Shared 4-Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes (2 Consecutive Nights in Merzouga)

From 185 € per person

EXPERIENCE

the real Moroccan Sahara on our popular shared 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes featuring 2 consecutive nights in Merzouga.

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Highlight

See the gorgeous Atlas Mountains.
Explore the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Spend some free time to tour Ouarzazate and the cinema studios.
Take a guided tour of the Tinghir oasis and Todra gorges.
Experience a camel ride at sunset and view the rising sun.
Spend two nights sleeping under the stars at the Merzouga Sahara desert camp in Erg Chebbi, complete with a bonfire and Berber music.
Drive to Fes through the Middle Atlas Mountains, surrounded by cedar woods along the Ziz Valley.

Full Description

Experience Morocco’s most picturesque route on our premier shared 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes. While standard budget operators rush travelers by spending one night in the flat, rocky desert of Zagora, our itinerary takes you straight to the real Sahara for two consecutive nights in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi).

Beginning in vibrant Marrakech, you will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass, explore the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and marvel at the 300-meter-high limestone canyon of Todra Gorges.

In Merzouga, you won’t have to pack up and leave early the next morning. You get an entire relaxed day dedicated to exploring the towering golden dunes, meeting nomadic Berber families, enjoying authentic Gnawa music in Khamlia, and catching two unforgettable desert sunsets. Finally, journey north across the palm-filled Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas cedar forests before arriving in the imperial city of Fes.

Day 1

Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains (Tizi n’Tichka) – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

Departure: Morning pickup (approx. 07:30 AM) from your Marrakech hotel, riad, or central meeting point near Jamaa el Fna.
Atlas Crossing: Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m altitude), with stops for scenic panoramic views.
Ksar Ait Ben Haddou: Guided visit to the historic UNESCO fortified village, world-famous as the backdrop for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.
Ouarzazate & Valley of the Roses: Continue through Ouarzazate (“The Hollywood of Morocco”) and the aromatic Valley of the Roses toward Boumalne Dades.
Overnight: Enjoy dinner and a comfortable night in a room at a traditional hotel or riad in Dades Valley.

Standard Hotel

Upgraded Hotel

Day 2

Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Sahara (Night 1 in Desert)

Morning Walk: Start your morning with breakfast overlooking the Dades canyon before driving toward Tinghir.
Todra Gorges: Walk beneath the spectacular 300-meter vertical limestone cliffs of Todra Gorges.
Arrival in Erg Chebbi: Travel through the date-palm oasis of Erfoud to reach the edge of the Merzouga sand dunes.
Sunset Camel Trek: Ride your camel across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi as the sun dips below the horizon.
Camp Life: Arrive at your Berber desert camp. Savor a freshly prepared Moroccan dinner, enjoy live Berber drum music around the campfire, and sleep under a sky full of stars.

Standard Camp

Upgraded Camp

Day 3

Full Day Sahara Discovery & Nomad Culture (Night 2 in Desert)

Sunrise & Breakfast: Wake up early to catch a breathtaking Sahara sunrise over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, followed by a delicious buffet breakfast at the camp.
A Full Day in the Dunes (Your Choice): While typical 3-day tours are forced to pack up and leave early in the morning, your 4-day tour allows you to slow down and immerse yourself in the desert. You have two wonderful options for how to spend your day:
- Option 1: Relax Deep in the Desert Camp
  Spend a peaceful day relaxing at the desert camp away from city noise, traffic, and crowds. Refresh with a shower, read a book in the shade, explore the nearby sand dunes, try sandboarding, and experience the timeless nomadic lifestyle. (Lunch is not included, but freshly prepared meals can easily be ordered through our camp team). You will welcome the new arriving guests around 17:30.
- Option 2: Morning Camel Trek & Merzouga Village Auberge
  After breakfast, take a scenic 1.5-hour camel ride back to our Merzouga Auberge (traditional desert riad). Here, you can shower, cool off, enjoy the desert lounge, and observe how local Berber families go about their daily routines. In the late afternoon (around 16:00), embark on an incredible second sunset camel trek through the dunes back to the camp just in time to watch the sun drop behind the towering Erg Chebbi dunes. (Lunch can be ordered directly at the auberge).
Sunset & Campfire Evening: Capture stunning sunset photos from the crest of the highest dunes, then gather around the evening campfire. Savor another delicious Moroccan dinner, listen to traditional Berber drum music under the Milky Way, and enjoy your second starlit night in the Sahara. (Dinner and breakfast the following morning are included).

