3-Day Desert Trip from Marrakech to Fes
Overview
This 3-day journey from Marrakech to Fes is an immersive experience through Morocco’s most diverse landscapes. Traveling from the High Atlas Mountains to ancient kasbahs, lush valleys, dramatic gorges, and the vast Sahara Desert, the tour blends culture, scenery, and adventure. Highlights include a camel trek across golden dunes, a night in the desert under the stars, and a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains before arriving in Fes.
Duration : 3 days / 3 night
Start : Marrakech
End : Fes
Min people : 1
Highlights
- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
- Exploration of the Valley of Roses and the Dades Valley landscapes
- Walk through the impressive Todra Gorge
- Camel trek across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes
- Sunset and sunrise experiences in the Sahara Desert
- Overnight stay in a desert camp with traditional music
- Drive through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains
- Stop in the cedar forests and alpine-style town of Ifrane
- End the journey in the historic city of Fes
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley
Your adventure begins in the morning with departure from Marrakech, heading east toward the High Atlas Mountains. The drive climbs steadily to the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, where panoramic mountain views and photo stops showcase some of the most impressive scenery in the country.
Descending from the mountains, you reach Ait Ben Haddou, a historic fortified village recognized by UNESCO. Famous for its traditional earthen architecture, this ksar has served as a filming location for many international productions. You’ll have time to explore its narrow pathways and admire the kasbahs rising above the riverbed.
The route continues to Ouarzazate, often associated with desert landscapes and cinema, where there is free time for lunch. In the afternoon, the journey passes through the palm groves of Skoura and continues along the Valley of Roses, a region known for its seasonal blooms and agricultural traditions. By evening, you arrive in the Dades Valley, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and winding roads, where dinner and an overnight stay await.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, the road follows the Dades Valley, offering viewpoints over rugged cliffs and striking geological formations. A short drive brings you to the Todra Gorge, where towering limestone walls rise sharply on either side of a narrow canyon. There is time to walk through the gorge and enjoy this impressive natural setting.
Continuing east, the landscape changes as you pass traditional villages and palm-filled oases such as Touroug and Tinjdad, with a stop along the way for lunch. In the afternoon, you reach Merzouga, located at the edge of the Sahara Desert.
Here, your desert experience begins. You travel by camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes, pausing atop a high dune to watch the sun set over the vast sea of sand. The evening is spent in a desert camp, featuring dinner, traditional music around the campfire, and a peaceful night beneath a star-filled sky. For those who prefer, transport to the camp by 4×4 vehicle can be arranged
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fes
An early start allows you to witness the sunrise over the dunes, one of the most memorable moments of the journey. After breakfast, you return from the desert by camel or vehicle and begin the drive north.
The route passes through Rissani, once an important trading center for desert caravans, and continues to Erfoud, a town known for its fossil-rich landscapes. From there, the road follows the Ziz Valley, where long stretches of palm groves line the river.
After a lunch stop in Midelt, the journey continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you stop in a cedar forest that is home to wild Barbary macaques, before visiting Ifrane, a town known for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets.
Arrival in Fes is expected in the late afternoon or early evening, where the tour concludes with drop-off at the airport or your chosen location.
Gallery
Included
- 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
Excluded
- International flights to and from Morocco
- Lunches and beverages, unless specified
- Entrance fees to certain monuments or optional activities
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for guides and drivers (at your discretion)
Map
Booking
Know before you go
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Long driving days: Expect 6–8+ hours on the road each day.
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Early departures: Starts early to cover distances and enjoy key sights.
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Varied landscapes: High Atlas Mountains, Aït Ben Haddou, Dades Valley, Todra Gorges, Sahara dunes.
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Camel trek included: Sunset (and often sunrise) ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
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Desert camp night: Traditional or luxury camp depending on booking.
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Weather contrast: Hot days, cold desert nights — layers are essential.
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What to pack: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, warm clothes, water, snacks.
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Meals: Breakfasts and some dinners included; lunches and drinks usually not.
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Cash needed: For lunches, drinks, tips, and small purchases.
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Fast-paced itinerary: Ideal for travelers with limited time.
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Photo opportunities: Bring camera/phone, extra battery or power bank.
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Basic comfort stops: Some roadside restaurants and facilities are simple.
Reviews
FAQ
How long is the drive each day?
Expect long drives of about 6–8+ hours per day, with scenic stops along the way.
What should I pack?
Comfortable shoes, warm layers for the desert night, sun protection, toiletries, water, snacks, and a power bank.
Is it suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, but keep in mind the long driving hours. Let the operator know in advance for adaptations.
Will it be cold in the desert?
Yes, desert nights can be cold, especially from October to Marc
Do I need cash?
Yes. Bring cash for lunches, drinks, tips, and personal purchases.
