This 3-day desert tour is perfect for travelers who want to see the best of Morocco in a short time. Starting from Marrakech, we’ll cross the stunning High Atlas Mountains, visit the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and explore the Dades Valley and Todra Gorges.
You’ll enjoy a camel trek through Erg Chebbi sand dunes and spend a magical night in a Berber desert camp under the stars, with traditional music and a warm campfire. You’ll discover places like Skoura Oasis, Valley of Roses, and the town of Erfoud, famous for fossils.
On the last day, we travel through the beautiful Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing Midelt, the Cedar Forest of Azrou (where you can see monkeys), and the charming town of Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland”. The tour ends with your arrival in Fes, full of memories of desert sunsets, mountain landscapes, and Berber culture.
Starts with a pick-up from your hotel/riad in Marrakech. We’ll drive south, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260m), enjoying beautiful mountain views and Berber villages along the way.
Our first main stop will be at the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This place is known for its mud-brick buildings and has been a filming location for movies like Gladiator. You’ll have free time to explore this old village.
After lunch near Ouarzazate, we’ll pass through the green Skoura Oasis and the famous Valley of Roses, especially lovely in spring. We then continue to the impressive Dades Gorge, where you’ll check into your hotel/riad, have dinner, and rest for the night.
After breakfast, we leave the Dades Valley and drive towards Tinghir, a charming Berber town surrounded by palm trees. This road leads to the stunning Todra Gorges, where tall cliffs form a narrow canyon. You’ll have time for a short walk and take beautiful photos.
After lunch, we’ll continue to Erfoud, known for its fossils. You can visit a local workshop to see how they make fossil marble products. the landscape changes as we drive to Erg Chebbi sand dunes near Merzouga.
Your camel ride will take you across the dunes to enjoy a magical sunset. Then, we reach your Berber desert camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner under the stars, listen to traditional Berber music by the campfire, and sleep in a comfortable desert tent.
Wake up early to see the sunrise over the dunes – a truly unforgettable view. After breakfast and a shower at the camp, you’ll ride your camel back or take a 4×4 to meet your driver and start the journey to Fes.
We’ll drive through the Tafilalt palm grove and along the scenic Ziz Valley, known for its deep gorges and palm trees. We’ll stop for panoramic views near Errachidia, then continue to Midelt, a town in the Middle Atlas Mountains, where we’ll stop for lunch.
After lunch, we’ll cross the Middle Atlas, driving through the Cedar Forest of Azrou, where you can see wild Barbary monkeys. Then, we visit Ifrane, often called “Morocco’s Little Switzerland” because of its European-style architecture and cool weather.
We’ll continue through farmlands and hills until we arrive in Fes in the late afternoon or early evening. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel/riad.
Marrakech: Jemaa el-Fnaa, Saadian Tombs, and Majorelle Garden.
Ait Benhaddou: UNESCO-listed ksar and film locations.
Merzouga: Erg Chebbi dunes and desert camping.
Fes: Al Quaraouiyine University and Chouara Tannery.
Popular souvenirs include:
Handmade rugs and carpets
Argan oil products
Traditional pottery and ceramics
Spices and teas
Leather goods
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Bargaining is expected in souks, but do so respectfully.
Greetings are important; a simple “Salam alaikum” (peace be upon you) goes a long way.
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and warm layers for cooler desert nights. Modest attire is recommended for visiting religious sites.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for exploring medinas and sturdy sandals for the desert.
Accessories: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a scarf for protection against sun and sand.
Other essentials: A reusable water bottle, camera, power adapter, and personal toiletries.
This tour offers a blend of Morocco’s most iconic experiences:
Cultural immersion: Explore ancient medinas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and traditional Berber villages.
Natural wonders: From the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains and lush valleys, the tour showcases Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
Historical depth: Visit historic kasbahs, ksars, and cities that have played pivotal roles in Morocco’s history.
Authentic experiences: Enjoy camel rides, desert camping, and interactions with local communities.
The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the desert, while winters can be chilly in the mountains.
