3 Days Desert tour Marrakech to Fes

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

 Your 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Adventure begins at around 8:00 AM, with a convenient departure from Marrakech towards the spectacular landscapes of southern Morocco.

We begin our journey by crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, reaching an altitude of approximately 2,260 meters. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of rugged mountain peaks, lush valleys, and traditional Berber villages and hamlets scattered across the mountainsides.

We will make several scenic stops along the route, giving you time to take photographs, stretch your legs, and enjoy a refreshing Moroccan mint tea or coffee in beautiful surroundings.

In the afternoon, we arrive at the iconic Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most impressive historic fortified villages. Take time to explore its narrow streets, traditional earthen architecture, and fascinating history. Aït Benhaddou has also attracted international filmmakers and has served as a backdrop for numerous famous films and productions.

Historically, the kasbah was an important fortified settlement along the ancient caravan routes, which connected the Sahara with the cities of Morocco and beyond. It played a significant role in the historic trade of commodities such as gold, salt, and other goods.

After exploring Aït Benhaddou, we continue to Ouarzazate, famously known as the “Hollywood of Africa” thanks to its long association with the international film industry.

From Ouarzazate, our journey continues through the scenic landscapes of Skoura and the M’Goun region, surrounded by dramatic mountains, palm groves, traditional villages, and spectacular valleys.

We arrive in the Dades Valley in the evening, where you will check into your hotel or riad and enjoy a delicious traditional dinner before relaxing for the night.

Overnight: Dades Valley
Meals: Dinner & Breakfast
Departure: 8:00 AM from Marrakech
Highlights: High Atlas Mountains • Tizi n’Tichka Pass • Berber Villages • Aït Benhaddou Kasbah • Ouarzazate • Skoura • M’Goun Landscapes • Dades Valley

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Desert Camp

After a delicious breakfast, we leave the beautiful Dades Valley and continue our journey towards the Sahara Desert. Our first stop is the spectacular Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural attractions. Towering canyon walls rise dramatically on both sides, creating a breathtaking landscape that is perfect for walking, photography, and exploring.

Take some time to admire the dramatic rock formations and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before continuing our journey. We will stop along the way for lunch, giving you the opportunity to taste some delicious Moroccan cuisine.

In the afternoon, we continue towards Merzouga, traveling through beautiful desert landscapes and passing numerous palm-filled oases that contrast beautifully with the surrounding arid scenery.

Our route takes us through Erfoud, widely known for its fossils and fossil workshops. The town is particularly famous for its beautifully polished fossil products and unique geological heritage.

As we approach Merzouga, the landscape gradually transforms, and the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes begin to appear on the horizon. Soon, you will find yourself surrounded by the golden sands of the Sahara—a truly unforgettable sight.

Upon arrival at your hotel or riad in Merzouga, you will meet your camel guide and prepare for an exciting camel trek into the desert. Ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi as you make your way to a traditional desert bivouac, where comfortable Berber-style tents await you.

Once at the camp, take time to relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the Sahara. As night falls, the desert becomes a magical place, with the clear sky revealing countless stars and the glow of the moon illuminating the dunes.

For those who wish to explore, you can safely climb the nearby dunes, enjoy the tranquility of the desert, and take in the spectacular night sky before settling down for a peaceful night at the camp.

Overnight: Traditional Desert Camp – Erg Chebbi
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Highlights: Dades Valley • Todra Gorges • Palm Oases • Erfoud • Fossil Heritage • Merzouga • Erg Chebbi Dunes • Camel Trekking • Desert Bivouac • Stargazing

Day 3: Merzouga – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes

Wake up early to experience one of the most magical moments of your Sahara adventure: sunrise over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watch as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the desert, creating unforgettable colors and panoramic views across the vast Sahara.

After sunrise, return to camp and enjoy a delicious breakfast before climbing back onto your camels or in 4×4 for the journey to Merzouga village.

From Merzouga, we continue our journey towards the historic city of Fes, crossing some of Morocco’s most spectacular and diverse landscapes. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to meet a local nomadic family, where you can enjoy traditional Moroccan tea and gain a glimpse into the authentic lifestyle and traditions of the region.

We then continue towards Midelt, a charming mountain town situated at approximately 1,488 meters above sea level and located beneath the impressive Jbel Ayachi, which rises to around 3,737 meters. Midelt is particularly known for its mineral and geological heritage. Here, we will stop for lunch and take some time to relax.

After lunch, the journey continues through the breathtaking Middle Atlas Mountains, with changing landscapes of rugged mountains, valleys, and forests.

Our next stop is the beautiful cedar forest near Azrou, one of the most remarkable natural areas in the Middle Atlas. Here, you will have the opportunity to see the famous Barbary macaques in their natural environment and enjoy a peaceful walk among the ancient cedar trees.

We then continue to Ifrane, often nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco” because of its distinctive Alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and mountain setting.

From Ifrane, we make our final journey towards Fes, one of Morocco’s most historic imperial cities. We will arrive in Fes in the late afternoon or evening, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation.

Your 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour comes to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, traditional villages, and the diverse landscapes of Morocco.

Meals: Breakfast
Highlights: Sahara Sunrise • Camel Ride • Merzouga • Nomadic Family Visit • Midelt • Jbel Ayachi • Middle Atlas Mountains • Azrou Cedar Forest • Barbary Macaques • Ifrane • Fes

End of our 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Adventure.

Check also the other way around option; 

3 Days Desert tour Fes to Marrakech