Tour Overview
Our 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fez via the Merzouga desert is a more relaxed and in-depth version of the classic 3-day route. This extended itinerary allows you to explore the stunning landscapes of southern Morocco at a slower pace and spend more time enjoying the Sahara experience. We start in bustling Marrakech, cross the High Atlas Mountains, and visit the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. We spend a night in the beautiful Dades Valley and then head to the Todra Gorges before reaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. The night in the Berber camp with a camel ride is the highlight, with extra time in the area for optional activities. The journey continues north through the vast Ziz Valley and the picturesque Middle Atlas, ending in the historic imperial city of Fez.
This tour is perfect for those who want a more complete immersion in the desert and the fascinating landscapes of southern Morocco before heading to Fez, with a more comfortable travel pace.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Skoura Valley - Dades Valley
The tour begins with pick-up at your accommodation in Marrakech. We head south, crossing the Tizi N'Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, with panoramic stops. We will visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a very popular filming location. After lunch (not included) in Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa," we continue through the beautiful Skoura Oasis and the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" until we reach the Dades Valley. Dinner and overnight in a Riad or hotel in the Dades Valley.
Day 2: Dades Valley - Todra Gorges - Erfoud - Merzouga (Night in Desert Camp)
After breakfast, we will explore the Dades Valley, including the "monkey fingers" rock formations. Then, we travel to the spectacular Todra Gorges, an impressive canyon ideal for walking. The route takes us to the Sahara desert, passing through Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud (known for its fossils). Upon arrival in Merzouga in the afternoon, you will ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy the sunset, a traditional Berber dinner, music around the campfire, and a night under the stars in a desert camp.
Day 3: Merzouga (Desert Exploration) - Rissani - Erfoud - Errachidia - Ziz Valley - Midelt
After watching the sunrise and having breakfast at the camp, we return by camel or 4x4 to Merzouga. This extra day allows us to explore the desert surroundings. We will visit a Berber nomad family to learn about their lifestyle, the village of Khamlia (known for its Gnawa music), and stroll through the local market in Rissani (if it is a market day). After lunch (not included), we begin the northern part of the journey. We cross the vast palm grove of the Ziz Valley and continue to Errachidia and Midelt, where we spend the night in a hotel.
Day 4: Midelt - Cedar Forest (Azrou) - Ifrane - Fez
After breakfast, we continue our journey to Fez through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is the cedar forest near Azrou, where you can see Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat. Then we visit Ifrane, an alpine-style city known as the "Switzerland of Morocco." We will stop for lunch (not included) and enjoy the fresh mountain air. In the afternoon, we continue to Fez, arriving at the imperial city at the end of the day. We will transfer you to your accommodation, ending the tour.
Included and Excluded Services
Included
- Private transport in a 4x4 vehicle or comfortable minivan with air conditioning.
- Professional driver/guide speaking Spanish throughout the tour.
- Vehicle fuel.
- Pick up at your Riad/Hotel in Marrakech and return transfer at the end of the tour.
- Accommodation in hotel/riad in Dades Valley (includes dinner and breakfast).
- Accommodation in Berber camp in the Merzouga desert (standard or luxury, includes dinner and breakfast).
- Camel ride (one per person) to and from the desert camp.
- Traditional Berber music at the camp.
- Free time to explore sites like Ait Ben Haddou, Todra Gorges, etc.
Excluido
- Billetes de avión.
- Almuerzos durante el tour.
- Bebidas en las comidas y en los alojamientos.
- Entradas a monumentos o sitios históricos (ej: Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou si aplica).
- Propinas para el personal (conductor, guía, personal del campamento).
- Gastos personales.
Route Map
"More time on the road, more time to connect with the land and its people. This 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fez is a deep immersion into the true essence of Morocco."
Want a more complete adventure to Fez?
This 4-day tour offers you a slower pace and more time to enjoy.
Check or Book!