3 Days
Private Tour
Up to 1 day
English, Multilingual
Our 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is a great way to explore the highlights of Morocco in a short time. This trip includes a camel ride at sunset across the beautiful Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, a night in a desert camp, and visits to Berber villages, green oases, rocky gorges, and historic kasbahs.
You’ll travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, pass cedar forests and palm-filled valleys, and explore the Todra and Dades Gorges. Before reaching Marrakech, you’ll stop at the famous Ait Ben Haddou—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly Berber locals, enjoy traditional Moroccan food, and see the changing landscapes from mountains to desert.
We offer both private and small-group shared tours. Travel is comfortable with reliable transport and local guides. You can choose your level of accommodation—standard, mid-range, or luxury—based on your needs and budget.
This tour is ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, or small groups seeking a blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Whether you prefer something simple or more luxurious, we can adjust the tour to match your style.
Day | Departure | Arrival | Distance |
#1 | Fes | Merzouga | 471 km |
#2 | Merzouga | Dades | 300 km |
#3 | Dades | Marrakech | 370 km |
Our driver and guide will pick you up from Fes in the morning to begin your journey to the desert. You will travel through Ifrane, the Middle Atlas Mountains, and the cedar forests near Azrou, home to wild monkeys. We will stop in the forest so you can take photos of Morocco’s natural beauty.
After visiting the cedar forest, we will continue to the Berber villages of Zaida or Medilt for lunch. Then, we’ll drive through the Middle Atlas, enjoying the scenic mountain views and landscapes around Medilt and Rich. Next, we will stop at the Ziz Valley, where you can capture stunning panoramic photos of the valley.
From there, we head to Arfoud, the gateway city to the desert and oasis areas, before arriving at the Erg Chebbi desert near Merzouga. Upon arrival, you can leave most of your belongings at our desert hotel and take only what you need for the night at the camp.
You will then ride camels from the hotel into the dunes for about 1 hour. We will pause in the middle of the dunes to watch the sunset, then continue to the camp where you can try sandboarding. After dinner, enjoy a campfire with traditional Berber drum music. You can also take a peaceful walk in the dunes to admire the star-filled desert sky.
Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Camp or similar
Our camel guides will gently wake you early in the morning to enjoy a magical sunrise over the dunes. As the sun rises, the colors of the dunes mix beautifully with the shadows, creating a truly unforgettable view.
After watching the sunrise, we’ll ride the camels back to our hotel in Merzouga. There, you’ll have time to enjoy a hearty breakfast and take a refreshing shower before we begin our journey toward the Tafilalt region and the town of Rissani.
Rissani is an ancient Berber and Bedouin town, known as the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, which began in the 17th century. From there, our 3-day desert adventure continues toward the Dades Valley. Along the way, we’ll pass through the stunning Todra Oasis and its dramatic gorges, cross the eastern side of the Atlas Mountains, and travel through palm-filled valleys and traditional Berber villages.
As we drive through the scenic Dades Mountains, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views at every turn. We’ll end the day with an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in the Dades Valley.
Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Kasbah Didis or similar
Superior: Hotel Ksar Sultan or similar
After enjoying breakfast and a refreshing shower at your hotel in Dades, we begin the final day of our 3-day journey. Our route takes us toward Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa." Along the way, we’ll pass through the beautiful Skoura Oasis and stop to admire the panoramic view of the Taourirt Kasbah. We’ll also make a short stop near the famous Atlas Film Studios, where many well-known movies have been filmed.
Next, we drive to the historic site of Ait Ben Haddou, a traditional fortified village (Ksar) that once served as an important stop for caravans traveling between the Sahara and northern Morocco. This impressive site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Many famous films, including The Mummy and Gladiator, were shot here. We’ll have time to explore the kasbah and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
After our visit, we continue the scenic drive to Marrakech, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi N’Tichka Pass, which sits at 2,260 meters above sea level. Along the way, you’ll see several traditional Berber villages nestled in the hills.
We expect to arrive in Marrakech by the evening, marking the end of a memorable desert adventure.
You can expect to spend around 6 to 8 hours on the road daily, including scenic stops, photo breaks, and lunch along the way. The journey is well-paced to make it enjoyable and not too tiring.
Yes, driving through the High Atlas Mountains is safe. The roads are paved but have many curves due to the mountainous terrain. That’s why a professional local driver familiar with the area usually handles the trip.
Absolutely! The tour includes visits to some of the most iconic kasbahs in southern Morocco, such as Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also pass through authentic Berber villages, giving you a glimpse of local life.
Desert nights, especially between November and March, can be quite cold. However, the camps provide warm blankets, and it’s a good idea to bring a warm jacket or fleece to stay comfortable.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for travelers of all ages. Still, keep in mind that it involves long drives and a desert climate. If your schedule allows, a 4-day or 5-day desert tour is recommended for a more relaxed experience.
Private 3-Days From Fes to Marrakech