4x4 Desert ToursPrivate trip

4-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour via Erg Chebbi

From the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to the dunes, with two nights in a luxury camp

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Group: Your group only
Difficulty: Easy
Starts in: Fes

Why you'll love it

Two nights in the Sahara, with a free day at Erg Chebbi
Luxury camp at Erg Chebbi with private bathrooms in the tents
Cedar forest, gorge, oasis and kasbah in one journey

Your route

Fes Merzouga Erg Chebbi Todra Gorge Draa Valley Ait Ben Haddou Marrakech

Day by day

4 days

A private four-day journey from Fes to Marrakech through the Middle Atlas cedar forest to Erg Chebbi, with two nights and a free day in a luxury camp. You then cross the Todra Gorge and the Draa Valley, spend a night in a kasbah or villa and return over the High Atlas by Ait Ben Haddou and the Tizi n'Tichka pass. The tour can also be run from Marrakech to Fes.

Day 1Fes to Erg Chebbi: through the Atlas into the Sahara

Fes → Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest → Merzouga → Erg Chebbi

Leave Fes through the Middle Atlas, with a stop in the cedar forests of Ifrane and Azrou, where Barbary macaques live. You reach Merzouga and Erg Chebbi in time for your first desert sunset and dinner at the camp. Lunch on the way is at your own cost.

Overnight: Camp
Meals: Dinner

Day 2A full day at Erg Chebbi

Erg Chebbi

Sunrise on the dunes, then a free day: a camel ride, sandboarding, fossil hunting or an optional 4x4 on the dunes. A picnic lunch, a second sunset and a campfire dinner.

Overnight: Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 3Erg Chebbi to the Draa Valley via the Todra Gorge

Todra Gorge → Draa Valley

Walk through the Todra Gorge, with walls about 300 m high, then drive through palm groves and old ksour to a kasbah or villa in the Draa Valley. Lunch on the way is at your own cost.

Overnight: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4The Draa Valley to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou

Ounila valley → Ait Ben Haddou → Telouet kasbah → Tizi n'Tichka pass → Marrakech

Drive through the Ounila valley, with free time at Ait Ben Haddou and a visit to the Telouet kasbah, then over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) to Marrakech. Lunch on the way is at your own cost.

Overnight: No overnight
Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

Private minivan or 4WD with an experienced driver for all four days
Two nights in a large canvas tent with a private bathroom at the Erg Chebbi luxury camp
One night in a kasbah or villa in the Draa Valley
Breakfasts, three dinners and a picnic lunch on day 2
Camel guide and dromedaries at Erg Chebbi
Sandboarding on the dunes
Campfire with music and a pre-trip consultation

Not included

Lunches on days 1, 3 and 4 (on the road)
Drinks outside the camp
Entrance fees, for example Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet
Travel insurance
ATV or 4WD driving on the dunes (optional)
Tips and personal expenses

Good to know

Difficulty: Easy: no fitness needed beyond short walks on sand
Best season: October to April (Best in spring and autumn; winter nights are cold and summer is not recommended)
Crew and guide languages: English

Meeting point

Pick-up at your accommodation in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech. The exact place and time are confirmed with the team.

Preparation

Bring sun protection, a warm layer for the desert nights and comfortable shoes for the gorge and the dunes. Three of the four days include long drives.

What to bring

Closed, comfortable shoes (trainers or light boots)
Warm layers: desert nights are cold from October to March
Sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream
Headlamp and a scarf for wind and sand

Read before you go: Marrakech to Merzouga: Route, Driving Time and the Best Way to Go

Questions

Can the tour run from Marrakech to Fes?

Yes, on the same roads. Tell us when you enquire; the nights are then arranged in a different order, with the Draa Valley night first.

How many people can come, and is it always private?

From one to eight travellers, always private. The price per person falls as the group grows.

Is the camel ride included?

A camel guide and dromedaries are at your disposal at Erg Chebbi, and riding is optional; there is no minimum age or fitness level.

When is the best time to go?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable, with warm days and fresh nights. Winter nights are cold, so bring warm layers. Summer is very hot and not recommended for walking.

What should I pack?

Comfortable closed shoes, light clothes you can layer, a warm layer for the night, sun protection, a scarf and a headlamp, in a small bag. The camp provides bedding.

How do I book this trip?

Send an enquiry from this page with your dates, group size and any wishes. We reply by email, confirm availability and agree the details with you. There is no online payment on the website.