Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Start
Marrakech
End
Fes
Group Type
Private Tour
Pickup
Included
Guide
Local expert guide
Tour Overview
Travel from Marrakech to Fes on a private 3-day desert tour through the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, Todra Gorges and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. This journey combines scenic mountain roads, ancient kasbahs, Berber villages, a camel ride at sunset, a luxury Sahara desert camp, the Ziz Valley, cedar forests and the alpine-style town of Ifrane before arriving in Fes.
Tour Highlights
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou
Discover Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Africa
Pass through Kalaat M'Gouna, known as the City of Roses
Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorges with towering canyon walls
Enjoy a sunset camel ride across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes
Spend the night in a luxury Sahara desert camp under the stars
Experience Berber music and desert culture around the campfire
Enjoy panoramic views of the Ziz Valley
Spot Barbary macaques in the Cedar Forest
Visit Ifrane, known for its alpine atmosphere before reaching Fes
Detailed Itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Valley
Your 3-day desert tour begins with pickup from your riad, hotel or preferred meeting point in Marrakech. After leaving the city, travel through the High Atlas Mountains along the famous Tizi n'Tichka Pass, one of Morocco's most scenic mountain roads. The route offers impressive views of Berber villages, valleys and dramatic landscapes, with time for photo stops along the way. Continue to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its earthen architecture, ancient kasbahs and cinematic history. After exploring the village, continue toward Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Africa because of its film studios and desert landscapes. The journey continues through Kalaat M'Gouna, the City of Roses, before reaching the Dades Valley, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a comfortable hotel or riad.
323 km5h 30min on the road - 2
Day 2
Dades Valley - Todra Gorges - Tinjdad - Merzouga Sahara Desert
After breakfast in Dades Valley, continue your desert journey toward one of Morocco's most spectacular natural landscapes. Travel along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing palm groves, traditional Berber villages and rocky valleys before arriving at the Todra Gorges. Here, you will have time to walk between the high canyon walls and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the oasis. After the visit, continue toward Tinjdad or Touroug, where you can stop for lunch depending on the rhythm of the day. In the afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Your camels will be waiting to take you across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, while your luggage is transported separately to the camp. Once you arrive at the luxury desert camp, enjoy dinner, Berber music, drumming and a magical night under the stars.
253 km3h 45min on the road - 3
Day 3
Merzouga Desert - Ziz Valley - Cedar Forest - Ifrane - Fes
Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Sahara dunes, one of the most memorable moments of the journey. After breakfast at the camp, return from the dunes and begin the road toward Fes. Travel through the Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves, panoramic viewpoints and dramatic oasis landscapes. Continue across the Middle Atlas Mountains toward the Cedar Forest, where you may see Barbary macaques in their natural environment. On the way, stop in Ifrane, a clean and peaceful mountain town often described as the Switzerland of Morocco because of its alpine-style architecture and fresh climate. In the evening, arrive in Fes, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad. End of the 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
462 km7h 30min on the road
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Private comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional driver/guide
- Driver/guide available in English or another preferred language on request
- 2 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels, riads and desert camp
- Dinner and breakfast during the tour
- Camel ride experience in the Sahara Desert
- Overnight stay in a Merzouga luxury desert camp
- Berber music and evening atmosphere at the camp
- Sandboarding when available
- Flexible stops along the route
- All transportation-related costs
- All driver-related costs
Not Included
- Lunches and beverages
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Entrance tickets and monument fees
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
Gallery
Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour with your own vehicle and driver/guide. The itinerary can be adjusted depending on your preferences and travel rhythm.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Marrakech and ends in Fes, making it a great route for travelers who want to connect two major Moroccan cities through the Sahara Desert.
How long is the total distance?
The full route covers approximately 1038 km over 3 days and 2 nights.
Where do we sleep during the tour?
You will spend one night in the Dades Valley area and one night in a luxury desert camp near Merzouga.
Is the camel ride included?
Yes, the camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes is included as part of the Sahara desert experience.
Can I avoid the camel ride?
Yes, travelers who prefer not to ride camels can request alternative transport by 4x4 to the desert camp.
Are meals included?
Dinner and breakfast are included during the tour. Lunches and drinks are not included.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a warm layer for the desert night, a camera and a scarf for sand protection.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is suitable for families, couples, friends and small private groups.
What is the best time to take this tour?
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures, but the tour can be organized throughout the year.
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