4 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga

Depart Fes early in the morning and travel south toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop first in Ifrane, famous for its European alpine architecture and clean parklands. Continue into the cedar forests of Azrou to encounter wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. Traverse the dramatic Ziz Valley, stopping to admire expansive palm oases and gorges. Arrive at the golden dunes of Merzouga by late afternoon, mount your camel, and trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun sets over the Sahara. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner and campfire music under the stars at your desert camp.

• Departure from Fes, Ifrane tour stop, Azrou monkey observation, Ziz Valley photo stop, sunset camel trek, luxury desert camp experience.

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the sand dunes. Spend the day exploring the Sahara’s cultural heritage on a private 4x4 desert excursion. Visit Khamlia Village, home to descendants of former sub-Saharan slaves, to enjoy authentic Gnawa music performances. Drive across desert tracks to visit nomadic Berber families living in traditional goat-hair tents, learning about their ancient lifestyle. Enjoy a traditional Berber lunch (Medfouna or Berber pizza) before taking camels or a 4x4 back to your camp for dinner and campfire drumming.

• Desert sunrise viewing, Khamlia Gnawa music experience, nomadic family visit, 4x4 desert excursion, sandboarding, traditional Berber lunch.

After breakfast, depart the desert for Rissani, a historic caravan crossroad, to wander through its traditional souks and donkey market. Continue west through Erfoud to Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorges, where sheer 300-meter limestone canyon walls frame a flowing river canyon. Take a guided walking tour through the gorge and surrounding palm groves before driving along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" into the scenic Dades Valley.

• Rissani market tour, Todra Gorge canyon walking tour, Tinghir oasis stop, Dades Valley scenic drive and hotel stay.

Travel through Kelaat M'Gouna (the Valley of Roses) and the lush Skoura Palm Oasis toward Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa." Stop to admire Kasbah Taourirt or take an optional tour of Atlas Film Studios. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, an earthen ksar featured in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Ascend the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m elevation) before descending into Marrakech for drop-off at your riad or the airport

• Drive through Valley of Roses and Skoura, Ouarzazate photo stop, guided tour of Ait Ben Haddou, High Atlas pass crossing, drop-off in Marrakech.