4 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

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Overview of 4 Days Desert tour from Fes to Marrakech

Best 4 Days Desert Tour Fes to Marrakech to appreciate the spirit of the desert, with an indescribable starry sky in the heart of the dunes of the Sahara desert. An amazing experience with a camel’s treks to discover the desert dunes and beautiful sunset with the overnight in the desert camp, get to know the Berber lifestyle. This desert tour is also great for those of you flying to Fez and departing from Marrakech (or vice versa). The trip can be done for 3 days and 2 nights desert tours, but we recommend taking at least 4 days and 3 nights Fes to Marrakech.

4 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour Info

+ Duration: 4 Days & 3 nights
+ Departure: 08:30 am
+ Starting Location: Fes
+ Ending Location: Marrakech

4 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech Highlights

+ drive through the middle Atlas Mountains to the Merzouga desert
+ Ride a camel in Merzouga while assisting to a dramatic sunset
+ Sleep under the stars in Erg Chebbi Sahara camp
+ Visit  The Todgha Gorges and drive to Dades Gorges
+ Visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Ait Ben Hadou 
+ Cross the High Atlas Mountains and its Tizi Ntichka to Marrakech

Itinerary 4 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Day 1: Fes - Ifran - Azrou forest - Midalet - Merzouga desert(2 nights camp)

In the morning we’ll start our first 4 day trip Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga desert, after breakfast, the driver will wait for you near the hotel or riad then we’ll continue our way via big atlas mountain and also landscapes, we’ll arrive at Ifran then we have to visit the lion stone after the finish, we’ll continue the way to Azrou forest, that place has monkies wild while no one can judge them mean’s they are free, you’ll take some pictures then we have many km to Midalet city, also that’s the city is famous with apples and also its culture/traditional/agriculture/nature, we have to take a break in the restaurant in the same time we’ll take a lunch. After lunch, we have to cross the Atlas mountains with its panoramic view and via Zaabel tunnel then we’ll arrive in Errachdia panoramic where many people are taking a rest and some pictures, in the afternoon we’ll arrive in Merzouga desert where the camels are waiting for us to ride them through the sand dunes and to see the sunset then we’ll continue the way to the camp, you’ll enjoy your time with the sky full stars and fire with Berber music you’ll spend a night in the camp.

Day 2: Merzouga villages & center around the desert.

In the morning after you see the sunrise and take the breakfast, we’ll start another experience of 4 days Fes to Marrakech around the desert we’ll see how the nomads people are live and how the get money & how are their cultures/traditionals and also we’ll see a small village where black people are living and also their music which is called (gnaoua khamliya) also we’ll see the lake of all villages of Merzouga desert & some Berber clothes and food. After we visit all that’s experiences we’ll go back to the camp and spending a night there.

Day 3: Merzouga desert - Rissani - tinghir - Boumaln dades.

After we spent the night at the camp and the experience that we have visited, we’ll start the third day of 4 days Fes to Marrakech desert tour to Boumaln Dades. In the morning after you see the sunrise and taking breakfast we have to let the desert behind us to Rissani city, we’ll visit The souk where many Berbers and Arabic are making trading and industry, it’s also amazing to experience then we’ll see things that people if Rissani are famous, like an Arabic pizza it called (Madfouna) and dates also. We have lunch in a restaurant with the best food.
after taking a rest we’ll continue the way through the mountains crossing The Ziz valley to Tinghir city, in this city has amazing gorge (Todra gorge) and also its magnificent palm groves, while many tourists are coming to visit it. Boumalne Dades not far from Tinghir city, we will take our way to Boumalne Dades that we’ll spend a night in the riad, also that city is famous for its traditional buildings& cultures and its populations, amazing Dades valley where the riad is near the valley and forest.

