Journey across Morocco’s ever-changing landscapes on this 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga. Travel through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, explore the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and ride a camel through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Spend a night under the stars in a traditional Sahara camp before ending your adventure in the cultural heart of Fes. Whether you’re seeking photography moments, local encounters, or a taste of Morocco’s desert magic, this tour delivers it all.
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Starting Location: Marrakech
- Ending Location: Fes
Depart Time: | 7:00 AM |
Arrival Time: | 18:00 Pm |
Tour Type: | Private Trip |
Price: | Starts at €148 per person |
Drive through the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass: enjoy stunning views and traditional Berber villages along the way.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou: explore Morocco’s most iconic fortress, famous for its unique architecture and movie appearances in Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Discover the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge: witness impressive rock formations, winding roads, and the dramatic canyons that define southern Morocco.
Experience a camel trek at sunset in the Merzouga Desert: ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and enjoy the silence and beauty of the Sahara.
Spend the night in a desert camp: enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber drumming, and an unforgettable night under the stars.
Watch a spectacular sunrise over the Sahara dunes: start your morning with breathtaking views and a peaceful desert atmosphere.
Explore the Ziz Valley: admire palm groves, ancient kasbahs, and charming desert villages as you travel north.
Pass through Midelt and the cedar forests near Ifrane: enjoy the change of scenery from desert to lush mountain landscapes, and perhaps spot Barbary macaques in the wild.
Arrive in Fes: conclude your journey in Morocco’s cultural capital, known for its ancient medina, rich traditions, and vibrant atmosphere.
Itinerary of the 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga:
Day 1: Marrakech → Ouarzazate → Ait ben haddou → Boumaln dades
Your 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga begins early in the morning. Your professional English-speaking driver or guide will pick you up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech at around 8:00 AM. Get ready for a scenic drive through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, passing remote Berber villages and stunning viewpoints.
Stop 1: Tizi n’Tichka Pass – High Atlas Mountains
Leave Marrakech behind and ascend the winding mountain road that crosses the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) — the highest road pass in Morocco. Enjoy breathtaking views of deep valleys, terraced fields, and traditional Berber hamlets.
Along the way, your driver will stop at several viewpoints for photos and short breaks.
Optional visit: a local argan oil cooperative, where Berber women demonstrate how Morocco’s famous argan oil is traditionally extracted and used for cooking and cosmetics.
Stop 2: Telouet Kasbah (Optional Detour)
If time allows, make a short detour to visit the Telouet Kasbah, an atmospheric fortress once home to the powerful Glaoui family. Though partly in ruins, the kasbah’s richly decorated rooms reveal Morocco’s historical grandeur and offer an authentic glimpse into life in the High Atlas.
Stop 3: Ait Ben Haddou – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Continue to the ancient ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guide can accompany you as you walk through the labyrinth of earthen alleys, climb to the top for panoramic views, and learn about its fascinating history.
This remarkable kasbah has appeared in many international films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the fortress before continuing your journey.
Stop 4: Ouarzazate – The Gateway to the Desert
After lunch, drive to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa.”
Here, you can visit the Atlas Film Studios, where famous desert scenes have been filmed, or explore the Kasbah Taourirt, a beautifully restored clay fortress that once served as the residence of the Pasha of Marrakech.
Your driver will share local stories and give you time to explore or take photos before continuing east.
Stop 5: Skoura Oasis and Valley of Roses
Head towards the lush Skoura Oasis, a peaceful area dotted with palm groves and ancient kasbahs.
Stop to visit the Amridil Kasbah, one of Morocco’s best-preserved examples of traditional southern architecture.
Continue your journey through the Valley of Roses in Kelaat M’gouna, a charming town famous for its rose plantations and the annual Rose Festival held every May.
Stop 6: Dades Valley – The Land of Kasbahs
By late afternoon, reach the Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.
Admire the dramatic landscapes of red cliffs and winding roads before arriving at your hotel or riad.
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and a relaxing evening surrounded by the tranquility of the Dades Gorges.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 320 Km
- Approx. 7 Hours (Including Stops)
- Accommodation Details:
- Accommodation Options:
- 1. Hotel Babylon Dades
- 2. Dar Blues
- 3. Eden Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Bomaln dades → Todra Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga desert.
