Fes To Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days - Details
Overview fes to marrakech desert tour 3 days
Begin an unforgettable 3-day desert journey from Fes to Marrakech, designed to showcase the rich diversity of Morocco’s landscapes and culture. This private tour connects the imperial cities of Fes and Marrakech, taking you deep into the heart of southern Morocco and the mesmerizing Sahara Desert.
Your adventure starts with a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane often dubbed the “Little Switzerland” of Morocco for its alpine-style architecture and pristine charm. Continue to the cedar forests of Azrou, where you may encounter the famed Barbary macaques playing among ancient trees.
As the journey unfolds, you’ll pass through traditional Berber villages and vast valleys, arriving in Merzouga at the edge of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. There, a sunset camel trek awaits, leading you to a luxurious desert camp nestled in the sands. Spend the evening under a canopy of stars, enjoying traditional music around a campfire and savoring an authentic Moroccan dinner.
On day two, travel through the striking Ziz Valley and visit Erfoud, a town known for its fascinating fossil workshops. Continue through the dramatic Todra Gorges before resting in a charming guesthouse in the Dades Valley, surrounded by spectacular rock formations.
The final leg of your tour takes you along the winding Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Explore the iconic, UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a cinematic treasure, and pass through Ouarzazate, Morocco’s Hollywood. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass and arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech, ending your 3-day Moroccan adventure with memories to last a lifetime
3 days tour from fes to marrakech info
🕒 Tour Length: 3 Days / 2 Nights
🚗 Departure Time: Around 8:00 AM
📍 Tour Begins In: Fes – the cultural heart of Morocco
🏁 Final Destination: Marrakech – the vibrant red city
Highlights of the 3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
- Scenic Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains
Pass through Ifrane (“Little Switzerland”) and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques. - Explore the Majestic Sahara Desert in Merzouga
Experience a camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. - Luxury Desert Camp Overnight Stay
Spend the night under the stars in a private tent with ensuite bathroom, delicious dinner, and traditional music by the campfire. - Visit the Breathtaking Todra Gorges & Dades Valley
Marvel at towering canyon walls and dramatic rock formations on your way to the Dades Valley. - Discover the Iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah (UNESCO Site)
Walk through Morocco’s most famous fortified village, featured in many Hollywood films. - Stop in Ouarzazate The “Hollywood of Africa”
See film studios and cinematic landscapes used in Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and more. - Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Enjoy panoramic views and winding roads before arriving in the vibrant city of Marrakech.
Why Choose a Private Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour (3 Days)?
A private 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech offers a level of comfort, flexibility, and authenticity that group tours simply can’t match. Here’s why it’s the preferred choice for many travelers:
- Tailored Experience:
With a private tour, the journey is all about you. Customize the pace, stops, photo breaks, and even your music playlist. Whether you’re a couple, family, or solo traveler, the experience is shaped around your interests. - Comfort & Convenience:
Travel in a private 4×4 or minivan with air conditioning, personal space, and your own local driver-guide no waiting on others or dealing with crowded vehicles. - Deeper Cultural Connection:
Your guide isn’t just a driver he’s your bridge to Moroccan culture. Ask questions, learn about traditions, and enjoy spontaneous moments that don’t happen on fixed itineraries. - Luxury in the Desert:
Spend the night in a private, well-equipped desert camp with ensuite facilities. No shared tents, no crowded dining just you, the dunes, and the stars. - Off-the-Beaten-Path Stops:
Visit lesser-known villages, markets, or viewpoints that group tours skip. With no rigid schedule, there’s time for genuine discovery.
In short: A private Fes to Marrakech desert tour transforms a scenic route into a personal, unforgettable Moroccan experience rich in beauty, stories, and soul.
fes to marrakech desert tour
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert
Your Fes to Marrakech desert tour begins with an early pickup from your hotel or the airport in Fes. The journey covers approximately 470 km and takes around 8 hours of total driving time, with scenic stops along the way.
The route heads south through Imouzzer to Ifrane (approx. 65 km | 1h 15min), known for its cool climate, snowy winters, and alpine-style homes often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco. From there, you’ll visit the cedar forest near Azrou (approx. 40 km | 45min), where wild Barbary macaques roam freely. Feel free to feed them and enjoy a walk among ancient cedar trees.
The journey continues to Midelt (approx. 130 km | 2h), a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, where you’ll stop for lunch. Afterward, drive through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt mountain pass and descend along the beautiful Ziz Valley, passing palm groves and fortified villages.
