3 Days / 2 Nights Marrakech → Fes Private Tours Or Group Tours
Quick Facts
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Start
Marrakech
End
Fes
Group size
Private Tours Or Group Tours
Price from
€160 per person
About this tour
Overview
The 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes is one of Morocco’s most popular and scenic routes, connecting two of the country’s famous imperial cities through the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas and Sahara Desert. This private one-way desert tour takes you across mountain passes, through historic kasbahs and spectacular gorges, and into the golden dunes of the Merzouga Sahara Desert without unnecessary backtracking.
Your journey begins in Marrakech, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains through the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, at an elevation of around 2,260 meters. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, one of Morocco’s most impressive fortified villages, before passing through Ouarzazate, known for its film studios and desert landscapes. From here, follow the famous Road of 1000 Kasbahs through the fragrant Valley of Roses and into the spectacular Dades Valley, where you will spend your first night surrounded by dramatic red-rock cliffs.
The following day, walk between the towering canyon walls of Todra Gorge before continuing through Erfoud, known for its fossils and marble workshops. Your route then leads to the golden dunes of Merzouga. Here, enjoy an unforgettable sunset camel trek across the soft sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Arrive at your private luxury Sahara desert camp, where you can enjoy a freshly prepared Moroccan dinner, traditional Berber drum music around the campfire, and a peaceful night beneath the stars.
On the final day, wake early to watch a beautiful Sahara sunrise over the dunes before continuing north toward Fes. Travel through the scenic Ziz Valley, cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, and stop in the ancient Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques. Continue to the clean alpine town of Ifrane, often known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” before arriving in the historic imperial city of Fes, where your 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes comes to an end.
Tour Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Starting Point: Marrakech (Airport or Hotel)
Ending Point: Fes (Airport or Riad/Hotel)
Main Destinations: Marrakech, High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate, Valley of Roses, Dades Valley (1 Night), Todra Gorge, Erfoud, Merzouga Desert (Luxury Camp), Ziz Valley, Azrou Cedar Forest, Ifrane, Fes. More Tours
Highlights
Tour Highlights
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the panoramic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m).
Tour the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (seen in Gladiator).
Explore Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa," and the fragrant Valley of Roses.
Spend a night in the picturesque Dades Valley surrounded by the "Monkey Fingers" rock formations.
Walk between the towering 300-meter-high limestone canyon walls of Todra Gorge.
Discover ancient marine fossil quarries and date palm workshops in Erfoud.
Enjoy an unforgettable sunset camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.
Spend a night in a private luxury Sahara desert camp with hot showers, dinner, and campfire music.
Watch a breathtaking Sahara sunrise over the ocean of golden sand dunes.
Drive past millions of green date palms along the dramatic cliffs of the Ziz Valley.
See and feed wild Barbary macaques in the ancient Cedar Forest of Azrou.
Visit the charming alpine mountain town of Ifrane ("Switzerland of Morocco") before arriving in Fes.
Day by day
3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Your private 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. Meet your professional English-speaking driver-guide and start your journey toward the High Atlas Mountains.
Drive through the winding mountain roads of the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, reaching an elevation of around 2,260 meters. Along the way, stop at scenic viewpoints to enjoy panoramic views of deep valleys, mountain landscapes, and traditional mud-brick Berber villages.
Continue toward the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore this ancient fortified village on a guided walking tour and discover its narrow streets, traditional earthen buildings, and impressive architecture. The kasbah has also appeared in famous productions such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.
Continue through Ouarzazate and the beautiful Skoura Palm Oasis, then follow the famous Road of 1000 Kasbahs through the fragrant Valley of Roses near Kalaat M'Gouna. Continue into the scenic Dades Valley, where you check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax surrounded by dramatic red-rock landscapes.
Overnight: Hotel/Riad in Dades Valley Meals: Dinner included
After breakfast, explore some of the highlights of the Dades Valley. Stop at scenic viewpoints to admire the unusual rock formations known as the "Monkey Fingers" and enjoy views of the winding gorge road before continuing toward Tinghir.
Arrive at the spectacular Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural landmarks. Take a relaxing walk along the riverbed between the towering limestone cliffs, which rise around 300 meters above the valley, and enjoy time for photos.
Continue through Erfoud, a town famous for its dates, fossils, and traditional fossil workshops. From here, travel toward Merzouga and the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
Meet your camel guide and begin an unforgettable sunset camel trek across the golden Sahara dunes. Ride through the peaceful desert as the sun slowly sets over the sand. Arrive at your private luxury Sahara desert camp, where you will receive a warm welcome with traditional mint tea.
Enjoy a freshly prepared Moroccan dinner, listen to live Berber drum music around the campfire, and relax beneath the clear desert sky. Spend the night in a private luxury tent equipped with a comfortable bed and private bathroom with a hot shower.
Overnight: Luxury Sahara Desert Camp in Merzouga Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 3
Merzouga – Sahara Sunrise – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
Wake up early to enjoy an unforgettable Sahara sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the camp, return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4 vehicle, where you meet your driver and begin your journey north toward Fes.
