3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
From the High Atlas to the Sahara — an unforgettable crossing of Morocco's most iconic landscapes
The 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour connects two of Morocco's great imperial cities through a route that passes kasbahs, gorges, and the golden dunes of the Sahara. This journey is designed for travelers who want to experience the country's geography and cultural depth without rushing. The difficulty level is rated easy, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
Leaving Marrakech, the route climbs the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka, Morocco's highest road pass, before descending into the pre-Saharan landscapes of the south. Along the way, stops at Ait Benhaddou, the Valley of the Roses, and Dades Gorges introduce travelers to the layered history and natural beauty of this region. Each location offers a distinct character, from ancient earthen architecture to river-carved canyon walls.
The second day brings the journey to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes, where a camel ride and an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp provide a direct encounter with the Sahara. On the final day, the route heads north through the Ziz Valley, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, and the charming town of Ifrane before arriving in Fes.
Tour Highlights
Visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar and one of Morocco's most recognized historic sites.
Ride camels across the towering sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in the heart of the Sahara desert.
Spend a night under a canopy of stars in a luxury tented desert camp near Merzouga.
Drive through the dramatic Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise above a clear river.
Pass through the Valley of the Roses, celebrated for its fragrant seasonal blooms and traditional rosewater production.
Travel through cedar forests in the Middle Atlas where Barbary macaque monkeys roam freely.
Cross the Dades and Ziz valleys, two of southern Morocco's most scenic natural corridors.
Itinerary
Depart Marrakech heading south through the High Atlas Mountains, ascending the Tizi n'Tichka pass for panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and ridgelines. Stop at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site built from sun-dried earth and celebrated as a filming location for numerous major productions. Continue through the Valley of the Roses and arrive at the Dades Gorges, where the night is spent in a local hotel perched among the canyon formations.
Set out east along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the Todra Gorge where sheer cliffs rise dramatically on either side of a flowing river. Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga in time for a late-afternoon camel trek into the Sahara. Dinner is served at the luxury desert camp as the stars emerge over the dunes, and the night is spent in a luxury tent.
Begin the day with a sunrise over the dunes before departing north through Erfoud, a town known for its fossil deposits, and into the Ziz Valley with its long corridors of date palms. The route continues through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas near Azrou, where Barbary macaques are commonly spotted, and passes through the European-style alpine town of Ifrane. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Fes.
What Is Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned transport throughout the tour
- English-speaking driver and guide
- 2 nights accommodation (1 hotel in Dades, 1 luxury desert camp in Merzouga)
- Camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech and Fes
Not Included
- Lunches and personal meals not specified in the inclusions
- Entry fees to monuments and sites (e.g., Ait Benhaddou)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses and beverages
Important Information
Ready to Cross Morocco?
Secure your place on this three-day journey from Marrakech to Fes through the Sahara desert, the High Atlas, and the valleys of southern Morocco.
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