3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga Desert

Your journey begins early in the morning as we leave the bustling city of Marrakech behind and drive towards the High Atlas Mountains. The road climbs through the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters, offering breathtaking views of valleys, terraced farms, and Berber villages nestled in the hillsides. Along the way, there are stops for photos and to enjoy the mountain scenery. By midday, we arrive at the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its earthen architecture and its role in films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring this historic fortress with its narrow alleys and towers, we continue towards Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios and kasbahs. From here, the road takes us through the lush Skoura oasis, dotted with palm groves and hidden kasbahs, and then into the Valley of Roses, known for its rosewater distilleries. In the late afternoon, we reach the spectacular Dades Valley, where dramatic rock formations and winding gorges create a unique landscape. You will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable riad or hotel with views over the valley.

After breakfast with views of the valley, we set off towards one of Morocco’s most impressive natural wonders: the Todra Gorges. The road passes through traditional Berber villages and fertile valleys until we reach the towering canyon walls of Todra, which rise up to 300 meters. Here, you will have time to walk along the riverbed, admire the sheer cliffs, and capture stunning photos of this dramatic setting. The journey then continues deeper into the desert region, crossing palm groves and small towns such as Tinejdad before arriving in Erfoud, a town famous for its fossil workshops and annual date festival. By the afternoon, the landscape changes as we approach the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. At this point, your unforgettable camel trekking experience begins. Riding across the dunes, you will witness the colors of the desert shifting with the setting sun, creating a magical and peaceful atmosphere. Upon arrival at your desert camp, you will be welcomed with mint tea, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, and gather around the fire for Berber music under a sky filled with stars. This overnight stay in the Sahara is often the highlight of the entire tour.

The final day starts with an early wake-up call to admire the sunrise over the Sahara dunes, a breathtaking sight that will remain in your memory forever. After breakfast at the camp, you can either ride camels back or take a 4x4 to the village of Merzouga, where we continue our journey north towards Fes. The road first takes us through the beautiful Ziz Valley, with its long belt of palm groves and fortified villages. As we climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains, we pass through Midelt, a town known for its apple orchards, before continuing towards the cedar forests near Azrou. Here, you may encounter the playful Barbary macaques that live in the wild. The scenery changes again as we arrive in Ifrane, a charming town with alpine-style houses, clean streets, and often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” After a short stop, we continue the final stretch to Fes, where the tour ends with drop-off at your accommodation. This marks the end of an incredible 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour, filled with unforgettable landscapes, cultural encounters, and the magic of the Sahara Desert.