3 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes

Tour Details

Escape the city and immerse yourself in the majestic landscapes of Morocco on this 3-day desert passage from Marrakech to Fes. This journey is designed to connect you with the heart of the country, from the towering peaks of the High Atlas to the timeless silence of the desert.

You will explore ancient history at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, witness the “Hollywood of Africa” in Ouarzazate, and relax amidst the natural splendor of the Dades Valley and Todra Canyon. The true magic begins as you ride a camel across the sweeping, golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Your destination is a secluded luxury camp, where you’ll spend an incredible night, far from everything, under a vast and starry Saharan sky.

Highlights of the Tour

3 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes
  • Discover the Soul of the Mountains: Wind your way through the High Atlas, home to stunning vistas and authentic Berber villages clinging to the hillsides.
  • Step Back in Time: Explore the historic mud-brick city of Ait Ben Haddou and travel a road dotted with the legendary kasbahs of old.
  • Live the Saharan Dream: Experience the ultimate desert adventure with a camel ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi as the sun sets.
  • Stargaze in Pure Silence: Spend a memorable night far from city lights, mesmerized by the magnificent clarity of the desert night sky.
  • Enjoy a Wildlife Encounter: Delight in meeting the friendly troops of Barbary apes who inhabit the lush cedar forests on your final day.

Itinerary

3 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes

Day 1: Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

We begin our 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes by crossing  the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). We will have some stops for panoramic view of the mountains. After that our main stop of the day is the historical Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. A location for very known movies such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring its ancient clay Kasbahs and discovering the way of building these Kasbahs, we continue to Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Sahara,” where you can visit the Atlas Film Studios (optional).

Our drive continues  through the palm groves of Skoura and the Valley of Roses, where they grow the roses. Next we drive through the Dades Valley, where we spend the night in a traditional Riad with a tasty dinner.


Day 2: Dades Valley → Todgha Gorge → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we head to the stunning Todgha Gorge, where 300m-high cliffs tower above a winding river. Where you will have a morning short walk. We then drive towards the Sahara desert, passing through some Berber villages and the city of Erfoud, famous for producing fossils and minerals.

By afternoon, we reach Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you will chance the car with the camels and cross the golden dunes. You will stop in a high dune to watch the sunset. At night you stay in a luxury desert camp where you will enjoy a traditional Berber music, a delicious dinner, and endless stars.


Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas Mountains → Ifrane → Fes

To wake up early morning is highly recommended to the quiet magic of the Sahara as a captivating sunrise paints the dunes in soft morning hues. After a satisfying breakfast at the camp, you will emerge from the desert, returning to Merzouga either by camels again or in the comfort 4×4 vehicle.

Your journey northward to Fes begins, leading you through a tapestry of changing landscapes. We will pause to admire the breathtaking panorama of the Ziz Valley, a vast, verdant river of palm groves winding through the canyon. Further on, we will drive through the great Cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, the natural home of the region’s playful Barbary apes. Our final stop is in Ifrane, a town whose pristine, alpine architecture has earned it the nickname ‘Little Switzerland,’ offering a perfect moment to refresh before arriving in Fes. End of our 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. 

If you would like to spend two nights in the Sahara desert and explore it more. You can check our 4 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.

Map

3 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes

Departure & Return Location

  • Pickup: Anywhere in Marrakech
  • Drop-off: Anywhere in Fes

Departure Time

  • Approx. 8:30 AM (Flexible based on your location/season)

Price Includes
  • Private 4×4 or minivan with A/C
  • Professional driver/guide in your preferred language
  • 2 nights’ accommodation (hotel + desert luxury camp)
  • Meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
  • Camel trek in Erg Chebbi
  • Sand boarding in the Sahara desert
  • Sunset & sunrise desert experience
Price Excludes
  • Lunches & Drinks
  • Entrance fees to optional sites
  • Personal expenses

