From Fes: 3 Days and 2 Nights Desert Trip to Marrakech

3-Day Fez to Marrakech Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains Tour

This 3-day guided tour departs from Fez, exploring Morocco’s Middle and High Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, and historic sites. It suits travelers seeking culture, nature, and adventure.

Highlights

• Drive through the cedar forest and observe Barbary macaque monkeys
• Ride a camel across Erg Chebbi’s golden sand dunes
• Spend a night under the stars in a Sahara desert camp
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou
• Discover the dramatic Todra Gorge and Dades Valley

Itinerary

Day 1: Fez – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

Your trip starts with hotel pickup in Fez at 7:45 AM. Drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane to see alpine-style architecture. Continue to Azrou’s cedar forests to spot wild Barbary macaques. After passing Berber villages, take a lunch break in Midelt (not included). Then, descend through the Ziz Valley oasis lined with date palms and fortified villages. Arrive in Merzouga by late afternoon to begin a camel trek across Erg Chebbi’s dunes at sunset. Overnight in a desert camp with traditional dinner and local music under the stars.

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate

Wake early to watch sunrise over the dunes before breakfast at camp. Travel to Rissani, historic capital of the Alaouite dynasty, to explore its souk and kasbahs. Continue to Todra Gorge to walk among towering limestone cliffs. Proceed to the Dades Valley with its winding roads and red rock formations. Arrive in Ouarzazate by evening for dinner and overnight stay at a local hotel.

Day 3: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, visit Ouarzazate’s Atlas Studios, famous for film productions. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified clay ksar. Enjoy lunch and panoramic views of the valley. Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), stopping for photos of terraced fields and Berber villages. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, with hotel or Jamaa El Fna Square drop-off.

Includes

• 3 days of transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English- and French-speaking driver
• Breakfast and dinner during the tour
• 1 night accommodation in a desert camp (standard, deluxe, or luxury options)
• 1 night hotel stay in Ouarzazate/Dades Valley
• Camel ride in the Sahara
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Fez and Marrakech

Excludes

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Lunches and drinks
• Travel insurance
• Optional quad biking (extra cost)
• Optional sandboarding (available on request)

Cancellation Policy

Full refund available if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance.

Booking Tips

Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing for temperature changes. Bring sun protection and a camera. The best time to visit is spring or autumn for mild weather.