3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

 Itinerary: 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Rose Valley → Dades Gorge

Your Desert Tour starts early in the vibrant city of Marrakech, heading straight for the Tizi n’Tichka Pass — the highest road pass in North Africa, sitting at 2,260 meters. As you wind your way up the High Atlas Mountains, the views just keep getting better — valleys, traditional Berber villages, and wild mountain peaks.

By midday, you’ll arrive at the legendary Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient ksar (fortified village) has been the backdrop for movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. You’ll have time to explore the maze of earthen buildings and walk the same paths used by movie stars and desert traders alike.

The road continues through Ouarzazate — the Hollywood of Morocco — and into the stunning Valley of Roses, known for its fragrant blooms and traditional distilleries. Every May, locals celebrate with a Rose Festival, full of music and colors.

As the sun sets, you’ll reach Dades Gorge, where bizarre rock formations and dramatic canyons create a landscape unlike any other.

Overnight: Local guesthouse or riad in Dades Valley
Included: Dinner & Breakfast
Highlights: Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Rose Valley, Dades Gorge view stops

Day 2: Dades Gorge → Todra Canyons → Ziz Valley → Merzouga Desert (Camel Trek & Desert Camp)

After breakfast, we head deeper into southern Morocco — and things start getting wild.

The first stop is the incredible Todra Gorge, where vertical cliffs stretch over 300 meters high. You can walk between the towering canyon walls or just admire the view and take some unforgettable photos.

Then we ride through ancient desert qanats (underground irrigation tunnels) near Jorf, a technique still used to bring water to palm groves in the harsh Sahara climate.

By afternoon, the golden dunes of Merzouga rise in the distance. Here’s where your camel awaits! You’ll ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes, catching the changing colors of the sand as the sun begins to set. After reaching camp, enjoy sandboarding, sip tea in the silence, or just relax while the desert changes moods.

As night falls, you’ll gather around the fire for dinner and music with local nomads, under one of the clearest star-filled skies you’ll ever see.

Overnight: Private tent in Merzouga luxury desert camp
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Extras: Camel ride, sunset trek, live music, sandboarding
Highlights: Todra Canyon walk, Sahara camel trek, night in the dunes

Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Middle Atlas Forests → Fes

Wake up early — trust us, sunrise over the Sahara is something you don’t want to miss. After breakfast and a quick shower at camp (yes, we offer private bathrooms), we’ll begin our journey north toward Fes.

The road takes us through the lush palm groves of the Ziz Valley, a surprising oasis of green in the middle of the desert. You’ll then climb up into the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through mountain towns like Midelt and Azrou.

We’ll also stop in one of Morocco’s largest cedar forests, home to the famous Barbary macaques. These playful monkeys are native to North Africa and love to interact with visitors — just hide your snacks!

By late afternoon, we roll into Fes, one of the oldest and most authentic cities in Morocco. We’ll drop you off at your hotel or riad, and just like that — your short but powerful desert adventure comes to an end.

Included: Breakfast
Highlights: Ziz Valley, Cedar Forest, Barbary macaques, Fes drop-off

What Makes This Desert Tour So Special?

This 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes is more than just a scenic drive — it’s a carefully curated experience that packs a wide variety of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes and cultural highlights into a compact and enjoyable journey. From snow-capped mountains and cinematic kasbahs to palm-filled valleys and rolling dunes, this route gives you a taste of everything that makes Morocco unforgettable.

You’ll also gain insight into traditional Berber life, see historic architecture, ride a camel into the desert like ancient nomads once did, and sleep in a tent beneath a sky full of stars — all in just three days.

 Additional Details About Each Day 

Day 1 – Go Beyond the Tourist Path

The route over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass is not just a pretty drive — it’s an engineering marvel that cuts through the towering High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you’ll witness how life has remained almost unchanged in small Berber villages, where stone homes cling to mountainsides and mules still carry goods between homes.

At Ait Benhaddou, don’t miss climbing to the top of the old granary — the view is absolutely worth it. This is also a great spot for photography, especially in the golden light of late afternoon. Your guide will explain the architectural techniques that make this kasbah so resilient, built entirely from clay, straw, and earth.

