3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes

This 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes is one of Morocco’s most popular journeys. It combines the beauty of the High Atlas Mountains, the charm of ancient kasbahs, and the magic of the Merzouga Desert. Travel through spectacular landscapes and traditional Berber villages. Walk through dramatic gorges and enjoy a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Spend a night in the Sahara under a sky full of stars. Continue north through the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains toward Fes. This tour is the perfect way to experience Morocco’s diverse regions. Enjoy the best of the southern desert before arriving in the cultural capital of the country.

Highlights 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes

Cross the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore Ouarzazate and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
Discover Todgha Gorge and Dades Valley
Ride camels across Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
Overnight in a Sahara desert camp with Berber music
Scenic drive through Ziz Valley, cedar forests, and the Middle Atlas
End the tour in the historic city of Fes

Itinerary 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Depart early from Marrakech and begin your adventure through the High Atlas Mountains. The region is known for dramatic scenery, terraced farmlands, and small Berber villages clinging to the hillsides. Ascend the winding curves of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in Morocco. Enjoy countless panoramic views of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and traditional stone houses. Your first major stop is the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the ancient alleys of the ksar and learn about its history. Discover how this remarkable village became the backdrop for world-famous movies and series.

After exploring, continue your journey toward Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” where desert landscapes, film studios, and impressive kasbahs blend together to create a unique mix of culture and cinema. The route then leads you through the palm groves of the Skoura Oasis, home to historic kasbahs hidden among lush greenery, and continues toward the fragrant Rose Valley, famous for its rose fields and local cooperatives producing traditional rosewater. As evening approaches, you enter the beautiful Dades Valley, a region known for its dramatic red cliffs, unique rock formations, and winding roads carved by nature. End your day with a delicious traditional dinner and spend the night in a charming guesthouse nestled between the towering walls of the Dades Gorge, surrounded by tranquility and breathtaking views.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todgha Gorge – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, your journey continues deeper into the landscapes of southern Morocco as you make your way toward the magnificent Todgha Gorge, one of the country’s most impressive natural wonders. This spectacular canyon features towering limestone cliffs that rise nearly 300 meters on each side, creating a breathtaking corridor shaped over thousands of years by the Todgha River. Take your time strolling along the riverbed, admiring the sheer rock walls glowing in warm shades of orange and red, and capturing photos of this extraordinary geological masterpiece. After exploring the gorge, the road leads you through the lush palm groves and traditional villages of Tinghir, then onward through the desert towns of Tinjdad and Erfoud, a region famous for its ancient fossils, date markets, and connection to the pre-Saharan culture.

As you leave Erfoud, the scenery begins to change dramatically flat plains give way to rolling sand hills, and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi start to appear on the horizon like a shimmering desert ocean. Upon arriving in Merzouga, you will meet your camel caravan and begin an unforgettable trek through the dunes just as the sun begins to set, painting the sky with warm colors and creating magical shadows across the sand. Your camel ride concludes at your traditional Sahara desert camp, where you will be welcomed with fresh mint tea and Moroccan hospitality. As night falls, enjoy a delicious Berber dinner prepared with local flavors and gather around the campfire for an evening of drumming, music, and stargazing beneath one of the clearest skies in the world—a truly enchanting desert experience.

Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, one of the most magical moments of the tour. After breakfast, ride camels or take a 4×4 back to the village to meet your driver and start the journey north toward Fes. Pass through the Ziz Valley, known for its long palm groves and impressive canyon views, then continue to Midelt for lunch. In the afternoon, travel through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where you may see wild monkeys, and continue through Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture. Arrive in Fes in the evening with drop-off at your riad or hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable 3-day Sahara adventure.