Our 4 day Fes to Merzouga desert tour is a private round trip from Fes that combines a night beside Todra Gorge with two nights near the Erg Chebbi dunes. This private 4-day desert tour from Fes adds something the shorter round trips can’t: a night at Todra Gorge before you reach the Sahara. You drive from Fes over the Middle Atlas to the oasis town of Tinghir, walk into the gorge the next morning, then continue to Merzouga for a camel trek and a night in a private tent.
Day three is a free day around the Erg Chebbi dunes with a hotel night, and day four takes you back to Fes. Your own vehicle and English-speaking driver stay with you throughout.
If you have time before or after the tour, the Medina of Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage site, deserves at least a full day on foot.
4 day Fes to Merzouga desert tour at a glance
| Duration | 4 days, 3 nights |
| Start / finish | Your accommodation in Fes (round trip) |
| Style | Private |
| Transport | Air-conditioned 4×4 or comfortable minibus |
| Overnights | Night 1: Todra Gorge / Tinghir · Night 2: private tent, Mouhou Luxury Camp · Night 3: kasbah-style hotel, Merzouga |
| Meals | 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners |
| Main experiences | Middle Atlas, Ziz Gorges, khettaras of Tinjdad, Todra Gorge walk, sunset camel trek, free day in the dunes |
| Driving | Day 1 is long (approx. [CONFIRM ~470 km / 8–9 h]); day 2 is about half a day; day 3 is local; day 4 approx. 460 km / 7.5–8.5 h |
| Pick-up / drop-off | Included, in Fes |
| Price | €520 per person for 2 travellers (€1,040 in total) — less per person in larger groups |
Why add Todra Gorge to a 4-day desert tour from Fes?
The direct road from Fes to Merzouga goes through the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley. It’s a fine road, but it has no gorge walk and no high canyon walls. Todra Gorge is one of the most striking places in southern Morocco, and it sits only a few hours west of the dunes.
This route makes a loop on the way south: Fes to Errachidia, then west through Tinjdad to Tinghir and the gorge, then east to Merzouga the next day. You spend your first night near the gorge, so you can see it in the quiet morning light, before the day visitors arrive.
The trade-off: day one is the longest day of the trip, a little longer than the direct drive to Merzouga. In return, day two is easy, and you arrive at the dunes rested, with time to spare before sunset.
Highlights
- Todra (Todgha) Gorge — a walk between rock walls roughly 300 m high, with a shallow river at your feet.
- Tinjdad’s khettaras — a centuries-old system of underground water channels, still visible as rows of holes across the plain.
- Tinghir oasis — a long belt of palms, gardens and old earth-built villages.
- The Ziz Gorges and the Middle Atlas — mountain cedar forests and a deep palm-lined valley on the way south and back.
- Two nights near Erg Chebbi — one in a private tent with its own bathroom, one in a hotel by the dunes.
- A free day in the desert — choose villages, a 4×4 tour, or simply rest.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Gorges – Errachidia – Tinjdad – Tinghir (Todra Gorge)
Approx. driving: [CONFIRM ~470 km, 8–9 hours] of pure driving, plus stops. This is a full day.
Your driver picks you up in Fes early, at around [CONFIRM PICK-UP TIME]. You climb into the Middle Atlas with a short stop in Ifrane, the alpine-style mountain town. Then you cross the high plateau to Midelt for lunch (not included).
South of Midelt the landscape turns dry and red. You follow the Ziz Gorges (photo stops) and pass through Errachidia. Here, instead of heading straight for Merzouga, you turn west towards Tinjdad. If time allows, you make a short stop to see the khettaras, the old underground water channels that carry water to the oasis [CONFIRM — stop and any entry fee].
You reach Tinghir in the early evening, with views over the palm oasis as you arrive. Dinner and overnight near Todra Gorge.
- Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Tinghir / Todra Gorge [CONFIRM property name]
- Meals: Dinner
- Visit / stop / pass: Ifrane (short stop), Midelt (lunch), Ziz Gorges (photo stops), Errachidia (pass through), Tinjdad khettaras (optional short stop), Tinghir (overnight)
Day 2: Todra Gorge walk – Tinjdad – Erfoud – Merzouga (camel trek to camp)
Approx. driving: [CONFIRM ~210 km, 3.5–4 hours] plus stops.
After breakfast you drive a few minutes into Todra Gorge and walk through the narrowest part, where the rock walls rise straight up. The easy walk on flat ground takes about [CONFIRM walk duration]. In the morning there are fewer people, and the light falls into the gorge.
You then head east. The road takes you back through Tinjdad (this short section repeats yesterday’s road) and on through Erfoud (pass through) to Merzouga. Lunch is on the way (not included).
You reach Merzouga in the afternoon with time to relax. Leave your big luggage in the vehicle, take a small overnight bag, and meet your camels for the trek to camp at sunset, about [CONFIRM camel ride duration]. If riding is difficult for you, we take you to camp by 4×4.
