4-Day Private Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fes

Early 7:30 AM departure from your Marrakech accommodation. Journey through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m), enjoying panoramic mountain views and passing traditional Berber villages. Stop at the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou for a guided visit with a local Berber guide – this ancient fortified village has starred in countless films including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant near the kasbah. Continue to Ouarzazate (the 'Hollywood of Africa'), through the beautiful Skoura Oasis with its countless palm trees and kasbahs, and the romantic Valley of Roses. Arrive at your hotel near the dramatic Dades Gorges for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, depart towards the oasis town of Tinghir to explore the lush palm groves and the dramatic Todra Gorges, known for their towering canyon walls reaching up to 300 meters high. Continue to Rissani, the historic birthplace of Morocco's ruling dynasty, where you will visit the traditional local dates market and experience authentic Berber culture. In the afternoon, arrive in Merzouga. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a comfortable lodge located near the stunning dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Following breakfast, visit the village of Khamlia, where you will meet local Berber nomads and enjoy their traditional Gnawa music and warm hospitality. Lunch can be arranged at a pleasant restaurant with a swimming pool. In the afternoon, set off on a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a magical sunset in the desert as the light paints the dunes in brilliant hues of orange and gold. Continue to your desert camp for dinner, local entertainment around the campfire with traditional Berber music, and an unforgettable night under the stars with clear views of the Milky Way.

Opt for an early morning wake-up to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes before heading to Fes. The journey will take you through the stunning Ziz Valley with its river oasis and countless palm trees, passing through Midelt in the heart of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Continue through the magnificent cedar forests of Azrou, where you may spot troops of Barbary macaques in the so-called 'monkey forest' – one of the few natural habitats of these endangered primates outside Gibraltar. Arrive in Fes, Morocco's spiritual capital, in the late afternoon, marking the end of your desert adventure. Check in to your riad in the ancient medina.