4 days - Sahara desert route ending in Marrakech/Fez
Four days from Marrakech through southern Morocco to the Merzouga dunes, with two possible endings: back to Marrakech, or on to Fez across the Middle Atlas.
About this tour
This route starts in Marrakech, crosses the High Atlas and follows the southern valleys to the Merzouga desert. What sets it apart is the ending: you can return to Marrakech or continue north and finish in Fez.
Ending in Fez is practical if you then want to see the north of the country, such as Chefchaouen or Tangier, or if your flight home leaves from there. Returning to Marrakech makes sense if you fly from Marrakech or want to stay a few more days in the city.
Highlights
The High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass and the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou.
The Dades and Todra valleys, in the heart of kasbah country.
A night in the desert among the Erg Chebbi dunes.
The option to finish in Marrakech or Fez to suit your plans.
Two possible endings
The first two days are the same in both options. From day three, the route depends on where you finish:
Ending in Marrakech: after the night in the desert, you head back west through the south with a night on the way; on day four you cross the High Atlas again to Marrakech.
Ending in Fez: day three is spent around Merzouga and on day four you travel north through the Ziz valley and the Middle Atlas to Fez.
Who is this route for?
For travellers starting in Marrakech who want to see the desert at a slightly calmer pace than in three days, especially if the trip continues in northern Morocco. Ending in Fez avoids driving the same road back.
Good to know
Tell us where you want to finish when you request a quote, as it changes the plan for the last two days.
Some days involve quite a lot of driving, especially the last one.
The itinerary is a guide: the order of stops and the pace may change with the season, road conditions and what is agreed when booking.
Included services, the type of accommodation and the conditions are set out in your personalised quote.
Keep planning your trip
Places on this route: Marrakech, Aït Ben Haddou, Dades Valley, Merzouga and Fez.
Worth reading before you travel: Desert from Fez or from Marrakech: how to choose your Sahara route and The kasbahs of southern Morocco.
For the price, or to adapt the route to your dates, message us on WhatsApp and we will prepare a quote.
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Aït Ben Haddou – Dades valley
Departure from Marrakech and crossing of the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Stop at Aït Ben Haddou to explore the ksar on foot.
The route continues through the Ouarzazate area to the Dades valley, where you spend the night.
Day 2
Todra gorges – Merzouga
Visit to the Todra gorges and drive east to Merzouga.
In the afternoon, you set out to the Erg Chebbi dunes for the sunset and a night in the desert.
Day 3
Day 3 depending on your ending
Ending in Marrakech: after sunrise on the dunes, the return west through the south begins, with a night in the Ouarzazate or Dades area.
Ending in Fez: a day to explore around Merzouga, with possible visits to Khamlia and the Rissani market, and a night in the area.
Day 4
Arrival in Marrakech or Fez
Ending in Marrakech: crossing of the High Atlas and arrival in Marrakech.
Ending in Fez: drive north through the Ziz valley and the Middle Atlas, with possible stops in Azrou or Ifrane, and arrival in Fez.
Places on this tour
Related experiences
Frequently asked questions
Which ending suits me better, Marrakech or Fez?
It depends on your trip. If you are continuing north (Fez, Chefchaouen, Tangier) or flying out of Fez, ending there saves retracing your steps. If you fly from Marrakech or want more days in the city, returning to Marrakech is the practical choice.
Does the length change depending on the ending?
No, both options are planned over four days. What changes is how days three and four are organised. The specific conditions of each option are set out in the quote.
How many nights are spent in the desert?
The suggested itinerary includes one night in the desert, on day two. If you would like more time on the dunes, mention it when you request a quote.