Join us for this unique 4 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech. Get inspired by the stunning views reflected in the landscapes, mountains with its unique fauna and flora; the lush cedar forest of the Middle Atlas with the endangered Barbary Apes, the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, the valleys and oases dotted with palm trees, and the vast Sahara Desert of Erg Chebbi with its golden sand dunes. The canyons of Todra, the Kasbahs (fortresses) and much more are just a few highlights of this meticulously designed desert trip from Fes.
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Itinerary
Most of our tour itineraries & packages are private as we aim to clear the ground for purely-cultural experiences while maintaining the delivery of personal service. However, we may take shared bookings on some occasions when the group (maximum 8) is already set. The featured price can change based on the number of passengers & the category of the desert camp.
Day 1 – Fes – Ifran – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga
After having breakfast in your hotel/Riad, your private driver-guide will pick you up and head south down to the Sahara Desert through the lush Middle Atlas Mountains. You’ll have a short break in Ifran (nominated as the 2nd cleanest city in the world in 2015), then in the UNESCO preserved cedar forest of the Middle Atlas hosting a colony of Barbary Apes that you can easily see or even feed.
You’ll cross the city of Midelt, known for apple production, built in the feet of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. Then, through the Ziz Gorge, the Palm Grove of Ziz Valley, Erfoud before getting to the Sahara Desert of Erg Chebbi. You’ll have time to relax before having a journey on a camel up the sand dune to attend the majestic view of the sunset with the possibility to opt for sandboarding.
Return back to the desert camp where you’ll have dinner while enjoying the rhythmic music of drums. You’ll culminate the long day with a relaxing sleep in your private ensuite tent or under the stars.
- Overnight accommodation in a luxury en suite tent desert camp – Dinner, and breakfast are included.
Day 2 – Explore the Desert Area & Overnight in the Hotel
Early wake up in the morning, and climb up the sand dune to attend the miraculous view of the sunrise. You’ll then have a nice breakfast under the sunlight, take a refreshing shower and get ready for a day, which is full of new experiences. Our journey in the Sahara Desert of Erg Chebbi will include an insight into the lifestyle of the nomads and the traditional system of irrigation known as “Khettaras”. Visit Khamlia Village, resided by a tribe of dark complexion whose people were brought from the Subsaharan lands as slaves. You’ll enjoy the spiritual Gnawa music they perform to guest visitors.
Have a complete circuit around the vast sand dune field of Erg Chebbi. You’ll visit a nomad family to closely come to terms with their style of life and share a mint tea with them. Have a picnic for lunch in the wild before returning back to the hotel/Auberge located at the feet of the sand dunes where you’ll spend the second night.
- Overnight accommodation in Auberge de Sud, Riad Madu, or similar – dinner and breakfast is included.
Day 3 – Merzouga – Tinejdad – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
After having breakfast, you’ll continue on the track further west through the palm oasis of Jorf, Tinejdad, and Todra Gorge. The canyons in Todra are popular attractions among locals and foreigners, you’ll have a nice walk by the everflowing riverbank while enjoying the cool breeze. After lunch, you’ll drive to Dades Valley which marks the end of today’s journey.
- Overnight accommodation in Hotel Babylon, Ksar Sultan, Xaluca Dades, or similar – dinner and breakfast are included.
Day 4 – Dades Valley – Skoura – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, you’ll drive through the valley of Roses, Skoura Village with its well-preserved Amredil Kasbah where we can include a guided tour. Cross Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa) thanks to the Atlas Film Studios where numerous Hollywood celebrities have been shot. Continue on the track further west to the Ait Benhaddou Village which consists of numerous Kasbahs (fortresses), you’ll have a guided walking tour to learn about the rich history behind its foundation.
You’ll then drive through the High Atlas Mountains over Tizi n’Tichka Pass with the possibility of including a short break to learn about how Argan oil is being extracted from the seeds traditionally by local women. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
As always, we’ll make sure to get to your place safely and in style. We’ll drop you off in your hotel but if it’s inaccessible for the car, then we’ll arrange with the staff members of the Riad you are staying in to come to escort you.
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Important Information
Price Includes
- A/C & well-maintained 4WD or minivan driven by an expert English speaking driver/guide.
- Car fuel and tolls.
- Pick up from your Fes hotel/Riad/Villa.
- Camel ride journey for the sunset.
- Overnight in the Sahara Desert camp in Erg Chebbi (private ensuite tent) with dinner & breakfast are included.
- The second night in Auberge de Sud, Riad Madu, Riad Azawad or similar (private A/C ensuite room with dinner and breakfast)
- The third night at Hotel Babylon, Ksar Sultan, Xaluca Dades or similar (private A/C ensuite room with dinner and breakfast).
- Local taxes
- Drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation or in the closest accessible location if we can’t do it by car as we’ll make sure you get there safely by prior-arrangement.
Price Excludes
- Beverages including water.
- Entrance fees to sites and places of attractions
- Lunches on the way
- Tips when appropriate.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are “from”, per person, based on at least 2 adults sharing, and include all taxes. Prices can change based on the number of passengers sharing & the quality of accommodation. Subject to availability. 3 nights accommodation in the luxury desert camp, Auberge in Erg Chebbi & Dades Valley with dinner and breakfast.
A lifetime experience