Drive through the spectacular Ziz Valley, stopping at panoramic viewpoints to admire the contrast between the green palm oasis and the surrounding red canyon walls. Continue through Midelt, a mountain town known for its apple production, where you can stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and enter the beautiful Cedar Forest of Azrou. Stop to see and photograph the famous wild Barbary macaque monkeys living among the ancient cedar trees.
Continue to Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” known for its clean alpine streets, European-style architecture, and cool mountain setting. Continue toward Fes, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.
Your driver will drop you off safely at your hotel, riad, or Fes Saïss Airport (FEZ), marking the end of your 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes.
Meals: Breakfast included
Inclusions
Included
Pick-up from your accommodation or airport in Marrakech.
Drop-off at your hotel, riad, or Fes Saïss Airport (FEZ) in Fes.
Private, modern air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or comfortable minivan) with fuel.
Professional English-speaking local driver-guide throughout the tour.
1 Night in a comfortable hotel/riad in Dades Valley.
1 Night in a private luxury Sahara desert camp in Erg Chebbi (Merzouga).
2 Breakfasts and 2 Dinners (Dades Valley & Desert Camp).
Sunset and sunrise camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Live Berber drum music around the desert campfire.
All hotel and local accommodation taxes.
Not Included
—International and domestic flight tickets.
—Lunches and daily personal drinks.
—Entrance fees to monuments, museums, and film studios.
—Dinner in Fes on Day 3.
—Personal travel insurance and personal expenses.
—Optional activities (such as quad biking / ATV in the dunes).
—Tips and gratuities for the driver and local guides.
Why book with us
Why Choose Our 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes?
The Smartest One-Way Route (Zero Backtracking)
This 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes connects both imperial capitals in a seamless journey through the Atlas Mountains, gorges, and Sahara Desert without repeating any roads.
Unforgettable Erg Chebbi Camel Trek & Luxury Camp
Ride camels across the golden dunes of Merzouga at sunset and spend a magical night in a private luxury Sahara desert camp with real beds, private en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and live campfire drumming.
Spectacular Gorges & Mountain Canyons
Walk inside the giant 300-meter limestone cliffs of Todra Gorge and explore the unique "Monkey Fingers" rock formations of the Dades Valley.
Historic UNESCO World Heritage Kasbahs
Explore the world-famous fortified clay village of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (featured in Gladiator and Game of Thrones) and discover the cinema heritage of Ouarzazate.
Scenic Middle Atlas & Barbary Monkeys
See wild Barbary macaques in the ancient Cedar Forest of Azrou and visit the clean alpine mountain town of Ifrane on your way to Fes.
Private Comfort and Complete Flexibility
Travel in a private, modern, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced professional English-speaking driver-guide, enjoying the freedom of customized photo stops, rest breaks, and authentic Moroccan hospitality at every step.
Photos
Tour Gallery
Questions
FAQs About 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
How much does the 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes cost?
The price for this private 3-day tour starts from €160 to €390 per person, depending on the total number of travelers in your private group, travel season, and selected hotel/camp tiers.
Why is this one-way tour better than a round trip?
This one-way route saves you over 8 hours of return driving by connecting Marrakech to Fes directly through the Sahara Desert. You see new landscapes every single day without repeating any roads.
What is the luxury Sahara desert camp in Merzouga like?
The luxury camp in Erg Chebbi features spacious private canvas tents equipped with comfortable real beds, private en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, electricity, and traditional Moroccan decor. You will enjoy a fresh Moroccan dinner and live Berber drum music around the campfire under the stars.
How is luggage handled during the camel ride in Merzouga?
Your main luggage remains safely transported directly to your luxury tent in a 4x4 support vehicle. You only need to carry a small daypack with your camera, water, and personal essentials on the camel.
Can we travel to the desert camp by 4x4 vehicle instead of riding a camel?
Yes, absolutely! If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can travel directly to the luxury desert camp inside the comfortable 4x4 vehicle at no extra charge.
How long is the drive on Day 3 from Merzouga to Fes?
The drive from Merzouga to Fes is approximately 470 km (290 miles) and takes about 7 to 8 hours, broken up with scenic stops in the Ziz Valley, lunch in Midelt, monkey-spotting in the Cedar Forest of Azrou, and a coffee break in Ifrane.
What time will we arrive in Fes on Day 3?
You will typically arrive in Fes between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, depending on traffic and the duration of your photo and lunch stops along the way.
What is the best time of year to take this 3-day tour?
The best times to book this tour are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when daytime temperatures across the mountains, desert, and imperial cities are mild and pleasant. However, the tour operates comfortably year-round.
Can special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) be accommodated?
Yes. Both your hotel in Dades Valley and our luxury desert camp cater easily to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and halal diets upon request. Please notify us when booking.
Can this tour be done in reverse (from Fes to Marrakech)?
Yes! Because this is a 100% private tour, we can easily run the exact same itinerary in reverse, starting with a pick-up in Fes and concluding with a drop-off in Marrakech.
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