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4-Day tour from Marrakech to Fes via Sahara
| Tour Ref : | 4DMMD |
| Duration : | 4 DAYS – 3 NIGHTS |
| Tour type : | Private Tour, Family, Desert, Sahara |
| Tour start : | Marrakech |
| Tour end : | Marrakech |
| Highlights : | High Atlas Mountains, Southern Valleys, Kasbahs, gorges and Oasis |
| Price : | Prices according to number of people travelling in vehicle and season. |
Overview
This 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes crosses Morocco one way, taking in the Sahara between the two imperial cities. The extra day compared with our 3-day version means the long northern leg from Merzouga to Fes is broken up, and there is more time in the gorges and kasbah valleys instead of driving straight through them.
The route climbs over the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Ait Ben Haddou, continues past Ouarzazate and the Skoura oasis to the Dades valley, then reaches the Todra gorges and the dunes of Erg Chebbi for a camel trek and a night in a desert camp. The final stage follows the Ziz valley north through Errachidia and Midelt, crossing the Middle Atlas cedar forests near Ifrane before arriving in Fes. If you are travelling on a tighter schedule, compare our 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert trip.
Day to Day tour itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate (204 Km)
You depart in the morning by 4×4 car from Marrakech and travel to Ouarzazate. We will pass through the stunning High-Atlas mountains via the famous Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260m). At panoramic viewpoints, there will opportunities to stop and take photos. Our first scheduled stop of the day is to visit the once glorious kasbah of Telouet. We then drive from Telouet through the lunar landscapes of the valley of Ounila to the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, where we have lunch. Ait Ben Haddou is a Unesco World Heritage site, where films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. In the afternoon, we explore the famous 11th century kasbah before leaving for Ouarzazate for the night in a hotel.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – valley Roses – Dades gorge – Todra Gorges (168 km)
You depart Ouarzazate in the morning where we will enter the Dades valley, which is known as the valley of a thousand kasbahs. Then we pass through the oasis of Skoura where architectural marvels are to be discovered at every turn. From here, our route takes us through Kela’a M’gouna, the valley of the roses, where over 4000 tons of roses are harvested every spring from this desert oasis! Next we drive off-road to the Dades gorges for lunch. The Dades gorge is breathtaking with its sheer red rocks and lush oasis, we will spend part of the afternoon strolling along the Boumalne Dades river. We are off to the Todra gorges for the second night. The Todra gorge, with its crystal clear waters, is a fantastic experience for any nature lover!
Day 3: Tinghir – Ziz valley -Erfoud – dunes of Merzouga (199 Km)
After breakfast we can stroll along the Tinghir palm grove, where you can see dates and figs. Then we drive through the Ziz valley, the oasis of Tafilalt and arrive in Erfoud in time for lunch. The geography along the Ziz valley is spectacular with Jurassic-sized rock formations contrasting against the cool green oasis. Erfoud is a boisterous little town on the edge of the Sahara, which is known for its amazing fossils. In the afternoon, we continue our trip to the rolling dunes of Merzouga in time for a two-hour camel ride in the Sahara. The sunset from the top of Erg Chebbi is sensational and riding on camel back to camp under the big Saharan night sky is a memory you will cherish forever. Unforgettable singing and dancing of ancient folklore traditions follow a traditional Moroccan dinner. You will be happy but exhausted, and will spend the night in a nomad tent at the foot of the dunes.
Day 4: Merzouga – Errachida – Midelt Atlas Mountains – Ifran – Fes (471 Km)
If you wake up early enough, you can watch the spectacle of the sunrise. After you having breakfast then return on camel back, departure for Erfoud. From there the road leads north to Errachidia and the Ziz valley, remarkable for the extent of its palm trees. Lunch is in Midelt, which is called “the apple capital”, in the Middle Atlas and at the foot of the Ayachi Mountain. We cross the Tizi-n-Talremt pass, ravelling along a beautiful road bordered by green oaks and cedar trees to reach Azrou, where you can see Barbary apes looking out for tidbits. We reach Fes at the end of the afternoon.
Trip Highlights
- One-way route between Marrakech and Fes, so no day is spent returning on the same road.
- An extra day compared with the 3-day version, which shortens the long drive north from the desert.
- Night in a Sahara camp at Erg Chebbi after a camel trek across the dunes at Merzouga.
- Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed kasbah, and the Skoura oasis with the kasbah of Amridil.
- Todra gorges and the Dades valley on the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.
- Middle Atlas cedar forests near Ifrane, home to Barbary macaques, before reaching Fes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose 4 days instead of 3 for Marrakech to Fes?
The 3-day version covers the same route but finishes with a very long drive from Merzouga to Fes. The fourth day splits that stage and leaves time to walk in the Todra gorges and visit kasbahs properly.
Does the tour end in Fes?
Yes. You are dropped at your hotel or riad in Fes, which suits travellers continuing north or flying out from Fes. The route can also be run in reverse from Fes to Marrakech.
Where do we sleep?
Nights are spent in the Dades or Todra area, in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi and at a stop on the northern leg, with the exact hotels depending on the season and your preferences.
When is the best time for this tour?
The best time to visit the Sahara desert is from September to May. Snow can fall in the Middle Atlas around Ifrane in winter, which is scenic but occasionally slows the final drive. See our best time to visit Morocco guide.
Is the tour private?
Yes. All our tours are private, with your own vehicle and driver guide, and the itinerary can be adapted to your interests. Browse more tours from Marrakech.
BOOK TOUR
Departure & Return Location :
- Pick-up; drop off at/from your Hotel
- Or at your accommodation : Raid, Airport
What's Not Included:
- Private Transport with A/C
- (4x4 or Minibus for Groups) with professional drive
- Driver/Guide-speaking tour assistant
- Car Fuel
What's Not Included:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Flight Tickets
Have Any Question?
- Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
- +212671735677
- contact@gatetravelmorocco.com