3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
3-day
Total duration
Fes
Starting Point
start from: €300
Per Person
Private Or Shared
Group Type
Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga desert tour
Embark on an unforgettable 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, the perfect itinerary for connecting Morocco’s two most famous cities while exploring the magic of the Sahara.
Leave the bustling streets of Fes behind as you travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. You will pass through the charming town of Ifrane, famously known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” before stopping in the nearby Cedar forests to meet the wild Barbary monkeys. The ultimate highlight of your journey awaits in Merzouga, where you will ride a camel over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and spend a magical night in a luxury desert camp under a star-filled sky.
On your journey toward Marrakech, you will discover the towering Todra Gorges, the stunning Dades Valley, and the legendary mud-brick Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. This fully customizable journey is the perfect way to experience the very best of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and ancient history in just three days.
What to Bring
- glasses
- Suncream
- Running Shoes (recommended)
- Camera
- A Scarf (Chèche)
- Comfortable Clothing
Highlights of 3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
- Explore the charming town of Ifrane, famously known as the "Switzerland of Morocco," and walk through the lush cedar forests of the Middle Atlas to meet the playful wild Barbary monkeys
- Enjoy a scenic drive through the Ziz Valley, taking in magnificent panoramic views of endless date palm groves and dramatic limestone canyons on your way to the desert.
- Experience the magic of the Sahara with a peaceful camel ride over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, witness spectacular sunsets and sunrises, and rest in a traditional luxury desert camp under a star-filled sky.
- Walk through the spectacular Todra Gorges, a massive limestone canyon with towering vertical cliffs (300m), and admire the stunning landscapes and traditional villages of the Dades Valley.
- Explore the spectacular mud-brick walls of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous as the backdrop for iconic films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
- Travel across the majestic Tizi n'Tichka pass, the highest mountain road in North Africa (2,260m), and take in breathtaking views of traditional Berber villages on your final descent into Marrakech.
Description of 3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Fes - Ifrane - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Merzouga (Approx. 7 hours drive / 460 km)
The first day of your 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech begins in the morning when you meet your professional driver at your accommodation in Fes. We will start by driving through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, making our first stop in the charming town of Ifrane.
You will have free time to visit the famous stone lion and explore the beautiful, peaceful landscapes of the national park area.
Continuing our drive, we will pass through traditional Berber villages like Timhadite and Ziada, as well as Midelt, famously known as the "Apple Capital" of Morocco. Later, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Afterward, we will start driving on the spectacular High Atlas Mountains and pass by the city of Errachidia. Along the way, we will make a special stop to take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Ziz Valley, a massive gorge filled with thousands of lush green palm trees.
In the late afternoon, we will finally arrive at the Merzouga desert. You will embark on a memorable camel ride across the golden sand dunes just in time to witness a magical sunset. Then, you will head to your luxury desert camp, where you will spend an unforgettable evening enjoying a delicious traditional dinner, relaxing around a warm campfire, and falling asleep under a vast, star-filled sky.
Merzouga - Tinjdad - Todra Gorges - Dades Valley (Approx. 5 hours drive / 290 km)
On the second day of your 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, you will have the option to wake up early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the golden dunes of the Sahara. After enjoying a traditional breakfast at your desert camp, we will leave Merzouga behind and continue our journey.
Continuing on, we will travel through Erfoud, famously known as the capital of fossils, and pass by the town of Tinjdad before reaching the lush Todra Valley. Inside this beautiful valley, we will visit the spectacular Todra Gorges, a massive canyon with towering vertical cliffs. Here, you will have free time to take a peaceful walk along the river, admire the breathtaking scenery, and take amazing photos.
Later, we will stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we will start driving toward the stunning Dades Valley.
Along the way, you will see the unique rock formations known as the "monkey fingers" and the famous "Tissdrine" zigzag road. Finally, we will arrive at your hotel in the Dades Valley, where you will enjoy dinner and a restful night.
Dades Valley - Rose Valley - Ouarzazate - Kasbah Ait Benhaddou - Tizi n'Tichka - Marrakech (Approx. 5 hours 30 mins drive / 330 km)
On the final day of your 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, we will leave your hotel in the Dades Valley and drive along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. We will pass through the beautiful Valley of Roses, where we will stop at a local cooperative so you can learn about the region's traditional rose production. We will then continue through the scenic Skoura Valley to reach Ouarzazate—the "Hollywood of Africa." Here, you can visit the historic Kasbah Taourirt and take an optional guided tour of the Atlas Studios (8€ per person).
