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3 day desert tour marrakech to fes

Travel from Marrakech to Fes on a 3-day desert tour through the High Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou, Dades and Todra. Ride camels across Erg Chebbi, sleep in a Sahara camp and continue through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas to Fes.

Departure city
Marrakech
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights

3 Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour via Merzouga

This Marrakech to Fes desert tour connects two of Morocco’s most important cities through the landscapes of the south and the Sahara. Instead of taking a direct route north, you travel across the High Atlas, through ancient kasbah country and deep valleys before spending a night beside the dunes of Merzouga.

The journey starts in Marrakech and climbs through the High Atlas Mountains toward Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. From there, the road continues through the Valley of Roses toward the dramatic landscapes of the Dadès Valley, where you spend the first night.

Day two brings you through Tinghir and Todra Gorge before the scenery becomes progressively drier on the road to Merzouga. By late afternoon, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes rise from the desert plain and the road journey gives way to one of the most memorable experiences of the tour.

You leave the vehicle behind and begin a Morocco camel ride across the dunes toward the desert camp. When daylight and weather allow, there is time to stop on the sand and watch the colors of Erg Chebbi change around sunset.

Your second night is spent in the Sahara. Depending on the package selected, you can stay in a comfortable or luxury desert camp in Merzouga, with dinner, a private tent and time to enjoy the desert after dark.

The final day takes a completely different direction. Leaving Merzouga, the route follows the Ziz Valley north toward Midelt, the cedar landscapes of the Middle Atlas and Ifrane before finishing in Fes.

Among the different Marrakech to Fes desert tours, this three-day itinerary works especially well for travelers who want to travel between the two cities without returning to Marrakech after visiting the Sahara.

Journey experience

Tour highlights

  • High Atlas Mountains
  • Tizi n’Tichka route
  • Ait Ben Haddou
  • Ouarzazate
  • Valley of Roses
  • Dades Valley
  • Monkey Fingers rock formations
  • Tinghir oasis
  • Todra Gorge
  • Merzouga desert
  • Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Morocco camel ride
  • Sahara sunset
  • Merzouga desert camp
  • Sahara sunrise
  • Ziz Valley
  • Middle Atlas Mountains
  • cedar forests
  • Barbary macaques when present
  • Ifrane
  • Arrival in Fes

Day by day

Your itinerary

  1. Your 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes begins in the morning with pickup from your hotel, riad or an agreed accessible location in Marrakech.

    Morning — Crossing the High Atlas Mountains

    Leaving Marrakech behind, the road climbs gradually into the High Atlas Mountains. The route follows the dramatic bends of the mountain road, with panoramic views over valleys, traditional villages and rugged peaks.

    When traffic and weather conditions allow, short stops can be made at viewpoints for photographs and a chance to enjoy the mountain scenery.

    Midday — Ait Ben Haddou

    After crossing the mountains, continue toward the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, more accurately known as the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou.

    You will have time to walk through the old earthen village and explore its narrow lanes before continuing toward Ouarzazate.

    Lunch can be taken in the Ait Ben Haddou area or nearby depending on timing.

    Afternoon — Ouarzazate and Valley of Roses

    Continue to Ouarzazate, a city closely associated with Morocco’s film industry. An optional visit to the film studios can be arranged depending on opening hours and your interests.

    From Ouarzazate, continue toward Skoura, Kelaat M’Gouna and the Valley of Roses before entering the landscapes of the Dadès.

    When timing permits, stop at panoramic viewpoints and around some of the unusual rock formations often called the Monkey Fingers.

    Arrive at your hotel or riad in the Dadès area for dinner and overnight.

    Driving distance: approximately 353 km
    Driving time: approximately 6 hr 30 min, excluding longer stops.

The moments that define this journey

This Marrakech to Fes desert tour is especially useful for travelers whose Morocco itinerary starts in Marrakech and continues toward Fes. Instead of visiting Merzouga and returning over the same route to Marrakech, you cross the country and finish in a completely different city.

The three days also offer impressive variety. You move from the High Atlas Mountains and Ait Ben Haddou to the rocky landscapes of the Dadès and Todra before reaching the open dunes of Erg Chebbi.

