
3 Days Sahara Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fes
The journey
Tour overview
The ultimate 3-day express route from Marrakech to Fes — cross the High Atlas, walk through the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, ride camels at sunset over Erg Chebbi, then journey north through the Ziz Oasis and cedar forests to Fes.
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Roses Valley → Dades Gorges An early morning pickup from your Marrakech accommodation launches your Morocco desert tour. We cross the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n'Tichka Pass at 2,260 metres, with panoramic views over rugged peaks and terraced Berber villages. Descending the eastern slopes we reach the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou — a masterpiece of earthen architecture and celebrated Hollywood filming location — for a guided walking tour. We then drive through Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa," and continue along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the fragrant Roses Valley before winding up into the dramatic Dades Gorges. Overnight in Dades Paradise or Dar Blues (Half Board)
Day 2: Dades Gorges → Todra Gorges → Merzouga Sahara Desert After a hearty breakfast, travel east to the magnificent Todra Gorges, walking beneath 300-metre limestone cliff walls. Journey deeper into the Sahara to reach the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Embark on a magical sunset camel ride across the golden dunes, then arrive at your luxury desert camp for a traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber music around the campfire, and star-gazing under a crystal-clear Saharan sky. Overnight in Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (Half Board)
Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Oasis & Gorges → Cedar Forest → Fes Drop-off Wake early to catch sunrise over the dunes before breakfast at camp. Drive north through the stunning Ziz Gorges and the sprawling green palm groves of the Ziz Oasis — an incredible contrast against the red desert rocks. Ascend into the Middle Atlas and stop in the alpine town of Ifrane, known as the "Switzerland of Morocco," to visit the ancient cedar forests and meet the famous wild Barbary monkeys. Your driver delivers you safely to your hotel or riad in Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco.
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Starts in
- Marrakech (hotel pick-up)
- Travel style
- Private or small group (max 17)
- Guides speak
- English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic
- Season
- Year-round, best Oct–Apr
- Activity level
- Easy to moderate
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) with panoramic views
- Walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou — a historic Hollywood filming location
- Magical sunset camel ride over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga
- Night under the stars at a luxury desert camp with Berber drum music and fireside storytelling
- Scenic journey through the Ziz Gorges and vast Ziz Oasis palm groves
- Encounter wild Barbary macaques in the ancient cedar forests of the Middle Atlas
- Drop-off directly at your hotel or Riad in the cultural capital of Fes
Day by day
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1Marrakech, High Atlas Mountains, Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Roses Valley, and Dades Gorges
Your premier Morocco desert tour begins with an early morning pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech. We leave the bustling city behind and ascend into the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n'Tichka pass sitting at an elevation of 2,260 meters. This scenic drive offers unparalleled, panoramic views of rugged peaks and traditional, terraced Berber villages. Descending the eastern slopes, we arrive at the crown jewel of Moroccan earthen architecture: the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kasbah Aït Benhaddou. This ancient, fortified clay city is a masterpiece of history and a famous Hollywood filming location where you will enjoy a walking tour through its winding, narrow alleys. Next, we drive through Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa," passing by its famous film studios. Our route continues along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," taking us directly through the fragrant Roses Valley, famous for its organic rosewater production. As the afternoon fades, we wind our way up into the dramatic rock formations of the Dades Valley.
Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues — Half Board
- 2
Day 2Dades Gorges, Todra Gorges, and the Merzouga Sahara Desert Luxury Camp
After a hearty breakfast, we travel further east to stretch our legs at the magnificent Todra Gorges. You will walk beneath the towering, 300-meter-high limestone cliff walls that frame a narrow canyon oasis, which is a true paradise for nature lovers and rock climbers. From the gorges, we journey deeper toward the golden horizons of the Sahara desert in Morocco. Arriving at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, your unforgettable Sahara desert trip hits its peak. You will embark on a magical camel ride across the rolling waves of sand just in time to witness a spectacular Sahara sunset. Upon arrival at your luxury desert camp, comfort meets the wilderness. You will enjoy a decadent, traditional Moroccan dinner. Afterward, everyone gathers around a roaring campfire to listen to spiritual Berber drum music, followed by an unforgettable night of star gazing under the crystal-clear desert sky before retiring to your luxury tent.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp — Half Board
- 3
Day 3Merzouga Desert, Ziz Oasis & Gorges, Ifrane, and Fes Drop-off
You can wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the crest of the dunes before enjoying a fresh breakfast at the camp. We then begin our drive north toward Fes, journeying through the stunning Ziz Gorges and the sprawling green palm groves of the Ziz Oasis, which offers an incredible contrast against the red desert rocks. As we ascend into the Middle Atlas Mountains, we will stop in the alpine town of Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco". Here, we will visit the ancient cedar forests where you will get to see and interact with the famous wild Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat. From Ifrane, we make the final drive down to the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Your driver will provide a safe drop-off directly at your hotel or Riad in Fes, marking the end of an epic 3-day Moroccan desert expedition.
Want to add a night, slow the pace or end in another city? Every private itinerary can be adjusted. Ask us to customise it.
Good to know
What's included
Included
- Private transport in an air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan for all 3 days
- 2 nights accommodation (mountain guesthouse and luxury desert camp)
- Breakfast daily
- Dinner on Days 1 and 2 (half board)
- Sunset camel ride at Erg Chebbi
- Guided walking tour at Ait Benhaddou
- Airport/hotel pick-up in Marrakech
- Drop-off at hotel or riad in Fes
Not included
- Lunches
- Beverages (tea, soft drinks, bottled water, alcohol)
- Entrance fees (Ait Benhaddou, etc.)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
Per person, in euros
Prices
| Room type | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single1 person per room | €990 |
| Double2 people per room | €445 |
| Triple3 people per room | €421 |
| Quadruple4 people per room | €312 |
Prices include taxes. Groups, children and camp upgrades priced on request.
Before you go
Practical information
Meeting point
Your hotel or riad in Marrakech, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. Exact time confirmed on booking.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure. 50% refund between 7 and 14 days. Free date changes whenever possible.
What to bring
Comfortable layers, a warm jacket for desert nights, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and a scarf or hat.
Fitness
Suitable for most fitness levels. Light walking and an optional camel ride. Tell us about any mobility needs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour private or shared?
You can take this tour privately, with your own driver-guide and vehicle, or join a shared small-group departure (up to 17 guests) where available. Tell us which you prefer when you enquire.
Is this tour suitable for first-time desert travelers?
Absolutely. Our guides are experienced with travelers of all backgrounds and will make sure you feel comfortable and safe throughout the journey. No prior desert experience is required.
What type of accommodation is used?
We use a mix of traditional riad hotels in cities and authentic Berber desert camps with private tents, comfortable bedding, and camp lighting. Luxury glamping options are available on request.
Are meals included in the tour?
Most meals are included as listed in the "What's Included" section. Breakfast is provided at hotels; dinners and breakfasts at the desert camp are always included. Lunches in cities may be at your own expense.
How do I get to the departure city?
We pick you up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. We can also arrange airport transfers and recommend trusted hotels if needed, just ask when booking.
Can I change the itinerary?
Yes. Every private tour can be adjusted: add a night, swap a stop, upgrade your desert camp or finish in a different city. We will send an updated itinerary and price.
What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara?
October to April offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F during the day). July and August are very hot but manageable with proper preparation. The desert is beautiful year-round.
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