Fes to 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour
Medina, Marrakech, Marrakech
Embark on a 3-day desert tour from Fez to Marrakech. Drive through the Middle Atlas, Sahara Desert, Todra Gorge, Ouarzazate, and Ait ben Haddou, and end in Marrakech.
3-Day Fez to Marrakech Desert and Atlas Mountains Tour
This guided 3-day tour from Fez to Marrakech passes through the Middle Atlas, Sahara Desert, Todra Gorge, Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou, ideal for culture and nature enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Watch Barbary Apes in cedar forests near Ifrane
- Enjoy a sunset camel ride on Erg Chebbi dunes
- Walk in Todra Oasis along the stream to Todra Gorge
- Drive along the Valley of the Roses and the Road of 1001 Kasbahs
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
Description
Your journey begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Fez. Travel through the Middle Atlas, passing Ifrane, a ski resort built in a Swiss architectural style, then stop at Azrou cedar forest to observe and feed Barbary monkeys.
Cross the Atlas Mountains through forests, springs, rocky formations, and Berber villages. Stop for lunch in Midelt, known for its fossils and rocks, then continue toward Merzouga with panoramic views of a vast palm oasis.
Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon and check into a traditional Kasbah at the foot of Erg Chebbi dunes. After a rest and mint tea, depart on camels for a one-hour sunset ride across the dunes, reaching a desert camp where you will spend the night in a Berber tent.
Unpack, have dinner, and experience Berber drumming and traditional music around the campfire. The next day, travel from Merzouga to Ouarzazate along the Road of 1000 Kasbahs, passing ancient caravan route kasbahs.
Stop for lunch, walk through Todra Gorge, then drive through the Dadès Valley with its impressive escarpments. Arrive in Ouarzazate in the afternoon, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
On the final day, visit Ouarzazate’s Kasbah Taourirt and the Atlas Studios, Africa's largest film studio. Then head to the Fint Oasis near Ouarzazate, followed by lunch and a visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in several films.
Continue across the High Atlas via Tizi-n-Tichka pass, which rises to 2260 meters, passing villages, waterfalls, and changing mountain landscapes before arriving in Marrakech in the afternoon to conclude the tour.
Includes
- Air-conditioned 4x4 or van transportation from Fez to Marrakech
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Sunset and sunrise camel rides
- Sandboarding experience
- Overnight in standard or deluxe Berber tents (depending on selection)
- Second night accommodation at Rose Garden Dades, Rose Valley Ouarzazate, or similar (private air-conditioned room with ensuite bathroom)
- Breakfast included (2 meals)
- Dinner included (2 meals)
- Luggage service
- Berber drumming and music experience
Excludes
- Lunch and drinks
- Local guide at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (€2 per person, optional)
- Transportation from Marrakech back to Fez at the end of the tour
Important Information
- The tour involves long drives on winding mountain roads and desert terrain.
- Expect varying temperatures: cooler in the mountains, warmer in the desert.
- Cash is preferred for purchases and tips in remote areas.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly.
- Travel insurance covering desert activities is recommended.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring sun protection, sturdy shoes, and layered clothing. Book early to secure availability, especially during peak seasons.
