Desert Tour From Marrakech to Fes
(102 Reviews)
Overview
Experience the essence of southern Morocco on our 3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes, a journey that takes you from the vibrant red city across the High Atlas Mountains, through ancient kasbahs, lush valleys, and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Along the way, you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, marvel at the rugged beauty of the Todra Gorges, and enjoy a peaceful camel ride through the Sahara Desert before spending the night in a luxury Berber camp under the stars. The final stretch of your adventure passes through Ziz Valley, Ifrane, and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, where playful Barbary macaques roam freely.
This Marrakech-to-Fes desert tour offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion, scenic landscapes, and authentic desert adventure, ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and discovery.
Please note: This itinerary is just a suggested program. If it doesn’t fully match what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to design a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences, travel dates, and duration of stay. We specialize in creating personalized tours and experiences across Morocco.
Pricing: The cost of the tour varies depending on the number of travelers, the more people joining, the lower the price per person. Since transportation is a fixed cost, it will be divided among participants. Prices also depend on the category and quality of accommodation selected.
Please contact us for an exact quote based on your group size and travel preferences.
Trip Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou Kasbah.
- Visit Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” and its film studios.
- Drive through the Dades Valley, the Valley of Roses, and the road of 1001 Kasbahs.
- Walk through the Todra Gorges and enjoy its breathtaking scenery.
- Experience a camel trek across the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset.
- Spend a magical night in a luxury Sahara Desert camp with dinner under the stars.
- Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and cedar forests on your way to Fes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate (or Skoura Palm Grove)
Begin your adventure with a 7:30 AM pick-up from your Marrakech hotel or riad. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains, winding along the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), where panoramic views and photo stops await.
Visit the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Morocco’s most famous fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Featured in films like Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones, this ancient ksar showcases centuries of Berber architecture and heritage.
Continue toward Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara, and explore the Taourirt Kasbah or the nearby Skoura palmary, depending on your pace. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay in a charming traditional kasbah hotel.
Day 2: Ouarzazate (or Skoura) – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi)
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive along the Road of 1000 Kasbahs, passing through Skoura oasis and the Valley of Roses. Visit Kelaat Mgouna, where locals produce fragrant rose products and celebrate the annual Rose Festival each spring.
Continue through Boumalne Dades and Tineghir, famous for its lush palm groves and Jewish quarter. Upon arrival at the Todra Gorges, enjoy a short hike through the 300-meter-high canyon, one of Morocco’s most striking natural wonders.
In the afternoon, journey to Merzouga, where your camel awaits. Embark on a 90-minute camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi as the sun sets over the Sahara. Arrive at your luxury desert camp to enjoy mint tea, a traditional Moroccan dinner, and an evening of Berber music around the campfire.
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
Wake early to catch the sunrise over the dunes, a truly magical sight. After breakfast, ride your camel back to the hotel for a refreshing shower before beginning your journey to Fes.
Travel through the Ziz Valley, stopping for photos of the palm-filled gorge, before continuing through Errachidia and Midelt, nestled between the High and Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop for lunch near Azrou, where you’ll visit the famous Cedar Forest and meet the friendly Barbary macaque monkeys.
Your 3-day adventure concludes with a scenic drive through Ifrane, Morocco’s “Little Switzerland,” before arriving in Fes by evening, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation.
What's included
- Free airport transfer to your hotel in Marrakech.
- Private transfer in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide.
- Pick-up from your Marrakech hotel & drop-off at your Fes accommodation.
- Visit to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah with a local guide.
- Visit to Cinema Studio and Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate.
- 1 night in a Traditional Kasbah Hotel in Ouarzazate (4★).
- 1 night in a Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga (private ensuite tent).
- Breakfasts and dinners during the tour (vegetarian options available).
- Camel trekking at sunset and sunrise.
- Private bathroom with hot shower & toilet in your tent.
- Free time to explore major sites such as Ait Benhaddou, Cinema Sets & Kasbahs.
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and beverages.
- Personal expenses and optional activities.
- Entrance fees (if any) not listed as included.
Know Before You Go
- This route offers the best of Morocco’s south, connecting Marrakech and Fes through the Sahara.
- Warm clothing is advised for desert nights (especially November to February).
- Private or shared tour options available upon request.
- The itinerary can be customized to add stops or extra nights upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?
Approximately 9 hours total with scenic stops and meals included along the route.
Can I end the tour in Marrakech instead of Fes?
Yes, the itinerary can be reversed or adjusted upon request.
Are the desert camps private?
Yes. You’ll stay in a private ensuite tent with a hot shower, toilet, and comfortable bedding.
What is the best time to book this tour?
The tour runs all year, but the best months are from March to May and September to November for pleasant desert temperatures.
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