After breakfast at your hotel in the Dades Valley, your driver or guide will pick you up to begin an exciting day filled with natural wonders and unforgettable desert experiences. This day will take you from the green valleys and rocky gorges of southern Morocco to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Stop 1: Dades Gorges – Scenic Viewpoints
Start your morning by exploring the Dades Gorges, famous for their dramatic landscapes and winding roads carved through red and ochre cliffs.
Drive through the valley to reach one of the best viewpoints overlooking the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and the famous serpentine road featured in many travel photos.
Your driver can stop at several scenic points so you can enjoy the views and take memorable pictures.
Stop 2: Todra Gorge – Canyon Walk
Continue your journey east toward the Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most stunning natural landmarks. These towering limestone cliffs rise up to 300 meters on either side of a narrow canyon, creating a dramatic setting for photos and short walks.
Take time to stroll along the riverbed, watch local climbers scale the rock walls, and enjoy a refreshing break in one of the small cafés at the foot of the gorge.
Lunch suggestion: Stop in Tinghir, a charming town near the gorge, where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal and admire the surrounding oasis.
Stop 3: Erfoud – The Fossil Town
After lunch, continue driving toward Erfoud, a small desert town known for its fossil workshops and date markets. Visit a local fossil factory to see how ancient marine fossils from the Sahara are polished and transformed into decorative pieces and jewelry.
Your driver will also give you some free time to explore or purchase local handicrafts before heading deeper into the desert.
Stop 4: Merzouga – Camel Trek into the Sahara Desert
By mid-afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes — the tallest sand dunes in Morocco. Here, you will meet your local camel guide and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mount your camel and begin your sunset camel trek across the golden sands, following gentle trails as the sun dips below the horizon and paints the desert in glowing colors.
Your camel ride will take about 1.5 hours before you reach your desert camp, where a warm welcome awaits.
Stop 5: Sahara Desert Camp – Dinner and Music under the Stars
Arrive at your Sahara desert camp, where you’ll be greeted with mint tea and shown to your private tent (standard or luxury, depending on your package).
After a traditional Moroccan dinner, enjoy Berber music around the campfire, relax under a sky full of stars, and soak in the peace and magic of the Sahara.
If you wish, you can climb a nearby dune to watch the stars or simply enjoy the silence of the desert night.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 250 Km
- Approx. 6 Hours (Including Stops)
- Accommodation Details:
- Options for Standard Camp:
- 1. Merzouga Standard Camp
- 2. Nomad Standard Camp
- 3. Erg Chebbi Standard Camp
- Options for Luxury Camp:
- 1. Africa Luxury Camp
- 2. Caravanserai Luxury Camp
- 3. Desert Luxury Camp
Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Cedar Forest → Ifrane → Fes
Wake up early to witness one of the most beautiful natural scenes of your journey, sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After this unforgettable view, enjoy breakfast at the desert camp before returning to Merzouga village by camel or 4×4 vehicle, where your driver or guide will be waiting to begin the final leg of your adventure.
Stop 1: Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi Dunes
Start your day by climbing a dune or watching from the camp as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the golden sands. It’s a peaceful and truly magical moment that you’ll never forget. Afterward, enjoy a hearty breakfast and a refreshing shower before departing the camp.
Stop 2: Ziz Valley – Panoramic Views
Leave the desert behind and drive north toward the Ziz Valley, one of the largest palm valleys in Morocco. Your driver will stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the lush oasis, where thousands of date palms stretch along the river beneath dramatic cliffs.
This is an excellent spot for photos and a short break to enjoy the scenery. You may also visit a local shop to taste fresh dates or purchase small souvenirs from the region.
Stop 3: Midelt – Lunch in the Middle Atlas
Continue your journey through Errachidia and across the Tizi n’Talghemt Pass (1,907 m) into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Around midday, arrive in Midelt, a peaceful mountain town known for its apple orchards and fresh air.
Here, you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant offering traditional Moroccan dishes. Take some time to relax before continuing your drive north.
Stop 4: Cedar Forest of Azrou – Meet the Barbary Monkeys
After lunch, travel through the cedar forests near Azrou, one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Middle Atlas. Your driver will stop so you can take a short walk in the forest and, with a bit of luck, see the Barbary macaques that live here.
This stop is a favorite among travelers, offering a refreshing change from the desert landscapes and a chance to stretch your legs before the final part of the journey.
Stop 5: Ifrane – The Switzerland of Morocco
Continue to Ifrane, a charming town often called the Switzerland of Morocco for its clean streets, alpine-style houses, and cool climate. Stop briefly to enjoy the European-style architecture, visit the famous stone lion statue, or have a coffee break before heading to your final destination.
