This ultimate 4-day, 3-night private journey connects the ancient Imperial city of Fes with the vibrant “Red City” of Marrakech, offering a deep immersion into Morocco’s most dramatic landscapes, from cedar forests to the towering dunes of the Sahara and the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains.
Sahara Immersion: Extended desert exploration including a visit with a nomadic Berber family.
Erg Chebbi Dunes: Camel trek and overnight in a luxury desert camp with private en-suite tents.
Ancient Kasbahs: In-depth exploration of the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou.
Geological Wonders: Hiking and panoramic views of the spectacular Todra and Dades Gorges.
Cultural Stops: Discovering the traditional souks of Rissani and the “Hollywood of Africa,” Ouarzazate.
| Feature | Details |
| Departure City | Fes |
| Departure Time | Around 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM on Day 1. |
| Departure Point | Pickup is typically directly from your accommodation (Riad/Hotel) in Fes, or the nearest accessible point if your accommodation is in a car-inaccessible part of the old medina. |
| Return City | Marrakech |
| Return Time | Between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Day 4. The exact time can vary depending on traffic over the High Atlas Mountains (Tizi n’Tichka pass) and the time spent at sights like Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate. |
| Drop-off Point | Drop-off is at your accommodation (Riad/Hotel) in Marrakech, or the nearest accessible point. |
3 Hours Before Flight
The early start is necessary because the first day involves a very long drive (approximately 7-8 hours of driving time) to reach the Merzouga desert in time for the sunset camel trek.
Pickup: Your driver will usually pick you up directly from your hotel or riad in Fes.
This isn’t merely a transfer; it’s the ultimate Moroccan adventure—a perfectly curated, three-day odyssey connecting the Imperial cities of Fes and Marrakech. Travel in absolute comfort as the dramatic landscapes unfold before you, leading to the main event: an unforgettable night beneath the stars in the Sahara Desert. This journey is a beautiful tapestry of ancient history, cinematic landscapes, and profound cultural immersion. Get ready for an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the dunes behind.
Morning: Depart from Fes. The journey begins with a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Nature & Wildlife: Stop in Ifrane (Morocco’s “Little Switzerland”) and the Azrou Cedar Forest to see the wild Barbary Apes.
Lunch: Break for lunch in the Middle Atlas town of Midelt.
Desert Approach: Continue south, crossing the Tizi n’Talghomt pass and descending into the dramatic, palm-filled Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic photos.
Arrival: Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara.
Overnight: Dinner and accommodation in a hotel/riad at the dunes.
Morning Exploration: Spend the day exploring the desert area. This includes a 4×4 drive to:
Visit Rissani, the ancient Sijilmassa, to explore its traditional weekly market (souk) (check for market days).
Visit a nomadic Berber family to learn about their traditional lifestyle and share a cup of mint tea.
Experience the Gnawa music and culture in the village of Khamlia.
Afternoon Camel Trek: In the late afternoon, meet your camel guide for the iconic trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Sahara Night: Witness a spectacular sunset from the top of a high dune. Arrive at a luxury desert camp. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, local Berber music, and an incredible night of stargazing.
Sunrise: Wake early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara dunes. Enjoy breakfast at the camp.
Return: Camel trek or 4×4 transfer back to Merzouga village.
Gorges Adventure: Drive to the magnificent Todra Gorges in Tinghir. Take time to walk between the 300-meter-high sheer rock walls of the canyon.
Valley of the Roses: Continue on the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” driving through the Dades Valley and the Valley of the Roses (Kelaat M’Gouna).
Overnight: Dinner and overnight in a charming hotel/riad overlooking the Dades Gorges.
Kasbah Route: After breakfast, drive to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Optionally, visit the film studios or the historic Taourirt Kasbah.
Aït Benhaddou: Visit the main highlight of the day: the fortified village of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous filming location (e.g., Gladiator). Explore the historic mud-brick architecture.
Atlas Crossing: Begin the final, dramatic crossing of the High Atlas Mountains via the high Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), stopping for panoramic views.
Arrival: The tour concludes with your drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech in the late afternoon/early evening.
