The Best 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: Luxury Sahara Adventure Through Merzouga.
Tour Essentials at a Glance
- Duration: 3 days/2 night
- Start: Marrakech
- End: Fes
- Accommodations: Various Options (See Below)
- Tour Style: Private
- Price: Check it below
Overview: A Unique 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes
Enjoy A Luxury Sahara Adventure through Merzouga With Our Best 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes, which combines some of Morocco’s most dramatic landscapes, historical sites, and desert beauty. This itinerary was specifically designed to make the journey from Marrakech to Fes as simple as possible so you can get the most out of Morocco by linking two Imperial cities and discovering some of Morocco’s finest attractions at the same time.
This Marrakech to Fes 3 days tour will provide you the opportunity to see the very best of the country all on 3 days. It doesn’t just take you from one city to another. It shows you the heart of Morocco. How can you not fall in love with the country after being taken on this fantastic adventure? As we travel through the Atlas Mountains, the Tizi n’Tichka pass will open up unparalleled vistas down the valley filled with traditional Berber settlements.
One of our most memorable stops will be the historical Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. You have probably seen this famous Kasbah in movies. It’s recognition from UNESCO is due to its historical importance. On this expedition, we will also go through the surreal rock formations located within the Dades Valley and travel through the spectacular limestone cathedral called Todra Gorge. Finally, we will arrive to the pièce de résistance—the magnificent Saraha dunes of Erg Chebbi.
You will enjoy a continuous journey between the two countries, with spectacular views of the mountains, kasbahs, canyons, and endless Erg Chebbi dunes. The 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes gives you a truly authentic Moroccan experience like no other tourist will get. If you want to explore this beautiful country and enjoy an adventure-filled holiday, then this tour is perfect for you!
The final day of the Marrakech Fes desert tour marks a peak of emotion for me. While taking a sunrise camel ride into the Sahara Desert, we were taken to camps that offered high-quality services and facilities but maintained the authenticity of the area. While enjoying dinner and listening to music in an outdoor setting at night, I was surrounded by stars with a view so vibrant that it was like seeing the Milky Way in 3D, and I was able to connect and converse with Berber families who have lived in this particular desert for generations.
On the last day of our Marrakech Fes desert tour 3 days, my experience in Fes was completely different than my experience in Marrakech. We traveled through the Ziz Valley, which has beautiful palm trees and lush vegetation; we saw the Cedar Mountain, which is home to the Barbary apes; and we passed through the charming Alpine village of Ifrane before arriving in Fes, the spiritual center of Morocco.
Tour Highlights
- Conquer the High Atlas Mountains through the stunning Tizi n’Tichka pass, ascending to 2,260 meters with panoramic mountain views.
- Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, an architectural gem that served as the backdrop for many famous Hollywood movies, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.
- Explore the incredible Todra Gorge, where stunning 300-meter vertical limestone cliffs form a narrow canyon that has attracted rock climbers from around the world.
- Go on a classic camel trek across the magnificent golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset and relive the days of the former caravan traders.
- Spend the night under the stars in a Luxury Desert Camp, where you will have private tent accommodations and modern private bathrooms.
- Travel through the beautiful Ziz Valley, where thousands of date palms combine to make an amazing green oasis in an otherwise desert.
- See the Barbary Apes in the ancient Cedar Forest surrounding Azrou, where they thrive among these endangered primates.
- Visit Ifrane, known as Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” which is characterized by its European-style architecture and manicured gardens.
Why private 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
What are the Advantages of Taking a Tour with Us?
Genuine Local Knowledge: Our guides are from the area, meaning they have an intimate understanding of Berber culture, traditions, customs, sacred sites, and treasures that are not typically found in tourist guidebooks. Your guide is not just showing you around Morocco, but proudly sharing the history and beauty of their home.
Exceptional Lodging: All of our Luxury (Deluxe) Desert Camps provide each guest with a private tent and bath, a comfortable bed, and full facilities. Your tent has a standard/non-shared bathroom; therefore, comfort is guaranteed even in an isolated area.
Fully Customizable Tours: Our 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour is fully adaptable to your personal interests, timelines, travel style, and preferences. If you want to go quad biking through the dunes or stay longer at Ait Ben Haddou, we can make those changes so that you get the most out of your trip.
Benefits of Our Private Tours:
- Flexible and personalized tour planning.
- Dedicated transportation; private vehicle and driver/guide.
- Choose the accommodation type that meets your needs.
- Customize the amount of time spent at various locations based on interest.
- Incorporate additional experiences, such as quad biking, or a longer time in the desert.
- Perfect for special events, anniversaries, or family trips.
