About 4 Days Trip from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga Desert
A 4-day trip from Marrakech to Fes via the Merzouga Desert is a classic and highly recommended itinerary for experiencing the diverse landscapes and cultures of Morocco.
It offers a fantastic blend of mountain passes, ancient kasbahs, stunning gorges, a magical desert experience, and imperial cities.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect and a typical itinerary:
Key Highlights:
High Atlas Mountains & Tizi N’Tichka Pass: Scenic drives with breathtaking panoramic views.
Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a fortified village used as a backdrop for many Hollywood films.
Ouarzazate: Known as “the Hollywood of Africa,” with film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah.
Rose Valley & Dades Gorges: Beautiful valleys and impressive rock formations.
Todra Gorge: A spectacular canyon with towering cliffs, perfect for a short walk.
Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi Dunes): The highlight of the trip, offering camel treks, stunning sunsets and sunrises over the golden dunes, and an overnight stay in a desert camp.
Berber Culture: Opportunities to interact with local Berber communities and learn about their traditions.
Ziz Valley: A vast palm grove.
Middle Atlas Mountains: Featuring cedar forests and possibly Barbary apes.
Ifrane: “Little Switzerland,” a charming European-style town.
Typical 4-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges
Morning Pick-up: Early start from your accommodation in Marrakech.
High Atlas Mountains: Drive through the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi N’Tichka pass (2,260m). Enjoy panoramic views and stops for photos.
Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah: Visit this famous UNESCO site. Explore its labyrinthine alleys and learn about its history.
Ouarzazate: Lunch in Ouarzazate. You will have the chance to visit the Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah.
Rose Valley & Dades Valley: Continue through the Skoura Oasis, the Rose Valley (especially beautiful in spring), and on to the Dades Gorges.
Overnight: Stay in a riad or hotel in the Dades Gorges area.
Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
Dades Gorges Exploration: After breakfast, explore more of the Dades Valley.
Todra Gorge: Drive to Tinghir and then into the impressive Todra Gorge. Take a walk between the towering canyon walls.
Road to Merzouga: Continue towards the Sahara Desert, passing through Berber villages and towns like Erfoud (known for fossils) and Rissani (an ancient market town).
Camel Trek to Desert Camp: Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Here, you’ll switch from your vehicle to camels for a memorable trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Sunset & Desert Camp: Witness a spectacular sunset over the dunes. Arrive at your desert camp (luxury or standard, depending on your booking). Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, listen to Berber music around a campfire, and gaze at the starry desert sky.
Overnight: Sleep in a tent at the desert camp.
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Midelt
Sunrise & Return: Wake up early to witness a magical sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll ride your camels back to Merzouga (or have a 4×4 transfer, depending on the tour).
* Optional Activities: Some tours offer optional activities like quad biking or sandboarding in the morning before departing Merzouga.
Departure from Desert: Begin the journey towards Fes. You’ll pass through Rissani, with a potential stop at its traditional market if it’s a market day.
Ziz Valley: Drive through the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its vast palm groves.
Midelt: Continue through the Atlas Mountains.
Overnight: Stay in a hotel/riad in Midelt or a nearby town, breaking up the long drive to Fes.
Day 4: Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
Cedar Forest & Monkeys: Continue your journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop at the cedar forest near Azrou, where you might spot Barbary apes.
Ifrane: Visit Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” due to its unique European-style architecture and cool climate.
Arrival in Fes: Continue your drive to Fes.
Drop-off: Your tour will conclude with drop-off at your accommodation in Fes.
Tour Option & Cost:
Private Tours: Offer more flexibility, comfort, and personalized experience. Prices vary widely depending on the vehicle, accommodation standard (standard or luxury desert camp), and inclusions, but can range from €600 – €1500+ for the group.
Inclusions: Most tours typically include:
Transportation (air-conditioned vehicle, usually a minivan for shared tours, SUV for private).
English-speaking driver/guide.
Accommodation for 3 nights (hotels/riads and desert camp).
Dinners and breakfasts at the accommodations.
Camel trek in Merzouga.
Exclusions: Typically do NOT include:
Lunches.
Drinks.
Entrance fees to attractions (though some tours might include a few).
Tips for guides/drivers.
Booking Tips:
Reputable Tour Operators: Look for tour companies with good reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Viator, or directly through local Moroccan agencies.
Inclusions: Always clarify what’s included and excluded before booking.
Accommodation Level: Decide if you prefer a standard or luxury desert camp experience. Luxury camps offer private tents with en-suite bathrooms and sometimes more amenities.
Group Size (for shared tours): Inquire about the maximum group size if you prefer a smaller group.
Flexibility: Private tours offer more flexibility for stops and pace.
Confirm Drop-off: Ensure the tour includes drop-off at your Fes accommodation.
This 4-day journey is an incredible way to experience the diverse beauty and rich culture of Morocco, creating unforgettable memories from the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene sands of the Sahara.