Standard Camp

Upgraded Camp

Day 4

Merzouga Desert – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Fes

Morning Departure: After breakfast at the camp, travel back to Merzouga by camel or 4×4 vehicle and board the minivan to head north.
Ziz Valley Oasis: Drive along the stunning Ziz Valley gorge filled with thousands of towering date palms.
Middle Atlas & Cedar Forests: Stop in Midelt for lunch, then continue through the cedar forests of Azrou to spot wild Barbary macaque monkeys.
Ifrane: Pass through the alpine-style town of Ifrane before descending into the historic plain of Saïss.
Fes Arrival: Arrive in Fes in the early evening (approx. 18:00) with drop-off near Bab Boujloud (the Blue Gate)

Inclusions

Pick up from your Hotel or Riad in Marrakech
Transport in an air-conditioned minibus (maximum 17 seats).
Visit Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, Dades Gorge Valley, and Todra Gorge.
First night in a hotel in Dades Valley, including dinner and breakfast.
The second night in Erg Cheebi at the Berber camp includes a camel ride to enjoy the sunset, food, and music performance.
3rd day morning camel ride to watch the sunrise, followed by breakfast.
Third night in Erg Cheebi in the berber tent, camel ride to witness the sunset, meals, and music entertainment.
4th day: morning camel ride at sunrise, breakfast in Merzouga Auberge.
Transfer from Merzouga to Fes by Grand taxi or Minibus

Exclusions

frequently asked questions

What vehicle will be utilized for the transfer from Merzouga to Fes?

The vehicle to be utilized will be determined only on the last day of the trip, based on the last verified number of travelers interested in transferring to Fes. It might be a large taxi or a minibus.

Why does this tour spend 2 nights in Merzouga instead of 1 night in Zagora?

Many standard operators rush travelers by spending one night in Zagora and one night in Merzouga. Zagora is flat, rocky terrain and requires hours of tiring back-and-forth driving. At Sabaku Tours, we believe you deserve the authentic Sahara experience. By spending two consecutive nights in Merzouga, you stay right beside the towering golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. You get an entire unhurried day in the desert to relax at the camp or auberge, meet local Berber families, and experience two magical desert sunsets without rushing back to the bus!

Can we have private rooms and private tents on this shared tour?

Yes! Even though the transportation is shared, you do not have to share rooms or tents with strangers. Solo travelers, couples, and friends get their own private room at the hotel in Dades Valley on Night 1, and their own private Berber tent in the Merzouga desert camp for Nights 2 and 3. In our standard camp, clean bathroom and shower facilities are shared outside the tent.

Can we upgrade to a luxury desert camp and boutique hotel?

Yes, absolutely! You can upgrade your package to stay in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga (Erg Chebbi). The luxury camp features a spacious private tent equipped with an en-suite private bathroom, hot shower, flushing toilet, and electricity, paired with an upgraded boutique hotel in Dades Valley.
⚠️ Important: Because boutique riads and luxury desert camps have limited availability and fill up very fast during peak travel seasons, we strongly recommend booking your upgrade as early as possible. If you wish to upgrade, simply request it during booking or contact us via WhatsApp to check available dates.

Can I take a 4x4 vehicle instead of riding a camel to the desert camp?

Yes. The sunset and sunrise camel rides are included and are a classic part of the Sahara adventure. However, if you prefer not to ride a camel or have physical limitations, a comfortable 4×4 transfer to and from the camp is readily available upon request with extra fee.

What happens to our heavy luggage during our 2 nights in the desert?

Your main suitcases and heavy bags stay safely locked inside our vehicle throughout your desert stay. You only need to bring a small daypack or backpack with your clothing, personal toiletries, and essentials into the camp for your two nights in the desert.

What if I have special requests, dietary needs, or want a private tour? (With Internal Link)

We gladly cater to vegetarian dietary needs at both dinner and breakfast. If you are traveling as a family, need private transport, or have custom requests, feel free to contact us or message us on WhatsApp anytime—our local team in Marrakech will gladly personalize your trip!