3 Days Merzouga Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes
Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes: Overview
Desert tour Marrakech to Fes is one of the most popular travel experiences in Morocco, offering the perfect combination of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This 3-day journey takes you from the vibrant city of Marrakech to the historic city of Fes, crossing the High Atlas Mountains, visiting ancient kasbahs, and exploring the magical Sahara Desert in Merzouga.
Marrakech to Fes desert trip
During this Marrakech to Fes desert tour, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou before continuing to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” The journey continues through the Valley of Roses and the dramatic landscapes of Tinghir, where you can admire the impressive Todgha Gorges.
Merzouga Experience on Your Desert Journey
As the journey unfolds, you will pass through Erfoud before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga.
Camel Trekking in the Sahara Desert
Enjoy a camel trek across the dunes, witness a magical sunset, and spend an unforgettable night in a traditional desert camp under a sky full of stars.
Journey from Merzouga to Fes via Ziz Valley – Ziz Valley and Atlas Mountains Landscapes
On the final day, your Marrakech to Fes desert trip continues towards Fes, passing through the Ziz Valley, cedar forests, Midelt, and Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.”
Book Your Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Today
Ready to experience the best Marrakech to Fes desert tour? Contact us today and secure your spot for an unforgettable Sahara adventure!
Highlights of the 3 Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
- Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Discover Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara”
- Explore the beautiful Dades Valley and the famous Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorge with its towering canyon walls
- Enjoy a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga
- Watch a breathtaking Sahara sunset and sunrise
- Spend a magical night in a traditional desert camp under the stars
- Experience authentic Berber music around the campfire
- Travel through the lush palm groves of Ziz Valley
- Visit the cedar forests of Azrou and see Barbary macaques
- Stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco”
- End your adventure in the historic imperial city of Fes
Good to know
- Departure from Marrakech is approximately between 7:15 AM and 7:30 AM.
- Arrival in Fes is usually around 7:00 PM on the third day.
- Camel trekking lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours each way.
- You may choose to return from the desert camp by camel or 4×4 vehicle (subject to availability).
- Desert temperatures can be very hot during the day and cold at night, especially from November to March.
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket are recommended.
- Luggage can be safely transported in the vehicle while you take only a small bag to the desert camp.
- Vegetarian and special dietary meals can usually be arranged upon request.
- There are several stops along the route for photos, sightseeing, coffee breaks, and lunch.
- The tour is suitable for solo travelers, couples, friends, and families.
- The itinerary may vary slightly depending on weather, road conditions, and operational requirements.
Included in the Marrakech to Fes Tour
- Convenient pick-up from your hotel or riad on the day of departure (or the nearest accessible meeting point).
- Comfortable transportation in a modern, air-conditioned minibus (maximum 17 passengers).
- First night: In Dades Valley including dinner and breakfast.
- Second night: In a traditional and comfortable desert camp in the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, including a camel trekking experience at sunset, traditional dinner, and breakfast.
- Drop-off at your hotel in Fes, or at the nearest accessible point if your accommodation is not reachable by car.
Not Included
- Beverages
- Lunches on the way
- Optional local guide at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (approximately €3)
- Personal expenses
- Optional tips
Accommodation Details
Night 1 – Dar Ahlam Dadès Hôtel | Dades Valley
Overnight at Dar Ahlam Dadès Hôtel, a relaxing stop in the Dades Valley before continuing your journey to the Sahara.
📍 View hotel location on Google Maps
Night 2 – Your Luxury Camp | Merzouga Desert
Experience a memorable night in the Sahara at Your Luxury Camp, staying in a luxury tent with a private ensuite bathroom.
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Destination
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Departure
Jemaa El Fna Square, Marrakech -
Departure Time
Approximately 7.15 AM -
Return Time
Approximately 7.00 PM -
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable and light
From our gallery
Tour Plan
Day 1 – Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait Ben Haddou
Your desert tour Marrakech to Fes begins with an early pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech at around 7:30 AM. You will travel across the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m altitude), with several scenic stops along the way for photos and panoramic views.
You will then visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most iconic ksars in Morocco, known for its appearance in famous productions such as Gladiator, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones. After some free time to explore and enjoy lunch, the journey continues to Ouarzazate, often referred to as “The Gate of the Sahara.”
In the afternoon, you will drive through the Valley of Roses and the oasis of Skoura, known for its vast palm groves, before reaching the famous “Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs.” The day ends in Boumalne Dades, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 2 – Dades Valley to Merzouga Sahara Desert
After breakfast, your Marrakech to Fes desert tour continues towards the spectacular Todra Gorge, located about 68 km from Dades Valley. Here, you will admire lush palm groves, beautiful oasis landscapes, and the historic ksar of Tinghir, also known as the “Jewish Quarter.”
You will then take a short walk through the impressive Todra Canyon, one of the most dramatic natural sites in Morocco. Afterward, the journey continues towards the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.
Upon arrival, you will prepare for a memorable camel trek lasting about 90 minutes across the Sahara Desert, just in time to witness a magical sunset over the dunes. In the evening, you will arrive at your desert camp, where you will spend the night in traditional nomadic tents, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner, and experience live Berber music around the campfire under a star-filled sky.
