3-Day Sahara Desert Adventure to Fes
458 Reviews
WHEN
Monday 1 December to Fri Jan 10th 2025
ADDRESS
Highlights
- Ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at both sunset and sunrise
- Sleep in a Berber desert camp with dinner, music, and a sky full of stars
- Explore Ait BenHaddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah seen in Game of Thrones, Gladiator
- Walk through the towering Todgha Gorges
- Spot wild monkeys in the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas
Description
Leave the busy streets of Marrakech behind and step into a world of wonder, where Atlas Mountains, ancient Kasbahs, and golden dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. From sunset camel rides to starry desert skies and wild monkeys in cedar forests, this 3-day journey from Marrakech to Fes is full of surprises.
Day 1: Marrakech – Aït Benhaddou Kasbah – Kalaat M'Gouna/Dades
Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad at 7:00 AM. Travel through the scenic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in Morocco. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views and photo stops as you pass traditional Berber villages. Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou, a historic ksar known for its earthen clay architecture and appearances in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After a guided walk and lunch, continue through Ouarzazate, the 'Hollywood of Africa,' and the Valley of the Roses. Arrive in Dades Valley / Kalaat M'Gouna by late afternoon, check into your local hotel, and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner. Relax in your cozy room—perhaps even take a refreshing swim before your Sahara adventure.
Day 2: Kalaat M'Gouna/Dades – Todgha Gorges – Merzouga
After breakfast, set off along the legendary Road of 1001 Kasbahs, a scenic route dotted with ancient fortresses and charming Berber towns. Arrive at the dramatic Todgha Gorges where you can walk through towering limestone cliffs carved by the river, capturing stunning photos and enjoying a short break. Continue your journey to Merzouga, pausing for a fun photo stop to try on traditional nomad attire. As you approach the Sahara, the landscape transforms into vast desert plains. In Merzouga, relax at your desert lodge, then embark on a camel trek at sunset across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience the thrill of sandboarding and watch the dunes glow in the evening light. Arrive at your desert camp in time for dinner under the stars, followed by Berber music and drumming around the fire. Overnight in a private tent—standard or luxury, as per your choice.
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Cedar Forest – Fes
Wake early to witness a magical sunrise over the Sahara dunes, followed by a camel ride back to the lodge. After breakfast, begin your journey north through the Ziz Valley, known for its lush palm groves and ancient ksour (fortified villages). Pass through Erfoud, famous for fossils and date harvests, then stop for lunch in Midelt. Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, driving through cedar forests where you may spot wild Barbary apes. As the terrain transitions from arid desert to forest, you’ll reach Fes by early evening. Your driver will drop you off at your riad or hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Sahara adventure.
Includes
Pickup from your hotel/riad in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
Air-conditioned minibus or minivan
Multilingual driver-guide (English, French, Spanish)
Guided walking tour in Ait Ben Haddou (local guide)
1 night in an AC private hotel room/suite with bathroom
1 night in a private Nomad Desert Camp Tent (standard or luxury)
Sunset and sunrise Camel Trekking in Merzouga Desert
Moroccan dinners and breakfasts (vegetarian options available)
Sandboarding in the Sahara Desert
Berber drumming and campfire music entertainment
Onboard Wi-Fi
Secure luggage storage and handling
Important Information
- Starts at 7:00 AM in Marrakech on Day 1; ends around 7:00 PM in Fes on Day 3
- Tour can also start from Ouarzazate—mention it when booking
- Both luxury and standard desert camps include private tents. Luxury tents feature private in-tent bathrooms, while standard tents have shared facilities nearby (see “standard or luxury desert camp booking version” for details)
- Sunrise and sunset camel rides are included in all camp types
- Camel ride alternatives: walk to the standard camp or request a 4x4 transfer (€50 per vehicle, available for both camp versions)
- Long pants recommended for camel trekking
- Optional quad biking available (€50/person, 1-hour session; min. 2 people)
- Bring a small overnight bag; main luggage stays in the vehicle (luxury version, luggage is transported separately by 4x4)
- Desert weather – Pack accordingly: hot days (Jun–Sept), cold nights (Nov–Feb)
- Regular breaks for Lunch, toilets, refreshments, and water are arranged daily
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund