3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
If you want to enjoy some of Morocco’s best things, you can do so in just one day. However, if you want to have an unforgettable experience, you should book a 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. This amazing trip takes you to the heart of Morocco as you visit old cities along the way.
On this 3-day Marrakech to Fes private desert tour, you will get to see the ancient Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, lush valleys, and traditional Berber villages. You will also get to go camel trekking in the beautiful dunes of the Merzouga desert. This tour also includes a stop at the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a drive through the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, a night in a luxury desert camp under the stars, and the chance to see the stunning landscapes of the Dades Valley, Todra Gorges, and more.
So, without further ado, let’s show you what you can expect on our 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
Info Of 3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech
- Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
- Departure: 8:00 am
- Starting location: Marrakech
- Ending location: Fes
- Type of tour: Private
Marrakech To Fes 3 Days Desert Tour Highlights
- See the towering Tizi n'Tichka Pass and the Atlas Mountains in all their glory.
- Explore the fortified Ait Ben Haddou village.
- Visit Ouarzazate and the Taourirt Kasbah.
- Take a tour of Atlas Studio.
- Drive to Dades Valley and spend the night at a guest house.
- Walk through Todra Gorges and the oasis.
- Experience the Erg Chebbi dunes up close and on a camel ride.
- Spend the night in the desert camp under the stars.
- Admire the view of the Ziz Valley and the palm trees that surround it.
- Drive to Fes via the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Includes and Excludes:
Included
- Pick up & drop off at the hotel/riad
- Private transport vehicle with A/C
- 1 night in Dades gorge
- 2 dinners
- 2 breakfasts
- Camel trekking (per person)
- 1 night in a desert camp
- Sandboarding (which is only available in the camp)
Excluded
- Lunches
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips
- Personal purchases
3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech - Ouarzazate - Ait ben haddou – Boumalne Dades
We pick you up from your hotel in Marrakech at 8:00 AM and drive toward Dades Valley through the High Atlas Mountains. We stop at Tizi n’Tichka Pass to enjoy the mountain landscape and see Berber villages built along the slopes. We then visit Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO-listed fortified village located 30 km from Ouarzazate. You explore the Kasbah on foot, walk through the narrow alleys, pass olive groves and palm trees, and climb to the top for views over the new village and the Atlas Mountains.
In Ouarzazate, known for Atlas Studios, you can optionally visit the film studio (entrance fee approx. 80 MAD / €7.61), where many international movies such as Gladiator and The Mummy were filmed. After lunch, we continue to Skoura palm grove, known for its underground irrigation system, bird species, and vegetation. Arrival in Dades Valley in the evening for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Boumalne Dades - Todra Gorges - Erfoud - Merzouga Desert Camp
After breakfast, we visit Dades Gorge, carved by the Dades River over millions of years, with cliffs reaching 500 meters high and panoramic views of the winding mountain road. We stop at the Monkey Fingers rock formation before continuing to Todra Gorges, where the River Todra has formed limestone canyon walls rising over 400 meters. Near the entrance, we explore Tinghir Oasis with its palm trees and green vegetation. Optional lunch with Moroccan tea or tagine in the area.
We pass through Erfoud on the way to Merzouga. In the afternoon, you ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset. The camel ride duration can vary from 10 minutes to one hour. Your guide will take photos during the ride. At the desert camp, you are welcomed with Moroccan tea, shown to your private tent, enjoy dinner, and spend the evening around the campfire with traditional Berber music.
Day 3: Desert Camp - Midelt - Ifrane - Fes
After breakfast at the camp, you return by camel to Merzouga and drive through Ziz Valley with views of palm groves and cliffs along the Ziz River. We pass Midelt in the Middle Atlas Mountains and continue toward Ifrane and the Cedar Forest, where you can see the ancient cedar tree and Barbary macaques (feeding not recommended).
Arrival in Fes late afternoon and drop-off at your hotel.
Accommodation
During your 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, consider staying at one of these excellent hotels/riads:
Riad Gabsi Du Dades
There is a garden, patio, and outdoor pool at the Riad Gabsi Dades Hotel in Boumalne. In addition, each room features a toilet, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private parking.
Dar Ahlam Dades hotel
Hotel Dar Ahlam Dades rooms all have air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The decor and design are all based on the traditional Berber style. There are different types of rooms, from Deluxe rooms with double beds to family suites. Some of the suites have special features like a pool with a view, garden views, and a dining area outside.
Sahara Stars Camp
Enjoy the peace and warmth of the Berber people in this one-of-a-kind setting. The luxurious tents at this camp are a perfect fusion of modern comforts with authentic Moroccan design. Soft Berber rugs, hand-carved furniture, and luxurious bedding are all part of the tent’s design. With roomy interiors, private en suite bathrooms, hot showers, and premium linens, these tents will give you the epitome of comfort.
Dihya Desert Camp
Situated in the middle of Merzouga’s golden dunes, this camp provides an exquisite synthesis of natural beauty and luxurious amenities. While you dine under the twinkling stars and soak up the luxurious comfort of this hotel, you may marvel at the Sahara’s beauty. Nice rooms, gardens, shared lounges, terraces, BBQ areas, private bathrooms with showers and complimentary toiletries, and much more are the basic amenities here.
Tour on the Map
know before you go
- Vegan and non-vegan foods are available.
- Camel rides are not recommended for pregnant women, anyone with back issues, or those who suffer from anxiety.
- Pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and other necessities for desert adventures.
- The journey is private, and the itinerary can be customized to your exact needs.
- During peak season, we may make stops at tourist attractions with fresh food, but you can choose where you want to eat and have the driver take you there.
If you prefer to return to Marrakech instead of finishing in Fes, you can choose our 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech (round trip). This itinerary follows the classic Sahara route and brings you back to Marrakech on the third day, making it ideal if your flight departs from Marrakech or you have accommodation booked there.
If you would like a more relaxed pace with additional time in the desert region, our 4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech (round trip) gives you the opportunity to explore Merzouga more deeply. With an extra day, you can visit nomadic families, discover Khamlia village for traditional Gnawa music, explore Merzouga Lake, and enjoy the Sahara without feeling rushed.
Starting your journey in Fes instead? Our 3 Days Desert Tour from Fes allows you to cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, visit Ifrane and the Ziz Valley, experience the Merzouga Desert, and continue your adventure through southern Morocco.
Each route offers a different travel rhythm depending on where you begin, where you finish, and how much time you want to spend in the Sahara. If you are unsure which itinerary suits your travel plans best, contact us and we will help you choose the perfect option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the tour is offered all year, but the best time to go is between the spring and fall seasons when the weather is suitable for a variety of activities.
Depending on the number of passengers, we will make use of Minibus, Subaru Forester, Gas Ford Tourneo Custom, or Toyota Land Cruiser for the entire three-day Marrakech to Fes desert excursion, as all of these vehicles have comfortable seats, plenty of storage space, safety features, and a decent multimedia system.
Yes, sandboarding is available, but you can also enjoy other activities, such as camel trekking.
No, you do not have to. You will be provided with blankets and other items to help you sleep comfortably.
Yes. This is a great option suitable for solo travelers, and you can tailor it to your specific likes or preferences.