4-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Your adventure starts with a scenic drive over the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, soaring 2,260 meters above sea level through the High Atlas Mountains. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, famous for its stunning Kasbahs featured in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," and explore its famous Atlas Film Studios and ancient Kasbahs. After lunch, journey to the breathtaking Dades Gorge, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

After breakfast, explore the magnificent Dades Gorge before traveling to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon known for its towering 300-meter cliffs, perfect for hiking and rock climbing. Drive through the scenic Ziz Valley, lined with lush palm groves, reaching Erfoud—famous for its fossil-rich terrain. Visit a local workshop crafting unique fossil products. Then, stop at the vibrant souk of Rissani to experience traditional market life. End the day in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara, where you’ll stay in a traditional riad.

Today is dedicated to fully experiencing the magic of the Merzouga Desert, where golden dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. After breakfast, you’ll have the option to explore the desert landscapes by camel caravan or in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle, offering two unforgettable ways to connect with the Sahara.

Our journey takes us to Khamlia village, a peaceful community known for its Gnawa music, brought to Morocco by Sub-Saharan African tribes. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by locals and enjoy a live performance of this soulful, spiritual music—an enriching cultural experience you won’t forget.

As we cross the sweeping dunes and vast desert plateaus, you’ll also see nomadic families, fossil fields, and seasonal oases that reveal the ancient life of the Sahara.

In the late afternoon, we return to the camp just in time to climb the Erg Chebbi dunes and witness a breathtaking sunset—as the sun melts into the sand, painting the sky in fiery shades of orange and pink.

After dark, the evening comes alive with a traditional Berber dinner under the stars. Sit around the campfire, enjoy rhythmic drumming and dancing, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the desert. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, surrounded by silence and starlight

We’ll start the day early to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes of Merzouga—a truly unforgettable sight as golden light spills over the vast Sahara. After taking in the peaceful desert views, you’ll return to the hotel or camp by camel or 4×4, where a hearty breakfast awaits.

Leaving the desert behind, we’ll begin our scenic drive toward northern Morocco. Our first stop is Rissani, a historic town once home to Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty. You’ll have a chance to walk through its traditional market (souk), where locals trade spices, dates, fabrics, and livestock—a true taste of southern Moroccan life.

Continuing north, we pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and date production, then drive along the dramatic Ziz Valley, filled with thousands of palm trees and kasbahs nestled among the rocky landscapes.

We'll pause in Midelt, a quiet town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, where you can relax and enjoy lunch with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

After lunch, our journey continues through the Middle Atlas, passing Berber villages, cedar forests, and possibly even spotting wild monkeys near Azrou. As the landscapes shift from arid desert to lush greenery, we’ll arrive in Fes by late afternoon or evening.

Your tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes, where you’ll be welcomed into the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. It's the perfect place to continue your adventure or unwind after a rich and unforgettable journey through the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains.