3 Days Tour From Marrakech to Fes

A Marrakech desert tour with a return to Fes

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Overview

Discover the beauty of Morocco with a complete 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour package. Experience camel rides, magnificent mountain views, and overnight stays in a desert camp. Along the way, explore iconic sites such as Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Todra Gorge, and the scenic Valley of the Roses.

Our Local guides will be with you throughout the tour, offering valuable insights into the history and traditions of each destination. Be sure to book your tour early and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

Duration Departure Time & Location Arrival Time & Location Price Per Guest
3 Days and 2 Nights 8:30 AM from Marrakech 18:00 in Fes From 150 EUR

Highlights of 3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

Here are the top highlights of the 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes:

  • Atlas Mountains: Journey through the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoying panoramic views of Morocco’s High Atlas range.
  • Ait Benhaddou: Visit the ancient UNESCO-listed ksar, known for its mud-brick architecture and cinematic history.
  • Ouarzazate: Explore the “Gateway to the Sahara” and its famous film studios and kasbahs.
  • Valley of the Roses: Drive through lush valleys known for their rose bushes and pleasing landscapes.
  • Todra Gorge: Marvel at the dramatic canyon walls and enjoy a hike along the Todra River.
  • Merzouga Desert: Embark on a camel trek through the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi, leading up to a night at a traditional desert camp under the stars.
  • Ziz Valley: Pass through palm-filled valleys with stunning oases as you make your way toward Fes.

Complete Itinerary of 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Here is the complete itinerary for the 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes:

Day 1: From Marrakech to Dades Valley

Route: Marrakech Ait Benhaddou Ouarzazate Dades Valley

Distance: 315 km

Key Stops:

  • Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
  • City of Ouarzazate
  • Dades Valley

Travel Across the Atlas Mountains

Departing from Marrakech in the early morning, our journey starts with a drive through the unique Tizi n’Tichka Pass, a twisting road that slowly unwinds the beauty of the High Atlas Mountains.

Guided Tour of Ait Benhaddou

Our first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village that is both historically and cinematically significant. It’s a symbol of Moroccan clay architecture that exhibits century-old history. Our guide will share stories about its history and how it’s been used in famous films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Ouarzazate: The Gateway to the Sahara

The next stop is Ouarzazate, a city named the Door of the Desert. We’ll pass through the historic Taourirt Kasbah, a huge fortified residence that’s been featured in many movies. We’ll will also visit the Atlas Film Studio, a movie wonderland where you can explore Morocco’s cinematic history and its impact on modern films.

Arriving at Dades Valley

We’ll continue from Ouarzazate to Dades Valley, where you’ll pass through the Valley of the Roses. If you happen to catch the season of spring, you’ll see millions of damask roses painting the valley pink and filling the air with fragrance.

Afterward, we’ll arrive at Dades Valley, concluding the day with a delicious dinner and a night’s stay in a traditional riad.

Day 2: From Dades Valley to Merzouga

Route: Dades Valley Todra Gorges Erfoud Merzouga

Distance: 255 km

Key stops:

  • Todra Gorges
  • Erfoud
  • Merzouga Sahara

Explore the Todra Gorges

We’ll start the 2nd day of our Marrakech to Fes desert tour from Dades Valley and arrive at Todra Gorges, one of the most impressive canyons in Morocco. The soaring limestone walls are accompanied by a serene river within, where you can take a leisurely walk, take photographs, or even engage in hiking and climbing.

Journey through Berber Villages to Erfoud

As we leave the gorges, your journey will continue through the picturesque Berber villages of Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud. You’ll notice how the landscape is transitioning from green valleys to expansive deserts as you pass through the fossil city of Erfoud and venture into the Sahara.

Camel Trek into the Sahara

Upon reaching Merzouga, our desert adventure begins. We’ll hop on camels and trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes of sand towers. As we continue, the sun begins to set and change colors; we’ll arrive at the desert camp.

Evening at Desert Camp

Our desert evening starts with a delicious Berber dinner made with traditional recipes and authentic ingredients. The night comes alive then with Berber drums and local music while you enjoy by the campfire, soaking in desert nightlife and a clear sky full of stars.

Day 3: From Merzouga Desert to Fes

Route: Merzouga Ziz Valley Midelt Ifrane Fes

Distance: 467 km

Key stops:

  • Ziz Valley
  • Midelt
  • Ifrane

Morning in the Merzouga Desert

We’ll start the final day of our Marrakech to Fes tour with the spectacular sight of sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After enjoying the peaceful sunrise, we’ll head back to camp for breakfast and prepare for our journey to Fes.

