OVERVIEW
Explore the stunning Erg Chebbi Dunes on a thrilling guided adventure that showcases the remarkable cultural and geographic diversity of Southern Morocco. This 4-day journey leaves Fes behind to take you deep into the Sahara, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains and tracing the lush, palm-filled Ziz Valley.
You will spend your days meeting nomadic families, exploring off-grid desert villages, and riding camels across the mesmerizing sands before sleeping under the stars in a luxury camp. The westbound return journey guides you through the dramatic canyons of the Todra and Dades Gorges, along the famous “Road of 1000 Kasbahs,” and into the UNESCO-listed village of Ait Ben Haddou before winding up the High Atlas Mountains to arrive in Marrakech.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
HIGHLIGHTS
Tour ITINERARY
DAY 1: FES → IFRANE → MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS → ZIZ VALLEY → MERZOUGA
Your tour begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Fes. From there, you head south to Ifrane for a quick coffee stop before driving into the Middle Atlas Mountains. A highlight of the morning is stopping in the cedar forest of Azrou, where you can observe wild Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat.
The drive continues through Midelt and descends into the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its extensive palm groves. By the afternoon, you will arrive in Merzouga, where you will check into a beautiful riad offering sweeping views of the golden sand dunes that surround the town. Dinner and overnight in Merzouga.
DAY 2: FULL DAY EXPLORING THE MERZOUGA DESERT
After a delicious breakfast at your riad, the entire day is dedicated to uncovering the secrets of the Merzouga desert. The first stop is Khamlia, a small village where locals with Sub-Saharan roots perform a unique and traditional style of music called Gnawa. From there, you’ll head off-road to M’Fis, an abandoned village that was once home to galena mines (a mineral historically used to make mascara).
Next, you will visit a nomadic family living in a traditional Berber tent behind the Erg Chebbi dunes to share a cup of tea and learn about their way of life away from modern civilization. In the late afternoon, you’ll trade your vehicle for a camel, riding across the high dunes toward your desert camp. Along the way, you can try sandboarding and watch a stunning sunset from a high ridge. After dinner at the camp, relax around a roaring campfire beneath a starry sky while the staff plays traditional drums
DAY 3: MERZOUGA → TODRA GORGE → DADES GORGE
Waking up early is highly recommended today to catch the spectacular desert sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at your camp, you will begin the westbound road trip. The route passes through Rissani—where, if it’s a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, you can explore the vibrant traditional market filled with local handicrafts and spices—as well as Erfoud and Tinghir.
You will then arrive at the Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon where river water has carved towering, sheer rock walls. You will have time to stroll along the canyon floor before continuing your drive. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the spectacular Dades Gorge, where your hotel for the night awaits. Dinner and overnight in the Dades.
DAY 4: DADES GORGE → OUARZAZATE → AIT BEN HADDOU → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → MARRAKECH
Following a hearty breakfast, the drive continues along the famous “Road of 1000 Kasbahs” toward Ouarzazate, known as the Gateway to the Desert. Here, you can visit the legendary Atlas Studios or simply take photos from the outside.
The highlight of the day is exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This ancient, fortified village has served as the spectacular backdrop for famous productions like Gladiator, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones. After a tasty lunch, your journey ascends the magnificent High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, passing through charming Berber villages along the way. The tour officially concludes when your driver drops you off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
Paying for your tour is straightforward. A small upfront deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot — this can be sent via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The outstanding balance is then settled directly with your driver or guide on the first day of your trip, accepted in euros, US dollars, or Moroccan dirhams.
Morocco’s official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While major hotels and larger establishments tend to accept credit cards, smaller markets and towns generally operate on a cash-only basis, so it’s advisable to carry local currency.
Absolutely. The tour can be fully tailored to match your preferences — whether that means adding extra destinations, upgrading your accommodation, or switching to alternative transport such as a private 4×4 vehicle.
Yes, camel rides are commonly included in desert tour packages, typically used to cross the dunes on the way to your overnight camp.
Camel rides are a standard part of desert experiences and are used to reach the overnight camp by crossing the dunes.
Guests stay in traditional Berber-style tents within a desert camp setting. Amenities include comfortable bedding, warm blankets, shared or private bathroom facilities (depending on the camp category), and a shared dining area for meals and socializing.
The policy varies based on how far in advance you cancel relative to your departure date. A booking deposit is required to hold your reservation, and partial or full refunds may apply depending on the notice given.
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