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3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga
Book this private 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes with Morocco Experience Tours. You cross the High Atlas, visit Ait Ben Haddou, sleep in the Dades Valley and in a luxury camp in the Sahara, and arrive in Fes through the Middle Atlas, without ever driving the same road twice.
3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes Overview
This 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes is the classic way to cross Morocco. First, you follow the kasbah road over the High Atlas to the Dades Valley. Next, you walk through Todra Gorge and ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a night in a desert camp. Finally, you continue north through the Ziz Valley, the Middle Atlas and the cedar forest to Fes.
It is a one-way route, so you see the south and the north of the country without backtracking. You travel in your own air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver, and you stop wherever you want for photos.
Why Choose This Route
One way to Fes: no backtracking, and you see both the south and the Middle Atlas.
The highest dunes: Erg Chebbi, the most impressive dunes in Morocco.
Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge: the best of the kasbah road in one trip.
Private and flexible: your own vehicle, driver and pace.
- Highlights :
- Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Explore the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
- See the monkey fingers rocks of the Dades Valley
- Walk through Todra Gorge
- Ride a camel at sunset into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Sleep in a desert camp under the stars
- Cross the Middle Atlas and the cedar forest to Fes
- Included :
- Private A/C vehicle (4x4 or minivan) + fuel for the whole tour
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
- 1 night in a riad in Boumalne Dades
- 1 night in a luxury desert camp with private bathroom
- Dinner and breakfast each night
- Sunset camel ride and sunrise return, or 4x4 transfer
- Excluded :
- Lunches and drinks
- Optional local city guides
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips for drivers and guides
- Travel insurance
3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes: Day by Day
Day 1: Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and the Dades Valley
Your driver meets you at your riad or hotel in Marrakech in the morning. First, you climb into the High Atlas and cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 meters, with photo stops over terraced valleys and Berber villages. Next, you explore the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, crossing the river and climbing to the old granary for the classic view. After lunch, you pass Ouarzazate, the Skoura palm grove and the Rose Valley, where cooperatives sell rose water all year. You reach your hotel in the Dades Valley for dinner. About 7 hours of driving.
Day 2: Todra Gorge and the Merzouga Desert Camp
After breakfast, you drive to Tinghir and walk along the river in Todra Gorge, where limestone cliffs rise about 300 meters on both sides. Then, you continue east through the palm groves of Tinjdad and the town of Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops. In the late afternoon, you reach the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. You leave your main luggage in the vehicle and ride a camel for about an hour to your camp, stopping on a dune to watch the sunset. Dinner, Berber drums around the fire and a sky full of stars end the day. About 4.5 hours of driving.
Day 3: Rissani, the Ziz Valley, Midelt, the Cedar Forest and Fes
After breakfast, you visit Rissani, an old caravan town whose souk is busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Then, you follow the Ziz Valley north, where thousands of date palms fill the canyon, with a panoramic stop above the oasis. After lunch in Midelt, you cross the Tizi n’Talghemt pass at 1,907 meters and the cedar forest of Azrou, where wild Barbary macaques live; watch them from a distance and do not feed them. Finally, you pass Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, and reach your riad in Fes by early evening. About 8 hours of driving.
Know Before You Go: 3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
Departure: your riad or hotel in Marrakech, early in the morning.
Arrival: your riad or hotel in Fes, in the early evening.
Meals: dinner and breakfast each night. Lunches are not included.
What to bring: a small overnight bag for the camp, warm layers for the night, sunglasses and a scarf.
Driving: about 7 hours on day 1, 4.5 hours on day 2 and 8 hours on day 3, plus stops.
- Customize Your Morocco Trip
This 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes can be adapted to your pace. For example, you can add a full day in the desert with our 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, upgrade your camp or add a guided day in Fes. Just tell us your preferences.
Get your price within a few hours
Free quote, no commitment. Tell us your dates and number of travelers and we will reply with the price of this tour.
- Map :
Tour route (9 stops)
Exclusive Ledger
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- Ready to Discover Morocco Your Way?
At Morocco Experience Tours, we create personalized Morocco tours and private travel experiences designed around you. Customize your itinerary, choose your hotels, add extra nights, or discover new destinations. Let our local experts create your perfect Morocco vacation and enjoy an unforgettable journey through Morocco.
- Have a Question?
Our Morocco travel specialists are here to help you plan the perfect custom Morocco tour. Contact Morocco Experience Tours on WhatsApp for expert advice and personalized travel assistance.
3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes FAQ
How many hours do you drive each day?
Day 1 is about 7 hours, day 2 about 4.5 hours and day 3 about 8 hours, plus stops.
Can I end the tour in Marrakech?
Yes. Our 3-day Merzouga desert tour from Marrakech returns to Marrakech instead of ending in Fes.
Is this tour private?
Yes. You travel only with your group, in your own vehicle with your driver.
Do I have to ride a camel?
No. A 4x4 transfer to and from the camp is available. Tell your driver which option you prefer.
How cold is the Sahara at night?
From November to February, nights can be around 0 to 5 °C. Bring a warm layer.
What is the route of the Marrakech to Fes desert tour 3 days?
The route goes through Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Boumalne Dadès → Tinghir → Erfoud → Merzouga → Midelt → Ifrane → ma. You can open the full route on Google Maps. Want a different route? Build your own with our custom Morocco tours.
What should I pack and know before the trip?
Bring layers, comfortable shoes and a warm jacket for the evening. See our list of what to pack for the Morocco desert and the official Visit Morocco travel information. To plan another route, read how a private driver in Morocco works.
Before you go, read what to pack for the Morocco desert, compare Merzouga vs Zagora, read our 3 day tour from Marrakech guide or see all our tours from Marrakech.
