the way. Your tour will come to an end by dropping you off at your accommodation in Marrakech, feeling enriched by the experience.
Approximate driving distance/time: 353 km / 6 hours 30 minutes
IMPORTANT NOTES
THE PRICE
The price varies depending on the number of travelers. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person can be. Transportation costs are fixed and shared between the travelers. The final price also depends on the accommodation category you choose, such as standard, superior, or luxury. Contact us for an exact quotation based on your group size, travel dates, and preferences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the tour private or shared?
This itinerary can be booked as a completely private tour, where you travel exclusively with the members of your own group, or as a small group tour (maximum of 10 travelers). The private option gives you greater flexibility with the schedule, stops, pace, and overall experience.
How long is the camel ride? What is the alternative to camels?
The camel ride usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours to reach the desert camp, depending on the camp location and conditions. If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can be transferred to the camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost. Quad biking and buggy excursions are also available at an extra cost.
Is the desert tent private? Does it have a private bathroom and shower?
Yes. Our luxury desert camp offers private tents equipped with private en-suite bathrooms, including a shower and hot running water.
What happens to our luggage during the camel ride?
During the camel ride, you only need to carry a small backpack with the essentials you need for the night. Your main luggage will be transported by the camp’s 4×4 vehicle and will be waiting for you at your tent when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best times to visit Morocco are generally spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when temperatures are usually pleasant across much of the country. Winter can also be an excellent time to travel, especially for exploring the southern desert regions.
What type of vehicles are used?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles:
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. We can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific requests. Please let us know when booking so we can arrange the included meals and stops along the route accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is suitable for travelers of different ages. Please note that some days involve several hours of driving to cover the distances between different regions of Morocco. Our vehicles are comfortable, and regular stops can be made during the journey.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Pick-up is available directly from your hotel or riad in Fes on the first day. The tour ends in Marrakech, with a drop-off at Marrakech Menara Airport or your accommodation on the final day. If preferred, the itinerary can also start or finish in another city upon request.
Expenses and additional costs
Currency exchange: Euros and US Dollars can be exchanged for Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) at banks, airports, and exchange offices. ATMs are also widely available throughout Morocco.
Cost of meals: Lunches are not included in the tour price and generally cost around 5–20 EUR per person, depending on the restaurant and location.
Bargaining: Negotiating prices in souks and traditional markets is a normal part of shopping culture in Morocco.
BOOKING PROCESS
1. Contact us
Contact us through our contact form, email, or WhatsApp and provide the number of travelers, your approximate travel date, and your preferred accommodation category.
2. Confirm your booking
A small deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Payment can be made through PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash in EUR, USD, or MAD directly to the driver upon arrival.
WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE MOROCCO TOUR?
A private tour allows you to travel at your own pace, with greater flexibility over departure times, sightseeing stops, breaks, activities, and accommodation choices.
You will have an experienced private driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group, giving you more freedom and comfort throughout the journey. Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, group of friends, or a small private group, the itinerary can be adapted around your interests and travel preferences.
A fantastic experience with the whole family. This 4-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour is varied and never dull. Well organized.
Vivimos días maravillosos en Marruecos. las Gargantas del Todra y las dunas de Erg Chebbi encantaron a toda la familia.
Viaggio perfetto in famiglia. I bambini hanno adorato le dune dell’Erg Chebbi e la notte nel campo nel deserto. Autista paziente con tutti.
Un equilibrio perfecto entre cultura y naturaleza. el Valle del Ziz, las dunas de Erg Chebbi y las Gargantas del Todra nos conquistaron. Guía amable y competente.
Perfect for a family holiday. the Erg Chebbi dunes, the camp and the Ziz Valley made our children happy. Very helpful guide.