Day 4: Boumaln dades - Ouarzazate - Ait ben hadou kasbah - Marrakech.

after all these amazing last three days that we spent together here’s the fourth day and the last of Our 4 days tour Fes to Marrakech, this day is filled with adventures and the villages that make you imagine how they live up the mountains and how they get money and food and also all things that can make them safe.
In the morning exactly after breakfast we’ll leave the hotel through small villages like Magona Castle where the roses are product, this region they call it the roses city, then we’ll arrive at Ouarzazate city where some movies were filmed here and also this city is famous about the movies and the foreign actors who came to filmed many movies and also they are built studios, all these events made Ouarzazet famous after when we get out of Ouarzazate we’ll visit Ait ben Haddou kasbah then also we’ll have lunch, this kasbah is a collection of traditional buildings, 50 families they were lived in this village but now they are leaving because the kasbah was destroyed cause the rain and also is old, there are about for movies were filmed here. After we finish all that we’ll leave Ait Ben Haddou through the Atlas mountains with their landscape and their villages also on this road have zigzags and it’s via up the mountains we’ll arrive Marrakesh in the afternoon so we’ll go directly to (Riad / Hotel ). The end of 4 days Fes to Marrakech.

4 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour Includes

  • Pick up in & drop off in your accommodation.
  • Comfortable with air-conditioned vehicle + Fuel.
  • Driver guide during the tour.
  • Accommodation for 3 nights.
  • Four breakfasts and dinners (vegetarians are welcome).
  • Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
  • 1 night in desert camp (breakfast & dinner included)
  • camel trekking per person

4 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour Excludes

  • lunches
  • Drinks
  • Entrance Fees
  • Tickets of the studio in Ouarzazate

NOTE:

If this 4-day Desert Tour Fes to Marrakech does not match what you’re looking for, Contact us and we will prepare the trip to your needs and requirements.

4 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech reviews

Best 4 Days Desert tour from Fes to Marrakech

It was a great experience. Hassan, our minibus driver for our private tour, was more than a driver, a rich source of history, local geography, language, culture, and customs. Why? Why is it Berber, this made our best 4-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech an enriching experience.

Fez’s journey through the mountains of the Atlas, Ifrane, with the cedar forest, spend the night in a luxury camp equipped in the desert after a camel ride, vegetarian meals in the dining tent (supported by Hassan), and watch the sunset and sunrise.

Sand dunes, bonfire music at night. From Merzouga, passing through Rissani, crossing several mountain landscapes, the gorge of Todra and Boumaln Dades with the city of Ouarzazate, famous for its studies, visiting the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, declared World Heritage by UNESCO, Passing Tizi Ntichka, Along the way, stop at a panoramic view, decent restaurants, so we have vegetarian options as indicated to come to Marrakech. Highly recommend this tour.

Rose N. December 2022
★★★★★ 5/5

Amazing 4 Days from Fes to Marrakech desert tour

We had the pleasure of having Said as our guide for our 4-day desert trip from Fes to Marrakech. Kind, friendly, and helpful when we had any questions or concerns. We learned a lot about Morocco, and its incredible history and culture from him throughout our trip with him. The night in the Sahara is probably one of the best and most unforgettable nights you will spend in your life!

Dominic R. December 2022
★★★★★ 5/5

Fes to Marrakech 4 Days desert tour

We visited Morocco for the first time and found it to be an absolutely beautiful place (north and south) and rich in incredible culture. The Moroccan people have a mixture of good and bad like any other country. When we visited Fez prior to our visit we had a bad experience which got us worried about the next desert tour. When we first met Hassan we had no other expectations than to survive our trek through the Sahara and try to have fun. By supporting us for 4 days Fes to Marrakech, he showed us hospitality that completely amazed us. He was very friendly, helpful, considerate, knowledgeable, and good at what he does, and overall made our experience in Morocco much better as a guide.

We congratulate Mouhou Tours for giving us the best travel experience we could have wished for, especially with Hassan. For 2 easy-going guys who want to go on an adventure and try to live their dreams in the Sahara Desert, I highly recommend this travel agent and driver.