Journey through Ziz Valley

After leaving the desert camp, we arrive at the Ziz Valley. One of the largest oasis valleys in Morocco, the Ziz Valley boasts a series of palm groves and other crops, followed by ancient kasbahs and towering cliffs. Don’t miss your chance to take pictures of this when you make a stop to admire the Ziz River and its surrounding valley featuring Morocco’s agricultural life.

Stopping at Midelt

Famous for its fruit orchards, particularly apples, Midelt offers a peaceful break where we’ll make the next stop. It’s situated between the middle and high Atlas Mountains, offering a unique landscape surrounded by towering mountains and valleys.

Traveling to Ifrane through the Azrou Cedar Forest

Our next stop is Ifrane, famously known as the Little Switzerland of Morocco. We’ll go through the cedar forests of Azrou on the way.

Arriving at Ifrane, you’ll learn that the city earned the nickname with its European-style houses and cooler climate. Ifrane feels worlds apart from the desert you just left, making it a must-see in your Marrakech to Fes desert tour of 3 days.

Arrival in Fes

As we descend from the Atlas Mountains, we’ll arrive in Fes in the late afternoon.

Tour Itinerary Map

Tour Includes & Excludes

What’s Included:

  • Private Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle or minibus for the entire journey.
  • Knowledgeable Tour Guide: Local guides with insights into Moroccan culture, history, and traditions.
  • Customizable Accommodations: Select from various accommodation types, with options to upgrade desert camps and city hotels/riads.
  • Meals: Breakfast and dinner for the complete duration of the tour.
  • Desert Activities: Camel trekking in the Sahara.

What’s Excluded:

  • Meals: Lunches and beverages.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal purchases, entrance fees, and tips.

Available Tour Options

Marrakech and Fes are two of the most iconic cities of Morocco. When you combine the journey with these two and the Sahara, there are quite a few highlights you simply cannot miss on the way.

Exploration of Ait Benhaddou

For any tours from Marrakech to Fes, a visit to Ait Benhaddou is a no-brainer. This iconic kasbah is an ancient fortified village of clay and stone that’s located near the trans-Saharan trade route, marking its historical significance.

Ait Benhaddou has also been featured in many famous films, such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven, and more.

Camel Trekking in the Sahara Desert

Camel trekking is an integral part of a desert tour, as many will assume. And when it’s in the undulating dunes of Erg Chebbi, the experience becomes an adventure to remember.

Hiking in Todra Gorges

Located near the town of Tinghir, Todra Gorges is another must-visit natural wonder of Morocco. The towering rock walls and a serene riverbed make for an ideal spot for both leisurely walks and adventurous hikes.

Visit to Ouarzazate and Atlas Film Studios

Ouarzazate has been called many names, such as the Gateway to the Sahara, the Hollywood of Morocco, and so on. Each name was earned by this enchanting city of ancient kasbahs and iconic film sets.

You can also visit the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, a 17th-century fortified palace that was renovated during the Glaoui Dynasty.

Stargazing in the Sahara Desert

Stargazing in the desert night sky is one of the most magical experiences of human life. Far from lights, noises, and civilizations, the sky of the Sahara desert reveals a unique display of stars and constellations at night.

  • A 3-day tour is the most recommended as it gives ample time to explore the desert.
  • Package prices vary depending on the number of people, types of accommodations, and type of tour.
  • Pack both light and heavy layers of clothes.
  • Bring sunglasses, a hat, a scarf, and sunscreen.
  • Bring essentials like a camera, power bank, chargers, a small backpack, etc.
  • Keep cash handy for small purchases.
  • Inform us in advance of any dietary preferences, like vegetarian meals.
  • Don’t miss the sunset, sunrise, and stargazing in the Sahara.

FAQs Answered

The camel ride in the Sahara desert trip typically lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours each way, depending on the route and tour pace.

Of course. The tour is generally suitable for children and older travelers; however, it’s important to consider comfort levels for long drives and camel rides.

You’ll stay one night in a desert camp near Merzouga and another night in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley. The standard of accommodation depends on your selected tour package, but you can always upgrade to luxury stays during your journey.

For the desert tour, pack light garments for the day and warm layers for the evening, as the desert temperature can both rise and drop during the same day and night. Also, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or scarf, and comfortable shoes for your journey.

Yes, vegetarian or special dietary meals are available upon request, given that you’ve informed us in advance for convenience.

Spring and fall seasons are the best times of the year to take a Marrakech to Fes desert tour, as the temperatures are milder than in other seasons, such as summer.

To book a tour, just reach out to us and select your preferred tour. A small deposit is needed to confirm your reservation. For full details, please refer to our booking policies.

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What's Next?

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Important Note:

Our desert tours from Marrakech can be customized to fit your needs. Feel free to contact us.

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