Marrakech to Fes 3-Day Desert Tours – Camel Trek & Sahara Adventure

Overview 

Experience the magic of Morocco’s desert heart with the Marrakech to Fes 3-Day Desert Tours — a fast-paced yet immersive journey that connects two of Morocco’s imperial cities through the dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas, Dades Valley, and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi (Merzouga). This 3-day adventure is perfect for travelers short on time but eager to experience the Sahara, ancient kasbahs, and Berber culture.

Your journey begins in Marrakech, where you’ll cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), explore the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou, and marvel at the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge. On Day 2, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and spend the night in a luxury desert camp under a sky full of stars. On Day 3, cross the Ziz Valley, stop in Midelt for lunch, visit Ifrane National Park to see wild Barbary monkeys, and arrive in Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital.

With private A/C transport, English-speaking driver, daily breakfast and dinner, and hand-picked accommodations, this tour offers comfort, safety, and unforgettable desert magic — ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small groups.

Description 

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day desert journey from Marrakech to Fes, a scenic and cultural odyssey that showcases the best of southern Morocco. Your adventure begins at 8:00 AM with a pickup from your riad or hotel in Marrakech, followed by a breathtaking drive over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, where panoramic views of terraced villages and rugged peaks set the stage for the journey ahead.

On Day 1, visit the legendary Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Continue through Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco,” and the fragrant Valley of Roses, ending your day in the dramatic Dades Gorge with a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 2 brings you to the Todra Gorge, where 300-meter limestone walls create a breathtaking canyon perfect for photos and light hiking. Then, push deeper into the desert toward Merzouga, arriving in time for a sunset camel trek across the rolling dunes of Erg Chebbi. Spend the night in a luxury desert camp, enjoying a traditional Berber dinner, live music, and a sky bursting with stars.

On Day 3, wake early to witness a spectacular Sahara sunrise, savor breakfast in the dunes, then begin your journey to Fes. Drive through the vast Ziz Valley, stop in Midelt for lunch, and visit Ifrane National Park to see the famous Barbary macaques in their cedar forest habitat. Arrive in Fes in the evening, where your tour concludes. With 24/7 support, bottled water, and seamless logistics, this 3-day tour delivers maximum impact in minimal time.

Highlights

✅ Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass with panoramic Atlas Mountain views
✅ Visit Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah
✅ Explore the dramatic Todra Gorge and Dades Gorge
✅ Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
✅ Spend a night in a luxury desert camp under the stars
✅ Discover the Ziz Valley and Ifrane National Park
✅ See wild Barbary monkeys in the cedar forest
✅ Includes breakfast and dinner daily in hand-picked hotels and camps
✅ Travel in comfort with private A/C vehicle and English-speaking driver
✅ 24/7 support and hotel pickup/drop-off included

Includes & Excludes

Includes

• Private modern air-conditioned minibus or SUV (fuel included)
• Professional English-speaking driver for the entire trip
• 2-night accommodation:
  • Night 1: Hotel or kasbah in Dades Gorge
  • Night 2: Luxury desert camp near Merzouga
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech
• Local guide at Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Camel trek to and from the desert camp
• Bottled water is provided in the vehicle
• 24-hour customer support throughout the tour
• Option to start the tour from any major city or airport (Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, etc.)

Excludes

• Lunches (not included — budget ~10–15€ per meal)
• Drinks (alcoholic or soft drinks)
• Tips for driver and camp staff (optional, appreciated)
• Flights or airport transfers (unless specified)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, optional excursions)

Tour Plan (Itinerary)

Day 1: Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Gorge

8:00 AM – Pickup from Your Hotel/Riad
Your driver collects you in Marrakech. Begin your journey south.

9:00 AM – Cross Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)
Stop for photos of the High Atlas and traditional Amazigh villages.

11:30 AM – Visit Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
Explore the UNESCO-listed fortified village with a local guide.

1:00 PM – Lunch in Ouarzazate
Eat at a local restaurant (own expense).

2:30 PM – Drive Through Valley of Roses & Skoura Oasis
Pass fragrant rose fields and lush palm groves.

6:00 PM – Arrive in Dades Gorge
Check in to your hotel. Enjoy dinner and rest.

Day 2: Dades Gorge → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

7:30 AM – Breakfast & Departure
Leave after breakfast.

9:30 AM – Explore Todra Gorge
Walk through the narrow canyon with towering cliffs — ideal for photos and light hiking.

12:00 PM – Lunch in Tinghir or Erfoud
Choose a local restaurant (own expense).

2:00 PM – Continue to Merzouga
Drive across the Saharan plains toward the dunes.

5:00 PM – Sunset Camel Trek into Erg Chebbi
Ride camels into the dunes as the sun sets in golden-red hues.

7:00 PM – Dinner & Desert Night
Enjoy a Berber-style dinner at the luxury camp. Listen to Gnawa music under the stars.

9:00 PM – Overnight in Desert Camp
Sleep in a furnished tent with warm blankets and desert silence.

Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Fes

6:00 AM – Sunrise & Mint Tea
Wake to a magical Sahara sunrise and hot mint tea.

7:00 AM – Breakfast at Camp
Fresh bread, olives, jam, and fruit.

8:00 AM – Camel Ride Back
Return to the village and meet your vehicle.

9:00 AM – Depart for Fes via Ziz Valley
Drive through the vast Ziz Valley, known for its palm oases and desert landscapes.

12:30 PM – Lunch in Midelt
Eat at a local restaurant (own expense).

2:00 PM – Visit Ifrane National Park
Stop in the cedar forest to see wild Barbary monkeys.

4:00 PM – Arrive in Fes
Drop-off at your hotel or riad. End of tour.

Note: The final day is long but scenic. For a more relaxed pace, consider upgrading to the 4-day or 5-day tour.

FAQs

Q: How long is the camel trek in Merzouga?
A: Approximately 45 minutes each way, allowing time to enjoy the dunes and sunset.

Q: Is the desert camp luxurious?
A: Yes — our luxury desert camp includes furnished tents, thick blankets, rugs, and private dining tents. Shared eco-toilets and washing areas are clean and functional.

Q: Can I charge my phone at the camp?
A: Limited solar power may be available. We recommend bringing a power bank.

Q: What should I pack?

• Warm jacket (cold desert nights)
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera, power bank
• Personal toiletries

Q: Is this tour suitable for solo travelers or couples?
A: Absolutely — it’s ideal for couples, solo adventurers, and small groups seeking a fast yet complete Sahara experience.

Q: Are meals included?
A: Breakfast and dinner are included daily. Lunches are not included, giving you freedom to choose local restaurants.

Q: Why choose the 3-day tour over longer options?
A: It’s perfect for time-limited travelers who still want the full Sahara experience — camel ride, bivouac, and key cultural stops — without extending their trip.

Q: Can I start the tour from Fes or Ouarzazate?
A: Yes — we offer flexible start points including Fes, Casablanca, and major airports. Contact us to customize your pickup.

✅ Ready to cross the Sahara in style?
Book your Marrakech to Fes 3-Day Desert Tour today and experience the dunes, culture, and starlit nights of Morocco’s Sahara — a compact adventure with maximum impact.