Camel Ride Trips4-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Cross Morocco from Marrakech to Fes with time to enjoy the desert. Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades Valley on day one, the Todra Gorge on the way to Merzouga, a full day around the dunes with Gnawa music and a camel trek to a desert camp, then the Middle Atlas and Ifrane on the road to Fes.
Why choose 4 days from Marrakech to Fes?
Because you get a full day in the desert. You sleep one night in a hotel by the dunes and one in a desert camp, with time for the Gnawa village of Khamlia and the Merzouga lake in between. The 3-day tour is faster; the 5-day tour is even more relaxed.
- 1 night Dades Valley
- 1 night hotel in Merzouga
- 1 night desert camp
How much driving is there on the 4-day Marrakech to Fes tour?
The whole route covers about 1,100 km by road. On this 4-day tour, 1 of the 4 days have little or no driving. Times below are approximate and include short stops for photos, lunch and visits.
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley | about 340 km | 5–6 hours with stops |
| Day 2 | Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Erfoud → Merzouga | about 280 km | 4–5 hours with stops |
| Day 3 | Merzouga: Khamlia, the lake and a camel trek | about 60 km | Short drives by 4x4 |
| Day 4 | Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes | about 470 km | 7–8 hours with stops |
Local desert team
We are based in Rissani, next to Merzouga, so the camels and camp are run by our own people.
Private vehicle
Air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan with your own English-speaking driver-guide.
Your pace
Stop for photos, tea and short walks whenever you like.
Three comfort levels
Basic, Mid-Range or Luxury hotels and desert tents.
4-Day Marrakech to Fes Itinerary
- Day 1
Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at 2,260 m, past Berber villages. Visit Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed kasbah seen in films such as Gladiator, then follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through Ouarzazate and Kalaat M'Gouna to the Dades gorges.
Overnight: Hotel in the Dades Valley, dinner included
- Day 2
Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Erfoud → Merzouga
See the 'monkey fingers' rock formations of the Dades, then the Todra Gorge. Continue through Erfoud, known for its dates, and Rissani to Merzouga, where you are welcomed with mint tea facing the dunes.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in Merzouga, dinner included
- Day 3
Merzouga: Khamlia, the lake and a camel trek
Visit the Gnawa village of Khamlia, the Merzouga lake and local craft houses. In the afternoon, ride a camel for about 1.5 hours into the Erg Chebbi dunes with an experienced guide.
Overnight: Traditional tent in a desert camp, dinner included
- Day 4
Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes
Watch the sunrise over the dunes and have breakfast. Drive via Errachidia and the Tizi n'Talghemt pass to Midelt, stop for a barbecue and mint tea in Zaida, look for Barbary macaques near Azrou and pass through Ifrane before arriving in Fes.
Tour ends at your hotel or riad in Fes
Choose Your Comfort Level
Choose the level that suits you. The route and guides stay the same; only the hotels, riads and desert camp change.
Basic
- Clean 2–3 star hotels and guesthouses
- Simple traditional riads
- Standard tent in a desert camp
- Private rooms, breakfast included
Mid-Range
- Selected 3–4 star hotels
- Traditional riads with character
- Comfort desert tent with private bathroom
- Private rooms, breakfast included
Luxury
- Premium 4–5 star hotels and boutique riads
- Suites available on request
- Luxury desert tent with en-suite bathroom
- Breakfast included, selected dinners
Included & Not Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotels in the Dades Valley and Merzouga
- Night in a nomad tent in a desert camp
- Camel trek in Merzouga
- 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Pickup in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Activities not listed in the itinerary
Questions About the 4-Day Marrakech to Fes Tour
How many nights are in the desert?
Two nights in Merzouga: one in a hotel by the dunes and one in a desert camp.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner every night. Lunches and drinks are not included.
Can I end in Marrakech instead?
Yes. See our round trips from Marrakech to Merzouga.
Can I choose a different hotel level?
Yes. This tour is available in Basic, Mid-Range and Luxury. The route, driver-guide and local guides stay the same; only the hotels, riads and desert camp change, along with the price.
How much driving is there on the 4-day Marrakech to Fes tour?
The whole route covers about 1,100 km by road. On this 4-day tour, 1 of the 4 days have little or no driving. The longest day is Day 4, Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes: about 470 km, 7–8 hours with stops. All times are approximate and include short stops.
How do I pay for this tour?
Send a 20% deposit by PayPal, Payoneer or international bank transfer (SWIFT) and your tour is confirmed automatically. Pay the remaining 80% on the first day of the tour, in cash (EUR, USD or MAD) or online. Cancel 11 days or more before the tour for a full refund of your deposit. See our booking terms.
Related tours: 3-day Marrakech to Fes, 5-day Marrakech to Fes and 7-day Marrakech to Fes.
Your Journey, Your Pace, Your Morocco
Tell us your dates and we'll prepare this private tour around you, with clear pricing and no obligation.