- Depart when it works best for you.
- Best for families, couples seeking romance, friend groups, or anyone desiring personalized experiences.
3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate -Boumalne dades:
Driving Time: Approximately 6-6.5 hours (excluding stops)
The 3 day Sahara tour Marrakech to Fes kicks off early in the morning, leaving your hotel in Marrakech as the morning sun begins to bathe the red walls of the city that earned it the nickname “Red City”. One hour later, you’ll have already gained altitude as you drive to the High Atlas Mountains, which are Africa’s longest mountain range and have been one of the major natural barriers that have influenced the history of Morocco for thousands of years. Rising to an elevation of approximately 2260 meters along this route, Tizi n’Tichka pass is considered one of North Africa’s most exceptional mountain routes and provides an opportunity to witness the vast array of views from the many switchbacks along its length.
As you navigate through this beautiful mountain range, more views await, from the terraced fields that have been created out of sheer rock faces, to the numerous kasbahs that have been built on rocky outcrops, and finally to the numerous Berber villages, which have, for centuries, been built from stone using the mountains as a backdrop. There are strategic stops along the way that your driver will choose based on where you’ll have incredible panoramic views, so that you may take some incredible photos, while enjoying the crisp air at these altitudes.
As you make your descent from the mountainous backdrop to the Great Sahara, the first point of contact is the famous Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s photography capital, a fortified city that dates back as far as the 11th century. Ait Ben Haddou represents the top of the earthen architecture in Southern Morocco, and has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1987. With its distinctive towers and crenellated walls, it has become one of the preferred locations for film production, with its historical look providing the backdrop for such internationally acclaimed films as Gladiator, The Mummy, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones.
After completing your guided tour of the Kasbah, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the ingenuity of the builders of Ait Ben Haddou. The buildings are constructed entirely of rammed earth, straw, and timber using techniques that take advantage of the natural elements to regulate the exterior temperature without the need for modern heating and cooling systems. The view from the top of the Kasbah, or fortification, is nothing short of stunning as you survey the expansive Ouarzazate plain and the valley that was inhabited by ancient caravan traders travelling along the trans-Saharan trade routes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with a view of this marvellous building, giving you a moment to ponder the intelligence of Berber builders.
Onward to Ouarzazate, where the “Gateway to the Desert” and the “Hollywood of Africa” both collide with adventure on today’s journey of discovery through the magnificent surroundings, including visiting The Atlas Film Studios, producers of many of the popular films, or exploring Kasbah Taourirt with its maze of beautifully decorated rooms. Continuing, you will pass through The Valley of The Roses, where the scent of roses can be smelled from quite a distance in April and May when the blooms appear, creating a blanket of pink perfume in the valley. The local cooperatives produce rose water and essential oils from the blooms, as well as cosmetics, which they sell directly to consumers in their villages and cities.
As the day transitions into evening, you will arrive at Dades Valle, which is recognised for its rugged gorges and unusual rock structures are called “monkey fingers” due to their unique appearance. Your lodgings for the night, a traditional riad or a comfortable hotel, will have exceptional views of the region’s dramatic gorges. Your evening meal will feature traditional flavours of Moroccan cuisine such as braised lamb tagine with prunes and almonds, vegetable Couscous, and chicken preserved lemon and olives that have been prepared with authentic techniques and unique ingredients from the area. The tranquillity of the evening air will help prepare you for your deeper exploration of the desert tomorrow.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Tinghir Oasis – Todgha Gorge – Merzouga desert:
Driving Time: Approximately 4 hours (excluding stops)
After a delicious breakfast that overlooks the valley, your 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour heads towards one of Morocco’s best-known natural wonders: The Todra Gorge. You’ll ride the winding roads of Dades Valley, where you’ll see different views of the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations, as well as have the opportunity to witness nomadic herders tending to their flocks across the barren landscape.
Once you arrive at Todra Gorge, you will be overwhelmed by its grandeur – the Todra River has carved out a narrow canyon through towering limestone cliffs that rise 300 meters (1,000 feet) above the riverbed and pinch down to as little as 10 meters (30 feet) in width. This dramatic vertical drop and the incredible lighting in the gorge attract rock climbers from around the world. You will see many climbers scaling the sheer cliffs. It’s very refreshing to take a stroll along the river in the cool bottom of the canyon, and the acoustics are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Your voice will echo off the canyon walls like a ghost!
