4 Days from Marrakech to Fez via the Desert

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Crossing the Atlas

The journey begins from Marrakech early in the morning, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Along the way, we enjoy spectacular views of mountains, Berber villages, and valleys.

Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou

We stop at the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This adobe ksar is a symbol of traditional Moroccan architecture and has been the set for films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.

Ouarzazate and Valley of Roses

We continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” famous for its film studios and the Kasbah of Taourirt. Further ahead, we pass through the Valley of Roses, celebrated for its rose water production and handcrafted products.

Night in the Dades Valley

The first day ends in the Dades Valley, where we spend the night in a charming riad or kasbah, surrounded by unique rock formations and spectacular gorges.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga Desert

Todra Gorges

After breakfast, we head to the imposing Todra Gorges, a canyon with cliffs reaching up to 300 meters high. It is one of the most impressive landscapes in southern Morocco, ideal for walking and photography.

Route to the Sahara

The route continues toward Erfoud, famous for its fossils, and Rissani, a historic town and cradle of the Alaouite dynasty.

Arrival in Merzouga and Camel Ride

Upon arrival in Merzouga, we venture into the Erg Chebbi dunes on an unforgettable sunset camel ride. The silence of the desert and the golden tones of the sky create a magical spectacle.

Night in a Berber Camp

The day ends with a traditional dinner and music around the campfire in a Berber camp, where we sleep in tents under a starry sky.

Day 3: Exploration of the Merzouga Desert

Sunrise in the Sahara

We wake up early to admire the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, an unforgettable moment of the trip.

4×4 Route and Berber Villages

This day is dedicated to exploring the Merzouga region in a 4×4, visiting nomadic families, the kohl mines, the village of Khamlia (famous for its gnawa music), and the nearby oases.

Second Night in the Desert

In the afternoon, we can rest or walk among the dunes before enjoying another magical sunset. Spending a second night in the desert allows us to experience the essence of the Sahara more calmly.

Day 4: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fez

Departure from the Desert and Ziz Valley

After breakfast, we leave the desert, crossing the impressive Ziz Valley, an oasis filled with palm trees and kasbahs stretching for dozens of kilometers.

Middle Atlas and Cedar Forests

The journey continues through the Middle Atlas, passing through Midelt, famous for its apples, and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques, where we stop to enjoy nature.

Arrival in Fez

By late afternoon we arrive in Fez, the oldest imperial city of Morocco and a cultural jewel of the country. Here our four-day journey of unforgettable discoveries comes to an end.

What makes this tour special

• Ideal duration: four days allow a calmer exploration of the desert compared to shorter routes.

• Diversity of landscapes: mountains, kasbahs, gorges, oases, palm groves, and dunes.

• Authentic experience: direct contact with the Berbers and two nights in the desert.

• Cultural connection: links two unique imperial cities—Marrakech and Fez.

The 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fez via the desert is an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, culture, and history. From the Atlas and adobe kasbahs to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, the journey offers a complete vision of authentic Morocco. A perfect route for those who wish to discover the country’s essence in a trip full of contrasts and magic.