3-Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara
- Duration3 days
- Free cancellationContact us for the conditions of this tour
- Local driver & guidePick-up from your hotel or riad
- Flexible itineraryPrivate dates and changes on request
- Private Tour
- Daily departures
- 3 Days
- Free Cancellation
Tour overview
Heading from Marrakech to Fes? Make the journey part of the adventure. This 3-day private tour crosses the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, follows the Valley of Roses, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge, and reaches the Erg Chebbi dunes in time for a sunset camel ride and a night in a Berber tent.
On the final day, drive north through the palm groves of the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas, with stops in the Azrou cedar forest to see wild macaques and in alpine-style Ifrane, before arriving in Fes.
Tour highlights
- Cross the High and Middle Atlas
- Panoramic views and Berber villages
- UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
- The Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge
- Sunset camel ride and a night in a desert camp
- Sunrise and starry skies in the Sahara
- The Ziz Valley and the Azrou cedar forest
Day-by-day itinerary
1Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Kelaat M'Gouna – Dades
Your driver collects you from your hotel or riad at 8:30. Cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) to Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village listed by UNESCO in 1987 and used in films such as Gladiator and The Mummy. Free time for lunch. Continue to Ouarzazate to see Taourirt Kasbah and the Atlas Film Studios, then through the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses, famous for its May rose festival, to the Dades Valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel with a view.2Day 2: Dades – Tinghir – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga camel ride
Pass through the Berber villages around Tinghir to the Todra Gorge, stopping above its palm-filled valley before walking between its 300 m cliffs. After lunch in Touroug or Tinejdad, continue via Erfoud and the Tafilalet oasis to Merzouga. Ride a camel for about 1.5 hours into the dunes, stopping for sunset, photos and sandboarding. At camp, enjoy mint tea, dinner, a campfire and music.3Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
Watch the sunrise over the dunes, then have breakfast and a shower before returning by camel or 4×4. Drive north through the Ziz Valley and over the Middle Atlas, with lunch on the way. Stop in the Azrou cedar forest to see wild macaques and in Ifrane, “Morocco’s Little Switzerland”, then arrive at your hotel in Fes in the late afternoon.
What's included
- Pick-up and drop-off
- Private air-conditioned vehicle, fuel included
- Experienced multilingual driver
- Hotel with breakfast and dinner
- Desert camp with breakfast and dinner
- Camel ride
- Sandboarding
- Stops for photos, walks and coffee whenever you like
Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance fees
- Tips
Prices
- Private tour – StandardStandard hotels & riads, any start date (price for 2 travellers)€365 per person
- Private tour – LuxuryLuxury hotels & riads, any start date (price for 2 travellers)€445 per person
- Group tourShared with other travellers – departures on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays€160 per person
More tours
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Good to know
- One-way tour: starts in Marrakech and ends in Fes, so you see the desert without driving back.
- Driving times: 6–8 hours a day, with frequent stops for photos, walks and meals.
- Train alternative: the direct train from Marrakech to Fes takes about 7 hours but misses the mountains and the Sahara.
- More time? The 4-day version adds a full day in the Merzouga area.
What to pack
- A warm jacket or fleece – desert nights are cold, especially from November to March.
- A scarf to protect your face from sun and sand.
- Sunglasses, sun cream and a hat.
- A small overnight bag for the camp; your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
- Cash in dirhams for lunches, drinks and tips.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this tour in reverse, from Fes to Marrakech?
Yes, see the 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech.
Where does the tour end in Fes?
At your hotel or riad, usually in the late afternoon.
Is there a group version?
Yes, the shared Marrakech to Fes tour follows the same route.
Traveller reviews
4.8based on 3 reviews
★★★★★
From Marrakech to Fes, we went on a three-day desert journey. This tour was the highlight of our Morocco trip. Before the trip, communication with Hamid was easy, and all of our questions were swiftly answered. Ali was our driver, and we couldn't have wished for a better fit. He was always polite, respectful, and pleasant, ensuring our safety and enjoyment. He taught us a lot about culture, history, and religion. He knew the ideal places and was always willing to snap lovely photos of us. A tour company that comes highly recommended.
Fabrizio★★★★★
Three-day Sahara desert journey from Marrakech to Fes! The highlight of the journey was a night of desert camping; everything was well-organized, and the accommodations were clean and comfortable. Special thanks to Ali, our tour guide! Ali, our desert guide, was incredibly kind, offered us wonderful shopping ideas, and explained the Berber way of life and language to us. I would absolutely go on another tour with this business with Ali!
Sebastian★★★★★
We had a fantastic time booking this excursion. Hamid was an excellent guide and a very safe driver. We fed monkeys, slept in the desert, and learned a lot about the people and their culture. I highly recommend it!
AlbertQuestions before you book?
Ask us about dates, pick-up, accommodation or a private version of this tour. A local expert replies within a few hours.
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