Marrakech to Fes: 4 Days via the Sahara Desert

A quick overview of the tour

Journey through Southern Morocco: From the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara

This Moroccan desert tour from Marrakech to Fes is ideal for travelers wishing to discover the treasures of Southern Morocco in a few days. In 4 days, you cross the High Atlas mountains, explore historic kasbahs, admire the Dadès and Todra Gorges, and end with a magical experience in the Merzouga dunes, in the heart of the Sahara Desert.

Price:

From €850 / person

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Fint Oasis – Ouarzazate

Departure at 8:30 am from your hotel in Marrakech, heading towards Southern Morocco. You will cross the famous Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2,260 m) in the High Atlas mountains, offering grandiose panoramas of valleys and Berber villages. You will then visit the Telouet kasbah, former residence of the powerful Pacha El Glaoui, followed by the magnificent Ounila valley, dotted with adobe villages. Stop at the Tamdakht kasbah, before arriving at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage jewel. Lunch on site, followed by a guided tour of the ksar, famous for its numerous film shoots (Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia...). In the afternoon, you will discover the Atlas film studios in Ouarzazate, then the Fint oasis, a true green haven of peace in the heart of the mountains. Arrival in Ouarzazate, dinner, and night at the hotel.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Valley of Roses – Dadès Gorges – Todra Gorges

After breakfast, departure for a magnificent day of discovery. You will visit the Skoura oasis and the Amridil kasbah, an architectural emblem of Southern Morocco. You will then continue to the Valley of Roses, renowned for its flowery landscapes in spring, its cooperatives of natural cosmetic products made from roses, and its authentic Berber villages. You will take the famous road of a thousand kasbahs, dotted with adobe villages and fortified kasbahs, to the Dadès Gorges. Lunch on site and a walk to admire the famous rock formations nicknamed "Monkey's Fingers" and the impressive landscapes of the valley. In the afternoon, you will leave the Dadès Gorges for a wilder and more spectacular route through the Berber villages of the eastern High Atlas. You will pass through M’Semrir, Aït Hani, and Tamtatouchte, small villages perched between mountains and gorges, offering a total immersion in traditional mountain life. Arrival at the end of the day at the majestic Todra Gorges, known for their steep cliffs over 300 meters high, a paradise for hikers and climbers. Check-in at the hotel, dinner, and night on site.

Day 3: Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert – Night in Bivouac

After breakfast, a walk in the Todra Gorges and then in the Tinghir palm grove. Then, head east to the Sahara Desert. You will cross the Ziz Valley and the Tafilalet region, the cradle of Moroccan dynasties. Lunch in Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils and dates. In the afternoon, arrival in Merzouga, at the gates of Erg Chebbi, one of the largest dune fields in Morocco. A camel ride takes you through the golden dunes to watch a superb sunset. Check-in at a luxury bivouac in the desert, traditional dinner under the stars around the fire, local music, and night in a comfortable tent.

Day 4: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes

Wake up early in the desert to enjoy a magical moment at sunrise over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, an unforgettable spectacle where the light transforms the Saharan landscape. After this unique moment, breakfast at the bivouac before leaving Merzouga. You will take the road north through the Ziz Valley, one of the largest Saharan valleys in Morocco, renowned for its lush palm groves, fortified adobe villages (ksour), and grandiose landscapes. The route offers panoramic views of the oases, with many possible photo stops. Pass through the city of Errachidia, an important gateway to the Tafilalet, then through the mining town of Midelt, located at 1,500 meters altitude between the High Atlas and the Middle Atlas. This mountainous region is known for its apple orchards and pure air. Stop for lunch in Azrou, a charming Berber town at 1,250 meters altitude. Azrou is famous for its cedar forest, particularly the Gouraud cedar, inhabited by Barbary macaques that can be observed in their natural habitat. This is a great opportunity to discover the biodiversity of the Middle Atlas. After lunch, continuation to Ifrane, nicknamed the "little Switzerland of Morocco" due to its alpine architecture, clean and flowery streets, and exceptional natural environment: pine forests, lakes, and ski resorts in winter. Ifrane is also an important university town thanks to Al Akhawayn University. At the end of the afternoon, arrival in Fes, the former imperial capital of Morocco, the cradle of the country's culture and spirituality. Transfer to your accommodation in the medina or the new city.