3 Days Tour From Marrakech to Fes
A stunning Marrakech desert tour ending in Fes
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Overview
This 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour itinerary connects the two famous imperial cities, Marrakech and Fes. During this adventure, you’ll explore mountain passes, film-set kasbahs, gorges, and Sahara dunes.
Cross the High Atlas to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, overnight in the Dades Valley, then continue through Todra Gorge and palm-filled towns to Merzouga for a camel trek, desert camp, and a scenic return via Ziz Valley to Fes.
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Departure
08:30 from Marrakech
Return
~18:00 to
Fes
Starting Price
From €175
per guest
Highlights of 3 Days Tour From Marrakech To Fes
Important highlights of the 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes include the following:
- High Atlas drive via Tizi n’Tichka Pass with photo stops
- Ait Benhaddou, the old Ksar, and Ouarzazate, the “gateway to the desert”.
- Valley of Roses scenery and overnight stay in the Dades Valley
- Stroll between towering cliffs in Todra Gorges
- Sunset camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes to a Sahara camp
- Dinner, music, and starry skies in a desert camp
- Return to Fes via Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou cedar forest, and Ifrane
Complete Marrakech to Fes 3-Day Tour Itinerary
Below is our suggested itinerary for Marrakech to Fes 3-day tour via the Sahara desert:
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley
The Marrakech to Fes 3-day tour starts at 8:30 am, departing from the city to begin a scenic drive across the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. As the road climbs toward the summit, you’ll enjoy ever-changing views of terraced mountain slopes and traditional Berber villages.
Our first main stop is Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar known for its clay architecture. You can walk through the old pathways and learn about its history, as well as its role in films and series shot in the area.
Next, we continue to Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the desert. Here, you’ll pass by the Taourirt Kasbah and visit the Atlas Film Studio, where sets, props, and old film locations give a look into Morocco’s place in the movie world.
In the afternoon, we drive through the Valley of the Roses before reaching the Dades Valley. You’ll settle into your riad for dinner and spend the night surrounded by the peaceful mountain landscape.
Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert
We begin the morning by leaving the Dades Valley and making our way toward the Todra Gorges. Once there, you’ll have time to walk between the tall limestone walls, enjoy the cooler air near the river, and take photos of this impressive natural site.
After visiting the gorges, the journey continues through the Berber towns of Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud. As we drive, you’ll notice how the scenery changes from green valleys to drier landscapes, eventually reaching Erfoud, a town known for its fossils.
By the afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga. You’ll ride camels across the sands, watch sunset over Erg Chebbi dunes, and arrive at your desert camp.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy a traditional Berber dinner at the camp. Afterwards, you can sit by the fire, listen to local music, and spend the night under the open desert sky.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert to Fes
The final day of our desert trip begins with sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After spending some time outside, you’ll return to the camp for breakfast before starting the journey toward Fes.
Our first stop is the Ziz Valley, an important agricultural area with palm groves, small villages, and views of the river below. You’ll have time to take photos and enjoy the view.
From there, we continue to Midelt. The town is known for its orchards and is a practical place to take a break before entering the Middle Atlas region. Afterward, we drive through the Azrou cedar forest, where you may see the Barbary macaques that live in the area.
Next, we reach Ifrane. The town stands out for its clean layout, pitched-roof houses, and cooler climate. It offers a short but interesting change from the desert landscapes earlier in the day.
By late afternoon, we continue the drive to Fes and arrive in the evening.
Tour Includes & Excludes
What’s Included?
- Private, Comfortable AC Vehicles (4x4, Minivan, or Minibus)
- Your Friendly, Personal English-speaking Guide and Driver
- 1 Night in a good-quality hotel or traditional riad.
- Breakfasts & Dinners
- Camel trek activity in Merzouga
What’s Excluded?
- Lunches and drinks
- Other personal purchases, entrance fees, tips and extra paid activities.
Tour Pricing
All packages include private transportation, driver/guide, camel trek, and the same itinerary. What changes is your room/tent category and camp amenities.
Standard Tour
Great value for travelers prioritizing experience over amenities.
- ✦ Comfortable hotels/riads (private room)
- ✦ Standard desert camp (shared bathroom facilities)
From €175
per guest
Luxury Tour
Ideal for honeymooners or anyone wanting more space/comfort.
- Upscale hotels/riads
- Luxury desert camp with ensuite bathroom, larger private tents, upgraded dining
From €220
per guest
Mixed Tour
A smart balance of comfort and cost.
- ✦ Standard hotels/riads (private room)
- ✦A well-equipped luxury desert camp.
From €200
per guest
Pricing Note: The price shown is based on a group of 7 guests; final quotes vary by group size, travel dates/season, and room/tent category. Request a tailored offer.
Know Before You Go
- Drive times (approx.): Day 1 ~7h · Day 2 ~4–5h · Day 3 ~7–8h (the drive times don’t include sightseeing and meal stops).
- Meals: Vegetarian and custom dietary options are available; please let us know your specific requirements when confirming your tour.
- Weather: Mountain areas can be cool or snowy in winter; the desert is hot by day and can be cold at night. Pack layers for both.
- Camel ride: Usually 45–90 minutes each way, depending on camp location; a 4×4 transfer can often be arranged if you prefer not to ride.
- Luggage: Large suitcases typically stay in the vehicle or hotel, while you take a small overnight bag with essentials to the desert camp.
- Packing basics: Closed walking shoes, light clothes plus warm evening layers, hat, scarf/buff, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, reusable water bottle, and a power bank.
- Cash: Carry MAD cash for lunches, drinks, tips, souvenirs, and any optional activities.
FAQs Answered
How long is the camel ride in the Sahara?
The camel trek in the Sahara Desert typically lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours each way, depending on the route and tour pace.
Is this tour suitable for children and older travelers?
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.
what we got:
- car did not have good working AC. Most of the times we had open windows!
- our driver was not a guide, so not much information was passed to us while in the car.
- several times we were not driven to the hotel, but had to walk from medina gates to hotel and was told to pay for transferring our luggage. This was going on untill we showed our contract stating that all these is included. No, we did not get our money back.
- with the few exceptions, we were staying in Medinas. Some hotels were nice, some OK, but few simply horrible. Non working AC, broken safe, dirty and filthy. One hotel was so awful that we refused to stay in it: no working AC, no light in the sink area, shower stall completely covered with mold, electrical switch sticking out from the wall....Last drop was on out last day: our driver asked if he can leave us ( it was a holiday comming up and he wanted help his family to prepare) and call taxi to drive us to the airport next day. We agreed, but put one condition: taxi must have AC. He promise. Next day when taxi came, I asked about AC and driver say "Yes". When we got in a car, he open the window. When I asked to turn AC on, he pointed to the window....
Said - the person we corresponded with while booking and up to travel time) never met us.
I can fully recommend this operator and guide
Book Now & Pay Later
We typically reply within 24 hours.
How to book?
Message us with your dates, group size, and preferred package. A small deposit (via PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer) is required to confirm your tour.
The remaining balance is paid in cash at pick-up (GBP, EUR, USD, or MAD are accepted).
Cancellation policy
You get a full refund if you cancel ≥15 days before the tour starts.
For full details, please check our booking policies page.
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Important Note: Our Marrakech desert tour packages can be customized to fit your needs. Feel free to contact our expert team for help.