Next, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. On a walking tour of this ancient mud-brick village, you'll discover its architecture and see where blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones were filmed. After your visit, we will stop for a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant near the kasbah.
Afterward, we will start driving up into the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n'Tichka pass at an elevation of 2,260 meters. Along the way, we will make several panoramic stops, giving you the perfect opportunity to take stunning pictures and learn about the local way of life in the traditional Berber villages. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Marrakech, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation, concluding your unforgettable journey.
Day 1
Fes - Ifrane - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Merzouga (Approx. 7 hours drive / 460 km)
The first day of your 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech begins in the morning when you meet your professional driver at your accommodation in Fes. We will start by driving through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, making our first stop in the charming town of Ifrane. You will have free time to visit the famous stone lion and explore the beautiful, peaceful landscapes of the national park area.
Continuing our drive, we will pass through traditional Berber villages like Timhadite and Ziada, as well as Midelt, famously known as the “Apple Capital” of Morocco. Later, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Afterward, we will start driving on the spectacular High Atlas Mountains and pass by the city of Errachidia. Along the way, we will make a special stop to take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Ziz Valley, a massive gorge filled with thousands of lush green palm trees.
In the late afternoon, we will finally arrive at the Merzouga desert. You will embark on a memorable camel ride across the golden sand dunes just in time to witness a magical sunset. Then, you will head to your luxury desert camp, where you will spend an unforgettable evening enjoying a delicious traditional dinner, relaxing around a warm campfire, and falling asleep under a vast, star-filled sky.
Day 2
Merzouga - Tinjdad - Todra Gorges - Dades Valley (Approx. 5 hours drive / 290 km)
On the second day of your 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, you will have the option to wake up early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the golden dunes of the Sahara. After enjoying a traditional breakfast at your desert camp, we will leave Merzouga behind and continue our journey.
Continuing on, we will travel through Erfoud, famously known as the capital of fossils, and pass by the town of Tinjdad before reaching the lush Todra Valley. Inside this beautiful valley, we will visit the spectacular Todra Gorges, a massive canyon with towering vertical cliffs. Here, you will have free time to take a peaceful walk along the river, admire the breathtaking scenery, and take amazing photos.
Later, we will stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we will start driving toward the stunning Dades Valley.
Along the way, you will see the unique rock formations known as the “monkey fingers” and the famous “Tissdrine” zigzag road. Finally, we will arrive at your hotel in the Dades Valley, where you will enjoy dinner and a restful night.
Day 3
Dades Valley - Rose Valley - Ouarzazate - Kasbah Ait Benhaddou - Tizi n'Tichka - Marrakech (Approx. 5 hours 30 mins drive / 330 km)
On the final day of your 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, we will leave your hotel in the Dades Valley and drive along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. We will pass through the beautiful Valley of Roses, where we will stop at a local cooperative so you can learn about the region’s traditional rose production. We will then continue through the scenic Skoura Valley to reach Ouarzazate—the “Hollywood of Africa.” Here, you can visit the historic Kasbah Taourirt and take an optional guided tour of the Atlas Studios (8€ per person).
Next, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. On a walking tour of this ancient mud-brick village, you’ll discover its architecture and see where blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones were filmed. After your visit, we will stop for a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant near the kasbah.
Afterward, we will start driving up into the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass at an elevation of 2,260 meters. Along the way, we will make several panoramic stops, giving you the perfect opportunity to take stunning pictures and learn about the local way of life in the traditional Berber villages. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Marrakech, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation, concluding your unforgettable journey.
What is included and excluded in your 3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech?
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off in Fes and Marrakech.
- Private or Shared, air-conditioned transportation (4x4 or minivan).
- Professional English/Spanish-speaking driver.
- Camel trek in the Merzouga dunes (one camel per person).
- Sandboarding in the dunes (optional).
- 1 night in a Merzouga luxury desert camp (Dinner and Breakfast included).
- 1 night accommodation in Dades Gorges (Dinner and Breakfast included).
Not Included
- Lunches and drinks.
- Entrance fees (e.g., Atlas Studios).
- Tips for the driver or local guides(optional).