By late afternoon, you’ll reach the edge of the Sahara in Merzouga (approx. 230 km | 4h). There, you’ll switch to camels for a magical trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, stopping to watch a stunning sunset from a high dune. Arrive at your luxury desert camp in time to relax and enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, followed by drum music and dancing under a starlit sky. Overnight stay in a private tent.
Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Start your day early to witness the sunrise over the dunes of Merzouga a magical moment not to be missed. After breakfast, ride your camel back to the village (approx. 45 min camel ride), where your driver will be waiting to continue the journey.
Your first stop is Rissani (approx. 40 km | 45 min), a historic caravan town and former capital of Tafilalet. Explore its traditional souk, especially lively on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, offering a glimpse into authentic Moroccan market life.
Next, head to Erfoud (approx. 20 km | 20 min), famous for its fossilized marble workshops. Learn how ancient sea creatures have been preserved in stone and transformed into beautiful crafts.
Continue your journey through the lush palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad (approx. 90 km | 1h 30min), where you’ll see a stunning contrast between desert landscapes and green oasis life.
Arrive at the Todra Gorges (approx. 30 km | 30 min), where the Todra River has carved dramatic red limestone cliffs up to 300 meters high. Enjoy a walk through the gorge and marvel at its scale. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant nearby.
In the afternoon, travel toward the Dades Valley via Boumalne Dades (approx. 80 km | 1h 30min). Along the way, stop to admire the unusual “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and take in a panoramic view of the winding valley road.
Dinner and overnight stay will be at a comfortable hotel in the Dades Valley, surrounded by rugged cliffs and Berber villages.
Day 3: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast in the Dades Valley, the tour continues toward Kalaat M’gouna (approx. 55 km | 1 hour), famous for its fragrant Rose Valley. In May, the town hosts the annual Rose Festival, celebrating the harvest with traditional music, local crafts, and a variety of rose-based products like perfumes, oils, and cosmetics.
From there, travel through the Skoura palm groves (approx. 40 km | 45 min), a fertile oasis dotted with ancient kasbahs, before reaching Ouarzazate (approx. 40 km | 40 min), also known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Here, you can visit one of the famous film studios where blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones were filmed.
Next, visit the stunning Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (approx. 30 km | 30 min), a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural marvel made of earthen clay. Take time to explore the ancient alleys and hilltop views before continuing the journey.
Your adventure then leads you across the spectacular Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2,260 meters altitude) in the High Atlas Mountains (approx. 190 km | 4.5 hours to Marrakech, including stops). Along the way, enjoy breaks for lunch and photos of panoramic mountain landscapes, Berber villages, and colorful rock formations.
The tour concludes as you arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport bringing your unforgettable 3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour to an end.
3 days tour from fes to marrakech
Price includes
✅Private 4×4 or air-conditioned minibus.
✅Fuel included.
✅Driver speaks English or Spanish.
✅Hotel stay in Boumalne Dades.
✅Desert camp overnight.
✅Camel ride experience.
✅Breakfasts and dinners provided.
Price Does Not Include
❎Lunches & Drinks
Contact Us
Map of the tour Fes To Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days
Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days – Price
The price for the 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech typically ranges from €150 to €250 per person for a shared group tour, depending on the level of comfort and season. For private tours, the price starts from €350 per person and may increase depending on the number of travelers, accommodation class (standard or luxury), and custom inclusions like a luxury camp or upgraded 4×4 transport.
Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days – FAQ
1. What is the distance between Fes and Marrakech via Merzouga?
The total distance is approximately 530–560 km, usually spread across 3 days with scenic stops.
2. Is the tour suitable for children and older travelers?
Yes, the tour is generally safe and enjoyable for all ages. However, camel rides and long drives may be tiring for some.
3. What type of accommodation is included?
You’ll spend the first night in a hotel in the Dades or Todra Gorge area, and the second night in a desert camp in Merzouga (standard or luxury options available).
4. Is the camel ride included in the price?
Yes, a sunset camel trek to the desert camp is included.
5. Can I bring a suitcase?
It’s better to bring a small backpack or travel bag for the camel trek. Larger suitcases can be left with the driver.
6. What should I pack for the desert?
Comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket for cool nights. Closed shoes or sandals for sand are ideal.
7. Is there Wi-Fi or charging available in the desert camp?
Some luxury camps offer limited Wi-Fi and electricity, but expect a basic experience in standard camps.
8. What kind of vehicle is used for transport?
Transport is typically in a modern 4×4 SUV or comfortable minibus, depending on the group size.
9. Are vegetarian/vegan meals available?
Yes, just inform the operator in advance to accommodate dietary requirements.
10. Can I customize the itinerary or add extra nights?
Yes, private tours can be customized with additional stops, activities, or upgraded stays.