BEST 3 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
Best 3 days from Marrakech to Fes desert tour
3 days from Marrakech to Fes desert tour details
- Duration: 3 days
- Marrakech
- Daily tour
- Private tour
The 3 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga is a highly recommended desert safari that lets you experience the best of Morocco in just three days. This private tour includes a night in the Sahara Desert, a scenic camel trek, and short but stunning drives through diverse landscapes.
On the first day, you’ll travel through the High Atlas Mountains and visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll then continue to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga for a camel ride and an overnight stay in a Berber luxury camp under the stars. Along the way, you’ll marvel at the Dades Gorges, Tinghir Oasis, and Todgha Canyon.
On the final day, you’ll journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains and stop to see the friendly Barbary monkeys in the cedar forests near Azrou. This is one of the top-rated Morocco desert tours for travelers who want a rich cultural and natural experience in a short time.
PRIVATE 3 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES - HIGHLIGHTS
- Cross the Magnifique High Atlas Mountains
- Visit the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah
- Take a promenade along the Valley of Roses
- Admire the rock formations in Todra Gorges
- Ride camels and enjoy the views of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga
- Enjoy a local dinner and live music at your luxury desert camp
- Spend the night in a Berber desert camp under the stars
- Stop in the Cedar Forest to see the native Barbary monkeys on your way to Fes
TIMED DAILY SCHEDULE: 3 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
– 8:00 AM: Early departure from your Riad/hotel in Marrakech.
– 10:00 AM: Cross the High Atlas through the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260 meters).
– 11:30 AM: Visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO world heritage site.
– 01:30 PM: Lunch at the kasbah or Ouarzazate.
– 02:30 PM: Optional visit to the Atlas Film Studios.
– 03:00 PM: Continue through the Valley of the Roses and arrive at the impressive Dades Gorges.
– 05:00 PM: Spend a night in a hotel overlooking the Dades Valley.
– 8:30 AM: Breakfast is on the hotel terrace.
– 9:30 AM: Explore the Dades Gorges and see the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations.
– 10:00 AM: Drive to the Todra Gorges, an impressive canyon with up to 300 meters of vertical walls.
– 11:00 AM: Photo stops and time to walk among the cliffs.
– 01:30 PM: Lunch at or near Tinejdad.
– 04:00 PM: Arrive in the desert of Merzouga.
– 04:30 PM: Camel ride at sunset to reach the camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
– 06:00 PM: Spend a night in a luxury Berber camp with dinner and entertainment under the stars.
– 6:00 AM: Early wake up to see the sunrise over the dunes.
– 8:30 AM: Breakfast at the bivouac and return by camel to Merzouga or by 4WD.
– 9:00 AM: Departure to Fes.
– 10:30 AM: Stop in the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves.
– 1:30 PM: Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains.
– 3:30 PM: Stop at the Cedar Forest of Azrou to see the wild Monkeys.
– 4:30 PM: Break in Ifrane for a coffee.
– 6:00 PM: Arrival in Fes in the afternoon and drop-off at your hotel or riad.
Detailed ITINERARY of 3 DAYS FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
DAY1: MARRAKECH – AIT BEN HADDOU – DADES VALLEY
Start your 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour by picking up at 8:00 AM from your hotel. You will travel through the high Atlas Mountains. As you make your way through the mountain pass, linking the southeast of Marrakech to the city of Ouarzazate, there will be opportunities to stop at local café to enjoy tea or coffee. You can take your time to soak in the mesmerizing views and capture stunning pictures from a panoramic terrace.
Soon, you will reach Tizi-N-Tichka, the highest mountain road in Morocco, standing at an altitude of 2,260 meters. Along the way, you will witness the charm of original Berber villages nestled in the mountains.
Next, you will visit the iconic Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, home to the oldest and most famous kasbah in Morocco. A true masterpiece of Moroccan earthen architecture, this site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Before exploring the kasbah, you will take a break at a nearby restaurant for lunch. You will then have free time to stroll through this magnificent historical site, which has served as a shooting location for many Hollywood movies such as Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
Afterward, you will continue to Ouarzazate, the gateway of the Sahara. Here, you have the option to visit Atlas Studios from inside or just continue. You will also explore the Kasbah of Taourirt, one of Morocco’s oldest and most spectacular ksars.
From there, you will head to Skoura, a charming town known for its vast palm groves. Your next stop will be the Valley of Roses, where you will have free time to enjoy a coffee and visit a rose cooperative. Here, you will discover how local women craft exquisite rose perfumes and shampoos. If you visit in May, you may even witness the annual Rose Festival, a vibrant event celebrating the season’s bloom.
