3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes

Your journey begins with an early departure from Marrakech, venturing into the High Atlas Mountains along the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. As you ascend, the scenery transforms from bustling city streets to panoramic views of valleys, terraced farms, and traditional Berber villages clinging to the hillsides. The first major stop is the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. Stroll through its narrow alleys and learn about its history as a key stop for ancient caravan traders and a backdrop for famous films. After lunch, continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert” and home to the Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Film Studios. The drive then leads through the lush Skoura Oasis and the fragrant Valley of Roses before reaching the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy dinner and your first overnight stay in a charming hotel or riad, surrounded by towering red cliffs and unique rock formations.

After breakfast, the road takes you deeper into the heart of the Dades Valley, famous for its winding canyons and striking geological formations. Continue to the Todra Gorge, where sheer limestone cliffs rise dramatically above a crystal-clear river, creating one of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural sights. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the gorge, soaking up the fresh mountain air and the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, the scenery begins to shift from rugged mountains to the golden sands of the Sahara. Passing through Erfoud and Rissani, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to Erg Chebbi. Here, a camel caravan awaits to carry you across the rolling dunes to your desert camp. As the sun sets, the dunes come alive with warm hues of gold and orange, offering a magical backdrop for photographs. The evening continues with a traditional dinner under the stars, followed by Berber music around a crackling campfire, before you retreat to your private tent in the stillness of the desert night.

The day begins before dawn, as you rise to witness the sunrise over the Sahara—a peaceful moment where the desert’s vastness glows in the first light of day. After breakfast, ride your camel or 4x4 back to Merzouga, where your northbound journey begins. The route passes through the picturesque Ziz Valley, where palm groves and ancient ksars dot the landscape. Traveling through Midelt, you’ll be surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Middle Atlas Mountains before entering the lush cedar forests near Azrou. Keep an eye out for the friendly Barbary macaques that call this area home. The journey continues through Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-style architecture and clean streets. By evening, you’ll arrive in Fes, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation—carrying with you the memories of a three-day adventure that has taken you from Marrakech’s lively medina to the quiet majesty of the Sahara and the cultural heart of Morocco.