3 days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

3 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

The ultimate 3 day desert journey from Fes to Marrakech through the Merzouga Sahara with camel trekking and sleeping in Berber tents.

3 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour main info

Departure location

Fes

Return location

Marrakech

Departure time

08:00 AM

Itinerary duration

3 days/ 2 nights

Highlights of our 3 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Visit the ski station of Ifran and Azrou Berber village.
Drive through the Middle Atlas mountains with their cedar forests
Cross through the Ziz Valley
Ride a camel in Erg Chebbi watching a dramatic scene of sunset and sunrise.
Overnight in the Berber camp in the desert in the middle of nowhere
Walk in the oasis of Tinghir and visit the Gorges
Drive through the 1001 Kasbahs and the Valley of the Roses
See the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
The High Atlas Mountains and Tizi Ntichka Pass

3 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour overview

The tour overview takes you from Fes to Marrakech, with stops in Ifrane, Midelt, Erfoud, Merzouga, Rissani, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou.

On Day 1, you’ll leave Fes and travel through the gorgeous countryside to Ifrane, which is renowned as the “Switzerland of Morocco” because of its European architecture. You’ll continue your drive over the Middle Atlas Mountains to Midelt, where you’ll eat lunch. The picturesque trip next leads you through the palm-fringed Ziz Valley to Erfoud, which is noted for its fossils. From there, you’ll go to Merzouga, where you’ll board a camel and ride into the Sahara Desert to enjoy a spectacular sunset. You’ll spend the night in a typical desert camp, eating a great meal and relaxing in the desert’s solitude.

On Day 2, you’ll get up early to see the breathtaking sunrise across the dunes before riding a camel back to Merzouga. After breakfast, you’ll go to Rissani, a historic village noted for its traditional market. You’ll then go through the breathtaking Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs surround you on all sides. Following a lunch break, the journey continues to the Dades Valley, which is known for its beautiful rock formations and attractive surroundings. You’ll spend the night at a wonderful hotel or guesthouse, relaxing in this lovely valley.

On Day 3, you’ll leave Dades Valley and travel to Ouarzazate, nicknamed as the “Hollywood of Morocco” owing to its position as a shooting site for numerous well-known films. You will get the chance to see the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a walled city that has appeared in a number of films and television series. Following lunch, the excursion continues via the beautiful High Atlas Mountains, which provide amazing vistas and picturesque landscapes. Finally, the excursion will culminate in the lively city of Marrakech.

This 3 day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of Morocco.

The Itinerary of 3 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga

Embark on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Ifrane, Midelt, Erfoud, and Merzouga, where you’ll witness breathtaking sights and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Morocco. Begin your adventure by leaving Fes behind and heading towards Ifrane, known as the ‘Switzerland of Morocco’ due to its charming European-style architecture.

Take a stroll through the picturesque streets and marvel at the pristine gardens and lovely fountains.

Next, venture towards Midelt, a small town nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains. As you drive through this scenic region, be captivated by the changing landscapes, from lush green valleys to rocky terrains.

Enjoy the panoramic views of the stunning Ziz Gorges and the vast palm groves of Erfoud.

After a refreshing lunch, continue your journey towards Merzouga, a small village located on the edge of the majestic Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll experience the true essence of Morocco as you ride on the back of a camel and trek through the golden sand dunes.

Witness the breathtaking sunset over the desert and spend a magical night under the starry sky in a traditional Berber camp, where you’ll be treated to a delicious Moroccan dinner and entertained by local musicians.

Embarking on this incredible journey will not only allow you to witness some of Morocco’s most awe-inspiring landscapes but also give you a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of this captivating country. So, get ready to be amazed as you explore the enchanting towns of Ifrane and Midelt, witness the natural beauty of Erfoud, and bask in the tranquility of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga.

This is just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure that awaits you on your Fes to Marrakech desert tour.

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

As you continue your journey from the mesmerizing Merzouga, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Rissani. This historical town, known as the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, offers a unique glimpse into Morocco’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the bustling souks filled with traditional crafts, spices, and textiles.

Don’t forget to visit the famous Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim, an ancient fortified village that showcases the traditional architecture of the region. As you wander through the streets, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant colors, the enticing aromas, and the friendly locals who are always ready to share stories and traditions.

Next, prepare to be amazed by the majestic beauty of Todra Gorges. These towering limestone cliffs, carved by the Todra River, offer a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbed, surrounded by dramatic rock formations. For the more adventurous souls, rock climbing is also a popular activity here.

As you venture deeper into the gorges, you’ll discover hidden caves and natural pools, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Make sure to take a moment to appreciate the tranquility and serenity of this extraordinary place, as it truly is a natural wonder.