- Personal expenses.
Your 3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
We want your 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech to be perfect. This trip is completely flexible, so we can easily adjust the schedule, pick-up times, and drop-off points to fit your personal travel plans.
Your driver will coordinate with you the night before to set the exact departure times, ensuring a smooth and personalized journey.
You can request a shared 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech if you are looking for a budget-friendly option and the chance to meet other travelers. However, we recommend booking a private tour for a more flexible experience. With private transportation, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace and spend more time at the places you visit. No matter which you choose, your driver will be happy to share their local knowledge. You can also select the accommodation level that suits your budget and style from the options below.
To secure your booking, we require a 20% deposit. Please note that your booking is only confirmed once this deposit is received. This ensures that we can guarantee your private vehicle and guide for your chosen travel dates.
During your 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, your driver may suggest stops at local shops or cooperatives. These are great opportunities to see authentic Moroccan crafts and support local artisans. Please note that there is absolutely no pressure to buy anything. If you would rather skip these visits, just let your driver know and you can continue your journey immediately.
On the first day of your 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, you will enjoy a sunset camel ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. During the ride, you will only need light essentials like water, sunglasses, a scarf, and your camera in a small backpack. We also recommend bringing a jacket in case the weather cools down after sunset, especially during the winter months. Your heavy luggage will be safely transported to the luxury desert camp by 4x4, so it will be ready and waiting for you in your tent when you arrive.
If you are looking for more adventure, you can add an ATV (quad bike) ride to your trip to explore deeper into the dunes. Please note that this activity is not included in the tour price. The cost is 50€ per hour for a single rider, or 70€ per hour if two people share one ATV. If you would like to include this experience, just let your driver know in advance so we can arrange everything for you.
Accommodation Options for Your 3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Please keep in mind that all our accommodation options include a private bathroom and shower. We do not offer standard options with shared facilities, as we prioritize your comfort.
The final price of your 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech depends on the accommodations you choose from the list below. You are free to mix and match; for example, you could select Merzouga Activities Camp for your first night and Eden Boutique for your second. Just fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page to let us know your preferences, and we will send you your exact final price.
keep in mind that once you have paid the total price for your tour, there are no hidden costs or extra fees from Exciting Morocco Travel. Your only additional daily expenses will be for your lunches and entrance fees, exactly as outlined in our 'Not Included' section.
For your comfort, nearly all of our accommodation options feature air conditioning and heating, which are essential for staying cool in the summer and warm during winter nights. Please note that Option 1 from day 1 ( Merzouga Activities Camp) does not include A/C or heating.
3 days desert trip Marrakech to Merzouga: FAQ
Is the 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech private or shared?
We offer both private and shared tour options. While our shared tours are a great budget-friendly choice, we highly recommend our private 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech for maximum flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace and customize your experience.
What is the best time of year to book a 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech?
The best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be very hot, and while winter days are beautiful, temperatures can drop significantly at night.
How long is the drive on the 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech?
Because this is a multi-day journey, we break the drive into manageable segments with plenty of scenic stops along the way. You will spend about 6–7 hours driving on the first and last days, with frequent breaks at panoramic viewpoints, Berber villages, and historic sites to ensure your 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech remains comfortable and enjoyable.
What should I pack for my 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech?
For your desert adventure, we recommend packing comfortable layers, as desert temperatures can change quickly. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a scarf for sun protection, and a warm jacket for the chilly desert nights, especially if you are traveling during the winter months.
Is the camel ride suitable for everyone?
Yes, the sunset camel ride is a highlight of the 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech and is suitable for most travelers. If you have any mobility concerns, please let us know in advance, and we will be happy to discuss alternative arrangements to ensure you still get to enjoy the desert landscape.
Are meals included in the 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech?
Your breakfast and dinner are included in your accommodation during the tour. Your lunch is not included, giving you the freedom to choose your favorite local spots. Your driver will be happy to recommend excellent restaurants along the route where you can enjoy authentic Moroccan food.
Why do you require a 20% deposit?
We require a small 20% deposit to guarantee your booking. Because we provide professional drivers and high-quality desert camps, this deposit ensures that all your logistics are secured and ready for your arrival. Your booking is not officially confirmed until the deposit is received.
3 days desert tour Fes to Marrakech: Tour Map
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