Marrakech To fes desert tour 3 days
Marrakech To fes desert tour 3 days
Tour Overview :
The Sahara is calling. This Marrakech To fes desert tour 3 days takes you from the red city to Fes, known as the Athens of Africa, while you explore the best of Southeast Morocco. It is a smooth, scenic journey packed with culture, history, and wide open views.
Travel across the High Atlas mountains, then reach the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Stop in Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Africa, then settle for the night in the lush valley of Boumalne Dades. Along the way, take in the towering walls of Todra Canyon and the palm-filled oasis of Tinghir.
The highlight of this desert tour is the golden sea of Erg Chebbi. Ride a camel at sunset, then relax in a luxury desert camp between the dunes. Fall asleep under a sky full of stars, and wake to quiet desert light before continuing on to Fes. Ready for an unforgettable road across Morocco?
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
- Start: Marrakech
- End: Fes
- Tour Type: Private or Small Group
- Accommodation: Hotels, Riads, and Desert Camp
- Languages: English, Italian, Spanish, others available on request
Why Choose This Tour
Our 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes is a scenic, cultural route through Morocco. It links two iconic cities with sweeping views, ancient ksars, and the vast Sahara Desert.
You will cross the High Atlas Mountains, stop at the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and continue through the striking Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge. In Merzouga, ride a camel across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, then settle into a desert camp for a night under bright, open skies filled with stars.
This Marrakech to Fes desert tour suits travelers who want real desert life, rich culture, and Morocco’s natural beauty in one trip. Enjoy comfortable travel, warm local hospitality, and a balanced mix of sightseeing and adventure.
Tour Route:
Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka Pass → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Skoura Oasis → Kalaat M’Gouna (Rose Valley) → Boumalne Dades → Dades Gorge → Tinghir → Todra Gorge → Erfoud → Rissani → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes) → Khamlia → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou (Cedar Forest) → Ifrane → Fes
Itinerary : Marrakech To fes desert tour 3 days
Day 1 : Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Your 3 Days desert tour From Marrakech To fes starts with an 8:00 am pick-up from your riad or your chosen location in Marrakesh. After meeting your driver, you leave the busy city streets behind and head into the High Atlas Mountains. The road climbs toward the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which sits at 2,260 meters (7,415 feet) above sea level. Along the way, you stop at scenic viewpoints and pass through charming Berber villages.
Next, you continue to the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a historic fortified village known for its traditional Moroccan clay architecture. Many well-known films and shows were shot here, including “Kingdom of Heaven” (2005), “Babel” (2006), “Prince of Persia” (2010), “Game of Thrones” (2012), and the documentary “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet” (2020). You have plenty of time to walk through the kasbah, explore the narrow alleys, and enjoy the view from the top.
After a relaxed lunch, the journey continues south along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” toward the Dades Valley. You travel through Ouarzazate, then pass the palm groves of Skoura and the Valley of Roses near Kalaat M’Gouna. In the afternoon, you arrive in the Dades Valley. If time allows, you visit the striking rock formations known as the “monkey fingers.” If there is not enough time, this stop moves to the following morning. You spend the night in a comfortable hotel in the valley.
Day 2 : Dades Valley – Gorges of Todra – Merzouga Erg chebbi
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast, then pick you up for the second day of your tour, usually around 9 am. You leave the town of Boumalne and drive toward Tinghir, where the famous Todra Gorge is located.
You visit the impressive Todra Gorge canyons, a spot that attracts rock climbers from around the world all year long. With some luck, you might see them climbing while you are there. Not far from the gorge, nomad families still live in caves. They bring their animals, such as sheep, goats, and donkeys, to drink from the water source, and they also fill containers to take water back home.
After a peaceful walk along the clear stream, you continue by road to Tinjdad or a nearby village for lunch.
You then head toward Erfoud, a town well-known for its fossils and for the fresh dates that come from the wide Ziz Valley that crosses the area. About an hour later, you reach the stunning Sahara Desert near Merzouga, one of the most visited desert regions in Africa.
Your camel guide waits for you at the edge of the dunes, ready to lead you to the desert camp by camel. The ride takes around 1 hour and includes an unforgettable stop on a high dune to watch the sunset in the middle of the desert. Your camel guide happily takes plenty of photos for you along the way.
