Overview
3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes description
This 3 day adventure from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga offers an exploration of the richness of Moroccan heritage, enchanting desert landscapes, and historic sites.
This expedition doesn't just traverse distances but also delves into the depths of history, allowing travelers to witness the legacy of ancient civilizations embedded in the heart of Morocco. Along this route, the blend of cultural richness and natural beauty seamlessly unfolds, revealing the grandeur of majestic desert dunes and the echoes of ancient tales told through historical sites.
Day By Day
3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes itinerary
Your overnights in the Dades Valley and the Merzouga desert camp are confirmed in advance — this is a guide to how the three days unfold.
Day 01
Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Departing on this 3 day desert trip from Marrakech to Fes, you cross the Tizi n'Tichka High Atlas Mountains pass to the village of Ait Benhaddou for a guided tour of the kasbah. It is listed under UNESCO World Heritage, a spectacular fortified village (ksar). Afterwards, we continue toward the Dades Valley via the desert gateway city of Ouarzazate — the "Moroccan Hollywood" — and the palm grove of Skoura.
Summary
- Tizi n'Tichka pass across the High Atlas
- Guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
- Ouarzazate and the Skoura palm grove
- Overnight: guesthouse, Dades Valley
Day 02
Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
Visit the Dades Valley and Tinerhir to see the Todra Gorges, the highest gorge in Morocco — just 20 meters wide and over 300 meters high — with roughly 20 minutes of walking to take it in. Todra Gorge is a canyon in the eastern High Atlas Mountains, well known for rock climbing in Morocco. From there, continue to the edge of the dunes at Merzouga, where you'll ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes on a camel trek with a camel guide, and sleep in a nomadic tent at the desert camp. Enjoy an overnight stay under the stars, with real desert atmosphere and music.
Summary
- Todra Gorges near Tinerhir
- Drive to the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga
- Camel trek into the dunes with a camel guide
- Overnight: nomadic tent, desert camp, with music around the fire
Day 03
Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
Wake early to see the sunrise and ride camel back to the hotel or guest house for breakfast and a shower. Next, we keep driving via the Ziz Valley or Gorges and the cedar forest where Barbary macaques live — an interesting route with a stop for lunch in Midelt. Drop-off at your accommodation, riad or hotel, in Fes, founded by Moulay Idriss I in 789 and a World Heritage Site.
Summary
- Sunrise over the dunes and camel ride back to the hotel
- Ziz Valley/Gorges and cedar forest home to Barbary macaques
- Lunch stop in Midelt, passing through Ifrane
- Drop-off at your accommodation in Fes
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is the 3-day Marrakech to Fes tour private?
Yes. This is a private Morocco tour with your own experienced driver-guide and comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
Does the tour include camel trekking in Merzouga?
Yes. The tour includes a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to your Sahara Desert camp, where you can enjoy sunset, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Can I choose a luxury desert camp?
Yes. You can upgrade to a luxury Sahara Desert camp with private tents, en-suite bathrooms, and enhanced comfort.
Where does the tour finish?
The tour ends in Fes with drop-off at your accommodation or Fes-Saïss Airport.
What are the highlights of the 3-day Marrakech to Fes tour?
Highlights include the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, Merzouga Sahara Desert, camel trekking, a desert camp, Ziz Valley, the Cedar Forest, and Ifrane.
