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Journey Overview: This private 4 days tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga is the perfect way to enjoy an authentic Sahara experience as you travel between Morocco’s two great cities. Over 4 days and 3 nights, you’ll ride a camel into the dunes, sleep under the stars at a luxury desert camp, visit a nomadic Berber family, and gain a real insight into Berber culture. The journey starts with a crossing of the High Atlas Mountains and their endless views, followed by a visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a perfect introduction to the culture of southern Morocco, and Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa” and gateway to the Sahara. You’ll walk through Morocco’s most spectacular canyon before reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, where camel treks, starry nights and unforgettable sunsets and sunrises await. On the final day, you’ll travel to Fes along the Ziz Valley, with its countless palm trees and traditional Berber villages. As this is a private tour, you’re free to choose your accommodations, activities and pace, and our expert guides will happily tailor the itinerary to your interests.
Tour Highlights:
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah → Dades Gorges
Your tour begins with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech. We drive through the High Atlas Mountains toward Ait Ben Haddou, passing traditional Berber villages and stopping at scenic viewpoints to photograph the mountain landscapes. At Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll explore the ancient kasbah, protected by UNESCO since 1987. This historic site has been used as a filming location for many well-known movies shot in Morocco, including Gladiator and Prince of Persia, as well as scenes from the TV series Game of Thrones and O Clone. After lunch, we continue toward the Dades Gorges via Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses. On arrival, you can visit the rock formations known as “monkey toes” before heading to your accommodation for the night.
Day 2: Dades Gorges → Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we follow the Todra River, lined with palm groves and Berber villages, to the Todra Gorge near Tinghir, one of the most spectacular canyons in the world. From there, we head on to the Merzouga desert. Before reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes, your driver/guide may suggest a stop at a traditional Berber shop, where you can take photos dressed in a Berber outfit free of charge. You’re welcome to buy something if you like (a scarf is a great idea for the desert), but there’s no obligation; the shop’s main aim is to share Berber culture. If you’re not interested, just tell your driver/guide and we’ll skip it. Once in Merzouga, you’ll ride a camel into the dunes to watch the sunset and try sandboarding. The night is spent at a luxury desert camp, with a delicious dinner and the magic of the Sahara after dark.
Day 3: Full Day to Explore the Sahara Desert
An early start is well worth it today to catch a stunning sunrise from the nearest dune. After breakfast at camp, your desert exploration begins. In our 4×4 SUV, we head beyond the dunes to meet Berber nomads and learn how they live and survive in such a remote place, along with much more about their rich culture. You’ll also visit Mefis, a small hidden abandoned village, listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia, and see the Lake of Birds when it’s full. After lunch, we take you to your riad to check in and relax. You can enjoy a swim or wander out to the nearby dunes before dinner and an overnight stay at the riad. If you’d prefer, you can choose to spend a second night at the desert camp instead.
Day 4: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Ifrane → Fes
After breakfast at your riad, we set off for Fes. Along the way, we stop to admire a panoramic view of the Ziz Valley and break for lunch in Midelt or another town en route. In the cedar forest of the Middle Atlas Mountains, we may spot Barbary apes, then make a short stop in Ifrane before continuing to Fes. Your 4 days tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga ends with a drop-off at your riad in Fes.