After your time at Todra Gorges, continue your journey to the stunning Dades Valley. Known as the ‘Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,’ this picturesque region is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and traditional mud-brick fortresses. As you drive through the winding roads, you’ll be greeted by lush green oases, colorful fields, and charming Berber villages.

Stop at one of the kasbahs to learn about the fascinating history and architecture of these ancient structures. Don’t forget to capture the beauty of the valley with your camera, as every turn offers a new and captivating view.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Rissani, marvel at the majestic beauty of Todra Gorges, and let the breathtaking landscapes of Dades Valley take your breath away. These experiences will surely be the highlight of your journey from Fes to Marrakech, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 3: Dades Gorges - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben haddou - Marrakech

Get ready to explore the stunning Dades Gorges, the captivating Ouarzazate, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Ben haddou, and the vibrant city of Marrakech on day 3 of your incredible journey!

After a delicious breakfast at your accommodation in Dades Valley, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through the breathtaking Dades Gorges. Marvel at the towering cliffs and rugged landscape as you make your way towards Ouarzazate, a city known as the ‘Hollywood of Morocco.’

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the famous Kasbah Taourirt, a fortified village that’s been featured in numerous films and TV shows.

From Ouarzazate, your adventure continues to Ait Ben haddou, a fortified village that’s been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Step back in time as you explore the narrow alleys and mud-brick buildings of this ancient ksar, which has also been featured in several films, including ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Game of Thrones.’

After immersing yourself in the history and culture of Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll head towards Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most vibrant and bustling cities. As you approach Marrakech, you’ll be greeted by the sight of the majestic Atlas Mountains in the distance.

Get ready to experience the sensory overload of Marrakech’s bustling medina, with its vibrant souks, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere. Explore the iconic Djemaa el-Fna square, visit the impressive Bahia Palace, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this enchanting city.

Day 3 of your Fes to Marrakech desert tour promises to be a day filled with awe-inspiring sights, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories.

3 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour includes:

3 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour excludes:

Testimonials of the 3 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Best 3 days Fez to Marrakech desert trip

Without this wonderful three-day journey between Fez and Marrakech, we could not claim to have lived in Morocco. Nisrine has been an excellent travel companion and guide. She is constantly responsive to our needs, and she made our trip unique and customized. She is kind, prompt, polite, and an excellent driver. Thank you, Nisrine; I know you'll be returning soon to take us on new adventures and share your passion for your nation.

Fes to Marrakech in 3 days.

My friend and I arrived in Fes eager to see the Sahara, ride a camel, and gaze at the stars in the Moroccan sky above the Sahara desert. We'd both heard it was a sight to behold. Hamid, our driver, assured us that it was true!

It was a lot of fun traveling from Fes to Marrakech! Our driver was extremely helpful and pleasant. He always smiled and was quick to find solutions to some of our travel needs and problems. His vehicle was spotless and comfortable. Once in the Sahara, the accommodations were comfortable and clean, the food was delicious, and the camel ride to see the sunset was a lot of fun. Seeing the sunrise in the morning was spectacular, and we were well worth it!

Unique Tour

The camp's owners are lovely children who see it as a way of life rather than a business. We arrived by camel. On New Year's Eve, there was a dinner of local dishes, followed by sitting by the fire and listening to local music, all surrounded by massive orange dunes. I recommend it to everyone because I have had nothing but positive experiences.

Unforgettable 3 days in Morocco

We spent three wonderful days traveling from Fes to Marrakech, driven by the very professional Hamid. His impeccable service, sound advice, and kindness enabled us to have a wonderful time. Beautiful scenery and friendly people combine to create unforgettable memories. Thank you once more, Hamid!

Related tours:

The 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is filled with beautiful sights and activities. As a result, we try to list the best of them for you so that you can get a sense of what you will see with us.

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3 Days from Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour highlights overview

Our three-day desert trip from Fes to Marrakech is jam-packed with stunning sites. As a consequence, we’d want to give you an idea of what you’ll see and do during your vacation with us.

There are numerous sites we haven’t included yet; if you want additional information, reach out to us.

Ifrane

Ifrane is a Moroccan city in the Meknes-Tafilalet area of the Middle Atlas Mountains. This city, which has a population of roughly 30,000 people, was built by the French in 1929. It has since become one of Morocco’s most popular tourist attractions, particularly for those seeking to escape the heat of the country’s bigger cities.

Azrou forest

This forest is about 24 kilometers from Ifrane and is home to the most unusual animal, the Barbary macaque ape.

This is the second listed attraction on our 3 days Sahara desert tour from Fes to Marrakech itinerary. This forest in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains is one of the largest, with cedar trees native to the Mediterranean and the Himalayas. There are many cedar trees in this area.