Day 3 – Merzouga to Fes via Ziz Valley
Wake up early to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, followed by a return ride by camel or 4x4. After breakfast, your desert tour from Marrakech to Fes continues towards Fes.
You will pass through the vast Tafilalet palm grove, one of the largest in the world, stretching over 20 km. The journey continues through the scenic Ziz Valley, where you will stop to admire panoramic views near the town of Aoufous.
On the way to Fes, you will pass through Azrou, a traditional Berber village surrounded by Morocco’s largest cedar forest and home to Barbary macaques. You will also visit Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” known for its alpine-style architecture.
Your 3-day desert tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes.
Gallery
Viktor Sokolov
The views are magnificent. Great experience, the only small flaw is that I asked for the guides in French but the group was all for English so I only had a third of explanation. Our driver Abdou is very friendly and cheerful
August 15, 2022 at 1:02 pm
Frison Micheline
One of the best trips of my life, I didn’t expect it to be so beautiful and powerful! Great view of the desert, special thanks to our nice driver khalid and the guide who helped us in everything I highly recommend.
November 19, 2022 at 5:55 pm
Isabell Fischer
Very good experience, visit of varied landscapes. A good atmosphere with the different guides met as well as with the drivers. Ideal if you do not have much time in Morocco, you see a lot in three days. A big thank you to the organizer who was able to remain available throughout the stay for our questions.
February 22, 2023 at 10:51 pm
Daniel Novak
Very enjoyable trip with atypical landscapes throughout the trip. The mediators are very good to visit the different places.
Our driver/guide Redouane had an exemplary and very professional behavior throughout the trip. His presence was greatly appreciated by the whole group. The food and accommodations are more than adequate.
A small downside to the food on the first day, especially in the hotel chosen for the first night of the trip (the staff are not the friendliest).
Don’t forget to choose the luxury option in Merzouga desert, this extra comfort is essential for families/couples.
June 8, 2023 at 11:21 pm
Caroline Andersen
An unforgettable experience! We loved this 3-day excursion in the desert. The experience was complete and very well organized, all the activities flowed smoothly. We were lucky to be with a group of the same age and left with real friends.
Thanks to our driver who drove us during the 3 days, I think we couldn’t have had a better time. Kind, attentive, cultured and funny, thank you for everything Abderrahim!
July 3, 2023 at 5:10 pm
Charles Dupont
The trip from Marrakech to Fes via Erg Chebbi was an amazing once in a lifetime trip. All of the accommodations were above our expectations and the hospitality at each spot was really great. Our driver and guide was great, friendly, knowledgeable and so helpful. We always felt like we were in good hands and had a great idea of our itinerary and were given a bunch of interesting information about the history, nature, and culture. All of the driving segments were broken up in to small stretches which really helped make the time fly. I would highly recommend this trip!
November 25, 2024 at 10:15 pm
Oliver Jackson
From start to finish, everything was seamless. Our guide was knowledgeable, and the desert experience was magical!
January 15, 2025 at 8:40 pm
Emily Johnson
An unforgettable Moroccan experience!
From start to finish, this 3-day desert tour exceeded all expectations. Every detail was thoughtfully organized—from the stunning riads and desert camp to the scenic routes through the Atlas Mountains and Sahara dunes. Our guide was knowledgeable, kind, and made us feel like family. Riding camels at sunset, stargazing in the desert, and exploring Berber villages were truly once-in-a-lifetime moments. The pace was perfect, with just the right balance of adventure and relaxation. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to experience the real heart of Morocco in comfort and style!
April 16, 2025 at 10:24 pm
Max Weber
This was one of the best parts of our Moroccan trip! The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga and then on to Fès was absolutely stunning. Camel rides at sunset, spending the night in the desert camp, and waking up to the sunrise over the dunes were unforgettable. Our guide took great care of us and made sure we enjoyed every moment.
January 17, 2026 at 12:48 pm
Laura Roth
The tour was very well organized from the pickup in Marrakech to the drop-off in Fès. Our guide and driver were professional, friendly, and very knowledgeable about the places we visited. We loved the hikes, camel trek, and especially the dinner in the desert camp. Highly recommend this tour!
January 17, 2026 at 12:50 pm
Paul Zimmermann
Amazing experience! The landscapes were breathtaking – from Aït Ben Haddou to the towering dunes of Merzouga. The camel ride and night in the Sahara was truly magical. It’s a long trip, but the stops along the way made it fun and interesting. Definitely worth doing!
January 17, 2026 at 12:52 pm
Maria Hoffmann
Great tour overall! Comfortable transport, tasty local food, and excellent guide service. The desert camp was cozy and the sunset ride was spectacular. Just bring warm clothes at night – it gets cold! Would recommend for anyone who wants a classic Sahara experience from Marrakech.
January 17, 2026 at 12:53 pm
Jose Garcia
Three days of amazing scenery, camel rides, and desert sunsets – absolutely unforgettable!
January 17, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Maria Rodriguez
Fantastic tour! Great guides, comfortable transport, and incredible dunes in Merzouga.
January 17, 2026 at 12:56 pm
Luis Perez
Well planned, beautiful route, and a true Sahara highlight. Highly recommend!
January 17, 2026 at 12:57 pm