This 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes connects two of Morocco’s most famous imperial cities through the Sahara Desert. The route takes you across the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, Merzouga, Ziz Valley, the Middle Atlas, and Ifrane before arriving in Fes.
The tour is private and includes comfortable transport with a local driver, selected accommodation, one night in a Merzouga desert camp, camel ride, scenic stops, and time to enjoy the main highlights along the route.
| Starting city | Marrakech |
| Ending city | Fes |
| Duration | 3 days and 2 nights |
| Main desert area | Merzouga and Erg Chebbi dunes |
| Tour type | Private tour with local driver |
| Best for | Travelers who want to go from Marrakech to Fes through the Sahara Desert |
Your 3-day desert adventure from Marrakech to Fes kicks off with a pick-up from your hotel or riad. We journey south, ascending the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260m), pausing for breathtaking views along the way.
Our first major stop is the magnificent Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah renowned for its stunning earthen clay architecture. Explore this iconic fortified village, a famed backdrop for epic films like ‘Gladiator’ and ‘The Mummy’.
Following lunch in the Ouarzazate area, our route winds through the lush Skoura Oasis and onward via the fragrant Valley of Roses (celebrated for its damask blooms in spring) towards the dramatic Dades Gorge, often dubbed the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Here, settle into your hotel/riad for dinner and a restful overnight stay, concluding the first day of your Marrakech to Fes desert tour.
After breakfast, depart the Dades Valley for another day of incredible Moroccan scenery. Our journey leads us towards Tinghir, a town rich in Berber heritage, and onto the impressive Todra Gorge. Marvel at the towering limestone cliffs, carved by the Todra River, creating a dramatic canyon perfect for a short, scenic walk to admire its natural beauty.
After lunch at a local café, we journey towards Erfoud, known as the “capital of fossils.” Here, you’ll have an opportunity to visit a local workshop and see how ancient marine fossils are expertly processed. From Erfoud, the landscape transforms as we drive across stony desert plains towards the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi sand dunes near Merzouga.
Your camels await for a memorable trek into the heart of the golden dunes. Pause to witness a spectacular desert sunset, capturing its breathtaking beauty. Your camel guide will lead you to your traditional Berber desert camp nestled amongst the dunes. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious dinner served under a vast canopy of stars, accompanied by Berber music and drumming around a campfire, before retiring to your comfortable nomad-style tent. This concludes your second incredible day on the 3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour.
Wake early to witness the magical desert sunrise painting the Erg Chebbi dunes with vibrant colours – a truly unforgettable spectacle. After breakfast at the camp, ride your camel back to the dunes’ edge to meet your driver and commence the final leg of your journey towards Fes.
We drive north, traversing the vast Tafilalt palm grove and following the scenic Ziz Valley, characterized by its deep gorge and sprawling palm oasis. We’ll pause for panoramic views near Errachidia. Our journey continues to Midelt, nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains and famed for its apple orchards and mineral mining, where we’ll stop for lunch.
After lunch, cross the Middle Atlas, travelling through fragrant cedar forests near Azrou. Here, we’ll stop to observe playful Barbary macaque monkeys in their natural habitat. Next, visit Ifrane, often dubbed “Morocco’s Little Switzerland” for its alpine-style architecture, cleanliness, and cool climate. Built by the French in the 1930s, this popular mountain resort offers a brief stop, perhaps to see its iconic stone lion statue.
Leaving Ifrane, continue through rolling hills and fertile agricultural plains before arriving in the historic city of Fes by late afternoon or early evening. Your driver will ensure a comfortable drop-off at your designated hotel or riad, marking the end of your memorable 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
First Night in Dades Hotel
Second Night in the Desert Camp
| Tour price | The price depends on the number of travelers, accommodation style, season, and final travel details. |
| Tour type | Private 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes with your own driver and vehicle. |
| Accommodation options | Standard, comfortable, or upgraded accommodation options can be arranged depending on your preference. |
| Best way to confirm | Send us your travel date, number of travelers, and pick-up location, and we will send you the exact price. |
| Payment | A small deposit may be required to confirm the booking. The remaining balance can be paid according to the details confirmed with our team. |
✔ Pick-up & drop-off service
✔ Private transport (4×4 or minivan) with A/C
✔ English- & French-speaking driver/guide
✔ Camel trek in Merzouga (1 camel per person)
✔ Accommodation with breakfast & dinner during the trip
✔ Stops for photos or breaks anytime — just ask the driver
✖ Lunches & drinks (the driver will recommend good restaurants along the way)
✖ Entrance fees (Ait Ben Haddou, film studios, monuments, etc.)
✖ Tips for guides & drivers (optional)
✖ Flight tickets
| Summer | Wear light clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. The desert can be very hot during the day, especially from June to September. |
| Winter | Bring warm clothes, a jacket, long trousers, comfortable shoes, and layers for the evening. Desert nights can be cold from November to February. |
| Spring and autumn | Wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, sunglasses, and bring a light jacket for the evening. These seasons are usually comfortable for desert travel. |
| Camel ride | Wear comfortable trousers or long clothes, closed shoes, and a scarf or hat to protect yourself from sun, wind, and sand. |
| Small bag | Bring a small overnight bag for the desert camp with only what you need for the night. Your main luggage can stay safely with the driver or vehicle. |
Morocco Inclusive Holidays can customize this 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes based on your travel date, accommodation style, group size, and travel preferences.
We can adjust the pick-up time, upgrade the desert camp, add extra stops, include more time in Merzouga, or help you choose a slower route if you prefer more comfort.
Contact us and we will help you plan a private Morocco desert trip that matches your travel plan.
Yes, this is a private tour. You will travel with your own driver and vehicle, without sharing the tour with other travelers.
Yes, your driver can pick you up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. If your riad is inside the medina and not accessible by vehicle, we will arrange the closest meeting point.
Yes, the camel ride in Merzouga is included. If you prefer not to ride camels, we can arrange a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp.
The tour ends with drop-off at your hotel, riad, or preferred location in Fes.
Yes, this route is a good option if you want to continue your trip in Fes instead of driving back to Marrakech. It also lets you see the Ziz Valley, Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forest area, and Ifrane on the way.
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