Tours from Marrakech

4-Day tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga

Tour Overview:

Atlas Private Tours offers you an unforgettable 4-day private tour across Morocco, traveling from the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the historic heart of Fez. This scenic adventure takes you over the majestic High Atlas Mountains, through iconic kasbahs and valleys, and into the vast Sahara Desert.

You’ll walk through ancient fortified villages like Ait Benhaddou, explore dramatic canyons in the Dades and Todra Gorges, and ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Along the way, immerse yourself in Berber culture, enjoy authentic Moroccan hospitality, and sleep under the stars in a luxury desert camp.

Ideal for travelers seeking a combination of nature, history, culture, and desert magic, this tour is a seamless blend of Morocco’s most enchanting landscapes and rich heritage.

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Tour Highlights:

Cross the scenic High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou
Pass through Ouarzazate and Skoura’s palm groves
Explore the stunning Dades and Todra Gorges
Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
Enjoy a luxury desert camp experience under the stars
Listen to live Gnawa music in Khamlia village
Visit a nomad family and share mint tea
Discover the ancient Khettaras irrigation system
Spot Barbary apes in the cedar forests near Azrou
Stop in Ifrane, Morocco’s “Little Switzerland”
End the journey in the cultural city of Fes

Tour Details

Day 1: From Marrakech to Dades Valley via High Atlas Mountains & Ait Benhaddou (Driving Time: 6.5 hours)

Your journey begins at 8:00 AM with a private driver/guide picking you up from your accommodation in Marrakech. Departing the bustling city, you’ll traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains, home to picturesque snow-covered peaks for most of the year. As you ascend the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of traditional Amazigh (Berber) villages perched along the mountain slopes, many of them built from adobe and stone along narrow riverbeds.

A guided tour awaits at the historic village of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient ksar (fortified village) is a marvel of southern Moroccan architecture, with towering earthen structures and small windows, famously featured in blockbuster movies like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven, and Prince of Persia.

From here, continue to the cinematic town of Ouarzazate, dubbed “The Hollywood of Africa,” where you can optionally visit the Atlas Film Studios. Pass through the scenic palm groves of Skoura and the Valley of Roses before arriving in Boumalne Dades. Here, you’ll settle in for the evening.

Overnight stay at Riad Tazawa, Riad Babylon, Riad Ecobio, or similar – Dinner & Breakfast included

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert & Camel Trek (Driving Time: 4.5 hours)

Start the day with breakfast before departing Dades Valley. You’ll head deeper into the southeastern landscapes, arriving at the dramatic Todra Gorge. These towering cliffs, popular with rock climbers, offer a refreshing break with cooler temperatures and scenic walking opportunities.

Continue through the lush palm groves of Tinjdad, where you might stop for lunch. The journey proceeds through Erfoud, a town known for its fossil workshops and date markets, before arriving in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a traditional glass of mint tea. Then, embark on a magical camel ride across the golden dunes, catching the breathtaking sunset along the way. You’ll also have the chance to try sandboarding before arriving at your luxury desert camp.

As night falls, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner under the stars or in a cozy tented dining area.

Overnight in a luxury/standard (depends on your choice) desert camp near Erg Chebbi – Dinner & Breakfast included

Day 3: Discover the Wonders of the Desert (Driving Time: 3.25 hours)

Today is all about immersing yourself in the unique desert culture and scenery, with minimal driving involved. The day begins with a visit to an ancient desert irrigation system known as “Khettaras”—a network of underground channels and wells that ingeniously bring water to the surface from far-off sources.

You’ll then pass through Merzouga village en route to Khamlia, a small village known for its Gnawa heritage. The locals, descendants of sub-Saharan African slaves, will welcome you with a performance of their traditional spiritual music, deeply rooted in rhythm and healing.

Next, take a scenic drive around the perimeter of the Erg Chebbi dunes with several stops for photos. One of the highlights will be visiting a nomadic family living in tents, an authentic chance to learn about their daily life while sharing tea with them. After a local lunch, return to your desert Riad or Kasbah for the evening to relax and recharge.

Overnight at a Riad

Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes (Driving Time: 8+ hours)

After an early breakfast, begin the scenic journey northward to Fes. Along the way, take a break in the beautiful Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm oases. Continue on to Midelt, nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, where you’ll stop for lunch.

The adventure continues through the cedar forests near Azrou, home to the playful Barbary macaques. Feel free to interact with and feed these curious monkeys if you wish. The road then leads to the alpine-style town of Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland” for its clean streets and European-inspired architecture.

By late afternoon or early evening, you’ll arrive in the imperial city of Fes, where your unforgettable 4-day tour comes to an end.

End of Tour – Drop-off at your accommodation in Fes