4 days desert trip from Marrakesh to Fez

Day 1: Marrakech, cross the high Atlas mountains, visit Aït Ben Haddou kasbahs and Ouarzazate, night in Dades

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Morocco as you embark on a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains. This stunning landscape is home to the Berber people, an indigenous group spread across North Africa. Delve deeper into their culture as you pass by Berber villages and witness how they cultivate the rocky land with the help of rivers. Get a chance to immerse yourself in their way of life by visiting a traditional Berber home. Gaze in wonder at the magnificent peaks and valleys as you drive through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, and see the awe-inspiring Toubkal in the distance.

The majestic High Atlas Mountains serve as a natural barrier between the Mediterranean climate of the north and the arid Sahara Desert to the south. As you make your way towards Ouarzazate, the landscape transitions into a desert-like terrain. This charming city was once a bustling trading center and has now become a popular film location for a myriad of movies and television shows. Continuing your journey, you’ll reach the stunning Dades Valley, known for its lush green oases and the grand kasbahs, which are imposing structures embodying the intricate architecture of Morocco’s landed and wealthy. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in a tranquil hotel nestled amidst the serene valley.

Day 2: Explore Todra Gorge and Camel Riding on Erg Chebbi Dunes

After fueling up with a delicious breakfast, we’ll embark on a thrilling journey along the dizzying zigzag route of Dades Gorge, treating ourselves to a breathtaking panoramic view that has put Morocco on the map. The beauty of the gorge is amplified by the awe-inspiring river that runs through it, making for a picture-perfect moment. Continuing the adventure, we’ll wind our way to Tinghir, admiring the rustic charm of adobe architecture and the lush palm groves that decorate the landscape. Our next stop is the spectacular Todra gorges, where we’ll disembark and take a stroll through one of nature’s wonders. The gorges will leave us in awe and we’ll take a moment to truly absorb the natural beauty of the surroundings. Before we bring the curtain down on this incredible journey, we’ll make one last stop at Touroug, where the ancient tribes once used innovative underground irrigation systems to bring water from the mountains. We’ll also take time out for lunch along the way, making for a complete and unforgettable experience.

Our adventure continues towards the magnificent city of Erfoud, known for its rich fossil heritage and situated at the entrance to the enigmatic desert. From there, we set our sights on Merzouga, a gateway to the vast Erg Chebbi desert. Before entering the desert, we give you the option to purchase scarves to add to the feeling of adventure. Prepare ourselves for the journey into the desert. Our trusty camels await us for a 1.5-hour ride to the camp in the heart of the desert. Along the way, we’ll stop to capture the captivating sunset views over the serene sand dunes, an experience that’s truly otherworldly. Upon arrival at the camp, a warm and hospitable reception awaits us, followed by a rejuvenating break from the journey. An exquisite dinner awaits us at the haima’s restaurant, indulging our taste buds with its delectable flavors and aromas. Thereafter, a mesmerizing display of the dazzling Sahara night sky, complete with traditional Berber music, awaits us amidst the warmth of the campfire. Our overnight stay in the haimas promises to be an exotic and unforgettable experience.

Day 3: The dunes of Erg Chebbi, Khamliya village, Merzouga

Perhaps make the most of your time in the desert with an early-morning walk over the dunes to enjoy the sunrise. We will leave for the village of Khamlia, which is originally from Mali, where we will have a cup of tea while offering us a small Gnawa music concert. Continue along the track of the Dakar Rally until arriving to the nomads where we will have a cup of tea while we make a visit to where they live, Return to the hotel with a stop for a panoramic view of the dunes, we will have lunch and we will have the afternoon free. Before sunset, we go to the highest dune to contemplate a romantic sunset. Accommodation at the hotel in Merzouga.

Day 4: Merzouga, lunch in Midelt and night in Fez

After savoring a delicious breakfast we will embark on our road journey to Fez, crossing the mesmerizing Ziz Valley, renowned for its palm groves and adobe villages. We will make a pitstop in Midelt to relish in a scrumptious lunch. Next on our itinerary is the exploration of Azrou’s cedar forests and a rendezvous with its curious indigenous species, the Berber monkeys. We will then make our way to Ifrane, dubbed as Morocco’s Switzerland due to its unique architectural design. Founded by the French as a spa town and equipped with two ski resorts, Ifrane is sure to leave you spellbound.

Finally, our journey culminates in Fez, where we will drop you off at your accommodation. Marking the end of our unforgettable three-day tour from Marrakech to Fez, traversing the Merzouga Desert.