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moroccoepicjourney@gmail.com
This four-day tour is the best choice for an authentic desert experience travelling from Marrakech to Fes, connecting the two cities through some of southern Morocco’s most memorable settings: the High Atlas Mountains, the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses, the Dades Gorge, Todgha Gorge, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga, the Ziz Valley, the Middle Atlas cedar forest, and Ifrane. You ride a camel in the desert, sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp, visit a nomadic Berber family, and learn plenty about Berber culture. You cross the High Atlas with countless breathtaking views, discover southern Moroccan culture at Ait Ben Haddou, walk beneath the most magnificent canyon in Morocco, and watch glorious sunsets and sunrises over the giant dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: MARRAKECH -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH -> DADES GORGES
Your tour begins with a morning departure from your accommodation in Marrakech. Drive through the High Atlas Mountains to Ait Ben Haddou. You’ll see traditional Berber villages, enjoy the exquisite views of the Atlas Mountains, and stop at some panoramas for pictures.
Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou village. Here you’ll visit the antique Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, which has been protected by UNESCO since 1987. Many famous movies shot in Morocco used the Kasbah as a location, including Gladiator, Prince of Persia, and parts of the TV series Game of Thrones and O Clone.
After having lunch here, drive towards the Dades Gorges, passing through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses. Once you arrive at the Dades Gorges, you can visit the rock formations called “monkey toes” before heading to your accommodation.
Approximate driving distance/time: 353 km / 6 hours 30 minutes
DAY 2: DADES GORGES -> TODRA GORGE -> MERZOUGA DESERT
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll drive along the Todra River (full of palm groves and Berber villages) to the Todra Gorge in Tinghir, one of the most spectacular canyons in the world! Then travel to the Merzouga desert.
Before arriving at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, our driver/guide will suggest visiting a traditional Berber shop, where you’ll get to take some pictures wearing a Berber outfit for free. Then you can buy something if you wish (scarves are highly recommended for the desert). Note that it’s not obligatory to buy anything; the first goal of the shop is to promote Berber culture. You can let your driver/guide know if you’re not interested in the Berber shop so you can skip it.
When you arrive in Merzouga, you’ll have the opportunity to go on a camel ride into the desert to watch the sunset over the dunes and try sandboarding. You’ll then spend the night in a luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and experience the magic of the Sahara at night.
Approximate driving distance/time: 310 km / 5 hours
DAY 3: FULL DAY TO EXPLORE THE SAHARA DESERT
An early wake-up today is highly recommended to watch a glorious sunrise from the nearest dune. After a delicious breakfast in the camp, you’ll start your exploration of the Merzouga desert. Our 4×4 SUV will enable you to reach the Berber Nomads behind the dunes, where you’ll get to know the Berber lifestyle and how they have survived in the middle of nowhere, and much more about their rich culture. You’ll also visit a small hidden deserted village called Mefis, listen to Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia, and visit the Lake of Birds if it’s full.
Following lunch, we proceed to your Riad, where you may check in and enjoy some leisure time. During this time, you may choose to swim or take a stroll to the nearby dunes. Later in the evening, dinner will be served, after which you’ll spend the night at your Riad. It’s worth noting that you have the option to spend the night at the desert camp again if you desire.
Approximate driving distance/time: 57 km / 1 hour 15 minutes
DAY 4: MERZOUGA -> ZIZ VALLEY -> IFRANE -> FES
After a tasty breakfast at your Riad, we travel to Fes. On the way, we stop for a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley. We’ll have lunch in Midelt or somewhere along the way. We may see some Barbary apes in the Middle Atlas Mountains cedar forest. We’ll also stop in Ifrane for a break before heading to Fes. Your tour ends by dropping you off at your Riad in Fes.
Approximate driving distance/time: 500 km / 7 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?
The tour is a completely private experience. You will travel exclusively with the members of your own group, without joining other tourists. This 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 Marrakech Menara Airport or your accommodation in Marrakech on the first day. The tour ends in Fes, with a drop-off at your hotel or riad on the final day. If preferred, the itinerary can also be run in reverse from Fes to Marrakech 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.
Our kids will never forget the sunset over the dunes and the Berber night around the fire. A 4-day tour perfect for families.
Traveling alone but never lonely thanks to the guide. The Valley of Roses and the Ziz Valley were unforgettable stops.
A fantastic solo adventure. Ait Ben Haddou and the Todgha Gorge are places I recommend everyone see at least once.
A fantastic solo adventure. Ait Ben Haddou and the Todgha Gorge are places I recommend everyone see at least once.
A perfect family trip from Marrakech to Fes. The kids loved the camel trek and the night in the luxury camp. Patient driver with everyone.
