DAY 1: MARRAKECH → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → AIT BEN HADDOU → DADES GORGES

Your 4 day Marrakech to Fes tour begins with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech. The route heads south over the High Atlas Mountains, with photo stops at traditional Berber villages and the best panoramic viewpoints along the way.

On arrival in Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll have time to visit the ancient kasbah — a UNESCO-listed fortified village that has served as a backdrop for many internationally famous productions. After lunch in the village, the drive continues toward the Dades Gorges via Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses. On arrival, you’ll have time to see the “monkey toes” rock formations before checking in to your hotel for dinner and the night.

Approximate driving distance: 353 km
Approximate driving time: 6 hours 30 minutes

DAY 2: DADES GORGES → TODRA GORGE → MERZOUGA DESERT

After breakfast, the drive continues along the Todra River through a lush corridor of palm groves and Berber villages, arriving at the Todra Gorge in Tinghir — one of the most spectacular canyons in Morocco. You’ll have time to walk beneath its towering cliffs before continuing to the Merzouga desert.

On the way, your guide may suggest an optional stop at a traditional Berber shop where you can try on Berber clothing and take photos at no cost. Any purchases are completely optional, and you’re welcome to skip the stop entirely.

On arrival in Merzouga, a camel ride takes you into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a sunset from a high ridge and sandboarding on the steeper slopes. As night falls, you’ll arrive at your luxury desert camp for dinner, drumming around the campfire, and a long night beneath the stars.

Approximate driving distance: 310 km
Approximate driving time: 5 hours

DAY 3: FULL DAY EXPLORING THE MERZOUGA DESERT

An early wake-up rewards you with a glorious sunrise from the nearest dune. After breakfast at the camp, a 4×4 SUV takes you deep into the desert to meet a nomadic Berber family living beyond the dunes, where you’ll learn how they’ve adapted to life in such a remote landscape. You’ll also visit the hidden deserted village of Mefis, listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia, and — if the water is full — stop at the Lake of Birds.

After lunch, you’ll check in to a charming riad with views of the dunes. The afternoon is yours to relax — take a swim, rest, or walk out to the dunes for another sunset. Dinner and an overnight stay at the riad follow. If you’d prefer to spend another night in the camp, just let us know.

Approximate driving distance: 57 km
Approximate driving time: 1 hour 15 minutes

DAY 4: MERZOUGA → ZIZ VALLEY → IFRANE → FES

After breakfast at the riad, the drive north to Fes begins. You’ll pause at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Ziz Valley, with its long ribbon of palm groves, before continuing to lunch in Midelt or somewhere along the route. Further north, you’ll cross the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains — keep an eye out for Barbary macaques — and stop briefly in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco”, for a break.

You’ll arrive in Fes in the afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your riad.

Approximate driving distance: 500 km
Approximate driving time: 7 hours 30 minutes

IMPORTANT NOTES

– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please let us know when booking.
– Night 2 is in a luxury desert camp and night 3 in a riad in Merzouga. If you’d prefer both nights in the camp, just let us know when booking.
– The tour can also end in Marrakech — see the 4 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
– The route can also be run in the opposite direction (Fes to Marrakech).
– Optional extras such as quad biking, buggy driving, or a professional photographer can be arranged on request.
– All our luxury camps offer private tents with en-suite bathrooms.