3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

Day 1: Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

Early Departure from Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Marrakech, venturing through the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), the highest mountain pass in North Africa. The drive offers panoramic views of rugged peaks, Berber villages clinging to hillsides, and terraced farms that form a tapestry of Moroccan mountain life.

Visit the Ancient Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

We arrive at Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified village that dates back centuries. Built from clay bricks and red earth, this iconic ksar is a prime example of southern Moroccan architecture. Explore its maze-like alleys, climb to the hilltop granary, and admire the same views seen in films like Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and Prince of Persia.

Stop in Ouarzazate and Drive to the Valley of Roses

After lunch in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” we pass through Skoura, a palm oasis with hidden kasbahs, then travel through the Valley of Roses, famous for its springtime rose harvest and artisanal rose products.

Overnight in Dades Valley – The Land of a Thousand Kasbahs

We continue to the Dades Valley, where striking red rock formations, traditional mud-brick homes, and lush green fields create a stunning landscape. After dinner, enjoy an overnight stay in a charming guesthouse or kasbah hotel overlooking the valley.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Sahara Desert

Morning Drive through the Dades Gorges and Berber Villages

After breakfast, we journey deeper into the Dades Gorges, winding past fascinating geological formations and ancient kasbahs perched on the hills. Small Berber towns like Boumalne Dades offer insights into daily life in this remote region.

Explore the Majestic Todra Gorges

We head to the nearby Todra Gorges, a natural marvel of towering limestone cliffs rising up to 300 meters high. Walk along the narrow canyon floor beside the Todra River, take photos of the sheer rock walls, and experience the tranquility of this breathtaking gorge.

Sahara Bound – Arrival at Merzouga and Erg Chebbi Dunes

In the afternoon, we reach the desert town of Merzouga, the gateway to the towering Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Here, you swap your vehicle for a camel caravan, and begin a mesmerizing ride into the dunes as the sun begins to set, coloring the sands in rich hues of orange and gold.

Overnight in a Sahara Desert Camp

Arrive at your desert camp nestled among the dunes, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and traditional Moroccan hospitality. After a hearty Berber dinner, enjoy a night of drumming, music, and storytelling around the campfire. Sleep in a cozy tent under a canopy of stars—an experience you will never forget.

Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas Mountains – Fes

Sunrise over the Dunes and Breakfast in Camp

Wake before dawn to witness the sunrise over the Sahara, a peaceful and awe-inspiring spectacle. After breakfast, you ride camels or take a 4×4 transfer back to Merzouga village to rejoin your driver.

Journey through the Ziz Valley and Errachidia

We travel north through the Ziz Valley, one of the most beautiful palm-filled valleys in Morocco. En route, we pass Errachidia, an important city in the Tafilalt region, where we stop for a scenic break and optional lunch.

Crossing the Middle Atlas – Azrou Cedar Forest and Ifrane

We ascend into the Middle Atlas Mountains, with stunning vistas of rocky plateaus, cedar forests, and alpine meadows. A stop in Azrou’s cedar forest offers the chance to meet the famous Barbary macaque monkeys in their natural habitat. Continuing on, we pass through Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its European-style architecture and cleanliness.

Arrival in Fes – The Cultural Capital of Morocco

By late afternoon or early evening, we arrive in Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. This vibrant city, known for its ancient medina and scholarly history, marks the end of your unforgettable Marrakech to Fes desert tour.

Why Book the 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour?

See the Best of Morocco in One Journey

This tour is a scenic and cultural odyssey, crossing mountains, valleys, kasbahs, and deserts—offering you the full Moroccan experience from Marrakech to Fes.

Authentic Berber Experiences

You’ll meet local Berber families, explore ancient mud-brick villages, and stay in traditional accommodations, experiencing authentic Moroccan hospitality along the way.

Real Sahara Experience

Unlike shorter tours, this itinerary gives you plenty of time in the desert, including sunset and sunrise camel treks, overnight camping, and travel through some of the highest dunes in Morocco.

What’s Included in the 3-Day Desert Tour

• Transportation in air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus

• English-speaking driver/guide

• 1 night in Dades Valley guesthouse (dinner & breakfast)

• Camel ride in Erg Chebbi dunes

• 1 night in a Sahara desert camp (dinner & breakfast)

• Hotel pickup in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes