go on a captivating 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fez, designed to reveal Morocco’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. You’ll discover the majestic High Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs like the famed Ait Ben Haddou, and witness the golden dunes of the Sahara. Furthermore, prepare to walk through the breathtaking Todra Gorges and enjoy a magical night under the stars in a luxury desert camp.
This journey also includes visits to traditional Berber villages and lush oases. Additionally, you will explore the serene beauty of a cedar forest. Blending adventure, rich culture, and stunning natural beauty, this trip promises an unforgettable Moroccan experience. It’s perfect for those seeking both thrilling exploration and moments of peaceful relaxation.
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 early for a magical sunrise over the dunes – a truly special moment. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll ride your camel back to meet your driver and start the trip to Fes.
We drive north through the large Tafilalt palm grove and along the Ziz Valley, known for its deep gorge and many palm trees. We’ll stop for great views near Errachidia. Our trip continues to Midelt in the Middle Atlas Mountains for lunch. This town is known for apples.
After lunch, we cross the Middle Atlas, driving through cedar forests near Azrou. We’ll stop to see wild Barbary monkeys in their natural home. Next, we visit Ifrane, often called “Morocco’s Little Switzerland” for its European-style buildings and cool weather. We’ll make a short stop here.
Leaving Ifrane, we drive through hills and farmlands, arriving in the historic city of Fes in the late afternoon or early evening. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel, ending your memorable 3-day desert tour.
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.