Archie Y. December 2022
★★★★★ 5/5

Places to see on your 4 Days Desert tour from Fes to Marrakech

Ifrane City:

Dubbed the Little Switzerland, Ifrane is a pretty town in Morocco where, instead of chaotic bazaars, there are well-kept gardens, mountain chalets and a chic alpine style. At more than 1700 m, people come here in winter for skiing: it is famous for its ski resort that has no less than five slopes and two lifts. But it is not only this that makes him win the epithet “mountaineer”: clean air, order and care, make it seem like a small Swiss city.

Cedar forest of Azrou:

Some kilometers after the last houses the road plunges into a lush and green nature. All around grow tall pines and stretch lush green meadows, it is here that the majestic Cedar Forest begins.

A sign placed on a fork indicates that turning to the right you can see the Barbary, a real natural attraction in this area, which we absolutely can not miss.

Winding through the trees, the road leads us to evocative landscapes and we, carefully, explore the branches careful to spot some small monkey.

The nice macaques are not waiting and, after a few kilometers, we notice some that observe us comfortably sitting along the road.

Midelt city:

A town located between the Middle and High Atlas mountains, Midelt is without interest, if not the possibility of hiking in the nearby mountains.
Our Advice to you:
If you want to stay in Midelt, visit the nearby Berber villages, which will be much more interesting.
Our opinion:
The new town founded in 1917 during the French protectorate, Midelt has a population of about 50,000 inhabitants and offers only one main street and a market for two days a week. An ancient mining and military town, today Midelt draws its main wealth from apple cultivation and tourism, with the passage of buses to the desert. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t particularly impressed by this town.

The only reason for interest in the city of Midelt is its location in the heart of the Atlas, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Also, Midelt is a good base for hiking in the High Atlas massif. So more a city stop than a real destination on a Moroccan journey.

Merzouga Desert, Erg Chebbi:

The Sahara desert is in fact very large, but commonly tourists to the first experience in Morocco are limited to a limited area called Erg Chebbi – “erg” means the group of sand dunes carried by the wind. This is because the desert visible in Erg Chebbi is incredibly scenic but at the same time easily accessible from both Marrakech and Fez, the most visited cities of Morocco.

This area tends to be defined as the “Merzouga desert”, the place where the tourist activities linked to the dunes of Erg Chebbi are concentrated and, above all, the place from which all the direct excursions start. In short: this is where you will arrive by car before venturing into the desert.

Rissani:

Rissani is the last major settlement in south-eastern Morocco, in the province of Errachidia, in the region of Meknès-Tafilalet. It is located near Erfoud on the edge of the Erg Chebbi, the largest sand desert in Morocco.

The current town retains some evidence of its glorious past as capital and holy city: the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, closed to non-Muslims, was quickly rebuilt after its destruction in 1955 following a flood of the river Ziz ; The ruins of the ksar Abbar, built in the early nineteenth century as the residence of the royal family; the ksar Oulad Abdel Halim, still owned by the royal family, one of the best preserved of Tafilalt; the beautiful pisé door of Serghine.

Todra Gorges:

The Todra Gorges are a trench of gigantic rock walls that change color and cross the mountains of the High Atlas, creating a magnificent spectacle.

Many travelers arriving in Morocco visit the Todra Gorges from the south of the ‘Road of the Thousand Kasbahs’. It is an amazing road for trekking lovers.

The mining town of Tinerhir is the base town and starting point to start the visit to the Todra Gorges. It is advisable to book a hotel in Tinerhir in order to make easier the departure and return.

The gorges offer breathtaking views and are easy to walk through. There are many places along the dirt road in good condition, which is in good condition, where to stop for photos along the way.

Dades Valley:

One of the most spectacular and scenic places in Morocco is the Dadès Valley, a canyon not far from the gorges of Todra, 110 kilometers from Ouarzazate, in the heart of the valley of roses, Also accessible by public transport but ideal to visit by renting a four-wheel drive vehicle.
The Dades Valley, or valley of the thousand Kasbahs, has formed over the last 600 million years through the walls of the High Atlas Mountains thanks to the Dades River and for hundreds of years has been the main road between the desert and the ancient commercial oases of Tifilalt. Its lunar landscapes are torn by numerous oases, palm groves, and beautiful Kasbahs offering the visitor a spectacular contrast between the brown rock formations and the bright colors of almond, fig, walnut, and birch. The Kasbahs scattered throughout this valley is absolutely not to be missed, beautiful ones of Skoura, a wonderful oasis with a wonderful view of the Atlas mountain range, although the natural beauty of the area is the real treasure.

