4 Days Family Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Your family adventure begins with a morning pickup from your Fes accommodation. We’ll travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle towards the Sahara. Our first stop is the charming town of Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” Its unique alpine architecture is a fantastic and unexpected photo opportunity.

We continue through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests where you might spot Barbary macaque monkeys. After lunch in Midelt, famous for its fossils, we descend through the dramatic Ziz Valley, a breathtaking gorge lined with a massive palm grove. The landscape transforms as we approach the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.

Upon arrival in Merzouga, the magic begins. We’ll transfer to a comfortable desert auberge to leave your main luggage. As the afternoon sun softens, you’ll meet your gentle camels for a sunset trek into the heart of the dunes. Each child will have their own camel, led by an experienced guide (a 4×4 can be arranged for families with very young children). You’ll arrive at your private luxury desert camp as the stars appear. The evening features a delicious dinner, Berber music around a campfire, and an unforgettable night under the Saharan sky. Overnight in your private en-suite tent.

Day 2: Merzouga Exploration & Visiting the Nomads

Wake up for a breathtaking Saharan sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the camp, we journey back to our auberge via camel or 4×4. The day is dedicated to exploring the desert around Merzouga. We’ll take a fun, bumpy 4×4 desert safari to visit a nomadic family for an insightful cultural experience. We’ll also visit a fossil workshop where kids can learn that the desert was once an ocean floor. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax at the auberge, try sandboarding on the dunes, or simply enjoy the tranquil desert environment. Dinner and overnight in Merzouga.

Day 3: Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the desert and drive towards the Todra Gorge. This stunning canyon, with its towering 300-meter cliffs and a river running through it, is a natural playground. Families can take a gentle, flat walk along the water—perfect for skipping stones and letting kids safely explore.

We then continue our journey into the Dades Valley, famous for its unique rock formations known as “Monkey Fingers.” We’ll check into a family-friendly hotel with a swimming pool—a perfect amenity for a refreshing splash and play session after a day of exploration. Dinner and overnight in the Dades Valley.

Day 4: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, we drive through the picturesque Valley of the Roses (blooming spectacularly in April-May). We then continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.” Here, families can opt to visit the Atlas Film Studios to see props from famous movies, a surefire hit with kids.

Our next stop is the highlight: the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient fortified village is one of Morocco’s most iconic kasbahs and has been a backdrop for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Exploring its winding streets feels like stepping into a real-life castle or movie set.

After lunch, we begin our ascent, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass over the High Atlas Mountains. The journey offers stunning, ever-changing views, and we will make several photo stops. We descend into the Haouz Plain, arriving in the vibrant city of Marrakech in the early evening. You will be dropped off at your accommodation, concluding your tour.

Every family is unique. If this itinerary doesn’t perfectly fit your dreams, dates, or your children’s ages and interests, please just contact us.

We specialize in crafting 100% customized journeys. Whether you want to add more days, include a cooking class, stay in a specific type of accommodation, or adjust the pace, we will work with you to create the perfect Moroccan adventure for your family.

Let’s build your dream trip together!