Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Itinerary: From Atlas Peaks to Erg Chebbi Dunes

Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Itinerary: From Atlas Peaks to Erg Chebbi Dunes

Introduction

If you're dreaming of palm trees, ancient kasbahs, and camel rides across the Sahara, this Marrakech to Fes desert tour is your golden ticket. Whether you're into walking tours, luxury desert camps, or deep dives into Berber culture, this 4-day adventure hits every highlight.

You’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains, zigzag through the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, sleep under the stars in a Sahara desert camp, and jam with locals to Gnawa music in Khamlia village.

Quick Snapshot: 4-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll do on this amazing road trip:

• Day 1: Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka Pass → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley
  
• Day 2: Dades Gorges → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Sahara Desert Camp
  
• Day 3: Erg Chebbi Dunes → Camel Trekking → Berber Villages & Khamlia Village
  
• Day 4: Ziz Valley → Midelt → Cedar Forest → Fes

Day 1 – Marrakech to Dades Valley

Morning

Start early with pickup from your Marrakech hotel in an air-conditioned Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX. Drive through the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass, marvel at the Atlas Mountains, and stop for mint tea with views of Berber towns nestled into the High Atlas.

Afternoon

Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured in Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Visit the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and nearby Atlas studios in Ouarzazate. This area is Morocco’s Hollywood!

Evening

Continue through the Valley of the Roses and Skoura palmery, ending the day in the stunning Dades Valley or Dades Gorges.

Pro Tip: Stay at Riad Dar Blues or half-board accommodation for a delicious local breakfast and an en-suite room.

Day 2 – Dades Gorges to Sahara Desert Camp

Morning

Explore the majestic Todra Gorges and Todra Canyon in Tinghir oasis. These Todra immense gorges are perfect for light walking tours.

Afternoon

Drive to the Merzouga Desert, pass through the Ziz Valley Gorge and Ziz Gorge—one of the most photogenic spots of the tour.

Evening

Time for a real adventure—camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp or cozy Berber tents at Tiziri Camp, Nomad Camp, or Morocco Fabulous Travel sites.

Enjoy Berber music, fireside storytelling, and a traditional dinner under the stars.

Day 3 – Erg Chebbi to Berber Villages

Morning

Catch sunrise on a camel ride over the golden Sahara desert. After breakfast, hop in your 4x4 for a Merzouga tour around the dunes.

Afternoon

Visit Khamlia village for a dose of Gnawa music and insights into Berber nomadic families and Jewish culture. Don some nomad attire for epic photos.

Optional Add-On: Try quad biking or a desert camel ride through remote areas.

Evening

Return to your Sahara desert camp or Berber desert camp for a final magical night.

Day 4 – Ziz Valley to Fes

Morning

Leave the desert behind and journey north via the Ziz Valley, crossing palm groves and Berber villages.

Afternoon

Stop in Midelt, then see Barbary apes in the cedar forests near Azrou.

Evening

Arrive in Fes by early evening and check into medina riad.

Best Time to Visit

Where to Stay

Dades Valley:

• Budget: Guesthouses in Berber towns
  
• Midrange: Riad Dar Blues
  
• Luxury: Boutique kasbah stays with en-suite bathrooms
  

Merzouga Desert:

• Budget: Cozy Berber tents
  
• Midrange: Nomad Camp, Tiziri Camp
  
• Luxury: Luxury camp with AC, hot showers, and stargazing decks

Packing List

• Layers (desert gets chilly at night)
  
• Closed-toe shoes for camel trekking
  
• Scarf or hat (for camel rides)
  
• Sunglasses, sunscreen
  
• Reusable water bottle

Optional: Nomad attire for photos

Budget Breakdown

Inclusions:

• Pickup points, transport
  
• English-speaking guide
  
• Full-day tours
  
• Admission ticket to Ait Ben Haddou
  
• Half-board accommodation

How to Book

From luxury desert camps to cultural deep-dives, we make your Sahara dream a seamless reality.

What's Included:

• Private or small group 4x4 transport
• English-speaking local guides
• Handpicked accommodations (standard to luxury)
• Authentic camel trekking across Erg Chebbi dunes
• All key stops: Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Gorges, Todra Canyon, Khamlia, and more

Start customizing your tour now — Contact us for a quote or to reserve your dates.

FAQs

Is the Marrakech to Fes desert tour safe for solo travelers?
Yes! Local guides ensure safety and small group comfort.

Do I need to bring cash?
Yes, carry Moroccan Dirhams. Some spots (like Berber villages) don’t take cards.

How long is the camel ride?
Usually 1–2 hours, depending on the route and your camel trekking package.

Is there Wi-Fi in the desert camps?
Most luxury desert camps offer basic Wi-Fi. For true disconnection, skip it.

Are bathrooms private in desert camps?
Yes, especially in private tents or luxury camp options with en-suite bathrooms.