When you arrive at the comfortable desert camp, the staff welcomes you with Moroccan mint tea and some cookies. About an hour later, they serve a delicious dinner. Afterward, they light a fire outside under a sky full of stars. The team plays Berber and African music, and you can relax, clap along, or dance around the fire.
Day 3 : Merzouga -Valley of Ziz – Midelt- Ifrane – Fes
Today promises to be extraordinary, beginning with a recommended early rise to witness the enchanting sunrise in the desert. After soaking in the beauty of the morning sun, return to the camp for a hearty breakfast. Following a relaxing camel ride back to Merzouga, prepare for an unforgettable adventure!
Our northward journey commences, crossing the expansive Palmeral de Tafilalet, one of the world’s largest palm groves, extending over 20 km. Traverse the Valley of Ziz, named after the river flowing from the High Atlas, providing sustenance to the palm grove. Pause to observe the valley from a vantage point and catch a glimpse of the village of Aoufous.
A stop in Midelt, nestled in the heart of the Atlas, allows for a well-deserved break and lunch (not included). In the afternoon, continue through the Cedar Forest, where, if luck is on our side, we may encounter some monkeys. Our journey then takes us through Ifrane, often referred to as the ‘Moroccan Switzerland,’ situated on the north-western slope of the Middle Atlas at 1,630 meters above sea level. Ifrane’s alpine-like architecture, pristine cleanliness, and lush greenery create a unique atmosphere. Explore the city and its notable Michlifen ski slope, one of the world’s significant tracks.
The journey concludes with a transfer to your hotel. This marks the end of the trip and our services.
NOTE: If you have any specific ideas or travel plans, feel free to share them with us. We can customize this tour or create a completely different program that aligns with your preferences. Contact us for more information, and let’s tailor your journey to make it uniquely yours
What's Includes in Marrakech To fes desert tour 3 days
- Private Transport with English speaking guide/driver.
- Pick up & Drop off
- Dinners & Breakfasts
- 2 Night’s accommodation
- Camel Trek & Sandboarding
- Fuel and road tolls
- Flexible stops
What's Excludes in Marrakech To fes desert tour 3 days
- Drinks/Lunches
- Personal expenses like tips
- Optional activities
GALLERY
Marrakech to Fes in 3 Days: FAQ
What’s the typical 3-day route from Marrakech to Fes?
Most tours go Marrakech, High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley or Todra Gorge, Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou cedar forest, Ifrane, then Fes.
How many hours do we drive each day?
Day 1, Marrakech to Dades or Tinghir: 5 to 6 hours of driving, plus stops.
* Day 2, to Merzouga desert: 4 to 5 hours, plus activities.
* Day 3, Merzouga to Fes: 7 to 8 hours, with breaks.
What are the tour highlights?
Ait Ben Haddou’s kasbah, the High Atlas scenery, Dades or Todra canyons, sunset camel ride in Erg Chebbi, desert camp under the stars, cedar forest with Barbary macaques, and the clean alpine town of Ifrane.
Is a camel trek included?
Yes, most tours include a sunset camel ride to the camp and a sunrise ride back. You can request a 4×4 transfer if you prefer not to ride.
Are there standard and luxury camp options?
Yes. Standard camps use private or shared tents, shared facilities are common. Luxury camps offer larger tents, en suite bathrooms, hot showers, power in tents, and upgraded meals.
Is this tour good for kids or seniors?
Yes, with a private tour and flexible pacing. Camel rides last 45 to 60 minutes each way. Ask for a 4×4 to the camp if needed. Bring layers for temperature swings.
See As Well
Searching for a travel experience that resonates with the extraordinary? Morocco Magic Trips beckons you into a realm where every journey is a unique tapestry of discovery. Picture immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Morocco, guided by local experts who unveil hidden gems and share the authentic essence of each destination. Our commitment goes beyond crafting itineraries; we aim to curate a symphony of moments that become cherished memories. Elevate your travel expectations with Morocco Magic Trips, where the extraordinary is not just a promise but a guarantee.
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