4-Day Desert Tour: Essaouira → Merzouga → Fes

From Coastal Calm to Sahara Magic and the Ancient City of Fes

Essaouira to Merzouga Sahara Desert to Fes in 4 Days – Overview:

Embark on an incredible 4-day private journey that begins in the laid-back coastal town of Essaouira and ends in the cultural heart of Morocco, Fes. Travel through diverse and dramatic landscapes — from Atlantic shores and soaring Atlas Mountains to ancient kasbahs and the endless dunes of Merzouga.

Ride camels across the golden sands of Erg Chebbi, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, and sleep under a canopy of stars in the Sahara. This tour offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, local culture, and desert adventure.

Tour Itinerary: Best 4-Day Essaouira to Fes Desert Tour

Day 1: Essaouira – Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate

Departing from Essaouira at 8:00 AM, we begin our journey by crossing Marrakech and heading toward the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at the historic Kasbah of Telouet.

In the afternoon, we continue toward the famous fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular filming location for movies like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Jesus of Nazareth.

We then drive to nearby Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where we’ll spend the night.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Todgha Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we’ll visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate before heading east toward the Roses Valley and Dades Valley.

Our next stop is the stunning Todgha Gorges, where you’ll have time to walk through the towering canyon walls and enjoy lunch at a local café.

In the afternoon, we travel to Erfoud via Tinjdad, an area well known for its rich fossil beds. Upon arrival in Merzouga, we leave our vehicle and ride camels into the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watch the sunset from a high dune before continuing to your desert camp, where you'll enjoy traditional Berber music and dinner under the stars.

Day 3: Merzouga – Sahara Exploration – Camel Trek

After breakfast at the camp, the day is dedicated to exploring the surrounding desert. First, we’ll visit the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa people (originally from Mali, Sudan, and Senegal), where you’ll experience their unique music and culture.

We’ll also visit nomadic families living in the desert to learn about their way of life.

For lunch, enjoy a traditional Berber pizza prepared in a local home. If time allows, we can visit Rissani — the birthplace of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty. This historic town is known for its bustling souks, fortified villages (ksars), and as the former caravan hub of Sijilmassa.

In the late afternoon, we return to Merzouga village for a second camel ride into the dunes. Witness the magical desert sunset and spend another unforgettable night in a Berber camp.

Day 4: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes

After breakfast, we leave the Sahara and drive through the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and dramatic gorges.

We continue to Midelt, known as the “Apple Capital,” for a lunch stop before crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. On the way, we’ll visit the cedar forests near Azrou, where you may spot Barbary macaque monkeys.

Our final stop before Fes is Ifrane — often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine-style architecture and clean streets.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Fes, where your tour ends with a drop-off at your riad or hotel.

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4-Day Desert Tour from Essaouira to Fes – Map Overview: