3 Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech via the Merzouga Desert
Why Choose This 3 Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech
This 3 day tour from Fes to Marrakech crosses Morocco from the imperial city of Fes to the Red City through the Sahara. On the way, you also sleep in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi and in the Dades Valley. So you see cedar forests, high dunes, gorges and kasbahs in one trip.
Throughout the trip, you also travel privately with your own English-speaking driver-guide. As a result, you choose when to stop for photos, tea or a short walk. In addition, all meals are included.
Note, however, that this is a one-way tour that ends in Marrakech. If you prefer a slower pace, see our 4 day desert tour from Fes.
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights |
|---|---|
| Start | Your hotel or riad in Fes |
| End | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Route | Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga – Todra – Dades – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakech |
| Nights | 1 in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, 1 in a guesthouse in the Dades Valley |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner included |
| Price | From 360 € to 492 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 3 Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech
- To begin with, see Ifrane and the Barbary macaques in the cedar forest near Azrou.
- Then follow the palm groves of the Ziz Valley to Erfoud.
- Afterwards, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
- Later, enjoy dinner, Berber drums and a night in a private tent.
- After that, walk in the Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley.
- Also visit Kasbah Amridil, Ait Ben Haddou and the Glaoui kasbah of Telouet.
- Finally, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Marrakech.
3 Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech: Itinerary
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga
To begin with, your driver picks you up at your riad in Fes at about 8:30. Soon you reach Ifrane, a mountain town with sloping roofs built for the winter snow. Then you drive through the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques live.
After that, you stop for lunch in Midelt, at the foot of Jbel Ayachi. Later, the road follows the palm groves of the Ziz Valley to Errachidia and Erfoud. In Erfoud, you can also visit a workshop where artisans polish fossil stone.
In the late afternoon, a camel guide leads you into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Meanwhile, dinner is waiting at your desert camp. Finally, you sleep in a private tent under the stars.
Day 2: Merzouga – Tinjdad – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
If you wake early, climb a dune to watch the sunrise over Merzouga. Then you ride back by camel and have breakfast. After that, you drive west towards the gorges.
Near Tinjdad, you also see lines of sand mounds by the road. In fact, they mark the khettaras, old underground channels that carry water without losing it to the heat. Later, you reach the Todra Gorge for lunch and a short walk between its high walls.
In the afternoon, you continue to the Dades Valley, with its red rocks and kasbahs. Finally, you spend the night in a guesthouse with a view of the valley.
Day 3: Dades – Skoura – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakech
Then, after breakfast, you drive through the Valley of Roses, where you can also visit a rose cooperative in Kalaat M’Gouna. Soon you stop at Kasbah Amridil in the Skoura oasis, a restored earthen kasbah with a small museum.
Later, after lunch in Ouarzazate, you visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, you follow the Ounila Valley to Telouet, the old palace of the Glaoui family.
Finally, you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass and reach your riad in Marrakech in the evening.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Day 1 is the longest drive, so take a warm layer for the Middle Atlas, where it can snow in winter. In addition, keep a small bag for the camp, because your suitcase stays in the vehicle. Finally, ask your driver to stop at the Ziz Valley viewpoint for the best palm grove photos.
Photo Gallery
What Is Included
- Included
- Private air-conditioned van or 4x4, so you travel in comfort
- English-speaking driver-guide for the three days
- Pickup in Fes and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- One night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, in a private tent with bathroom and shower
- One night in a guesthouse in the Dades Valley, with a private bathroom
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with vegetarian and vegan options
- Camel ride with a guide, about two hours in total
- Free sandboarding if you wish
- Berber drumming and music at the camp
- Tea and coffee at the camp
- Not included
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal extras, such as souvenirs
Good to Know Before You Book
- Pickup: we also collect you from your hotel or riad in Fes at about 8:30.
- Drop-off: at your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the evening of Day 3.
- Long days: Day 1 and Day 3 take about 9 hours, although your driver plans regular stops.
- Luggage: take a small bag to the camp, while large suitcases stay in the vehicle.
- Camp: you sleep in a private tent, which also has its own bathroom and shower.
- Best time: spring and autumn are the most pleasant, while winter nights are cold.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 3 Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech
| Group size | Price per person | Total price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 travellers | 492 € | 984 € |
| 3 travellers | 425 € | 1,275 € |
| 4 travellers | 395 € | 1,580 € |
| 5 travellers | 375 € | 1,875 € |
| 6 travellers | 360 € | 2,160 € |
Prices are per person in euros, because every tour is private. For 7 or more travellers, also ask us for a group quote.
Ready to plan your private Morocco tour?
Send us your dates and group size, and we will reply with a free quote. Of course, you can also ask us any question before you book.
Tell us your travel dates and group size.
Then we send you a free, tailored quote.
- Free, no-obligation quote
- 100% private tour with your own driver
- Itinerary adjusted to your dates
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google Privacy Policy and Terms apply.
Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
FAQ About the 3 Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech
What is the best time for the 3 day tour from Fes to Marrakech?
In general, the best months are March to May and September to November. At that time, days are warm and nights are cool. In winter, however, the desert nights are cold and the Middle Atlas can see snow.
Is the 3 day tour from Fes to Marrakech good for children?
Yes, families enjoy it. In fact, children love the camel ride and the dunes. Still, the drives are long, so bring snacks and games for the car.
What should I pack for the desert?
Above all, pack light clothes for the day and a warm layer for the night. Also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and good shoes. See our guide on what to wear in the Sahara.
Is there phone signal during the tour?
In towns, the signal is usually good. In the desert, however, it can be weak. So enjoy the chance to disconnect for one night.
Can I charge my phone at the camp?
Yes. In most camps, you can charge your phone in the main tent. However, power may be switched off late at night, so a power bank is useful.
Can I bring my luggage?
Yes. Large suitcases stay safely in the vehicle while you sleep at the camp. So pack a small backpack with what you need for the night.
What should I wear for the camel ride?
Above all, wear long, comfortable trousers and closed shoes. Also bring a hat and sunglasses against the sun and the wind.
Is the 3 day tour from Fes to Marrakech private?
Yes. In fact, only your group travels with your driver-guide. Therefore, you can change the pace or add a night. To book, fill in the form or message us on WhatsApp.
Similar Tours
TripAdvisor Reviews
★★★★★
Amazing tour guide
I would like to share our experience and give feedback on the trip taken by us. We really enjoyed the trip with Mr. Mohammad, he really took very good care of us during the entire trip. He was very cordial, warm, and respectful during the entire journey…
— Tehseen A
★★★★★
Fantastic trip
Fantastic trip, Mohammed is an excellent guide, great person as well. He looked after our group of 5 people. He tailored the trip to our interests. We had lots of interesting stops and stayed in great places. He also made sure we were always safe and comfortable….
— Peter H
★★★★★
Private tour around Morocco
Absolutely fantastic! Great vista and wonderful people! Ate authentic Moroccan meals with local families. Experienced next level hospitality with some fantastic locals. Hit the highlights from the tree climbing and jumping goats, to shopping in the Marrakech ..
— Spring rabiea
★★★★★
Morrocos stays in the heart
Morocco leaves an indelible mark on our souls and hearts! With its captivating scents, flavors, and natural wonders, it enchants us effortlessly! And who better than Mohammed to lead and guide us through these paradisiacal destinations! Choukran..
— Quest60915749423
Read more reviews on Tripadvisor.