3 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech

Day 1: Fes – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Depart Fes and Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains

Begin your adventure early in the morning with a private transfer from your accommodation in Fes. Travel southwards through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through cedar forests home to playful Barbary macaques and charming Berber villages.

Stop in Ifrane and Azrou

Enjoy a brief stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets. Continue to Azrou, where you can see wild monkeys in the cedar forests and experience authentic mountain life.

Ziz Valley and Desert Oasis

As you descend towards the desert, the landscape transforms into the lush Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and winding river. Capture incredible views and stop at traditional Berber villages along the way.

Arrival in Merzouga and Sunset Camel Trek

Reach Merzouga in the late afternoon, the gateway to the vast Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Mount your camel for a peaceful trek into the desert as the sun sets, painting the dunes in spectacular hues of orange and gold.

Overnight in Desert Camp

Spend the night in a comfortable Berber desert camp, enjoying authentic Moroccan cuisine, traditional music by the campfire, and a sky full of stars.

Day 2: Merzouga – Desert Exploration – Nomadic Villages – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Sunrise in the Sahara

Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, enjoy a guided 4×4 excursion around the desert area, visiting nomadic families, exploring fossil sites, and stopping at Khamlia village, known for its Gnaoua music heritage.

Drive to Todra Gorges

Leave the desert behind and journey west to the stunning Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs rise sharply along a narrow canyon. Take a refreshing walk through the gorge and enjoy the dramatic scenery.

Dades Valley and Kasbahs

Continue to the beautiful Dades Valley, often called the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Explore traditional kasbahs perched above the valley and admire the striking rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers.”

Overnight in Dades Valley

Relax in a traditional guesthouse or riad, enjoy a hearty dinner, and prepare for the final day of your tour.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Aït Benhaddou – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

Morning Drive to Ouarzazate

After breakfast, drive to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa.” Optionally visit the Atlas Film Studios or the historic Taourirt Kasbah, an impressive example of southern Moroccan architecture.

Visit Aït Benhaddou Kasbah

Head to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most famous ksour. Explore its ancient mudbrick streets and fortified homes, featured in many international films.

Cross the High Atlas Mountains

Travel back over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters) through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Take in stunning panoramas of snow-capped peaks, Berber villages, and terraced fields.

Arrival in Marrakech

Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your unforgettable 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.

What’s Included

• Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus transportation

• Experienced English-speaking driver/guide

• Pick-up from Fes accommodation and drop-off in Marrakech

• 1 night in a luxury desert camp with dinner and breakfast

• 1 night accommodation in Dades Valley guesthouse or riad with breakfast and dinner

• Camel trek at sunset in Erg Chebbi

• 4×4 desert excursion around Merzouga dunes

• Visits to Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Aït Benhaddou

• All fuel, tolls, and taxes