It all Begins at Fes
our 4-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour begins in Fes, a city steeped in history and home to the world’s oldest university. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fes is a city where ancient traditions meet modern influences, creating an atmosphere like no other.
Stepping into this medieval walled city feels like traveling back in time, where donkeys and centuries-old dwellings coexist with modern technology and architecture.
The city’s four grand gates, adorned with intricate Moroccan tilework, offer a stunning display of colour and craftsmanship. Inside, the Medina of Fès el-Bali is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and vibrant bazaars, filled with the aromas of spices, the sounds of artisans at work, and the sights of mosques and lively souks. It’s an experience that will delight the senses and set the stage for an unforgettable desert adventure.
And this is just the beginning…
Day 1
Fes – Ifrane – Ziz Gorges – Merzouga
Your 4-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour begins after breakfast as we depart Fes, journeying through the heart of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” for its resemblance to a Swiss Alpine resort.
Continuing our journey, we pass through the Cedar Forest, the largest in Morocco, home to the native Barbary apes. Keep an eye out for these playful primates before we travel deeper into the mountains. After lunch, we cross the Talghoumt Pass, where you may spot nomadic shepherds tending their flocks.
Before reaching your desert hotel in Merzouga, we stop for a stunning view of the hidden oases of the Ziz Valley, famous for its lush palm groves set against the arid desert backdrop.
Day 2
Merzouga Area and Camel Trek
After breakfast, we take a short drive to Dayet Srji, a peaceful desert lake known for its diverse birdlife, including flamingos and other migratory species.
Next, we visit the village of Khamlia, where you will experience the captivating music and culture of the Gnaoua people—descendants of slaves brought to Morocco from Mali, Mauritania, Guinea, and Ghana. Here, you will enjoy traditional Gnaoua rhythms and gain insight into their unique way of life.
For lunch, we share a home-cooked meal with a local family in a small village, offering an authentic taste of Berber hospitality.
In the afternoon, your camel guide will lead you on a breathtaking trek across the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, taking you to a Bedouin camp, where you’ll spend the night under a blanket of stars, experiencing the immensity and silence of the desert.
Day 3
Merzouga – Alnif – Tansikht – Agdz – Ouarzazate
Rise early to witness the stunning sunrise over the Sahara, then camel trek back to your hotel on the edge of the dunes for breakfast and a refreshing shower.
We then head toward Rissani-Sijilmassa, a historic town that was once a major stop along the trans-Saharan trade route. If your visit falls on a Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday, you’ll have the chance to explore the Rissani Souk, one of the most authentic and lively markets in the region.
Afterward, we continue to Ouarzazate, stopping for lunch in Alnif or Nkob, before passing through the stunning landscapes of the Draa Valley, known for its lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs. The day ends with an overnight stay in a hotel in Ouarzazate, near the famous Taourirt Kasbah.
Day 4
Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – High Atlas – Marrakesh.
After breakfast, we begin our final day with a visit to the Atlas Film Studios, where Hollywood classics and blockbusters such as Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones were filmed.
Next, we head to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most famous UNESCO-listed kasbah, renowned for its ancient earthen architecture and appearances in films like Lawrence of Arabia and The Sheltering Sky.
We then cross the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass—Morocco’s highest mountain pass at 2,260m (7,417ft)—offering spectacular views of Berber villages and rugged mountain landscapes.
Upon arrival in Marrakech, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Jemaa el-Fna Square, where snake charmers, storytellers, musicians, fortune tellers, and street performers create a scene like no other.
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your 4-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour.
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