Before reaching your hotel in Boumalne Dades, you will stop at the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations to take in the breathtaking landscape. Finally, you will check into your hotel, enjoy a welcoming cup of tea, and relax. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel.
=►Driving distance: Approximately 350 km =► Driving time: Approximately 6 hrs
DAY2: DADES VALLEY – TODRA GORGES – MERZOUGA DESERT
Following breakfast, you will begin the second day of your best 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes with a scenic drive, where you will take in panoramic view of the Dades Valley before heading towards the breathtaking Todra Gorge in Tinghir. Tinghir is home to Morocco’s largest mountain ranges and is known for its traditional Berber village structures made of mud. Along the way, you will stop at scenic viewpoints to capture memorable photographs.
At the gorge, you will marvel the gorgeous gigantic cliffs of the canyons and witness climbers challenging themselves on the towering cliffs. This is a place that captures the hearts of many travelers. You will have free time to walk around and take in the beauty of this natural wonder.
Next, you will drive to Tinejdad town for lunch. Here, you will visit a traditional Berber shop, where you can try on cultural Moroccan attire and take memorable photos. Purchasing is optional, but the experience is truly enriching.
After lunch, your journey continues to Erfoud, known for its rich fossil heritage and delicious dates. From there, you will make your way to the breathtaking dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Merzouga Desert.
You will then embark on an unforgettable camel trek across the dunes, guided by your experienced camel handler. On Camelback, you will explore the Erg Chebbi dunes, and enjoy the exhilarating experience of seeing the color of the sand change as the sunsets. You will arrive at your desert camp before dusk and can experience the serenity of the desert on a sand dune close by. After dinner, you will enjoy a magical evening around the campfire, listening to traditional Berber music. You will even have the opportunity to learn how to play the drums! Later, you can climb the dunes to gaze at the spectacular starlit sky. Your overnight stay will be at a luxury desert camp, providing a truly authentic and unforgettable desert experience.
=►Driving distance: Approximately 310 km =► Driving time: Approximately 5 hrs
DAY3: MERZOUGA DESERT – AZROU CEDAR FOREST – FES
On the third and final day of your 3 day from Marrakech to Fes desert tour, you will wake up early to catch the tranquil sunrise from the nearest dune. After breakfast at the camp, you can choose to return by camel or take a 4×4 transfer back to the meeting point. Once you reunite with your driver, you will set off on a scenic drive towards the stunning Ziz Valley a region renowned for its lush palm groves and ancient Berber ksars. The valley offers mesmerizing landscapes that are sure to leave you in awe. Along the way, you will make a stop in the Middle Atlas Mountains to capture scenic photos.
Your next destination is Midelt, a town famous for its apples and mountainous landscapes. Here, you will enjoy lunch before continuing to the cedar forest, where you can see and take pictures with the friendly Barbary apes.
Next, you will visit Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its pristine streets, alpine-style architecture, and the famous stone lion sculpture in the town center. If visiting in winter, you may even witness the beauty of snowfall in this region. Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, and your 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes concludes with drop-off at your riad or airport.
=►Driving distance: Approximately 500 km =► Driving time: Approximately 8 hrs
GALLERY
Tour Inclusions
- Pick up from your Marrakech hotel / Riad.
- Private transfer in comfortable 4×4 air conditioned vehicle.
- English speaking driver/guide during the tour.
- Night in Dades Valley – Dinner and breakfast are included.
- Camel trek experience
- Sandboarding
- Overnight at a Sahara desert camp ( Private tent ) – Dinner and breakfast are included.
- Drop-off at your hotel/riad in Fes
Tour Exclusions
- Plane tickets
- Lunches, drinks
- Atlas studio entrance fee (optional to visit)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Regarding the hotels and desert camps on this 3 Days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, we work with different ones depending on their availability and all of them are very nice and clean places to stay, here are some examples:
| Options | First Night | Second Night |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable Option |
– Kasbah Didis – Hotel Babylon – Auberge Panorama Or similar |
– Jannat Luxury Camp (Standard tents) – Berber Camp Merzouga Or similar |
| Gold Option |
– Riad Paradise Dades – Dar Rihana Dades – Dar Blues – Dar Ahlam Dades – Ksar Sultan Dades – Hotel Riad Bahammou – Riad Rihana Tamlalte Dades – Grand Canyon Lodge Dades Or similar |
– Africa Luxury Camp – Jannat Luxury Camp (Luxury tents) – Ideal Luxury Camp – Madu Luxury Desert Camp (+20€ pp) – Luxury Berber Camp Or similar |
| Diamond Option | – Eden Boutique Hotel | – Desert Luxury Camp (The best camp in the desert, it is an air-conditioned and isolated camp! The camp has a swimming pool too!) |
- Affordable Option: 3-star clean and very nice hotels/Riads, at standard camp the tents are private with separate shared toilets and showers.
