Want a unique 3-day adventure from Marrakech to the desert? This tour is IT! You’ll dive into Morocco’s awesome history, lively traditions, and see some stunning landscapes. From the busy medinas to the peaceful Sahara, it’s the best of both worlds – adventure and chill time. Think: hiking golden dunes, exploring ancient kasbahs, and sleeping under a sky packed with stars. You’ll even visit Berber villages and secret oases. Every moment is set to be unforgettable. It’s basically the heart of Morocco in one perfect getaway!
Your 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Marrakech. We’ll drive south, crossing the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260m), enjoying amazing views along the way.
Our first main stop is Ait Ben Haddou, a famous UNESCO site. It’s known for its beautiful mud-brick buildings and has been a set for movies like Gladiator. You’ll have time to explore this old village.
After lunch near Ouarzazate, we’ll drive through the green Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses (known for its roses in spring). We then head to the impressive Dades Gorge. Here, you’ll check into your hotel for dinner and sleep, ending your first day.
After breakfast, we leave the Dades Valley for more amazing views. We’ll drive towards Tinghir, a Berber town, which leads to the Todra Gorge. These tall cliffs form a stunning canyon where you can take a short walk.
Following lunch, we head to Erfoud, known for its fossils. You can visit a workshop to see how they work with fossil marble. From Erfoud, the land changes as we drive to the amazing Erg Chebbi sand dunes near Merzouga.
Here, camels wait to take you into the golden dunes. You’ll stop to see a beautiful desert sunset. Your guide will lead you to a traditional Berber desert camp. Enjoy dinner under the stars, listen to Berber music by a campfire, and sleep in a comfy tent. This ends your second day.
Wake up early to see the amazing sunrise (this is optional). After breakfast and a shower at the camp, you’ll return to the edge of the desert. You can choose a final camel ride or a quick 4WD car transfer.
Then, begin your drive back to Marrakech. You’ll take a different, scenic route through the large Draa Valley. You will pass towns like Rissani, Alnif, Tazarine, and N’kob, reaching the oasis town of Agdz. Stop for lunch at a good spot along the way. The drive continues towards Ouarzazate before going back over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Enjoy the last mountain views before heading down towards Marrakech. You’ll likely arrive in the late afternoon or early evening. Your tour ends when you are dropped off at your hotel/riad in Marrakech.
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.
Chefchaouen: The blue-painted medina and Ras El Maa waterfall.
Casablanca: Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
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.