The cedar trees are very tall, reaching up to 40 meters in height, and they are home to the monkeys, the magots. These creatures are indigenous to Africa, Morocco, and Algeria. Some of them, however, can be found in Gibraltar. Furthermore, these animals live in families, with not only the mother caring for the babies, but also the father. Not to mention that they are extremely strict; if another monkey attempts to join their family, they attack it. Actually, we sometimes find wounds on these animals as a result of fights between them.

Many other animals, such as squirrels and deer, are said to live in the forest. However, across the street is only the monkey, who expects passengers to feed him.

Ziz valley and Errachidia

Errachidia is a city in the southeast, near the Atlas Mountains. As a result, some refer to it as the “gateway to the Sahara desert.” It is the city where residents of the desert apply for a variety of government licenses, passports, and driving licenses… Errachidia is a province; its original name was Imtghern or Ksar Souk, which means “market village.” Our next stop is at the Hassan Addakhil Dam, a large lake where the Sahara region gets its water from a tap.

Errachidia is also known for the Ziz River. Actually, it is a massive valley that stretches for about 280 kilometers from Morocco to Algeria. However, the one you’ll see on our three-day tour is only 30 kilometers long.

Erfoud

Erfoud, also known as Arfoud, is the capital of dates, fruits, and mineral fossils. Arfoud was built during the French colonization in 1912 and is named after the plant “Ounfoud.” However, some claim that the name was given by two Berbers who were crossing the river, and one asked the other about the river’s level, and he replied, “Ar Afoud,” which means “to the knee.”

Erfoud hosts one of Morocco’s largest international festivals, a three-day carnival featuring music, theater, and the sale of local products. If you’re interested, we can go to the market for date fruits while we’re here.

In addition, we can go see one of the fossils.

Merzouga

Merzouga is the highlight of our 3 days tour from Fes to Marrakech. There are two theories about the name Merzouga. The first is that it is a family name “Merzoug,” and the second is that it is wealthy, as evidenced by the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which attract many visitors each year.

Merzouga attracts a large number of tourists each year due to its large sand dunes, which are about 5 km/3 miles wide and 23 km/14 miles long. Furthermore, some of the Erg Chebbi dunes reach heights of 500 feet=150 meters. Some people wonder why these dunes are located here rather than elsewhere. They say there was a lake here, and because it gets very windy in the Sahara during the summer, it blew on the lake. Not to mention another theory about Sandher’s existence: some people believe that God sent the storm to punish a tribe that was fighting with couscous.

Merzouga is a large village with a diverse population of Arabs, Berbers, and Gnaoua. For example, in Merzouga’s center, there are Berbers and some Arabs; in Hassi Labied, there are usually only Berbers; and in Khamlia, there are Gnaoua.

There are many incredible activities to do in Merzouga, and the best of them are included in our 3 days tour from Fes to Marrakech.

Top things to do:

Camel trekking: The best experience you will have with us is the camel tour on Erg Chebbi dunes, which will last an hour and a half and will include quick photo stops.

Camping in Berber tents: Following the camel ride, you will arrive at the nomad camp behind Erg Chebbi. Berbers serve dinner, light fires, and play drams for the hosts’ entertainment.

ATVs: Our 3 days tour from Fes to Marrakech does not include quad bikes. You can, however, contact us to have them included. They are well worth the ride on the dunes, especially when the sand is dry.

Srij Lake: This attraction is not included in this tour; however, it is included in our other tour available here. Because camels are not used for work, they spend the day herding in this lake. Furthermore, it is the location of the flamingos’ migratory birds.

Ait Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou is a Berber fortress near Ouarzazate, another city on the Atlas Mountains’ southwestern tip. The Glaoui family has owned this small village since the 11th century, and it was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1987.

At-ben-Haddou (or At Benhaddou) is a small Moroccan town in the province of Ouarzazate, approximately 190 kilometers from Marrakech.

The Kasbah is a city in southern Morocco with traditional architecture, located on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains. It is made up of a collection of mud-brick buildings, and contrary to popular belief, it is not a Kasbah, but a Ksar (fortified village). It is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

What is in Aït-ben-Haddou?

The town as a whole deserves to be admired for its beauty. The sunlight on the fortified village provides stunning colors; it is a visual treat. The ksar is built on the slopes of a hill, which adds to the beauty of the scene. Inside, it’s like walking through an open-air museum! Because admission to the fortress is free, avoid people who try to charge you to enter their home.

The collective attic (agadir) at the top of the hill is impressive and well worth the climb. Just be wary of small “entrepreneurs” who want to assist you in getting upstairs in the attic. They wait until you turn your back before removing the small makeshift staircase that allowed you to ascend.

Don’t forget to visit the Ben-Haddou mausoleum at the foot of the hill on the other side of the village.

Conclusion

Other great places you will see on our 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require additional information about any of the places we did not mention; we will gladly respond within 24 hours.

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