The 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes takes you on an epic journey across Morocco’s diverse landscapes – from the High Atlas Mountains and UNESCO‑listed kasbahs to the golden dunes of the Sahara, ending in the imperial city of Fes. This one‑way route maximizes your adventure without backtracking.
You’ll begin by crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass to visit the legendary Ait Benhaddou, then travel through the Valley of Roses and the dramatic Dades Gorge. On day two, you’ll explore the towering Todra Gorge, visit the fossil capital of Erfoud, and ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a night under the stars in a traditional desert camp. Your final day takes you through the lush Ziz Valley, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas (where you’ll spot wild monkeys), and the charming Alpine town of Ifrane before arriving in Fes.
Your 3-day adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. We’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying breathtaking mountain views. Our main stop is the legendary kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
You’ll also have the chance to see the nearby film studios where movies like Gladiator and The Mummy were shot. After lunch in Ouarzazate, we continue to the oasis village of Skoura, then drive through the Valley of Roses to the dramatic Dades Gorge. You’ll spend the night in a hotel or riad in the Boumalne Dades area, with dinner included.
After breakfast, we head to the spectacular Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with towering limestone cliffs popular with climbers and photographers. We then pass through Tinghir – a Berber village whose name means “shoulder” in the local language – which served as a French military post during the colonial era.
After lunch at a local café, we continue to Erfoud, the capital of fossilized marble, where you can visit a stone workshop. From there, we cross rocky terrain to the Merzouga desert, where your camels await. Enjoy a camel ride across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun sets – perfect for photos.
Your camel guide will assist you along the way. After sunset, you’ll arrive at a desert camp for a night of traditional Berber music, dancing around the fire, and dinner under a sky full of stars.
Wake early to catch a stunning sunrise over the Sahara, then enjoy breakfast at the camp. You’ll ride your camel back to Merzouga, where your driver will be waiting. We then drive toward Fes, crossing the lush Ziz Valley near Errachidia – stop for a beautiful panoramic view. Next, we reach Midelt, a city famous for its apples and as a commercial and mining center.
After lunch, we continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests where you can watch wild monkeys living freely. We’ll also visit Ifrane, known as “Morocco’s Switzerland” – its name comes from the Amazigh word for “caves.” Ifrane was ranked the second cleanest city in the world in 2013 and was established by the French in 1929.
Be sure to see the famous stone lion statue in the city center. From Ifrane, we continue through small Berber towns to Fes, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your unforgettable 3-day desert tour.
Lunches and drinks Entrance fees to optional sites Tips for guides and drivers
