From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Desert Adventure to Fes

1188 Reviews
Outdoor activities Nature & adventure Multi-day trips Deals & Discounts Tours Guided tours Sightseeing Safaris & wildlife activities Desert safaris Camel riding tours

Experience a breathtaking desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. Ride camels, sleep under stars in a Sahara camp, explore ancient kasbahs, and spot wild apes in the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.

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

Directions

Gallery

Book Nearby Accommodation

Get Directions
Check availability

My Lists

Create New Guide

OR

Mini Guides
Arrow

Login to create your guides for Marrakech.

Add to My Guide

Create New Guide

Cancel

Cancel

We Are Part of the My Guide Network!

My Guide Marrakech is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides.

We are now in 180+ Destinations and Growing. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity.

Nearby Destinations

Events in Marrakech

Please select a Date first.

Search for a company in Marrakech