4 Days / 3 Nights Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Fez Charm Tours driver will pick you up from your hotel or riad at 7 am for an incredible journey into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Your first stop will be the charming town of Ifrane, constructed by the French in the 1930s, known as "Morocco's Switzerland" for its Alpine chalet-styled architecture. In winter, the town is snow-covered, and nearby Michliffen offers skiing opportunities. Next, you will travel through the expansive cedar forests surrounding the Berber village of Azrou, known as "The Rock" in the local Berber dialect, where the famous Barbary apes, actually macaque monkeys, will eagerly attempt to share your lunch in their natural habitat. Continuing your adventure through the Atlas Mountains, which are said to hold up the sky, you will wind through forested peaks, twisting mountain streams, gushing springs, and spectacular rock walls, eventually arriving at the important Sahara edge town of Rissani. As you continue south, prepare to be surprised by the sudden appearance of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which rise dramatically up to 50 meters in height and stretch eastward into the Algerian Sahara. At the foot of the dunes, your kasbah/hotel awaits, where you will be served refreshing hot sweet tea. Relax after your long journey and enjoy a delicious dinner while listening to the sweet strains of traditional Berber music until it’s time to sleep.

After breakfast, you can choose your own desert adventure. Whether you prefer a scenic walk through the immense dunes of Erg Chebbi, a refreshing dip in the hotel swimming pool, or a shopping trip to the nearby villages of Merzouga—home to the largest underground natural reservoir in Morocco—you have options. You can also visit the tiny village of Khamlia, known as the "village of the black people," where descendants of Sudanese slaves will enthrall you with their performances of beloved Gnawa music. As dusk approaches, your camel will be ready for a breathtaking ninety-minute trek into the glorious sunset, guiding you through the shifting sands of the Sahara. You'll arrive at a traditional Berber desert encampment to spend the night in a tent surrounded by towering dunes. Your guide will prepare an authentic Moroccan meal while you relax under the starry sky, mesmerized by the countless stars so bright you feel you could reach out and touch them, accompanied by the soothing sounds of time-honored Berber music. A truly memorable day awaits.

Awake early with Fez Charm Tours to witness the splendid sunrise over the sand dunes. You will ride your camel gently back to your hotel for breakfast, taking in the shifting shadows cast by the dunes as the day progresses. After breakfast, the journey to Ouarzazate begins with a drive through the stunning 300-meter-deep canyon of the Todgha Gorges, cut through the easternmost tip of the High Atlas Mountains near the village of Tinghir. The Tinghir and Todgha Gorges are the highest and narrowest in Morocco and are often considered the most beautiful. Next, you'll head to the fertile oasis of Skoura, surrounded by large palm groves with breathtaking views of the mighty Atlas Mountains. Then, you will have the opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the kasbah of Taourirt, a remarkably preserved example of traditional Moroccan architecture, loved by tourists and locals alike. Finally, you will arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night at a hotel.

After a hearty breakfast, have fun exploring the film sets and studios of Ouarzazate, often referred to as Africa's Hollywood. Its stunning scenery has attracted many leading filmmakers and directors. You may visit the studio museum to see props and other items from films such as "Babel," "The Mummy," and "Game of Thrones." Later, you can visit another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, the largest in Morocco. This timeless village has served as a backdrop for more than twenty Hollywood films, including "Lawrence of Arabia," "Indiana Jones," and "Gladiator." Take a pleasant stroll to explore the traditional Moroccan architecture that composes the kasbah, now home to the Glaoui family. This vibrant region is one of the most romantic in Morocco, nestled between fertile, green river valleys and striking red-brick houses basking under the blazing Moroccan sun. Then, it’s time to continue your journey through the breathtaking Tizi n'Tichka Pass, which rises over two and a half kilometers above sea level. You will navigate winding mountain roads dotted with picturesque Berber villages and crystal-clear waterfalls until you reach Marrakech. The desert tour concludes when Fez Charm Tours drops you off at your hotel or riad.