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3-day desert trip from Fes to Marrakech via Sahara

Duration

3 Days

Tour Type

Private Tour

Free Cancellation

Up to 1 day

Languages

English, Multilingual

Tour overview

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.

Brief itinerary of the 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech

Day Departure Arrival Distance
#1 Fes Merzouga 471 km
#2 Merzouga Dades 300 km
#3 Dades Marrakech 370 km

What should I know about the 3-day desert trip from Fes to Marrakech?

  1. This 3-day tour is perfect if you don’t have much time but still want to experience the Sahara Desert. In just three days, you’ll enjoy a camel ride, walk on golden sand dunes, and sleep under the stars in the desert. However, if you have more time, we recommend a 4-day desert tour from Fes to make the journey more comfortable and avoid long hours of driving.
  2. The journey takes you through some of Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes: the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, Ziz Valley, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and finally, the vast Sahara. Each stop gives you a different and stunning view of Morocco’s natural beauty.
  3. The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer comfortable weather, and tours often sell out quickly, so it’s best to book early.
  4. Along the way, you’ll stop in traditional Berber villages, ancient ksars (fortified villages), and lively local markets. You’ll get the chance to meet locals, learn about their traditions, and shop for handmade crafts.
  5. The tour covers over 1,000 km (about 620 miles) in just 3 days. Be prepared for long drives, but they’re broken up with plenty of scenic and cultural stops to keep things interesting.

Tour highlights

  • Admire the stunning landscapes of the Middle And Hight Atlas Mountains
  • Visiting the Cedar Forest near Azrou
  • A breathtaking oasis lined with palm trees and ancient kasbahs.
  • Ride a camel across the golden dunes of the Sahara
  • Watch the magical sunset and sunrise over Erg Chebbi dunes
  • The night in a desert camp under the stars
  • Walk through the dramatic Todra Canyons
  • Explore the famous Kasbahs in Ouarzazate an Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah

Tour itinerary

Day 1: Fes - Ifrane - Azrou (Cedar forest) - Ziz Valley - Erfoud - Merzouga Desert

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

Day 2: Merzouga - Er-rissani - El Jorf - Todra Gorges - Dades Valley

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

Day 3: Dades Valley - Roses Valley - Skoura - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech

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.

Inclusions/Exclusions

  • Comfortable private transportation with A/C
  • Multilingual Driver
  • All car fuel and expenses are included
  • Hotel with dinner and breakfast included
  • One night in a Desert Camp with dinner and breakfast
  • Camel excursion across the sand sands
  • Sandboarding in the dunes (Free and optional)
  • Free time and stops along the way
  • Accommodation in Fes
  • Drinks
  • Lunches
  • Entrance fees (Tickets)
  • Accommodation in Marrakech

Map of the "3-day desert trip from Fes to Marrakech via Sahara"

FAQs about 3-day desert trip from Fes to Marrakech via Sahara

How many hours do we drive each day?

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.

Is it safe to drive through the Atlas Mountains?

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.

Do we visit any kasbahs or traditional villages during the tour?

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.

How cold does it get at night in the desert camp?

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.

Is the 3-day Fes to Marrakech tour suitable for children and seniors?

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.

Tour Reviews

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Fes to Marrakech desert tour 3 days
Mario
05/12/2023

Private 3-Days From Fes to Marrakech

My friends and I booked a 3-day desert tour from Fes ending in Marrakech, and it was the highlights of our trip in Morocco. Our driver and guide Mohammed was helpful and friendly. The hotels and the desert camp we stayed were clean, comfortable and luxurious. I would highly recommend adding an extra day in the desert to explore more the desert area.
Fes to Marrakech desert tour 3 days
Oscar L
05/12/2023

Amazing 3 days from Fes to Marrakech

We used Morocco Excursions for a 3-day Sahara desert tour starting from Fes ending in Marrakech passing through the High Atlas Mountains, Villages, Gorges, Oasis and riding camels for an overnight in Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Hassan was very fast replying our emails and he always give us advices and all we needed about this trip, our driver/guide Said was excellent, friendly and funny. I would highly recommend them to you.
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