3 days Fes to Marrakech desert tour

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga Desert

Your tour begins early in the morning with a departure from Fes, heading south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Enjoy a scenic stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its European-style architecture and alpine environment.

Next, we drive through Azrou, surrounded by cedar forests where you can spot Barbary macaque monkeys in their natural habitat. Continue through small Berber villages to Midelt, a town famous for its apple orchards, where we take a lunch break.

After having our lunch, we will head and pass through the Ziz Valley, lined with palm groves, before arriving at Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you’ll embark on a sunset camel trek across the dunes, an experience that captures the magical essence of the Sahara.

Arrive at your luxury desert camp, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, and spend the night under the stars with Berber music and drumming around the campfire.

   Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga
   Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included

Day 2: Merzouga Desert – Tinghir – Dades Valley

Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll have the option of camel trek or 4WD vehicle transfer to get back to Merzouga village.

Meet your driver and set off on an extraordinary journey towards Dades Valley. Our first leg takes us through the Tafilalet region, passing through the ancient trading center of Rissani and the fossil capital Erfoud. We can make a brief stop in the Erfoud area to observe a local fossil workshop demonstrating the extraction and polishing of millions-of-years-old marine fossils.

Continuing westward, the landscape shifts dramatically as you approach the Atlas foothills. You will detour into the stunning Todra Valley and its monumental Todra Gorge. Take ample time here to walk through the magnificent chasm where sheer canyon walls rise hundreds of meters high, a perfect location for lunch and photography.

In the afternoon, we will head to the Dades Valley via Boumalne Dadès. The final drive into the valley offers spectacular scenery, including the famous geological formations known as “monkey fingers” and a winding road that leads to your chosen overnight accommodation in the picturesque gorge area.

   Overnight: Second night in Boumalne Dades (Hotel or Riad)
   Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included

Day 3: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast at your hotel in Dades Valley , we’ll descend from the gorge area and drive along the scenic route towards the west. The first notable stop is the famous “Rose Town” (El Kelaâ M’Gouna) , the heart of the Valley of Roses. This town is renowned for its annual Rose Festival and its thriving industry of rosewater and rose-based cosmetic products. Stop here for a brief visit to a local cooperative to see the products and perhaps purchase a souvenir. (optional visit).

Continuing west, you pass through the Skoura Oasis with its ancient palm groves and impressive, yet often crumbling, Kasbahs. Shortly after, you will arrive at Ouarzazate , known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Pause here to explore the city, perhaps visiting the famous Atlas Film Studios, which have been the backdrop for numerous blockbuster films. (If time permits).

The next highlight is the spectacular fortified village of Aït Benhaddou , a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just 30 km outside of Ouarzazate. This Ksar is one of Morocco’s most iconic sights and requires a stop of at least an hour to walk through its narrow alleys and climb to the top for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Finally, the most challenging and scenic part of the journey is crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (reaching an altitude of 2,260 meters / 7,415 feet). This road offers breathtaking panoramic views, winding switchbacks, and opportunities to stop for photos of the Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. After descending the northern side of the pass, you will arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech. Our services come to an end. 

Highlights of the 3 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

• Stop in Ifrane city, known as (The Switzerland of Morocco), and visit the Barbary apes in Cedar Forest nearby.                                                                                                                                                      

• Explore the Ziz Valley, Middle Atlas Mountains, and High Atlas Mountains 

• Witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets in the Sahara

•  Ride camels over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi

• Spend night in a luxury desert camp under the stars

• Visit Berber village and admire the natural landscape

• Walk within Todra Gorge & Valley

• Visit the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah                                                                                                                                                           

What’s Included

• Pick up and drop off service

• Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan transportation

• Professional English-speaking driver/guide

• 1 nights in desert camp in Merzouga desert

• Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi dunes

• Berber music and entertainment at the desert camp

• Meals: 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts

• Sand boarding in the desert

What’s Not Included

• Lunches and drinks

• Entrance fees to monuments or attractions

• Personal expenses and tips (optional)