After traversing the gorge, you are now on the way into the desert territory. The change in topography is gradual but dramatic as well. Throughout the history of the Sahara Desert, lush garden areas (oases) such as Tinjdad have existed due to ancient underground irrigation systems called khettaras that draw water from deep within the earth. These areas allowed for a livelihood to exist throughout the far reaches of the Sahara (between sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean markets), thus providing a stopover for many human contact points on their way across the Great Sahara.
As we pass through Erfoud, which is known for its fossil shops where you can see fossilized marine life embedded in black marble, there is so much anticipation building for the final destination. The terrain becomes softer, the vegetation less productive, and then boom! Erg Chebbi! Erg Chebbi is made up of dunes that stack themselves upon one another like gigantic waves of sand and reach a maximum height of 150 meters and a minimum height of 28 kilometers! The size of these dunes cannot be measured by pictures; however, standing at the base of them, you can truly feel their power!
When you arrive at the dunes’ edge, there is a lovely selection of camels awaiting you arrival for your camel caravan. Mounting your camel for the first time can be both exciting and intimidating; however, once you start riding, you will begin to feel a rhythm and a meditative experience as your camel walks. Once your caravan begins to move into the dunes, the modern world fades away, and the only noises you will hear are the soft sound of the camel walking on sand, an occasional grunt from the camel, and a few words of guidance from your tour guide. Your tour guide will select the best possible routes to ensure your satisfaction and enjoyment of your trip by stopping at high dunes to capture photographs of the stunning sunset, which creates a magnificent color palette of amber, copper, rose, and crimson.
As you arrive at your luxurious desert camp, the ambiance changes to a dimly lit blue sky. Upon arrival, you will be offered Moroccan mint tea, the universal sign of Moroccan hospitality. You will be surprised to see how luxurious your private tent is compared to what you may have imagined. Your tent is not a basic, makeshift shelter but an upscale tent with real beds, high-quality linens, lights, and a private ensuite bath with hot running water. Some camps may even provide tents with air conditioning or heating for guest comfort during the hotter months.
Dining beneath the stars is a ceremonial occasion filled with traditional Moroccan cuisine, including salads and hearty tagines, along with fresh fruit and endless amounts of mint tea served communally. As darkness sets in, musicians from the local Berber tribes appear with traditional drums and string instruments and begin to play an ancient style of music that resonates with the same rhythms as the vast, desolate landscape. After the musicians take their breaks, you lie on your back, looking up at the sky. The Milky Way stretches out across the entire sky, with shooting stars travelling in all directions, and the incredible stillness that exists between each musical performance provides you with moments of contemplation and profound peace that cannot be replicated on Earth.
Day 3: Merzouga desert – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas Mountains – Ifrane – Fes
Driving Time: Approximately 7-7.5 hours (excluding stops) – Arrival in Fes: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
If you’re willing to get up early, sunrise over the Sahara will be one of nature’s last gifts to you. The light of this time of day continually changes the nature of the landscape. The texture and shadow of the dunes are not visible at any other time, so sunrise provides a unique experience for viewing and photographing the deserts. The color of the dunes will transform from deep purple to rose to gold as the sun rises, and with each passing minute, there are opportunities to take new and spectacular photos. This is the “golden hour” coveted by professional photographers and the time when the desert is at its most beautiful.
After breakfast, you return to the camp where you departed from on either a camel or a four-wheel-drive vehicle to meet your driver and begin your journey to Fes. Of all the trips, this 3 day trip from Marrakech to Fes has the best diversity, including geographic diversity, as it travels north across Morocco in just one day.
The Ziz Valley is the next major destination. As Morocco’s second-longest river winds its way through the desert, it leaves behind a stunning green ribbon that is visible from different panoramic viewpoints. You will see thousands of date palms growing in rows stretching over a distance of more than 150 kilometers as they grow up along the banks of the river.
This area of Morocco is an agricultural haven, established through a combination of river water and traditional methods of irrigation. There are many ancient kasbahs (fortified villages) in the Ziz Valley, most of which still have families living in them, continuing to utilize traditional farming techniques dating back hundreds of years. If you take this trip during harvest season, you will likely see many people working to gather dates, a tradition that has not changed for hundreds of years.
At this time, we’ll find a good place to stop for lunch in Midelt—a city at the junction of the High Atlas and Middle Atlas Mountains, where you’ll be able to replenish your energy with a meal as well as samples of some delicious regional dishes. As you travel further into the Middle Atlas region, the environment changes rapidly as you ascend into the Cedar Forests of the Middle Atlas region, near Azrou.
