Marrakech to Fez via Merzouga Desert 4 Days Sahara Tour

Setting out on a 4-day adventure from Marrakech to Fez, travelers can enjoy the captivating Merzouga Desert. This small-group tour promises a blend of cultural exploration and natural wonders, from the majestic Atlas Mountains to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou. With camel trekking, desert camp experiences, and delectable half-board meals, the journey offers a well-rounded glimpse into Morocco’s rich traditions. Guided by knowledgeable locals, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the typical tourist route. What awaits those who take the leap?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 4 Day Tours In Erfoud.

Good To Know

• 4-day small-group tour from Marrakech to Fez, including visits to the Sahara Desert, Todra Gorges, and Ifrane.
• Highlights include camel trekking, overnight camping in the desert, and exploration of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
• Tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, air-conditioned transport, local guides, and half-board accommodations with dietary requirements accommodated.
• Visits to UNESCO World Heritage site Ksar Ait Ben Haddou and experience Gnawa music tradition in Khamliya village.
• Long drives, with the final leg from Merzouga to Fez taking approximately 10 hours, may not be suitable for children.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 4-day Marrakech to Fez tour via the Merzouga Desert offers an immersive experience in the heart of Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes.

Priced from $729.35 per person, it’s a small-group adventure limited to 15 participants, with the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, and local guides fluent in English or French.

Travelers will explore UNESCO sites, scenic valleys, and the iconic Sahara Desert, with camel trekking, overnight camping, and sunrise viewings.

Accommodations are half-board, with dietary requirements accommodated.

While not suitable for children, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s diverse natural wonders.

Marrakech to Ouarzazate

The tour begins with a drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, traversing the majestic Atlas Mountains and the Tizi N Tichka Pass at an impressive elevation of 2,260 meters.

Along the way, travelers will stop at the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved mud-brick architecture. This ancient fortified city has served as a backdrop for numerous films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones.

After exploring the Kasbah, the group will continue to Ouarzazate, where they’ll spend the night, preparing for the next leg of the journey into the Sahara Desert.

Ouarzazate to Merzouga

From Ouarzazate, the tour continues its journey eastward, traversing the scenic Valley of Roses and the dramatic Dades Valley.

Along the way, travelers explore the famous Todra Gorges, a stunning natural wonder featuring limestone cliffs reaching over 1,000 feet in depth.

Next, the tour arrives in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, participants have the chance to visit the Khamliya village, where they can enjoy the captivating Gnawa music tradition.

As the day draws to a close, the highlight of the day awaits – a camel trekking adventure that leads to a desert camp, where an unforgettable night under the stars is spent.

Merzouga Desert Experience

Upon reaching Merzouga, the gateway to the Saharan dunes, travelers embark on an immersive desert experience.

They visit Khamliya village to witness the captivating Gnawa music performance. Next, they embark on a camel trekking adventure, gliding across the undulating sand dunes to reach a remote desert camp.

As the sun dips below the horizon, they savor a delectable dinner and enjoy the rhythmic beats of traditional Berber music under a blanket of stars.

The highlight of the day is the early morning sunrise viewing, a breathtaking spectacle that sets the tone for the journey ahead.

• Khamliya village Gnawa music performance
• Camel trekking adventure to remote desert camp
• Dinner and traditional Berber music under the stars
• Early morning sunrise viewing

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Merzouga to Fes

After the mesmerizing desert experience, the tour proceeds from Merzouga towards the historic city of Fes.

The journey takes the group through the Middle Atlas mountains and cedar forests. Along the way, they stop in the town of Ifrane, known as the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its alpine-style architecture.

The final leg of the drive to Fes takes approximately 10 hours. Travelers can look forward to arriving in the ancient imperial city, where they’ll have the opportunity to explore its rich cultural heritage, bustling medina, and renowned artisanal crafts.

The comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded experience, allowing participants to enjoy the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Morocco.

Included in the Tour

The tour offers a comprehensive package that covers the key highlights and logistical arrangements for the journey from Marrakech to Fes.

Included in the price are:

• Pickup and drop-off service from accommodations near Jemaa El Fna Square
• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• English or French speaking driver and local expert tour guide
• Breakfast and dinner during the half-board accommodations
• Overnight stay in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast
• A camel ride for sunset and sunrise experiences

The tour also accommodates vegetarian and vegan diets with prior notice.

However, it’s important to note that the final day’s transfer to Fes takes approximately 10 hours.

Excluded From the Tour

Not included in the tour price are the costs for water and drinks, lunches, entrance fees, and tips.

Travelers will need to budget for these additional expenses during the 4-day tour. Water and snacks can be purchased along the way, while lunches provide an opportunity to explore local cuisine at the travelers’ own expense.

Entrance fees to attractions like Ksar Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge are also not covered.

Finally, tips for the driver and any local guides are at the discretion of the participants.

Considering these exclusions when planning the budget will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable Sahara Desert adventure.

Important Considerations

Where can travelers be picked up for this tour? Pickup is available from accommodations within 5 miles (8 km) of Jemaa El Fna Square in Marrakech.

The tour isn’t suitable for children due to the long drives. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be accommodated with prior notice.

Accommodations during the desert camp experience vary, with the standard camp offering outdoor bathrooms and the luxury camp featuring indoor bathrooms and showers.

The final day’s transfer from Merzouga to Fez takes approximately 10 hours.

• Pickups available near Jemaa El Fna Square
• Not recommended for children
• Dietary needs can be accommodated
• Bathroom facilities differ between camp options
• Long transfer to Fez on final day

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Vehicle Is Used for Transportation?

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle to transport participants. This ensures a comfortable and convenient journey as they travel from one destination to the next throughout the 4-day tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

The tour can be customized to include additional stops, but this may incur extra costs. The tour operator can work with customers to tailor the itinerary based on their interests and preferences within the given tour duration.

Are Alcoholic Beverages Included in the Desert Camp Dinner?

The desert camp dinner does not include alcoholic beverages. It provides a standard Moroccan dinner, with no alcohol served. Guests who wish to consume alcohol would need to purchase it separately.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, the tour operator offers private tours upon request. Travelers can request a private tour instead of a group tour, which provides more flexibility and personalized attention. However, the private tour may incur an additional fee.

How Physically Demanding Is the Camel Trekking Activity?

The camel trekking activity is moderately physically demanding. Travelers should have a good level of fitness and mobility, as they’ll be riding camels for several hours over uneven desert terrain. However, the pace is gentle, and breaks are provided.

The Sum Up

This 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fez offers an unforgettable adventure. Travelers will witness the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, explore UNESCO heritage sites, and experience the Merzouga Desert’s captivating wonders. With knowledgeable local guides, delectable meals, and cozy desert accommodations, this small-group tour promises an immersive cultural journey through Morocco’s stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: