If you are in search of the best desert tours in Morocco from Marrakech to Fes, then the top choice is this 3-day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour via the Merzouga Desert. In just three incredible days, you can experience everything from passing through the High Atlas Mountains, traveling through spectacular gorges and oasis valleys, going through the dunes of Erg Chebbi riding a camel, and finally sleeping under the stars in some of the clearest skies in the world. This route has proven itself to be the most preferred for people looking to experience the Sahara Desert in comfort and in a short time.
Whether you want a budget-friendly Morocco desert tour in a group or a luxury one with a private vehicle and luxury camping, this 3-day itinerary can be customized to suit your vacation style while still covering all the must-see places.
The first part of your three-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes will include pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech at around 8:00. Your route will take you through the High Atlas Mountains. There will be some stops along the way to help you appreciate the beauty of the surroundings and take some pictures. Crossing the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass will follow. This pass rises to about 2,260 meters above sea level. You will have the chance to see breathtaking sights of mountains, valleys, and Berber villages.
The first major sightseeing will be at Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. It is situated less than 30 kilometers away from Ouarzazate. The village is known as one of the most significant sights in southern Morocco. Traditional earthen houses were built in the village several centuries ago. In addition, the village has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon visiting the village, you will visit the town of Ouarzazate. It is often referred to as the Hollywood of Africa owing to its film studios and cinematographic scenery. The next destination will be Kalaat M’Gouna, also known as the Rose City. The reason is that it is well known for its scented rose blooms and products. Finally, you will reach the Dades Valley. Having dinner, you will spend the night in a local hotel or riad.
On day two of this Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes. After breakfast, we will go on an adventure to the Todra Gorges, where numerous rock climbers come to engage in their favorite activity. After a hike through the Todra Gorges, we continue your journey along the ancient Bedouin trade routes that run parallel to the Middle Atlas, passing through several fortified communities with breathtaking pre-Saharan architecture.
The magnificent dunes of Merzouga mark the beginning of the vast Sahara Desert, where you leave the car and ride a camel for an hour and a half into the Erg Chebbi dunes to a Sahara desert camp, where you will watch the sunset and sleep in a luxury tent under the starlight. Gather around the fire after dinner to appreciate the desert night while listening to traditional Berber drumming.
The last day of your Morocco desert tour will start early in the morning with a sunrise over the Erg Chebbi desert, as it is bathed in orange and gold. You will then have a wholesome breakfast at the camp before you start traveling across to Fes; you will pass through Erfoud as well as the picturesque Ziz valley.
The journey will be accompanied by stunning views of the natural scenery; in addition to the vast desert with its date-bearing palm trees in the Ziz valley, a range of scenery may be experienced with changes into barren lands. High mountains will eventually greet you where the landscape will change to roads curving between cedar woods.
A break may be taken close to Azrou in order to have a good look at the wild Barbary apes if available in the area. The final point along the road shall be reached as the city of Ifrane comes into view, the “Switzerland of Morocco” is built with characteristic Alpine style architecture and is a beautiful mountain town to break from the traditional surroundings.
The final destination, Fes, will finally be reached in the evening, when you shall be dropped off at your hotel/riad, where the 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes ends.
The cost of this private desert tour from Marrakech to Fes for three days varies depending on the travel dates, number of passengers, and accommodation type, standard or luxurious. The tour will be conducted using your private transport with a professional driver-guide. This tour package offers transport, accommodation, a meal plan, camel treks, and a Sahara Desert camp. Send us your travel dates and number of passengers for a customized quote.
The cost of joining this 3-day group Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes starts from €170 per person for a group size of 8 to 17 people. The final quotation depends on the number of participants traveling in the car, the type of accommodations you choose, and the dates you prefer to travel. In the group tour, you share transportation with other participants but have private accommodation in a hotel and a desert tent, with camel riding, 2 dinners, and 2 breakfasts.
A private room will be provided at the comfortable Riad Gabsi Du Dades in the Dades Valley or at a similar hotel. After dinner, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Breakfast will be served the following morning before the journey continues.
Spend the night at Aiour Luxury Camp in the Merzouga desert, or at a similar luxury desert camp. Relax in your private tent after the camel trek, enjoy dinner beneath the stars, and experience traditional Berber music around the campfire. Breakfast will be served the following morning before continuing the journey.
The hotel and camp listed below are examples of the accommodation we commonly arrange for this 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
Yes, private Marrakech to Fes desert tour packages are offered. The tour is in a private vehicle with a driver-guide. Accommodation, 2 dinners & 2 breakfasts, a camel trek, and a Sahara desert camp are included.
There is also a shared group option available from 170 per person. That option includes shared transportation, but private hotel rooms and desert tents.
Yes. This is the perfect tour for those who wish to experience the desert of Morocco without undertaking a longer journey. You will visit Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley, the Todra Gorge, and the Merzouga Desert. It is a very hectic itinerary, but there are many stops made for photos, food, and still arrive comfortably in Fes without feeling rushed..
Sure, this Morocco desert tour could also be done in reverse order: from Fes to Marrakech. The trip begins with a pickup at your preferred location in Fes. Next, you will drive through Ifrane, the Middle Atlas Mountains, and the Ziz Valley, and finally, you will arrive in the Sahara, Merzouga.
After taking a camel ride and spending the night in a desert camp, the adventures will continue through Todra Gorge and overnight in Dades Valley. Then, Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou will be visited before crossing the High Atlas Mountains and getting to Marrakech.
Pickup normally occurs early in the morning. This will depend on your place of stay, season, and the rising of the sun. Your exact time of pickup will be provided before your trip.
Yes. A 4×4 transfer is included for travelers who prefer not to ride. This option is also recommended for very young children, older travelers, or anyone with back or mobility problems.
No. Quad biking is not included in the tour price. We can arrange it as an optional activity in Merzouga for an additional charge, subject to availability.
No. Lunches are excluded from the tour price. Our driver will recommend suitable restaurants along the route, where you can select and pay for your preferred meal.
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, personal toiletries and warm clothing. Temperatures can fall considerably in the desert at night, especially during winter.
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when they are communicated in advance. Please provide details about allergies or special meals when you make your booking.
The Moroccan dirham is the most convenient currency for lunches, drinks and personal purchases. Euros may be accepted in some tourist areas, but they are not accepted everywhere.
Yes. Extra nights in Marrakech, the Dades Valley or the desert can be arranged, subject to availability and additional cost. Please request any additional accommodation before your booking is confirmed.
Give us your travel dates and number of people traveling and our travel team will do the needful for you. We will respond to you within 24 hours with all the travel details and booking details. After confirming everything, a deposit will confirm your booking.
Experience travel between Marrakech and Fes via the High Atlas Mountains, old kasbahs, and the Sahara Desert of Morocco. Go on a camel ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi and enjoy the magical sunset in the desert. Make an inquiry with us to confirm availability for this 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