Ouarzazate, Hollywood of Morocco:

Ouarzazate, the city you can see today, was built in 1928 by the French who in these areas had many interests including those related to the famous “foreign legion”, of which the new center represented a real logistic outpost towards the Sahara desert.

This is a modern history, born around an ancient Berber village and its Kasbah, the Kasbah Taourirt, from where the Glaoui – Pasha of Marrakech – controlled the commercial movements of the caravans coming from Timbuktu and the deep Sahara!

Perhaps this is also the reason why Ourzazate, which in Berber language means “quiet place, without noise”, was nicknamed “the door of Africa”!

The fact is that its beautiful sceneries and landscapes, the nearby oasis of palm trees, the wealth of valleys and gorges, could not but attract filmmakers and the world of celluloid, This is where the Atlas film studios – Atlas Corporation Studios – were built in 1983 for the film “Il Gioello del Nilo”.

Ait Benhaddou Kasbah:

Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified city – or ksar – built along the caravan route between the Sahara Desert and the current city of Marrakech.

Partly dating from the 12th century, and partly from 1740, it is one of the most complete examples of pre-Saharan architecture in the world.

The structure is built with the technique of pisé, that is with earth, straw, and water kneaded to reach a consistency that challenges the centuries; the walls, decorated with geometric patterns, are representative of the Berber culture.

Just outside, the modern village, inhabited by only eight families, is characterized by steep alleys of stones and beaten earth, dark houses to shelter from the sun ending in courtyards with goats and hens and colorful carpets stretched to dry.

Tizi N'tichka:

To reach the resort of Ouarzazate from Marrakech, the only possibility is to drive along the panoramic road that passes from the pass of Tizi-n-Tichka, crossing the mountains of Atlas, at the height of 2260 meters.
The route is truly extraordinary and fascinating: You go from a green landscape dotted with woods climbing through impressive hairpin bends, up to the pass with green pastures surrounded by imposing mountains and then descend to the slope of Ouarzazate through an arid and desert landscape. The contrast is really impressive.
During the winter months, check in advance the road conditions as the pass may be unusable for snow.

Marrakech:

Surrounded by splendid ochre-colored bastions and glorious vestiges and palaces, Marrakech is the capital of the Moroccan South. The intersection of cultures is a city of immense charm. Founded by the Almohads in 1062, it has seen the alternation of noble dynasties, while architects, artisans, and sculptors of all ages have built princely palaces, enchanting mosques, and lush gardens.

Things to do in Marrakech

these are definitely the 10 things to do and not to miss in Marrakech.

1. Walking in Jamaa el-Fna square

But the real essence of Marrakech is its square, Jamâa El Fna, with its carts full of oranges and toasted wheat grains, women from the Anti-Atlante to sell baskets, storytellers and musicians, healers and fortune tellers; a real party of colors, of intoxicating scents and unique flavors.

2. Shopping in the souk

The walk through the labyrinth of souks, the realm of the art of haggling, is a wonderful feast for the senses.
Between the enveloping scents of spices and the festival of colors of Berber carpets, leather craftsmen still make traditional booths according to ancient methods.

3. Discover the Saadian tombs

Near the Bahia Palace are the Saadian tombs. Although it is open until half past four in the afternoon, it is best to visit it early in the morning to avoid the crowds because of its small size. Inside you will find famous tombs and ostentatious decorations in stucco and marble worthy of the glory of the most important sultans of the sixteenth century. from the type of decoration for each tomb and shrine, you will guess the purchasing power of each of the objects buried there.

