3 Days Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes

Your 3-day trip from Marrakech to Fes via the Merzouga Desert begins today. We will pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8:00 a.m., then start driving toward Boumalne Dades, where you will spend your first night. On the way, we cross the High Atlas Mountains and stop at the Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters above sea level) to enjoy the panoramic views and take memorable photos. We then continue to the fortified Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most famous ksars. The word Kasbah means citadel, and ksar refers to a fortified village in Arabic.

Ait Ben Haddou has appeared in many international films such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Take your time to walk through its alleys and discover its traditional architecture before we stop nearby for lunch. Afterward, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” You may opt to visit the Atlas Film Studios, where many renowned movies were produced (current ticket price: €8 per person). We then proceed to Rose Valley and Kalaat M’Gouna. If you wish to visit a local women’s cooperative, simply ask your guide to stop. After a full day of exploration, we arrive in Boumalne Dades in the afternoon and drop you off at your accommodation for the night.

Today brings the highlight of your 3-day Morocco desert tour. After enjoying a traditional breakfast at your riad, we begin with a short visit to the beautiful Dades Gorge, where you can admire the dramatic rock formations, including the famous Monkey Finger rocks. We then continue toward the Todgha Gorge, passing through charming Berber villages and breathtaking scenery. Once we arrive, we take a relaxing walk along the Todgha River. This river meets the Dades River and forms a 28 km-long stream that gradually carved the sandstone and limestone, creating canyon walls that reach nearly 500 meters in height. The views from the top of the cliffs are spectacular, especially for those who enjoy light climbing. After exploring, we stop for lunch at a traditional local restaurant.

We then make a quick halt to capture the panoramic views of the Todgha Valley before continuing toward Malaab Village, where you can try on traditional Berber outfits and take memorable photos among the palm groves. In the afternoon, we head to the Sahara Desert of Merzouga. Upon arrival, your camels will be waiting for a scenic ride across the golden dunes, with a stop at a high viewpoint to enjoy a magical Sahara sunset. Reaching the camp, you will be welcomed with a traditional mint tea served with nuts or sweets. After settling into your tent, enjoy a delicious dinner followed by lively Berber music around the campfire. It will be a night filled with dancing, warm hospitality, and unforgettable desert vibes.

Make the most of your final morning in the desert by waking up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes near your camp. After breakfast, you will either ride the camels back to Merzouga Village or meet your driver directly at the camp. From Merzouga, we begin our journey to Fes, known as the Scientific Capital of Morocco. We will reach the city in the late afternoon. Along the way, we stop to admire the panoramic views of the Ziz Valley, a stunning oasis filled entirely with palm trees. In Midelt, we pause for lunch before continuing to the Cedar Forest, where you can observe the Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.

Feeding them is possible, but we always advise caution and respect for wildlife. Our last stop is in Ifrane, a charming town in the Middle Atlas Mountains often called the “Little Switzerland of Morocco” for its unique alpine-style architecture. Feel free to take a short walk and enjoy the fresh mountain air. After approximately 9 hours of travel, we arrive in Fes and drop you off at your accommodation, marking the end of your 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.