Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days

(5 Reviews)

3 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech Overview

Welcome, adventurous soul. Are you ready for the ultimate Moroccan road trip? This 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is one of our favorite journeys, a true odyssey that takes you across the very heart of our beautiful country. This is your chance to escape the city and immerse yourself in the magic of the Sahara, connecting two of Morocco’s most iconic imperial cities in one unforgettable adventure.

You will journey from the cool Atlas Mountains to the breathtaking golden dunes of Merzouga, explore cinematic gorges and valleys, and finally arrive in the vibrant, energetic heart of Marrakech. We have designed this tour to be a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and comfort—a once-in-a-lifetime journey that will stay with you long after you return home.

3 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech Highlights

  • Cross the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains and stop in Ifrane, Morocco’s charming “Little Switzerland.”
  • Meet the playful wild Barbary monkeys in the ancient cedar forests near Azrou.
  • Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of the Ziz Valley, a stunning oasis of palm groves.
  • A classic sunset camel ride in Merzouga through the towering, golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
  • Spend a magical night in our Sahara luxury camp, enjoying a brilliant, star-studded sky.
  • Feel the soulful rhythms of Berber music around a crackling campfire after a delicious traditional dinner.
  • Explore the dramatic, soaring red rock cliffs of the Todra Gorges.
  • Drive the legendary “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” through the beautiful Dades and Rose Valleys.
  • Walk through the timeless, UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a famous film location.
  • Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass to reach Marrakech.

Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour Itinerary

Day 1 → Fes → Ifrane → Cedar Forest → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Desert

Our great Sahara trip from Fes begins this morning as your private driver greets you at your accommodation. We will leave the ancient city behind and start our scenic journey south, climbing into the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains.

The scenery will change from urban to lush and green as we stop in Ifrane, a clean and orderly town with unique alpine architecture. Soon after, we’ll enter the magnificent cedar forests near Azrou, where we will take a walk to breathe the fresh mountain air and see the friendly wild monkeys who live here.

After passing through the apple-growing region of Midelt, the landscape will begin to feel more arid and vast. The highlight of our drive is the incredible Ziz Valley, a massive oasis where millions of palm trees create a breathtaking green canyon.

We will stop at a panoramic viewpoint for photos before continuing toward the desert. In the late afternoon, you will see them: the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rising from the horizon. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea before meeting your camel for a peaceful trek into the desert. As the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the sand, you will arrive at our comfortable desert camp. A delicious Moroccan dinner, traditional Berber music, and a night under the stars await you.

Day 2 → Merzouga → Erfoud → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley

We highly recommend waking before dawn to witness a truly spectacular Saharan sunrise. The soft morning light and the profound silence make for a magical start to the day. After breakfast, you will ride your camel back to the edge of the dunes to meet your driver. Our journey west begins today, taking us first through the town of Erfoud, which is famous for its date festival and incredible fossil discoveries. From there, we head to one of Morocco’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders: the Todra Gorges. The canyon walls here soar to over 300 meters, and we will take time to walk along the river and admire the sheer scale of the red cliffs.

Our adventure continues into the picturesque Dades Valley, a region known for its dramatic red rock formations and ancient kasbahs dotting the landscape. We will drive through the stunning Dades Gorges, following the winding road that offers spectacular views at every turn. Tonight, you will stay in a charming, traditional riad or hotel nestled in this beautiful valley, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner and the peaceful ambiance of the Moroccan countryside.

Day 3 → Dades Valley → Rose Valley → Ait Ben Haddou → Tizi n’Tichka → Marrakech

After breakfast, our final day of this epic Morocco road trip from Fes to Marrakech begins. We will drive along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” passing through the fragrant Valley of Roses, where damask roses are harvested each spring. Our main destination today is the incredible Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most impressive earthen villages in Morocco and has served as the backdrop for dozens of Hollywood films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You will have time to explore its ancient alleyways and climb to the top for a stunning view.

From Ait Ben Haddou, we begin our final, dramatic ascent into the High Atlas Mountains. We will cross the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa, stopping at panoramic viewpoints along the way. As we descend from the mountains, the landscape will soften, and you will soon see the vibrant city of Marrakech spread out before you. We will arrive in the “Red City” in the evening and your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad, concluding your unforgettable 3 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech: Sahara Adventure Across Morocco.

3 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour Price Included
  • Included
  • Private transport in a comfortable vehicle with AC
  • Hotel or riad pick-up and drop-off
  • English, French, or Spanish-speaking driver
  • Sunset and sunrise camel rides
  • 1 night in a desert camp (standard or luxury)
  • 1 night in a hotel/riad in Dades Valley
  • Dinner and breakfast at the camp
  • Fuel and all road costs
  • Not Included
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees (if applicable)
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
Tour Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade my accommodation?

Yes, you can. We offer upgrades to luxury desert camps that feature more spacious tents with private en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and more opulent furnishings. Please let us know if you are interested in this option when you book.

Can the itinerary be customized?

While the 2-day timeframe is quite fixed due to the driving distance, we can certainly make small adjustments. If you have specific interests, such as photography or fossils, please let us know, and we can tailor the stops to your preferences.

What should I pack for the desert?

We recommend light layers. During the day, comfortable clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential. For the evening and early morning, it can be cool, so a warm jacket or fleece is highly recommended, especially from autumn to spring. Closed-toe shoes are best for walking.

Can you cater to dietary restrictions?

Yes, we can. Please let us know of any dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, at the time of booking, and we will make the necessary arrangements for your dinner and breakfast at the camp.

Are the desert camps private or shared?

The camp itself is a shared space with a common dining area and campfire. However, you will have your own private tent for sleeping.

How long is the camel ride? Can I skip it?

