Overview
3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech description
Embark on an immersive 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga, unveiling the captivating landscapes and cultural treasures of Morocco. This enchanting journey guides you through the Atlas Mountains, revealing ancient kasbahs and traditional villages. Traverse the picturesque landscapes of the Dadès and Todra Gorges, marvel at the vastness of the Sahara Desert, and indulge in a magical overnight experience at a desert camp near Merzouga. Encounter the warmth of local Berber communities, explore historic towns, and witness the ever-changing beauty of the scenery.
This concise yet comprehensive expedition promises an unforgettable fusion of natural splendor, cultural exploration, and the captivating allure of the Merzouga desert.
Day By Day
3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech itinerary
Your overnights in the Merzouga desert camp and the Dades Valley are confirmed in advance — this is a guide to how the three days unfold.
Day 01
Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Camel Trekking
After having breakfast in the hotel, the trip to Merzouga begins; passing through Ifrane which is often symbolically described as a Swiss mountain city, the cedar forests of Azrou where you will have the opportunity to wander among its famous monkeys in their natural environment, the Middle Atlas Mountains as well as the only tunnel in Morocco and the valley of Ziz, with miles of palm groves and high cliffs. Your excursion will take you deeper towards the southeast, gate to the largest Sahara desert where you will start your camel trek into the charming Erg Chebbi dunes and immerse in nomadic desert lifestyle. After dinner, we gather around fire, enjoying the desert's night atmosphere and entertaining ourselves with Berber music that pleases desert people and their visitors. For nature lovers and those who cherish calmness, they can go for a walk on the dunes and enjoy the peacefulness and warmth atmosphere, contemplating the stars and the moon. You will get to spend the night in a Berber tent at our desert camp.
Summary
- Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest, home to wild monkeys
- Middle Atlas Mountains and the Ziz Valley palm groves
- Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Overnight: Berber tent, desert camp, Merzouga
Day 02
Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
We will get up early to witness the magic sunrise from the dunes. After having a delicious Berber breakfast you will get back by camel to Merzouga and get prepared to leave by car towards Tinghir to see the Todra Gorges. On the way, we will halt in Rissani to visit the Moulay Ali Cherif mausoleum. Then we will pass through numerous small Berber villages, like Jorf, well known for its palm trees, Mellaab and Tinjdad. We will drive up a bit further to Dades Gorges, passing through a fabulous sight made of mountains formed like monkey-fingers and set off to see the panoramic view of the Dades Gorges road. Then, we will finally arrive at the Dades Valley where we will have dinner and spend the night at a riad/hotel.
Summary
- Sunrise over the dunes and camel ride back to Merzouga
- Moulay Ali Cherif mausoleum in Rissani
- Small Berber villages: Jorf, Mellaab, Tinjdad
- Todra Gorges and the Dades Gorges "monkey fingers" rock formations
- Overnight: riad/hotel, Dades Valley
Day 03
Dades Valley – Ait Benhaddou Kasbah – Tizi-Ntichka Pass – Marrakech
After breakfast, we start our journey crossing the authentic Dades Valley to Kalaat M'gouna (the capital of roses) and Ouarzazate (the Hollywood of Africa). Along the way, you will have a great chance to see hundreds of abandoned kasbahs. We will visit the Roses Valley and Skoura village, and then continue to Ouarzazate. After visiting the Hollywood city and the Taourirt Kasbah, we will go ahead to enjoy lunch at the famous largest kasbah in Morocco: Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, and as one of the most beautiful monuments in Morocco, this kasbah has been chosen by many filmmakers shooting in the region. After a tour inside the kasbah, our journey resumes via the charming Tizi N'Tichka mountain pass, where we halt to enjoy the panoramic view and visit the argan oil cooperatives, before heading to Marrakech.
Summary
- Kalaat M'gouna, Roses Valley and Skoura village
- Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
- Lunch and visit at the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
- Tizi N'Tichka pass and argan oil cooperative
- Arrival in Marrakech
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech?
Yes. This is a private Morocco tour with your own professional driver-guide and comfortable vehicle.
Does the tour include camel trekking in Merzouga?
Yes. The tour includes a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach your desert camp for an unforgettable Sahara experience.
Can I upgrade to a luxury desert camp?
Yes. You can choose between a standard desert camp or a luxury Sahara camp with private facilities and upgraded amenities.
Where does the tour end?
The tour finishes in Marrakech with drop-off at your accommodation or Marrakech Menara Airport.
What are the highlights of the 3-day Fes to Marrakech tour?
Highlights include Ifrane, the Cedar Forest, Ziz Valley, Merzouga Sahara Desert, camel trekking, desert camping, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ait Benhaddou, and the High Atlas Mountains.