Stop 6: Arrival in Fes
By early evening, you will arrive in Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Your driver will drop you off at your accommodation in the city, marking the end of your unforgettable 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga.
This journey has taken you through Morocco’s diverse landscapes — from the snow-capped High Atlas to the golden Sahara dunes and the green cedar forests of the Middle Atlas — an experience filled with culture, beauty, and adventure.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 470 Km
- Approx. 8-9 Hours (including Stops)
What's Included In The 3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fes:
- Pick up from your hotel/riad in Marrakech.
- Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
- English-speaking driver/guide.
- 1 Night At Riad In Boumalne Dades With Breakfast And Dinner.
- 1 Night At luxury camp in Merzouga With Breakfast And Dinner.
- Camel ride in the Sahara Desert.
- Stops at scenic viewpoints along the way.
- Fuel and all taxes
- Drop off at your hotel/riad in Fes.
What's Excluded In The 3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fes:
- Lunches, Beverages
- Entrance fees.
Gallery:
Pricing Overview for the 3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fes
Group Size | Estimate Price (Per person) |
6 People | From €148 |
5 People | From €158 |
4 People | From €168 |
3 People | From €198 |
2 People | From €210 |
1 Person | From €270 |
- Prices include transportation, standard accommodation (riad/standard camp), and meals (dinner and breakfast).
- Upgrading to luxury camps or adding activities like quad biking will increase the cost.
- Prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
Choose Your Tour Type: Private VS Shared
Private Trip | Shared Trip |
Customized itinerary | Fixed itinerary |
Flexible departure time | Set departure time |
Exclusive vehicle and guide | Shared vehicle and guide with others |
Luxury camp or riad accommodation | Standard room in camp or riad |
Starts From 148€ per person | Starts From 99€ per person |
Extra Activities:
Before The Trip | During The Trip | After The Trip |
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Marrakech | Professional Photographer | Guided Tour of Fes Medina |
Day Trip to Essaouira | Romantic Dinner in the Desert | Day Trip to Chefchaouen |
Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls | Quad Biking Activity | Explore Volubilis |
Day Trip to Ourika Valley | Buggy Driving Activity | Family Cooking Class |
Marrakech Guided Trip | Horse Riding | Day Trip To Atlas Mountians |
Agafay Desert Trip | Picnic In Sahara Desert | Day Trip To Meknes |
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, and children can enjoy it. However, keep in mind that there are long drives, so it’s good to bring snacks, books, or games to keep them entertained. The camel ride can be fun for kids, but if they’re too young, you can request a 4×4 vehicle instead.
Yes, you can charge your phone at the hotel or riad during the first night. In some luxury desert camps, there may also be charging facilities. However, in the standard desert camp, electricity may be limited or unavailable.
Yes, vegetarian and other special dietary requirements can be catered for during the tour. It’s important to inform the tour operator in advance, so they can make the necessary orders. Most meals during the tour, including in the desert camp and riad, are traditional Moroccan dishes
It’s recommended to book the tour at least a few weeks in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons (spring and autumn). This makes sure you get the accommodation type you prefer and guarantees availability f you’re traveling in a large group or need a specific order, booking earlier gives the tour operator more time to accommodate your requests.
In case of heavy rain or snow, particularly in the Atlas Mountains during winter, some parts of the tour may be adjusted for safety. The tour operator will plan alternative routes or stops if necessary. However, rain in the desert is rare, and most tours go ahead as planned. It’s always good to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
You don’t need to be extremely fit to ride a camel, but it’s helpful to be in good health. The camel ride is typically one hour long, and while it can be bumpy, it’s a slow and relaxing experience. If you have any back issues or prefer not to ride a camel, you can opt for a 4×4 vehicle to take you to the desert camp instead.
The ideal time for the tour is Spring (March to May) or Autumn (September to November) because the weather is mild, and you can comfortably enjoy the desert and other stops along the way.
Important:
You can customize your trip to match what you want.
If you want to see more of the Sahara and enjoy extra desert experiences, pick the 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. If you plan to return to Marrakech and explore the city more, the 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech is a great choice.
Let us know what you like, and we’ll help create the perfect trip for you!
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Marrkech To Merzouga Desert Tours | Marrkech To Fes Desert Tours |
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