The Cedar Forests are home to some of Morocco’s last remaining Cedar trees, and they provide habitat for the endangered Barbary macaques. Your driver is familiar with where these intelligent primates tend to congregate; that will provide an opportunity to see and photograph them in their natural environment. Barbary monkeys are Indigenous to North Africa and are critically endangered; viewing them in the wild is a rare privilege. Many people think the best way to watch these amazing animals is to feed them; however, wildlife specialists advise against this, indicating that the best way to enjoy watching them is by simply observing them, so that they will exhibit their normal behaviors.
You will make one final stop before you arrive at Fes – Ifrane. Ifrane is unique to Morocco as it was created during the colonial presence of France many years ago. You will find that the design of the town is very similar to that of a Swiss Alpine village located in North Africa. The biggest contrast to where you have already traveled in Morocco is the European-style chalets that have pitched roofs, hanging flower boxes, neatly manicured gardens, clean streets, and even a large statue of a lion, all of which have become popular subjects for visitors taking pictures of them. The town of Ifrane is home to one of the most prestigious universities in Morocco, and many of the well-to-do Moroccans visit the town in the summer months as a retreat from the sweltering temperatures along the coast.
The extreme contrast of seeing Saharan sunsets and then driving a few hours to Ifrane and viewing the Alpine-style architecture is an example of the incredible diversity of the country. As you descend from the mountains and head down the hill towards Fes, you will see the distinguished medieval medina that has stood for many centuries. You will see many minarets and domes, which create the skyline of Fes.
Your journey will end at your accommodation or Fes International Airport after you travel over 1,000 KM over the past three days and have now experienced the full spectrum of Morocco’s offerings, mountain peaks and desert valleys, beautiful historic buildings and natural wonders, and its well-known hospitality.
What's Included and Excluded (Guaranteed Transparency)
Tour Inclusions
- Private, comfortable transportation (4×4 vehicle/minivan, air-conditioned)
- Pick-up & Drop-off from your Marrakeck hotel
- Experienced, English-speaking driver/guide with extensive knowledge of the region
- 1 night at excellent, comfortable hotels/riads in Dades Valley or Ouarzazate area
- One night at a comfortable/luxurious desert camp in Erg Chebbi with a private bath
- Camel trekking in Sahara Desert (1 camel per person for sunset and sunrise rides)
- Daily Breakfast (2 included) & Dinners (2 included - remote locations)
Tour Exclusions
- Lunch & all drink expenses during the tour
- Any personal or additional expenses or activities
- Optional tips for the driver/guide, hotel staff, camp staff. Tipping is culturally accepted in Morocco, and is always appreciated.
Map of the tour
Accommodation Tiers:
Standard Level (3-Star Western Equivalent)
- Hotel and campsite accommodations that are clean and comfortable, in a traditionally decorated
- Moroccan manner with private amenities
- Example Accommodations: Hotel Babylon Dades, Les Roches Luxury Camps
- The best way to ensure your standards of quality are met while offering exceptional pricing.
Medium/Superior Level (4-Star Western Equivalent)
- Enhanced amenities and superior locations with
- larger rooms and better quality beds
- Example Accommodations: Grand Canyon Lodge Dades, Les Roches Luxury Camp
- A good balance between comfort and your investment.
Luxury/Deluxe Level (5-Star Western Equivalent)
- The highest quality properties with the best services
- Gourmet Dining and spa facilities were available
- Example Accommodations: Eden Boutique Hotel, Caravanserai Luxury Desert Camp
- The highest level of comfort during your travels.
| Luxury Accommodations | Eden Boutique | Caravan Serai Luxury Desert Camp |
| Mid-range Accommodation | Grande Canyon Lodge Dades | Les Roches Luxury Camp |
| Confort Accommodation | Hotel Babylon | Les Roches Luxury Camp |
THE Price OF 3 days tour from marrakech to fes
Private Tour Price: €250 – €660 per person (Prices vary based on the group size selected and the type of camp selected).
Price Example: €460 per person minimum for a Mid-range accommodation if there are two or more participants in the tour.
For detailed and customized pricing based on your specific needs, please contact us using the form below. Our team will get back to you promptly with a tailored quote to suit your preferences.
Book Your 3 day Sahara tour Marrakech to FesAdventure Today
Making a reservation for a Marrakech to Fes 3 day tour is quick and easy. Customers have the option of reserving through either our website or by contacting us via WhatsApp. To complete your reservation, a deposit is required to secure your trip, as well as accommodations and transportation, which may fill up quickly during peak travel times.
The remaining balance is normally paid when you arrive in Morocco, and this payment can be made with cash (Euro, US Dollar, or equivalent Moroccan Dirhams) or through other means of payment. This flexibility in payment type offers security and convenience to travelers.
