3 Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes via the Merzouga Desert Dunes
Why Choose This 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
This 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes crosses Morocco from the Red City to the imperial city of Fes. On the way, you also sleep in the Dades Valley and in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi. So you see the High Atlas, the Sahara and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas in one trip.
Throughout the trip, you also travel privately with your own English-speaking driver-guide. As a result, you can stop for photos and short walks whenever you like. In addition, all meals are included.
Note, however, that this is a one-way tour. It ends at your riad in Fes. If you travel in the other direction, we also run the same trip in reverse, starting in Fes.
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights |
|---|---|
| Start | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| End | Your hotel or riad in Fes |
| Route | Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Kalaat M’Gouna – Dades – Todra – Erfoud – Merzouga – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes |
| Nights | 1 in a hotel in the Dades Valley, 1 in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner included |
| Price | From 355 € to 492 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 3 Day Desert Tour to Fes
- To begin with, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres.
- Then visit the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Afterwards, follow the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley.
- After that, walk between the high walls of the Todra Gorge.
- Later, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes and sleep in a desert camp.
- Then see the cedar forest of Azrou, home to Barbary macaques.
- Finally, stop in Ifrane before you reach Fes.
3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes: Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
To begin with, your driver picks you up at your riad in Marrakech at about 8:30. Then you cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Along the way, you also stop for photos of Berber villages.
Then your first visit is Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, films such as Gladiator made this earthen village famous. After lunch, you drive to Ouarzazate, where you can visit the Atlas Film Studios if you wish.
After that, you follow the road of the kasbahs to Kalaat M’Gouna, in the Valley of Roses. Finally, you reach your hotel in the Dades Valley for dinner.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga
Then, after breakfast at your hotel, you drive to Tinghir. There you walk into the Todra Gorge, where cliffs rise on both sides. Then you stop for lunch.
Later in the afternoon, you continue to Erfoud, a town known for its fossils. If you like, you can also visit a workshop where artisans polish fossil stone. After that, you reach Merzouga in the late afternoon.
Here a camel guide then leads you into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Then you share dinner at your desert camp. Finally, you listen to Berber drums and sleep in a private tent.
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes
If you wake early, climb a dune to watch the sunrise over Merzouga. After breakfast, you ride back and start the drive north. Soon you follow the palm groves of the Ziz Valley.
After that, you climb into the Middle Atlas and stop for lunch in Midelt. Then you drive through the cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques live. Afterwards, you pass Ifrane, a mountain town with an alpine style.
Finally, you reach Fes in the evening, and your driver drops you at your riad.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Ask your driver to stop at the Ziz Valley viewpoint, near the Tunnel of the Legionnaires, for the best palm grove photos. In addition, pack a warm layer, because the Middle Atlas can be cold in winter. Finally, book an extra night in Fes, because the medina deserves a full day.
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 Marrakech and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes
- One night in a hotel in the Dades Valley, with a private bathroom
- One night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, in a private tent with bathroom and shower
- 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
- Local guides and entrance fees
- 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 Marrakech at about 8:30.
- Drop-off: at your hotel or riad in Fes in the evening of Day 3.
- Long days: each day includes 6 to 8 hours on the road, 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 the Middle Atlas can see snow in winter.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
| Group size | Price per person | Total price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 travellers | 492 € | 984 € |
| 3 travellers | 415 € | 1,245 € |
| 4 travellers | 395 € | 1,580 € |
| 5 travellers | 375 € | 1,875 € |
| 6 travellers | 355 € | 2,130 € |
Prices are per person in euros, because every tour is private. For 7 or more travellers, also ask us for a group quote.
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Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes
FAQ About the 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes
What is the best time for the 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes?
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, snow can close the Middle Atlas roads for a few hours.
Do we visit Telouet on this tour?
No. On Day 1, you visit Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, but not Telouet. If you want Telouet, ask us to add it, or see our 3 day Erg Chigaga tour.
Where do we sleep on this tour?
On the first night, you sleep in a hotel in the Dades Valley. Then on the second night, you sleep in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, in a private tent with its own bathroom.
What will we see between Merzouga and Fes?
Initially, you follow the Ziz Valley and its palm groves. Then you cross the Middle Atlas through Midelt, Azrou and Ifrane. Near Azrou, you may see Barbary macaques in the cedar forest.
Is there Wi-Fi at the desert camp?
In some camps, Wi-Fi is also available in the main tent, but it is often slow. However, you can charge your phone at the camp. So enjoy a night offline under the stars.
What can we do in Merzouga?
In Merzouga, you ride a camel, try sandboarding and watch the stars. In the evening, you also enjoy Berber music around the fire.
What should I pack for the desert?
Above all, pack light clothes for the day and warm layers for the night. Also bring sunglasses, a hat and a small backpack. See our guide on what to wear in the Sahara.
Is the 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes 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.
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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
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