At camp: tea, dinner, campfire and Berber drums under the stars.
- Overnight: Mouhou Luxury Camp, Erg Chebbi — private tent with own shower and toilet
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner
- Visit / stop / pass: Todra Gorge (visit and walk), Tinjdad and Erfoud (pass through), Erg Chebbi (camel trek)
Day 3: Sunrise in the dunes and a free day around Erg Chebbi
Approx. driving: local only, depending on what you choose.
Watch the sunrise from a dune near camp, then ride back to the village and have breakfast [CONFIRM — at camp or hotel]. Check in to your hotel, shower and decide how to spend the day. Your driver and vehicle are with you. Popular choices include:
- Villages and markets: Khamlia for Gnawa music and Rissani’s old market town (busiest on market days, traditionally Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday [CONFIRM]).
- A 4×4 drive around the dunes with stops at viewpoints and small oases [CONFIRM if included or extra].
- Sandboarding, quad biking or a buggy ride at extra cost [CONFIRM which are offered and prices]. See things to do in Merzouga.
- A slow day by the pool — in summer, the most sensible plan for the afternoon.
Lunch is not included. In the evening, dinner at the hotel.
- Overnight: Kasbah-style hotel in Merzouga, such as Kasbah Le Berger or Riad Madu, or similar [CONFIRM]
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner
- Visit / stop / pass: your choice; nothing fixed
Day 4: Merzouga – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fes
Approx. driving: 460 km, about 7.5–8.5 hours of pure driving, plus stops.
After breakfast you start north. Because you slept in a hotel, you leave fresh and on time. You pass through Erfoud and Errachidia, follow the Ziz Valley (photo stops if you like), stop for lunch in Midelt (not included) and cross the Middle Atlas. You arrive at your accommodation in Fes in the late afternoon or evening, around [CONFIRM ARRIVAL TIME RANGE].
- Meals: Breakfast
- Visit / stop / pass: Erfoud and Errachidia (pass through), Ziz Valley (photo stops), Midelt (lunch)
Route note
This tour is a loop on the way out and a direct road on the way back:
- Out: Fes → Midelt → Errachidia → Tinjdad → Tinghir → (Tinjdad again) → Erfoud → Merzouga
- Back: Merzouga → Erfoud → Errachidia → Midelt → Fes
You visit Todra Gorge and the dunes; you stop in Ifrane and Midelt; you pass through Errachidia, Erfoud and Tinjdad. The Dades Valley, Ouarzazate and Aït Ben Haddou are further west and are not included. If you want those and don’t need to return to Fes, the 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour continues west through the gorges and ends in Marrakech.
[MAP PLACEHOLDER — loop showing Fes, Midelt, Errachidia, Tinjdad, Tinghir/Todra, Merzouga and return]
Where you sleep
| Night | Place | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tinghir / Todra Gorge | Hotel or guesthouse [CONFIRM name and room type] |
| 2 | Erg Chebbi | Private tent with own shower and toilet, Mouhou Luxury Camp |
| 3 | Merzouga | Kasbah-style hotel such as Kasbah Le Berger or Riad Madu, or similar [CONFIRM] |
Camp first, hotel second means your desert day starts right after sunrise, and you leave for Fes after a proper night’s sleep. Read more about our camp and what a night there looks like.
Price and how it is calculated
A private quote for this tour is based on:
- How many of you there are — the vehicle and driver are shared, so the price per person is lower for bigger groups.
- Vehicle size — 4×4 for small groups, minibus for larger ones.
- Accommodation choices for nights 1 and 3 [CONFIRM options].
- Season [CONFIRM seasonal pricing].
- Paid activities on day 3, if any.
| Group size | Private, price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travellers | €520 |
| 3–4 travellers | €320–€387 |
| 5–6 travellers | €254–€280 |
| 7+ travellers | On request |
| Children | [CONFIRM CHILD PRICING] |
| Single supplement | [CONFIRM SINGLE SUPPLEMENT] |
Deposit [CONFIRM DEPOSIT %], payment methods [CONFIRM PAYMENT METHODS], cancellation [CONFIRM CANCELLATION POLICY]: see our booking terms and conditions.
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your Fes accommodation
- Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus, fuel and road taxes
- English-speaking driver for all 4 days
- 1 night near Todra Gorge, 1 night in a private desert tent, 1 night in a Merzouga hotel
- 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Camel trek to and from camp (or 4×4 transfer)
- Campfire evening with Berber drum music
- Vehicle and driver for local trips on day 3
Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks other than water and tea [CONFIRM]
- Local guide in Todra Gorge, if you want one [CONFIRM availability and price]
- Entry fees (for example, khettara visit [CONFIRM])
- Paid activities on day 3 (quad, buggy, sandboarding) [CONFIRM]
- Tips and travel insurance
Is the 4 day Fes to Merzouga desert tour right for you?
