3 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Overview
The 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is the easiest way to cross Morocco from the old imperial city of Fes to the red city of Marrakech, and to sleep one night under the stars of the Sahara. You travel in a private vehicle with your own driver, so you stop where you like and never feel rushed.
On this Fes to Marrakech desert tour 3 days, you drive through the Middle Atlas, the cedar forest of Azrou, the Ziz Valley and the palm groves of Merzouga. You ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes, sleep in a desert camp, then walk in Todra Gorge and spend a quiet night in the Dades Valley.
On the last day, you visit the UNESCO site of Aït Ben Haddou, cross the High Atlas and arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
- Start: Fes
- Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
- Tour style: Private tour
- End: Marrakech
- Price: Check below
Highlights of the 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech:
- Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the town of Ifrane
- Meet the Barbary macaque monkeys in the Azrou Cedar Forest
- See the green Ziz Valley and the Todra Gorge
- Ride a camel at sunset and sleep in a luxury Sahara camp
- Sleep in the Dades Valley, with views of the Monkey Fingers
- Walk inside Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains by the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Watch the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Travel with a private driver, from Fes to Marrakech
Why a private 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech?
A private tour means the vehicle, the driver and the schedule are only for you and your group. You choose when to start, how long to stay at each stop, and where to eat lunch. There are no strangers and no waiting for a big bus.
The 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga also saves you a long trip back. You start in Fes and finish in Marrakech, so you do not drive the same road twice. With three days, the long drives are shared between the days, and you have time to enjoy the dunes, the gorges and the kasbahs.
Our drivers know the roads and the local people well. They help with photos, tea stops and small questions, and they can change the plan if you are tired or want to see more.
3 Days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech itinerary:
Day 1: Fes ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Azrou Cedar Forest ⇢ Midelt ⇢ Ziz Valley ⇢ Merzouga Desert
Fes to Merzouga (about 560 km, 9 hours with stops)
Your driver picks you up from your hotel or riad in Fes in the morning. First, you drive to Ifrane, a small town in the Middle Atlas with Swiss-style houses, often called the “Little Switzerland of Morocco”.
Next, you go to the Azrou Cedar Forest. Here you can meet the wild Barbary macaque monkeys and take photos among the old cedar trees. After that, the road goes through Midelt, where you can stop for lunch (not included).
In the afternoon, you follow the Ziz Valley and its long green palm groves, then pass Errachidia and drive to Merzouga. Near sunset, you ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes. You arrive at your desert camp, enjoy a Berber dinner, and listen to traditional drums around the campfire under a sky full of stars.
Overnight: luxury desert camp in Merzouga (dinner and breakfast included).
Day 2: Merzouga Sunrise ⇢ Rissani ⇢ Todra Gorge ⇢ Dades Valley
Merzouga to Dades Valley (about 270 km, 5 hours with stops)
Wake up early and climb a dune to watch the sunrise over the Sahara. This is one of the best moments of the trip. After a camp breakfast, you ride the camel back to the village and take a hot shower.
Then you drive to Rissani, an old market town and the gate of the Sahara. After this, the road continues to Tinghir and the green oasis of Todra Gorge. Here you can walk between red rock walls that are up to 300 metres high, and cool your feet in the river.
In the late afternoon, you continue to the Dades Valley, known for its “Monkey Fingers” rocks and its curved mountain road. You check in at your hotel, relax, and enjoy dinner with a view of the valley.
Overnight: hotel in Dades Valley (dinner and breakfast included).
Day 3: Dades Valley ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Aït Ben Haddou ⇢ High Atlas ⇢ Marrakech
Dades Valley to Marrakech (about 380 km, 7 hours with stops)
After breakfast, you leave the Dades Valley and drive along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. You pass Skoura, Kelaat M’Gouna and many old mud-brick villages.
Then you reach Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco”, and visit the famous Aït Ben Haddou. This old fortified village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been used in many films. You can walk up through the narrow streets for a great view of the valley.
After lunch (not included), you cross the High Atlas Mountains by the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of the highest roads in Morocco. You arrive in Marrakech in the evening, and your driver drops you at your hotel or riad. Your 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech ends here.
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech
Inclusive:
- Pickup in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech, subject to access
- Private transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver or a driver and an English-speaking tour guide (If you prefer another language, kindly inform us in advance)
- One night in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, with dinner and breakfast
- One night in a hotel in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast
- Camel trekking experience at sunset
- Sandboarding
- Stops for photos and refreshments along the route
Exclusive:
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees, when needed
- Tips (optional)
Map of the Fes to Marrakech desert tour 3 days
Accommodations
On this 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech, you sleep two nights in different places: one night in a desert camp in Merzouga, and one night in a hotel in the Dades Valley. You can choose from the options below, or similar places of the same level, depending on availability.
| Options | First night: Merzouga desert camp | Second night: Dades Valley |
|---|---|---|
| First option | Lunara Desert Camp | Dar Ahlam Dades |
| Second option | Najma Luxury Camp | Sahara Stars |
| Third option | Siroco Luxury Camp | Eden Boutique Hotel |
All places are “or similar”. Dinner and breakfast are included in both nights. Please contact us if you want another camp or hotel.