In the Rose Valley, if you visit during the blooming season in April or early May, the air is filled with floral scent, and the entire valley turns pink. Even outside the bloom, the valley is lush and vibrant, with traditional irrigation systems that date back centuries.

By the time you reach Dades Gorge, you’ll see bizarre rock formations like the “Monkey Fingers” and experience the quiet calm of a landscape that feels like the edge of the world.

Day 2 – A Day Full of Contrast and Culture

The road from Dades to Merzouga cuts through wild gorges and opens up to the pre-Sahara plains. Todra Gorge, your first stop, is a favorite for climbers around the world — you might even see some scaling the cliffs!

At Jorf, you’ll see how ancient desert dwellers dug deep underground tunnels called qanats to transport water without evaporation — some of these are still used today!

Once in Merzouga, your camel trek isn’t just a photo opportunity — it’s a real piece of Moroccan tradition. The camels are well cared for and led by experienced local handlers. The 45-minute ride takes you into the Erg Chebbi dunes, which rise up to 150 meters and seem to go on forever.

After arriving at your private tent, you’ll be treated to a warm dinner made with fresh local ingredients — think couscous, tajine, and slow-cooked vegetables. The desert music played by local nomads around the fire is a highlight for many travelers — it’s not a show, it’s a celebration.

Day 3 – Watch the Landscape Transform

The final day takes you through Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s longest river oases, stretching over 100 kilometers. The contrast of palm trees against rocky desert cliffs is stunning.

The Middle Atlas Mountains are often overlooked, but they offer a unique experience. You’ll pass through Azrou, a town known for its cedar forests and wood-carving artisans. Nearby, in the forest, the playful Barbary macaques roam freely — they’re not aggressive, but they’ll gladly pose for a photo if you have a snack.

The descent into Fes feels like entering a different Morocco altogether. Ancient and full of energy, it’s the perfect place to end your desert adventure.

What’s Not Included – A Bit More Detail

While your trip is nearly all-inclusive, here’s a breakdown of what’s not covered so there are no surprises:

• Lunches: We stop at local restaurants along the way so you can try different dishes each day. This also gives you the freedom to choose lighter or vegetarian options if you prefer.

• Drinks & Snacks: Bottled water, sodas, and any snacks you’d like for the drive are at your own expense. We do recommend picking up some Moroccan dates and almonds along the route!

• Tips & Gratuities: Tipping in Morocco is customary but not mandatory. If you’re happy with your guide, driver, or camel handler, a small tip is always appreciated.

• Optional Activities: While camel trekking and music nights are included, other extras like sandboarding, quad biking, or henna tattoos can be arranged at additional cost.

• Personal Items: Bring your own toiletries, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection in the desert.

Packing Tips for the Sahara Desert

Traveling from snowy mountains to the heat of the Sahara in just a few days means packing smart:

• Layered clothing: Mornings and nights in the desert can be cold, especially in winter. Bring a warm jacket or fleece.

• Sunglasses and sunscreen: Essential for the bright desert sun.

• Comfortable shoes: For walking in the kasbahs and hiking in Todra Gorge.

• Camera or phone with extra battery: You’ll regret not capturing the landscapes.

• Cash: Not all areas have ATMs or accept cards. Bring enough Moroccan dirhams for lunches and tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the camel ride safe and suitable for kids or older travelers?
A: Yes, our camel treks are gentle and led by professional handlers. If needed, support can be provided during the ride or a 4×4 vehicle option can be arranged.

Q: What kind of tents are in the desert camp included in 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes?
A: You’ll sleep in a private, fully equipped tent with beds, blankets, and access to a private bathroom and shower.

Q: Can this 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes be customized?
A: Absolutely! We can add extra nights in Marrakech or Fes, extend the desert stay, or include quad biking or luxury camp upgrades.

A Journey to Remember: 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Whether it’s your first time in Morocco or your fifth, this 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes offers an unforgettable cross-section of the country. It’s perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers who want to soak in Moroccan landscapes, traditions, and warm hospitality — all without rushing.

This short but rich journey leaves travelers amazed at how much Morocco can offer in just a few days. Let the colors, the silence of the desert, and the rhythm of the road stay with you long after your return.