The second night is dedicated to the Sahara rather than simply passing through Merzouga. A Morocco camel ride takes you across part of Erg Chebbi, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at a desert camp.

The final day is equally varied. After leaving the Sahara, the road follows the Ziz Valley and climbs into the Middle Atlas before continuing through Ifrane toward Fes. This makes the tour a real journey between southern and northern Morocco rather than just a desert excursion.

If your trip returns to Marrakech instead of continuing to Fes, compare this route with our 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert.

Want a different hotel category, an upgraded desert camp, an additional night in Merzouga or a slower itinerary? Use our Customize Your Morocco Tour page to create a route around your own dates and travel style.

Once your travel dates are confirmed, you can also contact Luxury Morocco Destinations for availability, pickup details and accommodation options.

Tour details

What's included in your experience

What's included

Included in your journey

  • Pickup from your hotel, riad or agreed accessible location in Marrakech
  • Private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle or comfortable minivan
  • Professional driver throughout the three-day tour
  • One night in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley
  • One night in a private tent at a Merzouga desert camp
  • Breakfasts according to the confirmed accommodation package
  • Dinners where included in the selected accommodation package
  • Camel ride across part of the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • 4x4 transfer to or from the desert camp when arranged
  • Sunset experience when weather and arrival time allow
  • Scenic and cultural stops described in the itinerary
  • Fuel and vehicle-related costs
  • Drop-off at your accommodation or accessible point in Fes
Not included

What to plan separately

  • Lunches
  • Drinks
  • Entrance tickets to paid attractions
  • Optional local guides
  • Atlas Studios entrance if visited
  • Optional quad biking or buggy activities in Merzouga
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities

Tour gallery

Picture yourself on this journey

Tour photos

3 day desert tour marrakech to fes

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Your route on the map

Before you book

Frequently asked questions

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights. The first night is normally spent in the Dades Valley and the second at a desert camp near the Erg Chebbi dunes before the final journey from Merzouga to Fes.

Three days is a practical option for travelers who want to travel from Marrakech to Fes through Merzouga. The itinerary includes long driving sections, but they are divided between the High Atlas, Dades, Todra, the Sahara, Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas.

Yes. The tour includes a camel ride across part of the Erg Chebbi dunes toward the desert camp. Timing and route can vary according to daylight, weather conditions and the location of the camp.

The first night is spent in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley. The second night is spent in a private tent at a desert camp near Merzouga. Upgraded or luxury desert camp options can be requested depending on availability.

Yes. Ait Ben Haddou is included on the first day after crossing the High Atlas Mountains. You will normally have time to walk through the ksar before continuing toward Ouarzazate and Dades.

Yes. Hotel and camp categories, additional nights, desert activities and the pace of the itinerary can be adapted. Travelers who want a more personalized journey can use our Customize Your Morocco Tour service before booking.

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Guest Reviews

What Our Travelers Say

“This was my first time in Morocco and Zaid and Hassan made it amazing. They chose great places to stay, restaurants with very tasty food, and cared for us very well. When I come back to Morocco, I will definitely use their services again!”

Krasito

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“I had an amazing experience with this travel agency on my trip to Morocco! Everything was perfectly organized, from the accommodations to the guided tours. The team was friendly, professional, and always available to help, which made the whole journey stress-free. Morocco itself was beautiful, and thanks to their planning, I got to experience so much of the culture and scenery. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a memorable and well-organized trip!”

Boiana S

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“We had an incredible experience on our tour, thanks entirely to our guide Hassan. He was a fantastic driver, extremely knowledgeable about the area, and super friendly throughout the trip. His excellent English made communication effortless, and he shared fascinating insights that truly enriched our experience. The trip would not have been the same without him — we couldn’t recommend him more highly!”

Getaway

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Follow Luxury Morocco Destinations for a closer look at Morocco — Sahara sunsets, Marrakech streets, Atlas landscapes, coastal escapes, and moments from our private luxury tours.

Moroccan desert host wearing a traditional blue turban inside a Sahara camp
Travelers enjoying a guided Morocco experience near a palm valley and traditional village
Guests sharing traditional Moroccan tea with local hosts during a desert experience
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