4 Days Trip from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorge

Your 4-day trip from Marrakech to Fes begins this morning. After leaving Marrakech, we head south over the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m), enjoying superb mountain views and glimpses of traditional Berber villages. We stop to visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987 and a famed backdrop for over 20 films, followed by lunch at a traditional restaurant.

We then continue through Ouarzazate, the gateway to the south, and onwards to the fertile Skoura oasis with its immense palm groves. Our journey leads us next to the Valley of Roses (in season, typically April-May), where roses are a vital crop for the local economy and home to the annual Rose Festival. The day concludes at the spectacular Dades Gorge, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a local hotel.

Day 2: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorges – Merzouga

After breakfast, we depart Dades Gorge for the dramatic Todra Gorges, a massive 300-meter-high fault in a narrow valley, dotted with palm groves and Berber villages. Following lunch in the gorge, we venture deeper into the Sahara, arriving at the edge of the great sand dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga.

This town is known for having the largest natural underground body of water in Morocco. You will have dinner and spend the night in a hotel in Merzouga, preparing for tomorrow’s desert immersion.

Day 3: Merzouga – Khamlia – Desert Oasis & Camp

After a leisurely breakfast, we explore the Merzouga oasis and visit Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people originally from Sudan. Enjoy mint tea with local families and listen to their unique and spiritual Gnawa music. Our journey continues with visits to Mfis, a village historically tied to mining, and Merdane, where we meet Berber families.

In the afternoon, the adventure continues as you mount a camel to cross the golden dunes. We will stop at a virgin oasis to appreciate the profound silence and natural beauty of the Sahara and witness a majestic sunset. The evening is spent under a stunning canopy of stars, enjoying dinner and the ambiance of the desert. You will spend the night in traditional Berber tents (jaimas).

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Cedar Forest – Fes

After a sunrise breakfast in the desert, we depart for Rissani to visit its traditional Berber market (souq). We then travel north through the striking Ziz Valley and Errachidia, stopping for lunch en route. Our journey continues through the Midelt region to Azrou, where we stop at the Cedar Forest—home to troops of Barbary macaques.

Finally, we pass through Ifrane, known as “the Switzerland of Morocco” for its unique Alpine-style architecture, before arriving at your final destination in the early evening. You will be dropped off at your Riad or Hotel in Fes, marking the end of our memorable four-day journey from Marrakech.

Step 1: Tell Us Your Dream

Fill out the contact form below or send us a quick message via WhatsApp. Please share your interests and provide these key details so we can create your perfect proposal:

1. Number of travelers.
2. Your exact travel dates (if flights are booked) or preferred month.
3. How many days you would like to spend.
4. Your accommodation category: Standard, Superior, or Luxury.

Step 2: Receive Your Customized Plan

Within less than 24 hours, we will send you a detailed day‑by‑day itinerary and a final quote. We’ll refine it together until it’s perfect. You’ll receive a complete PDF with all the tour details.

Step 3: Secure Your Adventure

To confirm and lock in your reservation, a 30% deposit is required via PayPal sent to: moroccoexplorationtrips@gmail.com. Please specify your room type and bed preference (e.g., Double/Two Beds) when sending the deposit. Once received, you will get a formal confirmation and we’ll start arranging everything for your unforgettable trip!