3-Day Private Desert Tour: Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara

🕒 3 days · one way🚙 Private driver & guide

Overview

A short, complete desert escape from Fes to Marrakech: the Middle Atlas, the Ziz Valley, a sunset camel trek and a night in the Sahara, then the Todra and Dadès gorges and Aït Benhaddou before crossing the High Atlas.

Tour highlights

Fes
Ifrane
Azrou cedar forest
Midelt
Ziz Valley
Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
Erg Chebbi sunrise
Return from the dunes

Day by day

Day1

Day 1 · Fes to Merzouga

7 h drive

Your driver collects you early in Fes and heads south through Imouzzer to Ifrane, known for cold winters and alpine-style houses, which is why it is called the Switzerland of Morocco. Next is the cedar forest near Azrou, home to Barbary macaques, then lunch in Midelt. In the afternoon follow the Ziz river and cross the Tizi n'Talghemt pass to the Merzouga dunes. Ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi, pause on a high dune for the sunset and reach your desert camp for dinner, Berber drums around the fire and a sky full of stars.

Fes · Early departure from your hotel or riad
Ifrane · Alpine-style town, nicknamed the Switzerland of Morocco
Azrou cedar forest · Ancient cedars and wild Barbary macaques
Midelt · Mountain town in the heart of the Middle Atlas
Ziz Valley · Palm-filled valley between desert and mountains
Merzouga & Erg Chebbi · Sunset camel trek, then dinner and Berber music in a desert camp

Day2

Day 2 · Merzouga to Dadès Valley

5 h drive

Rise early for the sunrise over the dunes, then breakfast and a camel ride back to Merzouga, where the driver is waiting. Visit Rissani, the old capital of Tafilalet, and its big souk (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays are the busiest), then Erfoud for a fossilised marble workshop. Drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to the Todra Gorge, where you can walk between the red cliffs and have lunch. Continue to the Dadès Valley via Boumalne Dadès, with stops at the Monkey Fingers rocks and a viewpoint above the valley, and spend the night in a hotel.

Erg Chebbi sunrise · Watch the sunrise from the dunes
Return from the dunes · Ride back by camel or 4x4, then breakfast
Todra Gorge · Narrow canyon with towering rock walls
Berber villages · Drive through traditional villages and palm groves
Dadès Valley · Overnight in a charming riad, dinner included

Day3

Day 3 · Dadès Valley to Marrakech

6 h drive

After breakfast, head to Kelaat M'Gouna and the Valley of the Roses (the Rose Festival takes place every May), then drive through the palm groves of Skoura to Ouarzazate, the gate of the desert, where you can see the famous film studios. Visit Aït Benhaddou, the UNESCO-listed kasbah that appears in many films and series. Cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with stops for lunch and photos, and arrive in Marrakech, where you are dropped off at your accommodation or the airport.

Valley of the Roses · Scenic drive through the rose-growing valley
Ouarzazate · Taourirt Kasbah and the Atlas film studios
Aït Benhaddou · UNESCO-listed fortified kasbah used in many films
Tizi n'Tichka pass · High Atlas mountain crossing with panoramic photo stops
Marrakech · Arrival in Marrakech in the evening

Included

Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide
Fuel, tolls and driver expenses
2 nights accommodation (desert camp and riad)
2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Sunset camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Berber music evening in the desert camp
Pickup in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech

Not included

Lunches and drinks
Entrance fees to sites
Tips for guide and driver
Travel insurance

Frequently asked questions

Is this tour private?

Yes. Your group travels alone with its own driver and guide, so we can adapt the pace to you.

Where does the tour start and end?

Usually at your hotel, riad or the airport in the starting city. Tell us if you prefer another place.

What should I bring?

Light clothes for the day, a warm layer for desert nights, sunglasses, a scarf, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and some cash in dirhams.

Can I change the itinerary?

Yes. Tell us your dates and interests and we will adapt the route and the stops.

How do I book?

Send a request or message us on WhatsApp with your dates and the number of travellers. We will reply with a personal offer.

Photos from this tour

3-Day Private Desert Tour: Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara

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