3 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour
From
Fes
Duration
3 Days
Destination
Marrakech
The 3-day desert journey from Fes to Marrakech is an unforgettable adventure linking two of Morocco’s most iconic imperial cities. This route allows you to experience the contrasting beauty of the Middle Atlas, the vast Sahara, and the High Atlas Mountains while immersing yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of southern Morocco.
Along the way, you’ll pass through Ifrane, often called the “Little Switzerland of Morocco” thanks to its alpine-style architecture and exceptional cleanliness. You’ll also wander through the cedar forests, home to playful Barbary macaques, before continuing toward the golden dunes of Merzouga. Here, a camel trek takes you deep into the desert where you’ll spend the night under the stars in a traditional camp, enjoying local hospitality, music by the fire, and the magic of the Sahara sky.
The adventure continues through Erfoud, famous for its fossils, and Tinghir with its lush palm groves and dramatic Todra Gorges. You’ll stay overnight in the stunning Dades Valley, surrounded by unique rock formations and Berber villages. On the final day, you’ll cross the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, and travel through the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass in the High Atlas before arriving in Marrakech.
- Journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains on the way to the Sahara.
- Experience a camel ride in Merzouga and witness a spectacular desert sunset.
- Spend the night in a traditional camp beneath a canopy of stars in Erg Chebbi.
- Explore the Todra Gorges and admire the dramatic cliffs.
- Discover the beautiful Dades Valley with its winding roads and unique rock formations.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and the film studios of Ouarzazate.
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass before reaching Marrakech.
Day 1: Fes – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Your desert adventure begins in Fes, heading south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is in Ifrane, known for its alpine atmosphere and ranking among the cleanest cities in the world. The name “Ifrane” comes from the Berber word meaning caves.
Continue to the cedar forests, where you can observe Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. Afterward, the journey passes through Midelt, a city famous for its apples, cool climate, and role as a hub for mining and agriculture. Lunch is enjoyed here before continuing south.
In the afternoon, the road leads through the impressive Ziz Valley, lined with lush palm groves and dramatic gorges. Panoramic viewpoints offer stunning photo opportunities. By evening, you’ll reach the golden dunes of Merzouga. Here, camels await to take you across the desert to your camp. After watching the sun set over the dunes, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner, music, and an overnight stay under the starry sky.
Day 2: Merzouga – Erfoud – Tinghir – Boumalne Dades
Wake up early to witness the magic of a Sahara sunrise before returning by camel to meet your driver. The day begins with a visit to Erfoud, a town known worldwide for its fossil workshops and marble crafts.
The journey continues through Tinghir, a picturesque town framed by palm groves and the High Atlas mountains. A highlight here is the Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs create a dramatic landscape ideal for exploration and photography.
Later, the drive heads toward Boumalne Dades, a region of stunning valleys and rugged mountains. The Dades Gorges, with their winding roads and striking rock formations, make this area one of Morocco’s most photogenic spots. Dinner and overnight in Boumalne Dades.
Day 3: Boumalne Dades – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast, the adventure continues through the Rose Valley, famous for its fragrant flowers and annual Rose Festival held each spring. Passing through charming Berber villages, the route leads to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Desert.” Known for its film studios and kasbahs, Ouarzazate has served as the backdrop for countless Hollywood movies.
A visit to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou is a highlight of the day. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an exceptional example of southern Moroccan earthen architecture and has appeared in films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.
After exploring, the road climbs into the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass with its winding roads and breathtaking views. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Marrakech, where the tour concludes.
Included
- Comfortable, all-inclusive services throughout the journey
- Private Moroccan driver, fluent in several languages
- Accommodation with daily breakfast and dinner (according to your chosen category)
- Licensed local guides in major cultural and historical cities
- Airport pick-up and drop-off at the start and end of the tour
- Scenic camel ride in the Merzouga desert (for desert tours)
- Overnight stay in a desert camp, with traditional entertainment (for desert tours)
Excluded
- Daily lunch meals
- Beverages and drinks during the trip
- Personal purchases and extra expenses
- International or domestic airfare
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