Essential Knowledge: Cultural & Logistical Preparation & Packing
Essential Prep. & Packing
Clothes: With Morocco’s varied landscapes, the weather also varies greatly. It can be very hot (30-40 °C) during the day in the desert, but it is usually much cooler in the desert during the night, especially in winter when it could dip to around freezing. You should pack for a variety of temperatures by including:
Shirts with long sleeves. These will keep your skin protected from the sun while also being culturally appropriate.
Trousers/jeans. Wear long pants or jeans on camel rides to prevent the chafing that may result from wearing shorts.
A fleece or thicker/warmer jacket for cooler desert nights.
Sturdy, closed-toe footwear. Wear something comfortable and suitable for walking.
Camel Trekking Pack: A pack to bring on your camel trek may contain the following items: Water, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a torchlight/headlamp to see your way around your tent at night. There will not be any towels at the desert camp, so bring your own.
Your Luggage: While you’re at the desert camp, your main suitcase will remain locked in your transport vehicle (which may be a minibus or 4×4). Therefore, you should prepare a smaller overnight bag with all the necessary items for your stay at the desert camp.
Financial Aspects and Traditions
Cash Only: Moroccans will require cash for all transactions in rural areas, small towns, or outposts in the Sahara where they do not have the ability to use a credit/debit card. While there are ATMs in major cities such as Marrakech and Ouarzazate, they quickly become few and far between when travelling further out into the countryside. It is wise to keep small change available when you want to give someone a tip or make a small purchase.
Respect for Moroccan Culture: As Morocco is predominantly a Muslim country, many people in rural areas still practice more traditional aspects of the religion. Visitors should dress modestly (covering their knees and shoulders) and also ask permission before taking pictures of people, in addition to respecting prayer times. Showing even these small gestures of respect will go a long way and be appreciated by the locals.
Internet Connectivity: In urban areas and hotels/riads, Wi-Fi should be easily found; however, as you get further and further away from major cities (especially in and around the Sahara), it is common to have very limited or no internet connectivity.
Making Custom Changes To Your Tour
A 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour can be tailored to your specific interests, physical ability, and speed requirements. If you are not physically able to take a camel ride due to mobility issues, we will arrange for a comfortable 4X4 vehicle transfer to and from your desert camp without charging you any extra fees; you will still get a chance to enjoy a magical stay in a desert camp without having to do the camel trekking part.
Extra activities
We can add additional activities, such as Quad biking in the dunes, sandboarding down steep dunes, Buggy tour, or just spending more time at any particular site or place that fascinates you. When you book your itinerary, let us know what your requirements are, and we will create an itinerary tailored specifically for you.
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Frequently Asked Questionsn and Essential Information
How far is the Sahara Desert from Marrakech on this tour?
The straight-line distance from Marrakech to Merzouga (the point of entry into Erg Chebbi dunes) is about 560km (348 miles). The round 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes, however, takes you a little bit out of your way and can take you an approximate distance of 1000km to 1100km (620 miles to 680 miles). The reason it is so much farther is that you will have multiple stops of interest along the way: Ait Benhaddou, Dades Valley, and Todra Gorge.
The great thing about this itinerary is that it provides you with the opportunity to experience the best of both end locations: Marrakech and Fès, by highlighting two of Morocco’s Imperial Cities and providing the best of Morocco’s diverse landscapes. The distance of the journey is purposefully crafted to allow for both exploration and driving. By balancing both, you will see the best of Morocco without feeling rushed.
Are camel rides in the desert painful or hard?
No, camel riding is a slow–paced and is manageable for almost all fitness levels. The ride is usually about 1 hour each way. The way camels walk and sway creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic, motion. If you have a back injury, mobility problems, or simply don‘t want to ride a camel, we can provide a transfer by 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost to you to the camp.
Are there bathrooms in the desert camps?
Yes! The luxury camps used on this tour include private tents with their own restrooms and showers with running water and hot water. You will not have to sacrifice your comfort or privacy while in the remote desert of the Sahara.
Are there showers in the desert camp in Merzouga?
Yes! The luxury camps used on this tour include private tents with their own restrooms and showers with running water and hot water. You will not have to sacrifice your comfort or privacy while in the remote desert of the Sahara.
Can vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions take part in the tour?
What is the estimated driving time each day for this tour?
What is the best time of year to go on this tour?
Is this tour appropriate for kids or older adults?
Can we hire quad bikes in Merzouga?
Is the tour suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Can I customize my itinerary during the 3 days tour?
Note: If our 3-day itinerary from Marrakech to fes does not meet your requirements or needs, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will be happy to customize your Morocco tour to suit your interests and needs.