This compact 4-day round-trip from Fes is the perfect Sahara Desert getaway. The itinerary efficiently covers the essential highlights of central Morocco, taking you from the imperial city of Fes through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. You’ll experience a blend of natural wonders, from the cedar forests and the Ziz Valley oasis to the dramatic Todra Gorge, all culminating in an authentic overnight desert camp experience. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a deep dive into the desert landscape and Berber culture on a shorter timeline.
Your adventure begins as we journey south from Fes, ascending into the cedar-cloaked Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, a charming town known as “Morocco’s Little Switzerland.” Next, we’ll enter the ancient cedar forests of Azrou to see the playful Barbary macaques. After a lunch stop in Midelt, the landscape transforms as you descend into the lush Ziz Valley, a breathtaking ribbon of green palms. By late afternoon, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi will rise to greet you. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you’ll settle into your hotel for the night.
Today is dedicated to exploring the heart of the Sahara. After breakfast, you will visit Khamlia village to experience the powerful, spiritual rhythms of Gnawa music. Afterward, you will travel to the historic Miffis mines before venturing deeper into the desert to connect with a nomadic family, sharing mint tea and learning about their resilient way of life.
In the afternoon, your Sahara highlight awaits: an iconic camel trek into the vast Erg Chebbi dunes, pausing to witness an unforgettable sunset. Your destination is a traditional Berber desert camp, where a delicious dinner is served under a spectacular canopy of stars.
An early start is rewarded with a magical sunrise over the Sahara. After breakfast at the camp, you will ride your camel back to the village to meet your driver. Our journey then continues towards the magnificent Todra Gorge, a colossal canyon with sheer rock walls—perfect for a short hike. Following lunch, we will travel through the picturesque Dades Valley, famous for its winding roads and dramatic rock formations. You will settle into your hotel nestled within the gorge for the night.
After breakfast, your return journey to Fes promises more spectacular scenery. The route guides you back through the lush Ziz Valley and across the majestic Middle Atlas Mountains, with a planned stop for lunch in Midelt. We will pass through the cedar forests for one last chance to see the Barbary macaques and enjoy a final break in Ifrane. We will arrive back in Fes by late afternoon, where your unforgettable 4-day desert adventure concludes.
At Ibra Travel Tours, we take pride in crafting unforgettable Moroccan experiences. However, if our standard tours don’t perfectly match your dreams—we’ll create one that does!
✉ Simply contact us, share your vision, and we’ll design a custom itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and budget. Your satisfaction is our priority, and Morocco’s magic should be explored your way.
Reach out anytime—we’re here to make your perfect adventure a reality!
The best time to visit Morocco generally depends on the region you plan to explore. For most of the country, spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing in cities like Marrakech and Fes, as well as hiking in the Atlas Mountains. Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot, especially in the desert and inland cities, while winter (November to March) can be cool, with snow in the mountains and occasional rain.
The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). You cannot legally import or export Dirhams, so you’ll need to exchange money upon arrival. ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, and credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, though cash is preferred for smaller purchases and in souks (markets). It’s a good idea to carry small denominations of Dirhams for tips and street vendors.
Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and it’s respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. For women, this typically means covering shoulders and knees, and avoiding overly revealing clothing. Loose-fitting trousers, long skirts, and tops with sleeves are good choices. Men should also opt for modest attire. In more touristy areas and hotels, dress codes can be more relaxed, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
It is generally not recommended to drink tap water in Morocco. While many locals drink it, visitors may be more susceptible to stomach upsets due to different bacteria. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive, and it’s best to use it for drinking, brushing teeth, and even rinsing fruit.
While many Moroccans involved in tourism speak English, knowing a few basic phrases in Moroccan Arabic (Darija) or French can greatly enhance your experience:
My trip to Morocco with Ibra Travel Tours was absolutely incredible from start to finish. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene beauty of the Sahara Desert, every detail was meticulously planned. Our guide, Youssef, was not only incredibly knowledgeable about Moroccan history and culture but also had a fantastic sense of humor, making every moment enjoyable. The accommodations were excellent, and the experiences – like riding camels at sunset and stargazing in the desert – were truly once-in-a-lifetime. If you’re looking for an authentic and seamless Moroccan experience, Ibra Travel Tours is the agency to choose!”
I cannot recommend Ibra Travel Tours enough! As a solo female traveler, safety and reliable organization were my top priorities, and Ibra Travel exceeded all expectations. They customized an itinerary that perfectly matched my interests, including visits to ancient Fes, the blue city of Chefchaouen, and a breathtaking journey through the Atlas Mountains. The drivers were professional and punctual, and the local insights provided by their team were invaluable. It felt like I was traveling with friends rather than just an agency. Thank you, Ibra Travel, for an amazing Moroccan adventure!”
Our family vacation with Ibra Travel Tours was simply spectacular. We had a diverse group, including young children and grandparents, and Ibra Travel managed to create an itinerary that kept everyone engaged and happy. The desert camp was luxurious, the cooking class in Marrakech was a highlight, and the flexibility they offered for spontaneous stops was much appreciated. Their deep understanding of Morocco, combined with their commitment to guest satisfaction, made our trip stress-free and full of wonderful memories. We’re already dreaming of our next trip back with Ibra Travel Tours!
