Fes To Marrakech 4 Days Desert Tour
About this tour
Embark on a spellbinding adventure from Fes to Marrakech and witness the awe-inspiring capabilities of this program. Prepare to be enchanted as you traverse the majestic Middle Atlas Mountains, encounter rare Barbary Macaque monkeys in the sprawling Azrou Forest, and indulge in mouthwatering Moroccan cuisine. Immerse yourself in the mystical beauty of the Sahara Desert, riding camels through golden dunes, witnessing breathtaking sunsets, and sleeping under a star-studded sky in traditional Saharan tents. Discover ancient kasbahs, visit the captivating Todgha Gorges, and delve into the cinematic wonders of Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa. Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhadou, with its intricate clay houses, and be captivated by the panoramic vistas of the Tizi’NTichka Pass.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Fes, Morocco to Merzouga, Morocco
This day’s journey from Fes to Merzouga promises to be an exhilarating one. You will traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains, reaching the city of Ifrane, affectionately known as the Switzerland of Morocco. This charming town is renowned for its sky-high altitudes and picturesque landscapes, reaching up to 1,665 meters. Next, we will proceed to the Azrou Forest, the largest cedar forest in Africa, where you may have the opportunity to encounter and feed the rare Barbary Macaque monkeys. For lunch, we will make a stop in the town of Medilte and enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal at a local restaurant. Our journey continues through the captivating Tiz N’Talghamt pass and Ziz Gorge, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking views of the expansive date palm-filled valley. We will then make our way to the renowned Merzouga, where you will transition from car to camelback for an enchanting trek through the dunes. Prepare to be mesmerized by the magical sunset over the dunes before arriving at our camp. Once at the camp, you will enjoy a delightful dinner followed by a night spent in a Saharan tent, immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere. Experience the joy of sharing music and stories under the starlit sky with the local nomads, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 2: Merzouga, Morocco
Today, following a delightful breakfast, you will indulge in a unique expedition amidst the vast sand dunes! If the timing aligns, there’s a chance you may encounter a local nomadic family, providing you with insights into their ancient way of life. You’ll be warmly greeted with a refreshing glass of tea, embracing their hospitality. After the enriching encounter with the family, a visit to a nearby fossil museum awaits, boasting a modest yet impressive collection. At this establishment, skilled specialists uncover, prepare, and trade fossils that find their way to esteemed universities, collectors, and museums worldwide. Should you be intrigued, you can witness the meticulous process of extracting fossils from the surrounding bedrock by visiting one of the workshops. Following the museum tour, it’s time to embark on a thrilling fossil hunt in the untamed wilderness. The fossils are abundant and can be found almost everywhere. A bottle of water will suffice to wash away the dust, revealing these ancient treasures as if by magic. Next, if your visit aligns with one of Rissani’s market days, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere firsthand. Explore the market’s diverse sections, witness the bustling donkey parking lot complete with a service center and sales area, and observe the locals engaging in the age-old tradition of trading goods. The highlight of the Rissani market experience lies in savoring the local specialty known as medfouna, also referred to as Berber Pizza. For the adventurous, the traditional approach involves purchasing meat from the butcher and having it expertly prepared and cooked by the baker. Finally, find a cozy spot at a local café, sit back, and relish this delectable dish. Continuing your special desert tour, a stop at the village of Khamlia awaits, a vibrant community entirely comprised of Gnaoua musicians. While being treated to another refreshing glass of mint tea, you’ll be captivated by their mesmerizing performances, and we challenge you to resist moving your body in sync with the infectious rhythms! The tour culminates at the edge of the dunes, allowing you ample time to unwind and rejuvenate before embarking on your next thrilling adventure.
Day 3: Merzouga, Morocco to Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Awake with the first light of day to witness the mesmerizing sunrise painting the dunes with vibrant hues. After savoring a delightful breakfast and taking a brief respite, our camelback expedition awaits. Continuing our drive, we’ll visit the « khattarat, » an ancient irrigation system of remarkable historical significance. In Tinghir, take a leisurely stroll through the local gardens and delve into the enchanting Jewish Quarter. Our next destination is the awe-inspiring Todgha Gorges, a breathtaking assembly of limestone river canyons. Indulge in a satisfying lunch before we resume our journey along the famed road of a thousand kasbahs. Our expedition brings us to Kelaat Mgouna, fondly known as the « rosy city » due to its annual celebration of roses. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit a local cooperative engaged in the extraction of exquisite rose water. Along the way, ensure you capture the natural splendor of the oases through the lens of your camera. Continuing our route, we’ll explore the cinematic wonders of Ouarzazate, often hailed as the Hollywood of Africa, where illustrious movies like The Gladiator and Game of Thrones have found their captivating settings. Our path then leads us to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhadou, renowned for its pre-Saharan clay houses intricately clustered to form magnificent defense walls. Immerse yourself in the historical richness of this extraordinary location as you partake in a guided walking tour, discovering the captivating stories etched within its ancient walls.
Day 4: Aït Benhaddou, Morocco to Marrakesh, Morocco
Our expedition will traverse the magnificent Tizi’NTichka Pass, an awe-inspiring mountain road renowned for its dramatic twists and turns that offer unparalleled vistas. Throughout our journey, we will make several strategic stops, granting you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the sheer beauty of the panoramic landscapes and capture awe-inspiring photographs of the surrounding scenery. As we draw closer to Marrakech, a sense of anticipation and excitement will envelop us. Upon arriving in Marrakech, you will receive a warm welcome and be accompanied to your riad, a traditional Moroccan guesthouse. Settle comfortably into your accommodation, allowing yourself to unwind and rejuvenate. Take a moment to explore the charming riad and its enchanting surroundings, fully immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere that permeates the air.
What's included
lunch, tips & gratuities
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Fes, Morocco to Merzouga, Morocco