3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
Starting location
Marrakech
Tour's Duration
3 Days
Destination
Fes
From the vibrant energy of Marrakech, you’ll travel deep into the heart of the country winding through the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, discovering ancient Berber villages clinging to hillsides, and stepping into the cinematic world of Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate.
Spend your first night in the awe-inspiring Dades Gorges, where rugged cliffs and deep canyons set the stage for a night of authentic Moroccan hospitality. The next day brings even more wonder, as you walk through the towering Todra Gorges, then venture into the Sahara itself. Ride a camel into the golden dunes of Merzouga just in time for a breathtaking sunset, and fall asleep in a luxury desert camp beneath a sky filled with stars pure desert magic.
But the experience doesn’t end there. The final stretch to Fes is a journey of discovery in itself, passing through the lush Ziz Valley, the apple orchards of Midelt, and the cedar forests where wild monkeys roam. Pause for a moment in the charming mountain town of Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” before arriving in Fes, a city of ancient medinas, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old culture.
This tour isn’t just about where you go, it’s about what you feel along the way. If you’re ready for a 3-day adventure filled with beauty, authenticity, and moments you’ll never forget, this is the journey for you.
- Journey through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Visit the ancient fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Explore the cinematic city of Ouarzazate and the Oasis of Skoura
- Admire the Dades Valley and sleep in the heart of the gorges
- Discover the towering cliffs of Todra Gorges and cross the desert town of Erfoud
- Enjoy a camel ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi during sunset
- Spend the night in a luxury Sahara camp under the stars
- Cross the Ziz Valley, cedar forests, and the mountain town of Midelt
- Visit Ifrane, known for its European-style architecture and clean streets
- End the journey in the historical city of Fes
- Return to Marrakech through the Draa Valley.
Detailled Itineray
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges
The adventure begins with a morning departure from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. The route climbs through the scenic High Atlas Mountains, crossing the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass before arriving at the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, famous for its traditional earthen architecture and film history.
After exploring the village, continue toward Ouarzazate for lunch, followed by a drive through the palm groves of Skoura and the Valley of Roses. The day ends in the dramatic Dades Gorges, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in a comfortable guesthouse surrounded by cliffs and rock formations.
Day 2: Dades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, the journey continues through the Dades Valley and on to Tinghir, a small Berber town with a rich history. A walk through the stunning Todra Gorges offers a chance to admire its towering canyon walls before continuing east.
Pass through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and marble products, then head into the Sahara. In Merzouga, switch from vehicle to camel for a trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. After watching the sun set over the sand, you’ll arrive at a luxury desert camp, where a traditional dinner, music around the fire, and stargazing await. Sleep comfortably in your private tent equipped with modern amenities.
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes
Rise early to catch the desert sunrise before returning by camel to the edge of the dunes. After breakfast, the drive begins toward Fes, passing through the expansive Ziz Valley and the city of Errachidia.
Enjoy a lunch break in Midelt, known for its apple orchards and mineral mining, before continuing through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas. There will be a stop to observe Barbary macaques in their natural habitat, followed by a pause in the charming mountain town of Ifrane, often nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its cleanliness and alpine-style architecture.
As the road winds through more small Berber villages, the tour concludes in the cultural capital of Fes, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or riad marking the end of your desert adventure.
Included
- Depends on the tour: Private or shared air-conditioned vehicles (4×4, minivan, minibus)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Multilingual driver/guide (English, French, Spanish)
- Camel trekking (only in desert tours)
- Hotel or traditional riad stays (3-star, 4-star, or luxury options)
- Daily breakfast and dinners (depending on the type of accommodation you choose)
Excluded
- Flights to/from Morocco
- Lunches and drinks
- Optional Activities & Extras
- Tips & Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
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