3 Days / 2 Nights
3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Travel from Marrakech to Fes through the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley and Todra Gorge before riding camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, spending a night in the Merzouga Sahara, visiting the Cedar Forest and stopping in Ifrane.
Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Cross Morocco from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara
This 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour combines some of Morocco's most spectacular landscapes with an unforgettable night in the Sahara Desert.
Starting in Marrakech, cross the High Atlas Mountains and visit Ait Ben Haddou before traveling through Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge. Continue to Merzouga for a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes, a desert sunset and an overnight Sahara camp.
On the final day, leave the desert behind and travel north through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in the Cedar Forest to enjoy the scenery and look for wild Barbary macaques, then visit Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, before arriving in Fes.
Tour Highlights
Highlights of Your Marrakech to Fes Desert Trip
High Atlas Mountains
Cross the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass and enjoy panoramic views of traditional villages and mountain landscapes.
Ait Ben Haddou
Explore the UNESCO-listed fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, one of southern Morocco's most famous historic sites.
Dades & Todra Gorges
Travel through dramatic valleys and rock formations and explore the impressive Todra Gorge on the way toward the Sahara.
Merzouga Sahara
Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, watch the desert sunset and spend the night at a Sahara desert camp.
Ziz Valley
Enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the Ziz Valley and its vast palm oasis while traveling north toward Fes.
Cedar Forest
Stop in the beautiful Cedar Forest of the Middle Atlas Mountains, where wild Barbary macaques can often be seen.
Ifrane
Visit Ifrane, a charming mountain town often called the Switzerland of Morocco because of its alpine-style architecture and green surroundings.
Marrakech to Fes
Combine two of Morocco's most famous imperial cities with an unforgettable journey through the Sahara and Middle Atlas Mountains.
Tour Itinerary
3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Rose Valley → Dades Valley
Your 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour begins with pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. We leave the city and travel south through the High Atlas Mountains.
The road climbs toward the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, offering impressive views of mountain scenery, valleys and traditional villages along the route.
We continue toward Ait Ben Haddou, the famous UNESCO-listed fortified village. You will have time to explore its historic earthen buildings and narrow pathways before continuing toward Ouarzazate.
In the afternoon, we travel through southern Morocco toward the Dades Valley, known for dramatic rock formations, kasbahs and beautiful mountain scenery.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in the Dades Valley
Meals: Dinner and breakfast
Day 2
Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Erfoud → Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we continue through the landscapes of southern Morocco toward Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorge.
Take time to discover the towering canyon walls and walk through the gorge before continuing toward the desert through towns and palm-filled landscapes.
Later in the day, we arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, exchange the vehicle for camels and begin your journey across the golden Sahara dunes.
Enjoy the colors of the desert sunset before reaching your camp. Dinner is served at the camp, followed by a peaceful evening beneath the Sahara sky.
Overnight: Desert camp in Merzouga
Meals: Dinner and breakfast
Day 3
Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Cedar Forest → Ifrane → Fes
Wake early if you would like to watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before enjoying breakfast at the desert camp.
After leaving Merzouga, we begin the journey north toward Fes. The route passes through the beautiful Ziz Valley, where panoramic viewpoints reveal extensive palm groves surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes.
We continue through changing mountain scenery toward Midelt and the Middle Atlas Mountains. There will be stops along the way for views, breaks and lunch.
In the afternoon, we stop in the beautiful Cedar Forest in the Middle Atlas Mountains. This area is home to wild Barbary macaques, and you will have time to enjoy the cedar trees and look for the monkeys in their natural surroundings.
We then continue to Ifrane, a charming mountain town often called the Switzerland of Morocco because of its alpine-style architecture, green spaces and mountain atmosphere.
After our stop in Ifrane, we continue toward Fes. In the late afternoon or evening, we arrive in Fes and drop you off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour.
What's Included
- ✓Hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech
- ✓Drop-off at your accommodation in Fes
- ✓Private air-conditioned transportation
- ✓English-speaking driver
- ✓Visit to Ait Ben Haddou
- ✓One night in the Dades Valley
- ✓One night at a desert camp in Merzouga
- ✓Camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- ✓Dinner during both overnight stays
- ✓Breakfast during both overnight stays
- ✓Sandboarding in the Merzouga dunes
What's Not Included
- ×Lunches
- ×Drinks
- ×Personal expenses
- ×Tips
- ×Entrance fees where applicable
Tour Route
Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga Route
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for a Marrakech to Fes desert tour?
Yes. Three days is one of the most popular ways to travel from Marrakech to Fes through the Sahara. The itinerary includes the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, Merzouga, the Cedar Forest and Ifrane before arriving in Fes.
Does the tour visit the Merzouga Sahara Desert?
Yes. The tour reaches Merzouga on the second day, where you can experience the Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoy a camel ride and spend the night at a desert camp.
Where do we sleep during the 3-day tour?
The first night is normally spent in the Dades Valley area. The second night is spent at a desert camp near Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Is a camel ride included in the Marrakech to Fes tour?
Yes. A camel ride in the Merzouga desert is included and normally takes place in the late afternoon as you travel across the dunes toward the desert camp.
Does the tour finish in Fes?
Yes. This itinerary begins in Marrakech and ends in Fes, making it ideal for travelers who want to continue their Morocco journey in Fes or northern Morocco.
What places do we visit between Marrakech and Merzouga?
The route includes the High Atlas Mountains, Tizi n'Tichka Pass, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley and Todra Gorge before reaching Merzouga.
What will we see between Merzouga and Fes?
The journey from Merzouga to Fes passes through the Ziz Valley and Midelt before crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. We stop in the Cedar Forest and visit Ifrane before continuing to Fes.
Will we see monkeys in the Cedar Forest?
The Cedar Forest in the Middle Atlas Mountains is home to wild Barbary macaques. We stop in the forest so you can enjoy the scenery and look for the monkeys. Because they are wild animals, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Do we visit Ifrane on the way to Fes?
Yes. On the final day we visit Ifrane before continuing to Fes. Ifrane is often called the Switzerland of Morocco because of its alpine-style architecture, green spaces and mountain setting.
What should I bring for the desert tour?
We recommend comfortable clothes and shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle and a camera. Warm layers are also useful because desert evenings and early mornings can be cool.
Is the 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour private?
Yes. This page is designed for a private tour, giving you more flexibility for sightseeing stops and allowing you to travel with your own group.