Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 3-day adventure from Marrakech to Fes and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Morocco’s Sahara Desert. This tour showcases a captivating array of landscapes, from the majestic Atlas Mountains to the shimmering golden dunes of Merzouga, providing an ideal mix of adventure, culture, and tranquility. Whether you’re traversing the dunes on a camel, enjoying a night beneath the stars in a desert camp, or discovering ancient kasbahs, this journey guarantees an authentic Moroccan experience.
Highlights
- Explore the scenic Atlas Mountains and traditional Berber villages.
- Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, a historic Kasbah.
- Ride camels through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in the heart of the Sahara.
- Sleep under the stars in a traditional desert camp with local cuisine and entertainment.
- Marvel at the dramatic Ziz Valley and its lush palm groves on your journey to Fes.
Itinerary
Your 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes kicks off with a breathtaking drive through the majestic Atlas Mountains, traversing the renowned Tizi n’Tichka pass. Along the route, we’ll make stops at traditional Berber villages, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and take in the stunning mountain scenery. A highlight of the day will be our visit to Ait Benhaddou, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site that has been featured in numerous famous films. After exploring the kasbah, we’ll proceed towards the Dades Valley, often referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.”
As we travel, we’ll pass through El Kelaa M’Gouna, a charming town located in the Valley of the Roses, celebrated for its annual rose festival and the cultivation of fragrant Damascus roses. If your visit coincides with the spring harvesting season (April to May), we’ll have the chance to stop at a local rose water distillation factory. We will then continue our journey, arriving in the Dades Valley for an overnight stay in a cozy accommodation.
Following a hearty breakfast on the second day of our Marrakech to Fes desert tour, we will set off through the picturesque Dades Valley, navigating the winding roads toward the oasis town of Tinghir. Upon our arrival, you will enjoy a guided walk through the verdant oasis of Tinghir, where expansive palm groves stretch endlessly and the gentle sound of flowing irrigation channels fills the atmosphere. With the assistance of a local guide, you will discover the natural splendor of the oasis and delve into the town's rich history, including its Jewish heritage, which is reflected in the ancient Tinghir Kasbah.
After our exploration, we will proceed to the stunning Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs enclose a narrow, lush valley. Take a leisurely stroll through the gorge, marveling at the impressive rock formations and the crystal-clear waters of the Todra River. This location offers an ideal opportunity for photography and a chance to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscape.
In the afternoon, we will head to Merzouga, the entrance to the Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll set off on an enchanting camel ride across the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, allowing you to witness the sunset from your camel's back. As the desert transforms from golden hues to vibrant oranges, you’ll reach your desert camp, where you’ll spend the night beneath the stars. Savor a traditional Moroccan dinner, accompanied by live Berber music around the campfire, making for an unforgettable evening in the heart of the Sahara.
Awaken early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara dunes—a moment that will leave a lasting impression—before indulging in a hearty breakfast at the desert camp. Following breakfast, we’ll embark on our journey back to Fes, traversing the picturesque Ziz Valley. Renowned for its vast date palm groves and striking cliffs, this lush valley provides perfect opportunities for stunning photographs as we navigate its beautiful landscapes.
Our first stop will be in Midelt, a charming town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at your own pace in a local restaurant, where you can savor authentic Moroccan dishes while soaking in the tranquil mountain scenery.
As we continue our adventure, we’ll pass through the Berber village of Azrou, renowned for its ancient cedar forests and diverse wildlife. While traversing the cedar groves, we’ll take a moment to interact with the playful Barbary apes that call this area home—an enjoyable experience for both children and adults.
After our time with the apes, we’ll head to Ifrane, often referred to as “the Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine-style architecture and cooler climate. Here, we’ll pause to stretch our legs and savor a coffee at a local café. The European charm of Ifrane, with its pristine streets and lush parks, offers a refreshing contrast to the desert landscape we’ve just left behind.
As we journey onward, the scenery shifts from the verdant Middle Atlas to gentle rolling hills, leading us to Fes, where we’ll arrive by late afternoon. Fes, a city rich in history and vibrant souks, is a captivating destination steeped in culture. We’ll drop you off at your accommodation, concluding this remarkable three-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned 4x4 or minibus
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Camel trek in the Sahara Desert
- Accommodation in a desert camp and traditional Moroccan hotels
- Dinner on Day 1 & 2, breakfast on Day 2 & 3
- Sandboarding in the Sahara Desert
- Pick up and drop off services in both Marrakech and Fes
The Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees, if applicable.
- Local guides, if required.
- Lunches & Beverages during the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The distance between Marrakech and Fes on a desert tour is approximately 1,000 to 1,100 kilometers (about 620 to 680 miles). This route is longer than the direct path because it takes you through some of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes and cultural sites.
The camel trek lasts approximately 1-1.5 hours each way, enough time to enjoy the desert scenery and watch the sunset or sunrise.
Absolutely! We offer customizable options for private groups, including changes to the itinerary, accommodation, and activities. Contact us in advance to tailor your experience.
You’ll stay in a traditional Berber desert camp with comfortable beds and shared or private bathrooms, depending on your booking preference. If you choose to upgrade to the luxury camp, you’ll enjoy ensuite luxury tents that offer a more comfortable and private experience. For an extra level of comfort, air-conditioned luxury tents are also available, ensuring a relaxing stay even in the warm and cold desert climate.
While breakfast and dinner are typically included, lunches are not covered to allow you the flexibility to explore local cuisine according to your preference.
Pack comfortable clothing, sun protection, personal hygiene items, and any personal medications. Layered clothing is recommended for varying temperatures.
Map
Know Before You Go
When booking your tour, kindly let us know about any dietary preferences or specific requirements you may have, such as vegetarian or vegan options. This helps us tailor meals to suit your needs throughout the journey.
- Our experienced guides carefully choose restaurants that are renowned for serving fresh, high-quality meals to ensure your comfort and well-being during the trip. If you have a preferred restaurant in mind, feel free to let your guide know—they will be happy to accommodate your request. Your satisfaction, especially when it comes to dining, is a top priority for us.
- Although this is primarily a private experience, you also have the option to join others by selecting our shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech.
- You also have the flexibility to drive directly to the Merzouga desert on the first day. This option allows you to dedicate the second day entirely to exploring Merzouga, following the full itinerary outlined in the 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
- Please keep in mind that the third day includes a long drive. If you’d prefer a more relaxed pace, consider choosing the 4 days Marrakech desert tour, which offers more time and less travel per day.
- For a richer experience, we highly recommend spending a full day in Merzouga. This is especially ideal if you choose the 4 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga or the 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
- This 3 days Marrakech desert tour can also conclude in Fes by selecting our Marrakech to Fes desert tour. Alternatively, you can begin in Fes and finish in Marrakech with the Fes to Marrakech desert tour.
- While it’s possible to experience the desert in just two days by choosing our Marrakech desert tours 2 days, please note that we do not recommend this option due to the extensive driving involved.