3 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

This 3-day desert journey from Fes to Marrakech is a memorable way to connect Morocco’s two historic imperial cities while discovering the country’s diverse southern landscapes. The route takes you through mountains, valleys, palm oases, desert towns, and iconic kasbahs, offering a rich blend of nature, culture, and adventure.

Travel across changing scenery as you leave the Middle Atlas behind, pass cedar forests and traditional villages, and reach the golden dunes of the Sahara. Experience a camel trek into the desert, an overnight stay beneath a star-filled sky, and evenings filled with local music and warm hospitality. The journey continues through dramatic gorges, fossil-rich towns, and ancient fortified villages before crossing the High Atlas Mountains toward Marrakech.

• Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
• Visit Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture.
• Stop at cedar forests inhabited by Barbary macaques.
• Explore the Ziz Valley with panoramic viewpoints.
• Camel trek across the dunes of Merzouga at sunset.
• Overnight desert experience under the stars.
• Visit Todra Gorge and travel through the Dades Valley.
• Discover the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou.
• Cross the High Atlas Mountains via mountain passes.

Day 1: Fes ➝ Middle Atlas ➝ Ziz Valley ➝ Merzouga

Depart from Fes and begin the journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains. The first stop is Ifrane, often called the “Little Switzerland” of Morocco due to its clean streets and European-style architecture. Continue to the nearby cedar forests, home to Barbary macaques living freely among the trees.

The road leads onward to Midelt, an important regional center known for agriculture and mineral resources, where a lunch break is made. In the afternoon, travel through the expansive Ziz Valley, dotted with palm groves and small settlements. Pause at scenic viewpoints to admire the contrast between greenery and desert landscapes.

By late afternoon, arrive at the edge of the Sahara, where camels await to take you across the dunes. Enjoy a peaceful ride as the sun sets over the sand before reaching the desert camp. Dinner and an overnight stay under a clear, starry sky conclude the day.

Day 2: Merzouga ➝ Erfoud ➝ Tinghir ➝ Boumalne Dades

After sunrise and breakfast in the desert, return by camel to meet the driver and continue the journey. Travel to Erfoud, a town known for fossil workshops and stone craftsmanship, reflecting the region’s ancient geological history.

Continue through a series of small villages toward Tinghir, an oasis town surrounded by lush palm groves. Nearby, visit the impressive Todra Gorge, where sheer rock walls rise dramatically above the riverbed, creating one of Morocco’s most striking natural sites.

In the afternoon, drive toward Boumalne Dades, passing through scenic valleys and rugged mountain terrain. Take time to explore the Dades Gorge, known for its rock formations and winding roads. Dinner and overnight stay follow in the Dades Valley.

Day 3: Boumalne Dades ➝ Rose Valley ➝ Ouarzazate ➝ Ait Ben Haddou ➝ Marrakech

After breakfast, depart from Boumalne Dades and travel through the Rose Valley, a region famous for rose cultivation and its annual spring festival. Continue toward Ouarzazate, often referred to as the gateway to the desert and known for its cinematic history.

Visit the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its earthen architecture and role as a backdrop for numerous international films. Walk through the ancient ksar and enjoy views over the surrounding landscape.

After a break in Ouarzazate, begin the ascent into the High Atlas Mountains. The road winds through mountain passes and Berber villages, offering scenic stops along the way. By late afternoon or evening, arrive in Marrakech, marking the end of the 3-day desert tour from Fes.

• Private transportation with a professional local driver
• Hand-picked accommodations (riads, kasbahs, boutique hotels or desert camps, depending on itinerary)
• Breakfasts included in most accommodations throughout the trip
• Dinners in the desert and remote regions, when applicable
• Cultural and heritage activities listed in your itinerary
• Local certified guides at major historical sites and selected cities
• Camel ride in the Sahara for desert tours
• Assistance from our dedicated team throughout your stay

• International flights to and from Morocco
• Lunches and beverages, unless specified
• Entrance fees to certain monuments or optional activities
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Tips for guides and drivers (at your discretion)