A 4-day trip from Marrakech to Fes through the High Atlas, the Dades Valley and the Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga, with an off-road day in the desert and a scenic last day through valleys and alpine villages to Fes.
Pickup from your riad or hotel in Marrakech · Drop-off at your riad or hotel in Fes
Morning (we confirm the exact time with you before the trip)
A private tour with your own multilingual driver-guide. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates, pace and choice of hotels, and we send you a personal quote when you get in touch.
Route: Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Skoura Oasis → Roses Valley → Dades Valley
Your journey begins in Marrakech, where we’ll meet you upon arrival or at your accommodation. Leaving the city behind, we head toward the High Atlas Mountains and traverse the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, North Africa’s highest. Along this scenic route, you’ll witness ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries as we pass through the historic Glaoua territory.
Our first major stop is the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks, featured in films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. After exploring this magnificent kasbah and stopping for lunch, we continue on to Ouarzazate, known as “The Hollywood of Morocco,” where the stunning desert backdrop has attracted filmmakers from around the world.
In the afternoon, we journey through the Skoura Oasis and Roses Valley, renowned for its blooming rose fields and products made from local roses. By evening, we arrive in the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations
Approx. 320 km · 6–7 h driving
Route: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Rissani → Merzouga → Camel Trekking into Erg Chebbi
Following breakfast, we set out along the Todra Valley, which is lined with lush olive, pomegranate, and orange groves. We soon reach the Todra Gorge, where massive cliffs create a narrow, breathtaking corridor. Take time to wander among the towering rock walls and take in the beauty of this dramatic landscape.
Continuing our journey south, the landscape shifts to vast desert plains dotted with small Berber villages. After passing through the town of Erfoud, we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to leave any unnecessary luggage in a secure room before embarking on a camel trek into the heart of the desert.
Our Berber camp is nestled within the towering dunes, and upon arrival, you’ll have time to explore the vast sandscape or relax and absorb the unique beauty of the Sahara. As night falls, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner accompanied by live music around a campfire. You’re then free to wander under the stars or simply enjoy the profound silence of the desert. Spend the night in a luxurious private tent in the heart of the Sahara.
Approx. 300 km · 5–6 h driving
Route: Merzouga → Berber Villages → Nomadic Traditions and Gnawa Music → Rissani
Rise early to witness a breathtaking desert sunrise, as the dunes glow in hues of gold and pink. After breakfast, you’ll ride camels back across the dunes to the kasbah, where we’ll begin a day of off-road exploration.
Our 4WD vehicle takes us to nearby Berber villages, where we’ll experience traditional Gnawa music and dance performed by local musicians. We’ll also visit Dayet Srji, a salt lake known for attracting migratory birds, including flamingos. The journey continues to Rissani, where we’ll wander through the bustling souks and try the famous Berber pizza, a local delicacy. In the afternoon, return to your Kasbah in Merzouga, where you can relax by the pool or enjoy the sunset accompanied by live desert blues music.
Approx. 100 km · 4×4 day, short drives driving
Route: Merzouga → Erfoud → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes
After a light breakfast, we set off toward Fes, retracing our path across the High Atlas ranges. Our route takes us through the lush Ziz Valley, a beautiful oasis lined with date palms and Berber villages. Continuing on, we reach the town of Midelt, where we’ll stop for lunch with breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains.
Afterward, we continue northward through the cedar forests near Azrou, home to the famous Barbary Apes, which can sometimes be seen in the treetops. As we make our way to Ifrane, known for its alpine architecture and cool climate, you’ll have a chance to take in the unique charm of this mountain town.
By evening, we’ll arrive in Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, known for its historic medina and rich cultural heritage. Our guide will escort you to your riad or hotel, marking the end of an extraordinary four-day adventure from Marrakech to Fes.
Approx. 470 km · 8–9 h driving