- Gold Option: 4-star hotel/riad at luxury camp. The tents are private, with a private bathroom inside each tent and WiFi.
- Diamond Option: Here, you will stay at the best desert camp + a luxury Hotel/Riad or vice versa, depending on your choice.
Marrakech to Fes desert tours 3 days price
The price for our 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tours ranges from €149 to €700 per person, with the final cost depending on your group size, accommodation choice, and travel season. Larger groups enjoy lower per-person rates, while premium packages offer a more exclusive and luxurious experience at higher rates.
To get a personalized quote tailored to your group size and preferences, contact us today. Our team will provide you with the best pricing options to match your needs.
ADITTIONAL ACTIVITIES
| Before the Tour | During the Tour | After the Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer from the Airport | Cooking Classes | Fes Guided Tour |
| Marrakech Guided Tour | Photographer | Day Trip to Chefchaouen |
| Day Trip to Essaouira | Quad & Buggy Activities | Day Trip to Volubilis and Meknes |
| Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls | Birthday Cake | Hammam |
| Day Trip to Ourika Valley | Romantic Dinner | Spa Treatment |
| Hot Air Balloon Ride | Transfer to the Airport |
Know before you go
– If you have more time, we highly recommend the 4 days tour Marrakech to Fes, which includes an extra night in Merzouga, allowing you to fully explore Erg Chebbi, visit nomadic families, and enjoy the desert at a more relaxed pace.
– If you prefer to return to Marrakech instead of continuing to Fes, you may opt for the 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, which follows the same breathtaking route but loops back to Marrakech.
– You can also choose to take this tour in reverse with the Fes to Marrakech desert tour 3 days, which includes the same highlights but starts in Fes and ends in Marrakech.
– The itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted based on the season, road conditions, or personal preferences. Let us know if you’d like to customize your experience.
– The tour price depends on the number of participants in your group. Larger groups benefit from reduced per-person costs. Contact us for a custom quote!
– We offer different accommodation options, including Affordable, Gold, and Diamond luxury desert camps, with choices of shared or private facilities, A/C, and WiFi.
– If you have a specific hotel or riad in mind, let us know; we’re happy to arrange it for you.
– Camps with A/C and heating are available upon request for added comfort.
– We accommodate vegan and vegetarian diets upon request. Please notify us in advance so we can ensure suitable meals are prepared for you.
– The driver will recommend restaurants that serve fresh, quality food, but you are free to choose any other restaurant that suits your preference.
– For those not interested in camel trekking, we offer 4×4 transfers to and from the camp, with the option to take a camel ride one way and return by car.
– Your luggage will stay with you throughout the tour and will be transported safely to the desert camp.
– Airport pick-up and drop-off services are available before or after your tour. Let us know if you need transportation assistance.
– There will be multiple stops along the way for restrooms, coffee, and stretching breaks. If you have specific needs or prefer stopping more frequently, just let the driver know.
– Most restaurants and stops along the way accept cash only. It’s advisable to carry some Moroccan dirhams for food, drinks, or souvenirs. ATMs may not always be available in remote areas.
– Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at certain stops. If you’re interested, just let your driver know, and they will guide you to suitable locations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can book your 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour by contacting us via email or WhatsApp, and we will send you the pricing details. Once we agree on the details, a small deposit is required to secure your booking.
A Toyota Prado TX 4×4 is used for groups of up to 4 people, a Mercedes Vito, Ford Custom Van, or Renault Traffic for groups of up to 7, and a minibus with a capacity of up to 17 passengers for groups of 8 or more.
The Sahara Desert is located 561 km from Marrakech via N12 and 552 km via N10.
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley: around 5-6 hours
Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert: About 4-5 hours
Day 3: Merzouga to Fes: Around 7-8 hours
These times can vary depending on traffic, and weather.
By late afternoon, around 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Yes, the tour includes a stop at Ait Ben Haddou, where you’ll have time to see the Kasbah.
Yes, you can. A separate 4×4 can take you to the desert camp if you choose to skip the camel ride.
Yes, you can. there are plenty of ATV rental companies in Merzouga who supply good quality quad bikes and dunes buggies to try in Merzouga dunes.
Yes, Sandboarding is available, just let your guide to know if you’re interested.
Lunches, beverages, tips, personal purchases
Yes, the rooms on the tour typically include private bathrooms and shower inside, especially in the luxury accommodations.