The camel trek is about 60 to 90 minutes each way and is a highlight for most travelers. However, if you prefer not to ride a camel, we can easily arrange for our 4×4 vehicle to transport you to and from the camp. Your comfort is our priority.

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5 Reviews
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Isabella

Solo Traveller

I booked this tour with the primary goal of photography, and it was an absolute dream. Every hour presented a new and stunning visual opportunity. Our guide, Youssef, understood this immediately. He was brilliant, often pointing out unique compositions and stopping at unmarked spots that offered the most dramatic light and breathtaking vistas, away from the tour buses.
The journey through the High and Middle Atlas Mountains offered incredible landscape shots, but the true prize was the Sahara. The “golden hour” camel trek into Erg Chebbi was phenomenal; the low sun cast long, elegant shadows across the sculpted dunes, creating a scene of pure texture and light. At the camp, I was able to capture the Milky Way in all its glory, thanks to the total lack of light pollution. Waking for sunrise was another highlight, watching the cool blue pre-dawn light slowly give way to the warm, orange glow on the horizon. Even the cultural stops were a visual treat—the earthen architecture of Ait Benhaddou against a brilliant blue sky and the sheer, rust-colored cliffs of Todra Gorge were spectacular subjects. This is not just a tour; it’s a 3-day mobile photography workshop through one of the most beautiful countries on Earth. Highly, highly recommended for any visual artist.

February 16, 2025

Charlotte

Solo Traveller

Traveling solo as a woman, safety and authenticity are my top priorities. This tour exceeded my expectations on both fronts. My guide, Hassan, was respectful, kind, and an excellent conversationalist. I felt completely comfortable and looked after for the entire three days. He was not just a driver, but a cultural ambassador, providing deep insights into the history of the kasbahs, the nomadic way of life, and the nuances of Moroccan society.
The journey itself was visually and culturally rich. I was captivated by the dramatic shift in landscapes, from the cedar forests with Barbary macaques near Ifrane to the stark, powerful beauty of the Ziz Valley dotted with palm groves. While the Sahara sunset was spectacular, it was the quiet moments that resonated most: sharing mint tea with our Berber hosts at the camp, listening to the profound silence of the desert at dawn, and watching local life unfold in the small villages we passed through. The tour strikes a perfect balance between hitting the “must-see” sites like Ait Benhaddou and providing moments for genuine connection. I would wholeheartedly recommend this tour to other solo travelers, especially women, looking for a safe, enriching, and deeply moving adventure.

January 11, 2025

Amelia

Solo Traveller

Finding an activity that engages two teenagers and their parents can be a challenge, but this 3-day desert tour was a home run for our family. Our guide, Omar, was fantastic with the kids. He was patient, funny, and knew exactly how to connect with them, sharing stories and even teaching them some basic Arabic and Berber phrases. The pace was perfect, with enough stops to keep everyone from getting restless. The visit to Ait Benhaddou was a huge hit—the kids loved recognizing it from Gladiator and Game of Thrones and felt like they were exploring a real-life movie set.
The desert portion was, of course, the main event. The camel ride was a novelty that had them laughing the whole time. The desert camp was comfortable and safe, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. After dinner, the campfire with traditional music was a wonderful, screen-free way to spend an evening together. My son’s favorite moment was seeing the brilliant stars, and my daughter loved waking up for the stunning sunrise over the dunes. For any family looking to get out of the cities and show their kids the incredible diversity and beauty of Morocco, this tour is the perfect solution. It’s a lifetime memory for all of us.

January 8, 2025

Olivia

Solo Traveller

Wow! This tour was the absolute highlight of our trip to Morocco. My partner and I were looking for adventure, and we got it in spades. Our guide, Ali, was a legend—he felt more like a friend than a guide by the end of the first day. He had an amazing playlist, a great sense of humor, and taught us so much about his Berber culture.
The drive itself is an adventure, winding through the epic Atlas Mountains and stopping at the jaw-dropping Todra Gorge where we walked along the river. But the Sahara… it’s pure magic. Riding camels into the vast emptiness of the dunes as the sun went down was surreal. The camp had an incredible vibe; after a delicious tagine dinner, we all sat around a campfire while our Berber hosts played drums and sang. We stayed up late, climbed a dune away from the camp, and just lay there watching the Milky Way. It was one of the most romantic and awe-inspiring moments of my life. The next morning, we even tried sandboarding down the dunes after sunrise, which was hilarious and so much fun. If you’re looking for an authentic, high-energy, and unforgettable experience, this is it. 10/10!

January 5, 2025

Emma

Solo Traveller

As someone who plans every detail of our trips, I was hesitant to book a package tour. However, this 3-day journey from Fes to Marrakech didn’t just meet my high standards; it completely shattered them. The logistics were flawless. Our driver, Ibrahim, was the consummate professional—punctual, an incredibly safe driver on winding mountain roads, and a wealth of knowledge that he shared without ever being intrusive. The vehicle was a modern, clean, and comfortable 4×4, essential for the long drives.
The highlights were numerous, but the Sahara experience was otherworldly. The “desert camp” is an understatement; it was a luxurious glamping setup with a comfortable king-sized bed, beautiful Moroccan decor, and a surprisingly modern en-suite bathroom with a hot shower. The camel trek was timed perfectly for sunset, creating a breathtaking panorama of orange and purple hues across the Erg Chebbi dunes. What truly set this tour apart was the attention to detail: the stop at a high-quality Argan oil cooperative (not a tourist trap), the scenic lunch spot overlooking a valley, and Ibrahim’s ability to find pristine, crowd-free viewpoints. If you think a desert tour means “roughing it,” think again. This was a seamless, comfortable, and profoundly beautiful experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough for those who appreciate quality and flawless execution.

January 2, 2025
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