4. Visit the Bahia Palace

Also known as the Palace of the Beautiful because it is the Arabic translation of Bahia. This nickname was known as the favorite of the vizier Ahmed ben Moussa, who commissioned the construction of this palace, which took 14 years to complete. The highlight of the place is the sumptuous ornamentation that covers the entire building (and if you’re wondering, the mosaic tiles have been laid one by one).

5. Visit the medina of Marrakech

The medina we could say represents the base of the Arab cities. In Marrakech, it is very extensive, a maze of streets and narrow alleys that sometimes leave space for small squares. In the case of other destinations, we would say that the best way to visit a city is to get lost in its alleys and discover corners and shades of a place that sometimes escape. This is not the case in Marrakesh.

The sights of Marrakech can also be reached independently, but if you want to “get lost in the alleys” it is better to ask for the presence of an official local guide.

6. the Majorelle Gardens

The Majorelle Gardens is a beautiful oasis in the new city. A path between open spaces of water and plants of all kinds ends near the blue building, colored by the blue Majorelle that distinguishes all the gardens. A particular shade of blue that although intense, contributes to relaxation.

7. Marvel at the Medersa Ben youssef

It was a great discovery. Initially, it wasn’t planned but I’m glad I changed my mind and put it in. Be careful that to visit it you will pass through the souks of the artisans, so study the road before getting lost in the alleys.

Medersa is the ancient Koranic school and is considered the largest and most beautiful in Morocco. Even in the city of Fez, there is a similar one, but according to the guide who followed us to Fez, the one in Marrakech is much more beautiful. And in fact, it is also here, thanks to all the beautiful decorations, you can feel the hidden charm of Marrakech. This is one of those places where you have to stop and just admire

8. Take a Hammam

In the beginning, I did not make the steam bath, the Augustinian warmth of Marrakech was more than enough. But the experience in a steam bath is an experience in Morocco. It is a purifying ritual deeply rooted in the Muslim tradition and, in addition to covering daily moments, is also a reference point for certain moments of life, such as wedding celebrations.

9. Take a trip to Essaouira

Marrakech is a city with a lot to enjoy, but the hustle and bustle of its streets make it a welcome escape from the center for a day to enjoy a more relaxed part of Morocco. A visit to Essaouira’s fishing town is amazing for this. It is located three hours from Marrakech and there are several excursions to Essaouira where you can go and come back during the day.

10. See the Madrasa of Ali Ben Youssef

If you have visited the Alhambra in Granada or the Alcazar in Seville, the landscape of this mosque will be familiar. If the Bahia Palace was already a symbol of the greatness of men, this temple is a symbol of the greatness of Allah and is incredible.

It is one of the few churches in the country where non-Muslims can enter, so take advantage of it (even if you will find it closed during religious holidays). Its highlight is the courtyard: marble floors, delicate tones, ornamental art, carved calligraphy, half-timbered balconies, mosaics, and other elements make it a work of art.

4 Days Desert tour from Fes to Marrakech FAQs

Does Fez worth visiting?

Fez el Bali is one of the most important places where they are present. It is a real pleasure, and the butchers decorate their shop with camel heads and meat.

When is best month to explore Marrakech?

The best time to visit Marrakech is in spring and autumn when the temperatures are always pleasant without getting unbearably hot. The months of May and September are most suitable, as rainfall is usually lower than in the other autumn and spring months.

How far is the Merzouga desert from Fes?

What is the distance between Fez and the Sahara Desert Merzouga? The distance between Fes and the Desert is 7 hr 20 min (462.4 km) via N13.

Can I drive from Fes to Marrakech?

Yes, the distance between Fes and Marrakech is 548 km. It takes about 5h 26m to drive from Fes to Marrakech.

Related tours: 4 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Private and group Tours from Fes are very popular on our trips to Morocco. When it comes to Moroccan cities where people fly, we are talking about the cultural city of Fez and Marrakech. Therefore, our team of tour operators “MTC” has designed various routes according to the orders of some old customers. If you want to customize an itinerary for different cities or destinations, please contact us.

Our Desert Tours from Fes are suitable for couples, families, and small groups, and we can also organize a private tour ourselves.