4 DAYS TOUR ENDING IN MARRAKECH
A 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is a fantastic way to explore Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert and beyond. Here’s a sample itinerary for your trip:
Day 1: Fes → Midelt → Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
- Departure from Fes: Early morning departure from Fes.
- Middle Atlas Mountains: Drive through the scenic Middle Atlas, passing through Ifrane (known as « Little Switzerland ») and the cedar forests of Azrou, where you might spot Barbary macaques.
- Midelt: Stop for lunch in Midelt, known for its apple orchards and stunning views of the mountains.
- Ziz Valley: Continue through the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and dramatic gorges.
- Merzouga: Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll switch to camels for a trek into the desert to reach your luxury desert camp.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by Berber music around a campfire. Spend the night in a desert camp.
Day 2: Merzouga Desert Exploration
- Sunrise: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes.
- Desert Activities: Spend the day exploring the desert. Options include:
- Visiting a nomadic family to learn about their lifestyle.
- Exploring the nearby villages of Khamlia (known for Gnawa music) and Hassilabied.
- 4×4 dune bashing or quad biking (optional).
- Relaxation: Enjoy some free time to relax at the camp or take a walk on the dunes.
- Overnight: Spend another night in the desert camp or a nearby hotel.
Day 3: Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley
- Departure: After breakfast, leave Merzouga and head towards Todra Gorge.
- Todra Gorge: Stop at this stunning canyon, popular for rock climbing and hiking. Take a walk along the river and enjoy the towering cliffs.
- Dades Valley: Continue to the Dades Valley, known as the « Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. » Enjoy the scenic drive through rose valleys and traditional Berber villages.
- Overnight: Stay in a hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Valley.
Day 4: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
- Departure: After breakfast, drive through the Dades Valley and stop at the « Monkey Fingers » rock formations.
- Ouarzazate: Visit the « Hollywood of Morocco, » where many famous films have been shot. Stop at the Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas Film Studios.
- Ait Ben Haddou: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a well-preserved fortified village that has been featured in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass: Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying breathtaking views of the landscape.
- Arrival in Marrakech: Arrive in Marrakech in the evening, where your tour ends.