3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Tour Overview
Our 3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour is the most exciting way to travel from the Red City to the cultural capital of Morocco while experiencing the magic of the Sahara Desert. Over three unforgettable days, you will cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, explore cinematic Ouarzazate, discover the dramatic Todra Gorge, ride camels into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, and finally end your adventure in the imperial city of Fes.
This Marrakech to Fes desert trip is ideal for travelers who want more than just a quick desert glimpse. Unlike the shorter 2-day tours, the 3-day itinerary allows a smoother pace, more sightseeing stops, and an authentic Moroccan experience.
Highlights of the 3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
- Scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
- Guided visit of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Discover Ouarzazate & the famous Atlas Film Studios.
- Explore the Valley of Roses & dramatic Todra Gorge.
- Camel trekking at sunset & sunrise in the Merzouga Sahara Desert.
- Overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp.
- Drive through Ziz Valley, cedar forests & Middle Atlas Mountains.
- Finish your adventure in the imperial city of Fes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
- Pick-up at 8:00 AM from your hotel/riad in Marrakech.
- Drive across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
- Stop for a guided tour of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
- Lunch in Ouarzazate & optional visit to Atlas Film Studios.
- Continue through Skoura palm groves & the Valley of Roses.
- Evening arrival in Dades Valley, dinner & overnight in a local riad/hotel.
Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi)
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Drive to the spectacular Todra Gorge for a short hike.
- Continue toward Erfoud & the desert gateway of Merzouga.
- Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon for a camel trek at sunset across Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Overnight in a Berber desert camp: traditional dinner, music, sandboarding & stargazing.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes
- Early wake-up to witness a magical Sahara sunrise.
- Camel ride back to Merzouga village & breakfast at camp.
- Drive through Ziz Valley palm groves & Midelt.
- Stop in Azrou cedar forest to see wild Barbary macaque monkeys.
- Pass through Ifrane (the “Switzerland of Morocco”).
- Evening arrival in Fes, drop-off at your hotel/riad.
What’s Included
- Pick-up in Marrakech & drop-off in Fes.
- Private modern air-conditioned vehicle.
- Professional English/French-speaking driver-guide.
- 1 night in a hotel/riad in Dades Valley (dinner & breakfast).
- 1 night in a Berber desert camp (standard or luxury).
- Sunset & sunrise camel trekking in Erg Chebbi.
- Fuel, road taxes & parking.
Not Included
- Lunches & drinks.
- Entrance fees to kasbahs/monuments.
- Tips & personal expenses.
Why Choose This 3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour?
- Best way to travel between Marrakech & Fes with a desert adventure.
- Perfect balance of sightseeing & authentic cultural immersion.
- Experience the Sahara Desert with camels, campfires & stargazing.
- Travel through Morocco’s diverse landscapes: Atlas Mountains, valleys, oases & desert.
- Flexible options: private tours or small-group shared tours.
FAQ – 3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
How far is the Sahara Desert from Marrakech?
Merzouga is about 560 km from Marrakech (around 10 hours by car). The 3-day tour breaks the journey with overnight stops.
Is 3 days enough for a Marrakech to Fes desert tour?
Yes. This is the ideal minimum time to enjoy the Sahara dunes, camel trekking & Berber camp while also visiting Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley & Todra Gorge.
Do I have to ride a camel?
No, a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp is available if you prefer not to ride camels.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, warm layers for the night, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, toiletries & camera.
What type of desert camps are available?
- Standard camp: shared facilities, traditional style.
- Luxury camp: private en-suite tents, more comfort.
Is the tour private or shared?
Both options exist. Private tours offer more flexibility; shared tours are budget-friendly.
When is the best time to do this tour?
Spring (March–May) & autumn (September–November) are ideal, but it runs year-round.
What Travelers Say About Our 3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
A Journey Through Morocco’s Heart – 5 Stars
“Our 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour was everything we hoped for. From the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara dunes, every stop was breathtaking. The camel ride at sunset was magical, and the desert camp under the stars was unforgettable. A great way to connect two amazing cities with an adventure in between.”
Perfect Balance of Culture & Adventure
“This tour was the highlight of our Morocco trip. We loved visiting Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge, but the desert experience in Merzouga was the best. Our driver-guide was professional and fun. Ending in Fes made it so convenient.”
Unforgettable Sahara Memories
“The 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour was intense but well worth it. Riding camels at sunset, listening to Berber drums around the campfire, and waking up to a desert sunrise are memories we will never forget. Highly recommended!”
Best Way to See Morocco in 3 Days
“We only had limited time in Morocco, and this tour was perfect. It covered mountains, kasbahs, valleys, and the Sahara desert, all before arriving in Fes. The desert camp was comfortable, and the hospitality was amazing.”