Important

Notes about the tour
  • 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes is only a suggested itinerary and can be fully customized to match your intersts, travel style, and schedule. If it does not fit your preferences, simply contact us and we will design a personalized itinerary created just for you.
  • The price of the 3 days desert tour fom Marrakech to Fes may vary depending on several factors, including the number of the travellers, the travel season high or low, and your preferred accommodation category please refer to the accommodation table below.
  • If you wish to spend two nights in the desert to explore the hidden gems of Erg Chebbi with a 4×4 desert tour. Check our  4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes, which includes an extra overnight at the camp or a traditional Riad everlooking to the dunes.
  • If this 3-day tour feels to short, be sure to explore our other longer tours from Marrakech to enjoy a more complete Morocco experience.
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    Accommodation

    Your 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour package includes your overnight stays in both the scenic Dades Valley and the heart of the Merzouga desert.

    To ensure an exceptional and comfortable adventure, we exclusively provide accommodation in luxury desert camps. This means you will enjoy the privacy and convenience of your own well-appointed tent, complete with an ensuite private bathroom and shower. We believe this focus on quality is essential for a truly memorable and relaxing Saharan experience.

    NightsOption 1Option 2Option 3
    1Riad Gabsi DadesRiad Dades ParadiseEden Boutique Hotel
    2Africa Luxury CampCaravanserai Luxury CampAntares Desert Camp

    FAQs

    How do I get to and from the desert camp?

    Your private driver will take you to the desert area, where you will meet the camel team or take a 4×4 transfer to the camp crossing the dunes with a stop a long the way to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

    The following day, you will have again two included options for the way back, either camels or Jeep. Also you have alternative options with extra charge which are Atv quads or Dune buggy.

    What is the plan once we get to the desert camp?

    After enjoying the camel ride or 4×4 and the sunset over the dunes, You will check into your tent, have dinner, and spending the evening around the bonfire with traditional music played by the local under starry skies.

    The following morning, you can watch the sunrise from the nearby dunes to the camp, have breakfast, and then leave the camp by camel ride or Jeep to continue your Morocco tour.

    What activities can we do during this tour?

    Beside the activities that you have already included in the tour, you can enjoy extra activities as Atv quads, Dune buggy,or horse ride in the Sahara desert.

    Also you can enjoy a Hike in Dades or Todra Gorges. These activities can be requested during the booking process or during the trip too.

    When is the best time to book this tour?

    The best time to book this tour as it includes the Sahara desert is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to January) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and desert tours.

    • Spring: Green landscapes, comfortable temperatures
    • Autumn: Perfect for Sahara Desert trips
    • Summer: Hot in inland cities, but good for coastal areas
    • Winter: Mild in cities, cold nights in the desert

    How do I find restaurants for lunch during the tour?

    Lunch is generally flexible and is usually not included unless specifically stated in the tour details. Your driver can recommend good local restaurants along the route and stop at suitable places based on your preferences, dietary requirements, and schedule.

    Note that if you have restaurants that you like. Inform your driver and he will be happy to take you there. 

    Is one night enough in the Sahara Desert?

    For most travelers, one night in the Sahara is enough to experience the highlights, including the desert sunset, camel ride or 4×4 transfer, dinner at the camp, traditional music, and sunrise the following morning.

    However, if you prefer a slower experience, we can arrange an additional night in the desert. This gives you more time to relax and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed. Check our 4-day tour.

    Can I choose different accommodation options?

    We offer different accommodation categories depending on the tour, your budget, and your travel preferences. You can choose from the available options shown in the accommodation table. However, If you have other places where you wish to stay just inform us and we will do our best to book them.

    Are these tours safe for women or solo female travelers?

    Yes, our Morocco tours are safe for women and solo female travelers. Morocco is a popular destination for solo travelers, including women, and millions visit every year without issues.

    Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

    Please let us know about any dietary requirements or food allergies when booking, and we will do our best to accommodate them. Morocco has many options for vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary preferences.

    Can I skip stops along the way?

    Since our tours are private and customizable, you can request to skip certain stops or spend less time at places that are not of interest to you. We can also use that time to add another destination, activity depending on the route and available time, or simply make the day more relaxed.

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