4-Day Desert Tour from
Marrakech to Fes
A Sahara desert tour by Affordable Morocco Tours
Tour Overview
Tour Length:
4 Days / 3 Nights
Start City:
Marrakech
End City:
Fes
Price Range:
€TBD
Destinations Included:
9+ sites (Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, Todgha Gorges, Erfoud, Merzouga/Erg Chebbi, Khamlia, Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, Ifrane)
4-Day Desert Tour from
Marrakech to Fes
A Sahara desert tour by Tarhanine Morocco Tours
Tour Overview
Tour Length:
4 Days / 3 Nights
Start City:
Marrakech
End City:
Fes
Price Range:
€TBD
Destinations Included:
9+ sites (Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, Todgha Gorges, Erfoud, Merzouga/Erg Chebbi, Khamlia, Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, Ifrane)
4 days
All Destinations
Luxury or Standard
About this Tour
Travel from Marrakech to Fes on an immersive 4-day Sahara route that combines kasbahs, gorges, palm valleys, and the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.
Along the way, you visit Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, and Todgha Gorges, stop in Erfoud, meet nomadic families, and explore Khamlia (Gnawa village). The tour includes a camel trek at sunset and nights under the Saharan sky in a desert camp before continuing to Fes via the Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, and Ifrane.
Highlights
Your 4-Day Sahara
Journey: At a Glance
Best for:
Travelers who want a Marrakech-to-Fes desert crossing with a full Merzouga day
Tour length:
4 Days / 3 Nights
Start city:
Marrakech
End city:
Fes
Route:
Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka Pass → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley → Todgha Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) → Khamlia (Gnawa village) → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes
Signature moments:
Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO) • Todgha Gorges walk • Nomad visit in the desert • Khamlia (Gnawa village) • Camel trek at sunset • Desert camp night • Ziz Valley drive to Fes
Overnight
1 riad in Dades • 1 hotel in Merzouga • 1 desert camp night
Itinerary Route
Explore the Sahara: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley → Todgha Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga → Khamlia →
Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes
Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Ait Benhaddou – Dades Valley
Depart Marrakech and travel toward Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. This traditional ksar (fortified village) served as a strategic stop for camel caravans on the trans-Saharan trade route.
Along the way, cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in Morocco, with wide views over the surrounding peaks.
Continue to the Dades Valley, known for its gorges and valley landscapes.
Overnight and dinner: in a charming riad in Dades.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todgha Gorges – Tinjdad – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast, continue to the Todgha Gorges. The Todgha and Dades rivers have carved steep-sided canyons through the mountains, creating striking rock formations. Stop for a short walk in the gorges, then continue for lunch in Tinjdad.
Afterward, travel to Erfoud, known for palm groves and fossil quarries and as a filming location for movies such as The Mummy and Prince of Persia. Continue to Merzouga, where you can relax at the hotel and prepare for the desert excursion on the next day.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert Excursion – Nomads – Khamlia (Gnawa Village) – Camel Trek – Desert Camp
After breakfast, begin a Sahara exploration day in the Merzouga area. Drive through dunes and desert landscapes toward Erg Chebbi, the largest sand dunes in Morocco.
You will visit nomads living in the desert to learn about their lifestyle and culture. The day also includes a visit to Khamlia, known as Gnawa village, where traditions have been preserved over generations.
Lunch can be taken in the village or back at the hotel, depending on the schedule. In the evening, take a camel trek to watch sunset over the dunes, then continue to the camp for dinner and an overnight stay under the stars.
Overnight and dinner: desert camp in Merzouga.
Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
Wake up early for sunrise and photos from the dunes. Return for breakfast, then begin the drive to Fes via Erfoud, the Ziz Palm Valley, Midelt, cedar forests, Azrou (macaque monkeys), and Ifrane.
Arrive in Fes for drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
Overnight: Dades Valley.
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Designed for You
At Affordable Morocco Tours, every journey begins with you. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or traveling with family or friends, we design tours that reflect your interests, pace, and travel style.
The itineraries on our website are inspired by guest favorites, but they are a starting point. Once we know your travel dates and preferences, we fine-tune the itinerary to support a smooth and enjoyable experience from arrival to departure.
Our mission is to make your journey through Morocco unique, authentic, and unforgettable.
frequently asked questions
4-Day Desert Tour
Marrakech to Fes – FAQs
Didn't see your questions?
Q1: How long is this Marrakech to Fes desert tour?
It is 4 days / 3 nights, starting in Marrakech and ending in Fes.
Q2: Which destinations are included on the route?
The itinerary includes Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, Todgha Gorges, Tinjdad, Erfoud, Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Khamlia (Gnawa village), Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, and Ifrane.
Q3: Do we visit nomadic families during the Merzouga day?
Yes. Day 3 includes a visit to nomads living in the desert to learn about their lifestyle and culture.
Q4: Is there a camel trek in Erg Chebbi?
Yes. Day 3 includes a camel trek at sunset across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Q5: Do we stay overnight in a desert camp?
Yes. Day 3 includes dinner and an overnight stay in a desert camp in Merzouga.
Q6: Where does the tour end in Fes?
The tour ends in Fes with drop-off at your hotel or the airport.
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