4-Day Morocco Desert Tour: Fez to Marrakech via Merzouga & Ait Ben Haddou

Day 1: Fez – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Fez through the diverse landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. En route, you’ll pause in Ifrane, a quaint alpine-style town with a cool climate, often compared to Switzerland for its cleanliness and architecture.

Next, stop in the cedar forests near Azrou, where wild Barbary macaques roam freely. Continue through Midelt, a town nestled between mountain ranges, then pass through Errachidia and descend into the Ziz Valley, a lush ribbon of palm groves stretching across dramatic rock formations.

In Erfoud, a hub of fossil and geological exploration, you’ll make a short visit before reaching Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara. Settle into your accommodation near the dunes and enjoy a traditional dinner, surrounded by desert tranquility.

Day 2: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Desert Exploration – Berber Camp

After breakfast, the day is devoted to discovering the cultural and natural richness of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Visit Khamlia village, where you’ll be treated to a live performance of Gnawa music, a spiritual blend of rhythms rooted in African heritage.

Explore the M’ifis mines, remnants of a bygone era of desert mining, then share tea with a nomadic family in their tent and gain insight into their way of life in the Sahara.

Later in the afternoon, embark on a camel trek across the golden dunes. Pause atop the dunes to watch the sunset paint the desert sky, then arrive at your Berber desert camp for a magical evening. Enjoy a hearty dinner and traditional music under a blanket of stars.

Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate

Begin the day early with a sunrise camel ride, returning to the lodge for breakfast and a quick refresh. Depart towards Rissani, a historic town that was once a powerful trading center and the seat of Morocco’s first dynasty.

Continue to the Todra Gorges, where towering canyon walls create a natural wonder that’s perfect for a short walk and photography. Travel through the Dades Valley, renowned for its rose fields, rock formations, and winding roads.

Visit the palm-filled Skoura Oasis, dotted with historic kasbahs, before arriving in Ouarzazate, the cinematic capital of Morocco. Check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner and rest for the night.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah village built from earthen clay and stone. This architectural marvel has served as a backdrop for many famous films and series.

Continue the journey over the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass with its panoramic views of Berber villages, terraced fields, and rugged peaks.

In the afternoon, arrive in Marrakech, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or the airport—concluding an unforgettable desert experience.

Tour Highlights :

Day 1: Scenic Journey to the Sahara

  • Discover Ifrane, Morocco’s alpine gem

  • Spot wild monkeys in Azrou’s cedar forest

  • Drive through the Middle Atlas and lush Ziz Valley

  • Visit Erfoud, known for its fossils and desert culture

  • Spend the night near the dunes of Merzouga

Day 2: Cultural Immersion in the Desert

  • Visit Khamlia and enjoy a live Gnawa performance

  • Learn from nomadic families in the Sahara

  • Explore traditional desert mines

  • Ride camels to a Berber camp, watch the sunset, and dine under the stars

Day 3: From Desert to Mountains

  • Watch the sunrise from the dunes

  • Explore Rissani and its historic charm

  • Visit the towering Todra Gorges and dramatic Dades Valley

  • Discover the Skoura Oasis

  • Overnight in Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert

Day 4: Kasbahs and the Atlas Mountains

  • Explore the stunning Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou

  • Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains

  • Admire panoramic views of remote Berber villages

  • Conclude the journey in Marrakech, the Red City

✅ What’s Included

Accommodation:

  • 1 night in a guesthouse near the dunes in Merzouga

  • 1 night in a traditional Berber desert camp (private tent)

  • 1 night in a comfortable hotel in Ouarzazate

Meals:

  • Breakfast: Days 2, 3, and 4

  • Dinner: Days 1, 2, and 3

Transportation:

  • Private, air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour

Guided Activities:

  • Professional multilingual driver/guide

  • Camel ride at sunset and sunrise

  • Visit to Khamlia village for live Gnawa music

  • Exploration of nomadic camps and M’ifis mines

  • Sightseeing in Rissani, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, and Ait Ben Haddou

❌ What’s Not Included

  • Lunches (all days)

  • Breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 4

  • Personal purchases and tips

  • Entry fees to optional attractions or museums

  • Optional excursions not specified in the itinerary

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