3 Days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech price:
The price of the 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech depends on the number of people in your group and on your travel date. Because this is a private tour, we make the offer for you only.
Please contact us with your dates and group size, and we will send you the best price quickly. Children are welcome, and we can prepare the trip for families, couples, friends and solo travelers.
Booking
Know Before You Go: Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days
- Best time to go: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for the Fes to Marrakech desert tour 3 days. Summer is very hot, and winter nights in the desert are cold.
- What to wear: light clothes for the day, a warm jacket for the night, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat and a scarf for the sand and the sun.
- What to bring: a small bag for the desert night (your big luggage stays in the vehicle), sunscreen, a power bank and some cash for lunch, drinks and tips.
- Driving time: Day 1 is the longest drive, about 9 hours with stops. Day 2 is about 5 hours, and Day 3 is about 7 hours. Times can change with traffic and weather.
- Camp comfort: luxury camps have real beds, private bathrooms and warm showers, but the desert is still a wild place. Wi-Fi can be weak.
- Special needs: tell us about food allergies, vegetarian meals or health needs before the trip, and we will prepare everything.
Extra activities for your Fes to Marrakech desert tour 3 days
Before the tour
- Guided Fes medina tour
- Fes cooking class
During the tour
- A professional photographer
- Romantic dinner in the desert
- Romantic desert proposal setup
- Quad bike ATV
- Buggy rental ATV
After the tour
- Day trip to Essaouira
- Ouzoud Waterfalls day trip
- Hot air balloon ride in Marrakech
- Hammam and spa in Marrakech
Reviews
What our guests say
★★★★★
Read what our guests say about the Fes to Marrakech desert tour 3 days with Morocco Discover Excursions.
A Magical 3-Day Sahara Crossing
★★★★★
Marco G.
Booking the 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech with Morocco Discover Excursions was the best decision of our holiday. The extra day gave us plenty of time to relax and enjoy the landscapes of the Ziz Valley, Todra Gorges and Dades Valley without feeling rushed. Riding camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and sleeping in a desert camp was unforgettable. Fantastic driver and smooth organization.
Best Way to See Southern Morocco!
★★★★★
Chloe Bennett
The 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech arranged by Morocco Discover Excursions was perfect. Every detail was well planned, with a comfortable private vehicle, authentic riads and a luxury desert camp. Walking through the massive Todra Gorge and exploring the ancient UNESCO kasbah of Ait Benhaddou were highlights. We loved the warm Berber hospitality, delicious meals and incredible scenery. Big thanks to our driver Mohamed, who shared his culture with us.
Best 3 days ever
★★★★★
Liam K.
If you are traveling between Fes and Marrakech, do not miss the 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech with Morocco Discover Excursions. We drove across both the Middle Atlas and High Atlas, and star-gazing in Merzouga around the campfire with traditional drums was magical. Our guide Mustapha was courteous, safe and full of local insights. Highly recommended for an authentic Moroccan adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for a desert tour from Fes to Marrakech?
Yes. The 3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech is the most popular choice. You get one night in the Sahara, one night in the Dades Valley, and time for Todra Gorge and Aït Ben Haddou without too many long drives in one day.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Your vehicle, driver and schedule are only for your group. You can change the stops and the time with your driver.
Where do we sleep during the Fes to Marrakech desert tour 3 days?
The first night is in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, and the second night is in a hotel in the Dades Valley, for example Dar Ahlam Dades, Sahara Stars or Eden Boutique Hotel (or similar).
How long are the drives each day?
Day 1 is about 9 hours with stops, Day 2 about 5 hours, and Day 3 about 7 hours. You have many stops for photos, tea and lunch.
Are meals included?
Dinner and breakfast are included on both nights. Lunches and drinks are not included, and we will stop at good local restaurants.
What is the price of the 3 days tour from Fes to Marrakech?
The price depends on your group size and travel date. Please contact us and we will answer fast with the best offer.
Can I start in Marrakech instead of Fes?
Yes. We can do the same route in the other direction. You can also see our 2 days desert tour from Fes if you have less time.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Have a different desert adventure in mind? At Morocco Discover Excursions, we are happy to create a trip that fits your travel style, interests, and schedule. You can add a night in the desert, stop in Chefchaouen, choose a different desert camp, or add special activities. Please contact us and let’s make your desert experience truly special!