Experience the ultimate 3-day Fes to Marrakech luxury desert tour. Journey through Morocco's stunning landscapes from the imperial city of Fes, across the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, into the magical Erg Chebbi dunes with camel trekking, and ending in vibrant Marrakech. This private tour combines adventure, culture, and luxury camping in the Sahara Desert.
This tour encompasses a stunning 3-day journey from Fes to Marrakech through Morocco's most scenic and picturesque terrain. In this 3-day tour you will pass through some of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Morocco—Fes and Marrakech! This tour is a private or small-group Fes to Marrakech desert tour that allows you to go deep into the Sahara Desert while enjoying beautiful scenery along the way. You'll travel approximately 1030 km down one of the most beautiful routes in southern Morocco, passing through the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, giving you an opportunity to experience Berber culture and the lifestyle of the Sahara desert.
During your 3-day Fes to Marrakech tour, you will have many incredible experiences to look forward to, including camel trekking across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, sleeping under the stars in a luxurious desert camp (private ensuite tents!), and seeing the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou. Whether you're looking for adrenaline, culture, or just a peaceful and serene place to relax, this tour provides an amazing opportunity to experience Morocco in a way like no other.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Route | Fes → Merzouga Desert → Dades Valley → Marrakech |
| Duration | 3 Days / 2 Nights |
| Accommodation | 1 Night Luxury Desert Camp (Private Ensuite Tent); 1 Night Hotel/Riad in Dades Valley (Private Ensuite Room) |
| Key Activities | Camel Trekking, Sandboarding (Optional), Exploring UNESCO Sites |
| Typical Start Time | Around 8:30 AM (or 7:00 AM/8:00 AM depending on season) |
The 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech has been expertly prepared to display the remarkable variety of Morocco, ranging from snowy alpine forests to unwinding deserts. Each second of your Fes-Marrakech Sahara Tour is planned to create countless unforgettable experiences:
You will be collected from your hotel around 8:30 am by your tour guide to begin your tour from the Fez desert to Marrakech. After leaving the historic Medina of Fez, we will quickly find ourselves in the Middle Atlas Mountains, where the scenery will change dramatically. The first stop will be Ifrane, which is widely regarded as Morocco's cleanest and most 'European-style' town, with Swiss-style buildings and nice gardens.
As we continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, we will be entering the Cedar Forests of Azrou, where you will find Atlas cedars that are hundreds of years old and where you will find troops of friendly Barbary macaque monkeys. This endangered species is always beautiful to photograph as they interact with one another in the trees. You will likely stop for lunch in Midelt, which is famous for its production of apples, where the Middle and High Atlas Mountains meet.
In the afternoon of your trip from Fez to Marrakesh, you will travel through one of the most spectacular routes of North Africa—the Tizi N'Talghamt Pass—and descend into the Ziz Valley, where you will have an opportunity to photograph magnificent views of this vast oasis. As you move closer to the Sahara, the scenery will continue to change rapidly from palm trees to rocky desert landscapes.
When you arrive at Merzouga, in the late afternoon, is when the journey really gets exciting. You'll be meeting your camel caravan for the next 1 to 1.5 hours on the Erg Chebbi Dunes to watch as the sun sets over an ocean of sand. Once it is dark, you will go to your luxury desert camp, where you can eat a tasty traditional dinner. Once dinner is complete, gather around the campfire for authentic Berber drumming music before retiring to your private ensuite tent and falling asleep under a million stars.
Driving Distance/Time: Approximately 470-500 km / 7–7.5 hours drive
Awaken before dawn to catch a breathtaking spectacle—the sunrise over the Sahara Desert dunes—as the sunlight turns the purple sands to rose to gold hues. Once you have breakfast at camp, you'll make your way back to Merzouga village via camel, or you can opt for a more comfortable transfer in a 4WD vehicle.
Your continued exploration of this area of the Merzouga desert as part of your desert tour from Fes includes the periphery of the desert and is considered the gateway to the High Atlas mountains. If you are travelling to Fes on a Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday, you'll have the opportunity to stop at Rissani, where the traditional market is where the locals meet to barter items ranging from livestock to spices. It is in this experience that you will gain valuable insight into the commercial and cultural life of the Saharan region.
On your journey, you will travel through the Todra Valley, where you will experience the incredible palm tree features that feed and sustain the people living in this challenging environment. The most impressive part of your journey will be your exploration of the Todra Gorge, where you will walk along a thin canyon with walls of lime-sized cliffs that are more than 300 m high—this location is a rock climber's and photographer's paradise!
As we travel down the beautiful Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through to Dades Valley, we encounter many unique rock formations referred to as the "Monkey Fingers" and also many traditional fortresses built to protect the villages from invaders. Upon arrival in Boumalne Dades, we will be able to check into a charming hotel or riad that has private ensuite bathrooms, where we will have dinner and a good night's sleep.
Driving Distance/Time: Approximately 250-310 km / 4–5 hours drive
On the last day of your three-day Sahara desert excursion from Fes, it will be highlighted by the Valley of Roses near Kalaat M'gouna, which produces quality rose water, and the beautiful Skoura Palm Grove with many historical kasbahs.
