About 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

A 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes via the Merzouga Desert is a very popular and highly recommended way to experience a significant part of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and culture.

It’s an adventure that takes you from the bustling city of Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, stunning gorges, and finally into the vast Sahara Desert, culminating in the imperial city of Fes.

Here’s a typical itinerary and what you can expect:

Overview of the 3-Day Tour:

  Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

  Starting Point: Marrakech

  Ending Point: Fes

  Highlights: High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi dunes), camel trekking, overnight desert camp, Ziz Valley, Midelt, Ifrane.

Typical Itinerary:

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

 Morning Departure from Marrakech: Your tour will typically start early in the morning with a pickup from your riad or hotel in Marrakech.

 High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass: You’ll embark on a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains, traversing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (at an altitude of 2,260m).

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and stop for photos of traditional Berber villages nestled in the mountainsides.

Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah: Descend from the mountains to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou.

This ancient fortified village (ksar) is famous for its appearance in many films (like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia) and offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Moroccan architecture. You’ll have time to explore and have lunch nearby.

Ouarzazate: Visit “Hollywood of Africa,” Ouarzazate is home to film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah.

Dades Valley: Continue through the “Valley of Roses” and the Skoura palm groves before reaching the Dades Valley.

You’ll spend the night in a guesthouse or hotel in the Dades Gorges, enjoying dinner and local hospitality.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

Todra Gorge: After breakfast, you’ll drive through the stunning Dades Valley, enjoying views of unique rock formations.

The journey continues to the Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering, 300-meter-high cliffs. You’ll have time to walk through the gorge and appreciate its beauty.

Road to Merzouga: Pass through various Berber villages, palm groves, and towns like Tinjdad and Erfoud (known for its fossils) as you make your way towards the Sahara Desert.

Camel Trek into Erg Chebbi Dunes: Upon arrival in Merzouga, the gateway to Erg Chebbi, you’ll meet your camel guide.

Pack a small overnight bag and embark on an unforgettable camel trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Desert Camp & Sunset: Ride your camel for about an hour to an hour and a half, reaching your desert camp.

You’ll settle into your private tent (standard or luxury, depending on your booking).

As the sun begins to set, climb to the top of a dune to witness a magical sunset over the Sahara.

Overnight in the Desert: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at the camp, accompanied by local Berber music around a campfire under a sky full of stars.

You’ll spend the night in your desert tent.

Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes

Sunrise & Return from Camp: Wake up early to catch the incredible sunrise over the desert dunes (a highlight for many!). After breakfast at the camp, you’ll ride your camels back to Merzouga (or sometimes a 4×4 will pick you up).

 Journey to Fes: Begin the long but scenic drive towards Fes. The route will take you through the Ziz Valley, known for its extensive palm groves, and past Errachidia.

Midelt & Cedar Forests: Stop in Midelt for lunch. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you might pass through cedar forests and have the chance to spot wild Barbary apes (monkeys) in Azrou.

 Ifrane (“Switzerland of Morocco”): You’ll usually have a brief stop in Ifrane, a charming town with European-style architecture, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine appearance and clean environment.

Arrival in Fes: The tour concludes with your drop-off at your riad or hotel in Fes, usually in the late afternoon or early evening.

What’s Typically Included:

 Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle (minibus for shared tours, 4×4 for private tours).

Driver/Guide: Experienced English-speaking (and often French- Spanish- Italian speaking) driver who also serves as your guide.

Accommodation: 1 night in a guesthouse/hotel in the Dades Valley (with dinner and breakfast) and 1 night in a desert camp in Merzouga (with dinner and breakfast).

Camel Trekking: Camel ride to and from the desert camp.

Sandboarding: Many camps offer sandboards for you to try.

What’s Usually Not Included:

 Lunches and drinks

 Entrance fees to attractions (though some tours might include them)

Tips for drivers/guides

Tips for Your Tour:

Pack Light for the Desert: You’ll only need a small backpack for the overnight camel trek.

Your main luggage will be taken to your tent in desert by the transport of the camp.

Dress Appropriately: Layers are key, especially in the desert where temperatures can swing significantly between day and night. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Sun Protection: Turbant, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must.

Water: Stay hydrated, especially during the long drives and in the desert.

Camera: There will be countless photo opportunities!

Book in Advance: Especially during peak season, tours can fill up quickly.

Choose Reputable Operators: Read reviews and choose a tour company with good feedback. Both shared and private tours are available, with private tours offering more flexibility.