Choose it if you: – Need to start and end in Fes. – Want a canyon and a desert in one trip. – Prefer two nights near the dunes to one.
Choose something else if you: – Dislike long days in the car. Day 1 and day 4 are both long. The 3-day Fes to Merzouga desert tour with a full day in the dunes skips the gorge but keeps a calm middle day. – Are going on to Marrakech: a one-way route avoids the drive back. Compare options on our Fes desert tours page.
Practical tips
- Shoes: wear comfortable shoes with grip for the Todra walk. The ground is flat, but you may cross shallow water after rain.
- Small bag for camp: your main luggage stays in the vehicle; bring a backpack with a warm layer, toiletries, charger and torch.
- Seasons: spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Summer days in Merzouga often pass 40 °C. In winter the Middle Atlas can have snow and desert nights can be close to freezing; we adjust the route if roads close.
- Cash: carry dirhams for lunches, tips and small purchases.
- Flash floods: after heavy rain, the gorge river can rise. Your driver will decide what’s safe on the day.
FAQs
How long is the first day from Fes to Todra Gorge? It’s the longest day: about [CONFIRM 8–9] hours of pure driving, plus stops for Ifrane, lunch in Midelt and photos. You arrive in Tinghir in the early evening.
Do we walk in Todra Gorge, or only see it from the car? You walk. The flat path through the narrowest section takes about [CONFIRM walk duration]. Longer hikes above the gorge are possible with a local guide on request [CONFIRM].
What are khettaras? They are underground water channels dug centuries ago to bring water from the mountains to the oases. Near Tinjdad you can see their openings in long lines across the plain and, at some sites, walk down into one [CONFIRM].
Why do we sleep in the camp before the hotel? So you can watch sunrise in the dunes, enjoy a free day, and still have a full night’s sleep in a hotel before the long drive back to Fes.
Can we change the free day for a second desert night? Usually yes [CONFIRM]. Ask when you request your quote.
Is Todra Gorge the same as the Dades Gorges? No. They are two different valleys. Dades is further west and is not on this route. Todra is closer to Merzouga.
Related tours
- 3-Day Fes to Merzouga Desert Tour with a Full Day in the Dunes — shorter, no gorge.
- 3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour (Private) — Todra and Dades on the way to Marrakech.
- All Fes desert tours: round trips and one-way
Getting ready for the 4 day Fes to Merzouga desert tour
The evening before you leave
Day 1 is the longest of the trip, so pack the night before and get to bed early. Check the pick-up time and meeting point with us on WhatsApp, and ask your riad about an early breakfast; many can prepare something simple if you ask in advance.
Pick-up from the Fes medina
Cars cannot reach most lanes in Fes el-Bali. If you are staying inside the old city, we agree a meeting point at the nearest gate a car can reach [CONFIRM help with luggage].
Photography along the route
Each stop has its best moment. On the 4 day Fes to Merzouga desert tour, Todra Gorge is calmest in the morning light of day 2, the dunes glow at sunset on day 2 and sunrise on day 3, and the Ziz Valley viewpoints look best in the softer afternoon light on the way south.
Using your free day well
Pick one or two things for day 3, not five. The midday heat is strong for much of the year, so plan outings for the morning and late afternoon, and rest in between.
More questions about the 4 day Fes to Merzouga desert tour
Can we add the Dades Valley?
Not on this round trip without extra driving. A custom version of the 4 day Fes to Merzouga desert tour with a different route can be quoted on request [CONFIRM availability and price].
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, for children who cope with long drives. Day 2 and day 3 are short and relaxed, while days 1 and 4 are long. Tell us their ages so we can plan breaks [CONFIRM child seats].
Is the 4 day Fes to Merzouga desert tour possible in winter?
Yes. Winter days are often clear and bright, but snow can affect the Middle Atlas roads. If a road closes, your driver will wait or take another route, and timings may change. Pack warm layers for the night at camp.
What is the food like?
Dinners at the hotels and the camp are usually Moroccan dishes such as soup, tagine and couscous [CONFIRM menus]. Lunches on the road are at local restaurants and paid directly. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available on request; tell us when you book.
Can we end in Marrakech instead of Fes?
That is a different route. The 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour is one-way and finishes in Marrakech.
Send us your dates and group size, and we will reply with an itinerary and a quote for the 4 day Fes to Merzouga desert tour.
Get your 4-day itinerary and quote
Send us your travel dates, number of travellers and your Fes accommodation. We reply with your plan and price.
- WhatsApp or call: +212 667 850 421 (8:30–20:00 Morocco time)
- Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]
- Contact form: contact form
Booking steps: share your plans → receive an itinerary and quote → confirm → travel. No online payment is taken on this website.
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Your hosts in the Sahara
Morocco Desert Excursions was founded by Sahara natives from Merzouga. The desert part of your trip happens in our own home area.
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