4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga — Camel Trek & Erg Chebbi
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to handle several hours in vehicle, short hikes and walking on uneven sand and rocky gorges.
Overview
Ride camels across Erg Chebbi, sleep under the desert sky and drive through Todra’s towering limestone walls on this compact 4-day journey from Marrakech to Fes. Expect long scenic drives, traditional guesthouses, and a night of stargazing in a desert camp.
4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga — Camel Trek & Erg Chebbi
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The sun slips behind a serrated ridge of sand and the last pale light paints the Erg Chebbi dunes a bruised gold. You stand on the crest, wind shaping the ridgeline beneath your boots, and the caravan — a line of patient camels — waits like a slow-moving promise. This is the moment the four-day tour from Marrakech to Fes is built around: long roads, sudden oases, and the Sahara’s measure of time.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring layered clothing
Desert days are hot and nights can drop below 10°C; pack lightweight sun layers plus a warm jacket for camp nights.
Hydrate and pace yourself
Carry 2–3 liters of water per day and sip regularly — heat and sand sap energy faster than you think.
Cash for small purchases
ATMs are scarce in villages; carry small bills for market goods, tips, and remote lunches.
Sun protection for dunes
Use a wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen and sunglasses — sand reflects sunlight and increases exposure.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Barbary macaque (in Middle Atlas cedar forests)
- Desert lizards and a variety of migratory birds near oases
History
This route traces old trans-Saharan corridors and Berber trade networks; kasbahs once served as fortified caravan houses protecting goods and families.
Conservation
Dune camps vary in environmental impact—choose operators that use solar power, minimize plastic and support local communities to reduce footprints.
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Adventure Hotspots in Marrakech
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Useful for Todra Gorge walks, kasbahs and village streets where surfaces are uneven.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Desert sun and reflective sand increase UV exposure—bring high-SPF sunscreen and a hat.
summer specific
Insulating layer (fleece or light jacket)
Desert nights and Atlas passes get cool; a warm layer is essential after sunset.
fall specific
Small daypack with water bladder
Keeps water, sunscreen and camera accessible during short hikes and dune walks.
spring specific