4 days - Morocco desert route
A four-day round trip from Fez through the Moroccan desert: the Middle Atlas, the Ziz valley, a full day around the Merzouga dunes and the Todra gorges before returning to Fez.
About this tour
With four days, the desert trip from Fez has a different rhythm. The driving is better spread out and there is time to explore around Merzouga, not just the dunes: villages, palm groves and the Rissani market.
The trip starts and ends in Fez, so it is a good option if you fly in and out of the north of the country or want to combine it with a few days in the medina.
Highlights
The Middle Atlas and its cedar forests, with possible stops in Ifrane and Azrou.
More time around Merzouga: possible visits to Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music, and the Rissani market.
A night in the desert among the Erg Chebbi dunes.
The Todra gorges on the way back.
Who is this route for?
For travellers who start and end in Fez and want to see the desert without rushing. It is a more comfortable alternative to the two-day trip and leaves room for more than just the dunes.
Good to know
The first and last days involve long drives.
In winter, bring warm clothes: the Middle Atlas and desert nights can be very cold.
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: Fez and Merzouga.
Worth reading before you travel: Desert from Fez or from Marrakech: how to choose your Sahara route and Merzouga beyond the dunes: Khamlia, Rissani and the Erg Chebbi area.
For the price, or to adapt the route to your dates, message us on WhatsApp and we will prepare a quote.
Itinerary
Day 1
Fez – Ifrane – Ziz valley – Merzouga
Departure from Fez heading south through the Middle Atlas, with possible stops in Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest. The route continues to the Ziz valley and its palm groves.
Arrival in the Merzouga area at the end of the day and night near the dunes.
Day 2
Around Merzouga and a night in the desert
A day to explore the surroundings of Erg Chebbi. Possible visits include the village of Khamlia and the Rissani market, as well as the local palm groves.
In the afternoon, you set out to the dunes for the sunset and a night in the desert.
Day 3
Merzouga – Todra gorges
Sunrise on the dunes for those who wish. Then the route heads west to the Todra gorges, where you can walk between the rock walls.
Night on the way back north.
Day 4
Back to Fez
A day's drive back north, across the Middle Atlas again, with whatever stops the day allows.
Arrival in Fez and end of the route.
Places on this tour
Related experiences
Frequently asked questions
What is the advantage over the two-day route?
The driving is spread over four days, so the trip is less tiring and there is time to explore around Merzouga and the Todra gorges, instead of going there and back almost only for the dunes.
Can I end the route in Marrakech instead of Fez?
This route is planned as a round trip from Fez. If you would rather finish in Marrakech, have a look at the four-day Sahara route ending in Marrakech or Fez, or ask us when you request a quote.
Is it suitable for families with children?
It can be, as long as the children are fine with long car journeys. With four days the pace is easier than on the short routes. Tell us their ages when you request a quote so we can advise you.