A 4-day Fes to Marrakech desert trip is a popular way for visitors to experience the best of Morocco’s cultural and natural attractions. The trip typically begins in Fes, one of the country’s most ancient and historically rich cities. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Dar Batha Museum, and to experience the traditional Moroccan lifestyle.
On the second day of the trip, visitors will travel to the desert, passing through the beautiful landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains, and seeing the Berber villages. The desert experience will include camel riding and an overnight stay in a traditional desert camp.
On the third day of the trip, visitors will continue to travel through the desert, visiting the Draa valley, and the Todra Gorges before arriving in Marrakech. In Marrakech, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Saadian Tombs. They also can take a stroll at the famous marketplaces of Marrakech, such as the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Saadian Tombs.
The fourth and final day of the trip is dedicated to visiting the gardens and palaces of Marrakech, such as Menara gardens, and Bahia Palace, before returning to Fes or to any other location of the visitor’s choice. The trip offers an opportunity to experience the diverse culture, history, and natural beauty of Morocco and to explore the unique contrasts between the desert, the mountains, and the city.
DAY 1: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga Dunes (Erg Chebbi) :
The departure from your Riad/Hotel in Fes will be by an air-conditioned van at 8 AM. We will travel in the direction of Erg Chebbi sand dunes which will take about eight hours. We will have a chance to see the picturesque Atlas Mountains, along with going through some villages/ towns such as Tifilat, Erfour, & Rissani. We will stop to visit some of the larger towns such as Ifrane and Azrou in order to take in the local culture, view the cedar woods, and watch the lively monkeys. Lunch, made from locally sourced ingredients, will be served in Midelt and then we will move on to the Ziz Valley where we will get a chance to see some of the Palm Tree Oases. When we arrive in Erg Chebbi that afternoon we will mount camels waiting for us. We will trek through the desert getting a chance to watch the sunset before arriving at our tent campsite, will be served dinner, watch the inspiring bright night stars, and then turn in for the night to our tents.
Day 2: Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Todra Gorges :
After breakfast, we will take a camel trek to the local hotel where you can shower. Then we take an off-road tour over the Hamadas (Black Desert) and reach the Sahara town of Rissani where we will have a chance to take in some of the local cultures. Subsequently, we will drive to Erfoud which is known for its fossil remains, and we will have time to visit a local fossil workshop. We will continue on to the Todra Valley where we can trek the area which is known for its rock climbing. After that we will drive to the local hotel, followed by having an authentic Morrocan dinner, and then turn in for the night.
Day 3: Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate :
We will breakfast at our Todra Gorges hotel followed by traveling to the Thousand Kasbah ancient dwellings where we can visit a number of the fascinating remaining edifices along the roadway. We will pass through the Dades Valley and continue off-road to the rocky region where numerous Berber settlements continue to be populated with nomads. We will have the opportunity to visit one of the local families, find out from them about their daily life, and learn about the fundamentals of herding their goats and sheep. From there we travel to the beautiful Roses Valley which produces its seasonal flower harvest where they manufacture various products such as rose water and soap. Then we head on to the picturesque Skora Palm Groves, and end our day at Ouarzazate where you will get a chance to freshen up in your hotel room, have a locally sourced dinner, and then turn in for the evening.
Day 4: Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas – Marrakech :
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the cinema studios in town which are regarded as the Hollywood of Africa. Numerous famous films have been shot there including Lawrence of Arabia, The Game of Thrones, Indiana Jones, and Gladiator. Also, we will visit Ait Benhaddou, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been a backdrop for many of these movies. From there we continue on through the photogenic High Atlas Mountains including the well-known Tizi n’Tishka pass. We will stop for lunch in the area and then head back to Marrakech where you will be dropped off at your hotel.