We finished the tour with Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Morocco" because of its many studios that produce numerous films. You may take an optional tour of the studios or visit the Kasbah Taourirte that was once the residence of the wealthy Glaoui family.
Kasbah Ait Benhaddou is arguably the most photographed destination in Morocco, as it is home to the so-called "crown jewel" of today. This stunning example of traditional earthen clay construction is often visited because it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been featured in many movies and television shows. You can enjoy wandering through the narrow passages and climbing to the top of the Kasbah to take in the view from the rooftop terraces. Lunch will be at one of the wonderful places located near Kasbah.
After lunch, you will begin your journey up the High Atlas Mountains on your way back to Marrakech from Fes by way of Merzouga, travelling along the highest road pass in Morocco, Tizi N'Tichka, at an elevation of 2260 meters. This road winds its way through breathtakingly beautiful scenery along with traditional Berber villages dotting the hillsides and stalls on the sides of the roads where you can buy fossils and minerals. As you descend to the southern slopes that surround Marrakech, the landscape continues to change until you arrive at the end of the day in the late afternoon or early evening and are dropped off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
Driving Distance/Time: Approximately 320-353 km / 6–6.5 hours drive
You should expect transparency from the tour operator when making advance plans for your 3-day (Fes to Marrakech) Desert Tour. Below is the list of items included in the tour.
Shared Group Tour: Travel together with other adventurers in groups of maximum 17 people. This is a budget-conscious way of enjoying your trip while having comfort and quality. Group tour prices generally start from €290 per person.
Private Tour: You will have a personal driver/guide throughout your journey and will be able to plan the trip however you would like! You can travel at your own speed and stop whenever you want. Please get in touch with us to receive a customized quote for your specific requirements.
| Night | Location | Standard Option | Luxury Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi) | Luxury Desert Camp (e.g., Tiziri Camp) | Sahara Majestic Luxury Camp |
| Night 2 | Dades Valley | Hotel Babylon Dades or Kasbah Tizzarouine | Hotel Xaluca Dades or Ksar Sultan |
Yes, you can skip camel trekking if you don't wish to participate. We'll arrange a private 4x4 transfer directly to the camp from Merzouga at no extra charge. Many luxury tours include this transport as part of the tour price.
Depending on your starting location in Fes, you'll drive approximately 463 to 500 kilometers. Allow approximately 7 to 7.5 hours of pure driving time, not including stops for sightseeing, photographs, coffee, and lunch breaks. Since this isn't comfortable as a day trip, we offer a well-planned three-day tour.
The best time is during winter months (late October through early February) when daytime temperatures range from 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). Nighttime temperatures are mild (5-15°C or 41-59°F), but bring appropriate clothing to stay warm. Late spring (late March through early May) offers wildflower displays in the Atlas Mountains.
Pack strategically: Clothing - Loose-fitting cotton pants (light colors, not denim), breathable long-sleeved shirts, warm sweaters/fleece for cold desert nights. Sun Protection - Scarf/shawl, wide-brimmed hat, UV-protection sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30+). Footwear - Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes and sandals. Electronics - Camera with protective cover, extra memory cards, portable charger, headlamp/flashlight. Personal Items - Reusable water bottle, small daypack, toiletries, regular medications.
We know that every traveler is unique and can adapt your Fes to Marrakech desert tour to fit your personal requirements:
This 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech strikes the perfect balance between adventure, cultural immersion, and comfort. Unlike a one-day "whirlwind" tour or an overly extended journey that feels repetitive, you'll have three days to immerse yourself in varied Moroccan landscapes without the hurried pace.
Our dedication to quality makes this tour stand out from the rest. We work exclusively with luxurious desert camps, where your private en-suite accommodations will provide you with comfort while staying in the remote Sahara. Our professional drivers go beyond being mere drivers; they are knowledgeable guides who are passionate about sharing Morocco's history, culture, and secret locations with you.
The route we have chosen is creatively crafted to show off the amazing geographical diversity of Morocco. This includes the dense alpine forests in the Middle Atlas Mountains, the endless sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi Dunes, and the dramatic canyons that surround the fortified Kasbahs and ancient caravan routes. You will see new landscapes and experience new cultural activities every day during your visit to southern Morocco.
Continue exploring Morocco's desert wonders:
This tour of the Merzouga Desert from Fes provides memories that will last forever, whether you are travelling solo as an individual, as a couple with romantic partners, as a family searching for adventure and unique experiences, or as a group of friends. It combines stunning natural scenery with a chance to interact with local culture; this is what makes for a true Moroccan desert adventure and comfortable accommodations.
We invite you to book your Fes to Marrakech tour with a stop in the Merzouga Desert; you won't be disappointed! If you have special requests for your itinerary or need to talk to us about options for groups, don't hesitate to reach out!
Email: visitmaghrebagency@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +212 721 167
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The Sahara is waiting for you with the same magic, peace, beauty, and warmth of the Berber people that it has provided for centuries! Book your spot now to join this unforgettable journey through Morocco's imperial cities and the Sahara Desert.
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