From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Desert Adventure to Fes

3-Day Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains Tour from Marrakech to Fes

This guided 3-day tour departs from Marrakech and ends in Fes, ideal for travelers seeking desert experiences, mountain scenery, and cultural heritage.

Highlights

• Ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset and sunrise
• Stay overnight in a Berber desert camp with dinner, live music, and starry skies
• Visit Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah featured in Game of Thrones and Gladiator
• Walk through the striking Todgha Gorges limestone cliffs
• Spot Barbary macaques in the Middle Atlas cedar forests

Description

Begin your journey with a morning pickup from your Marrakech accommodation at 7:00 AM. Travel across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping for panoramic views and photos in traditional Berber villages. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou to explore its earthen clay architecture with a guided walk, followed by lunch. Continue through Ouarzazate and the Valley of the Roses, arriving late afternoon in Kalaat M'Gouna for a traditional Moroccan dinner and overnight stay.

On day two, travel the Road of 1001 Kasbahs, visiting ancient fortresses and Berber towns. Walk through the towering Todgha Gorges and continue toward Merzouga. Pause for photos and to try on traditional nomad attire before reaching the Sahara. Relax at your desert lodge prior to a sunset camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes, followed by sandboarding and dinner at the desert camp featuring Berber drumming around the fire. Overnight accommodations include your choice of standard or luxury tent with private facilities.

Day three starts early with a sunrise camel ride back to the lodge. After breakfast, journey through the Ziz Valley’s palm groves, passing Erfoud and Midelt for lunch. Continue through the Middle Atlas cedar forests, where you may spot wild Barbary macaques, before arriving in Fes by early evening. The tour ends with drop-off at your Fes riad or hotel.

Includes

• Hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
• Air-conditioned transportation with onboard Wi-Fi
• Driver-guide and dedicated desert tour accompanist
• One night hotel stay in Kalaat M'Gouna with private bathroom
• One night in a standard or luxury desert tent (per selected option)
• Two breakfasts with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
• Two dinners with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
• Three lunches (included only with selected option)
• Sunset and sunrise camel rides
• Sandboarding experience
• Live Berber drumming and campfire music
• Luggage handling and storage

Excludes

• Guide for Aït Benhaddou Kasbah
• Lunches (unless included in option) and drinks

Important Information

• Tour starts at 7:00 AM on Day 1 in Marrakech; ends around 7:00 PM on Day 3 in Fes (one-way)
• Pickup from Marrakech hotels and apartments; Medina riads require a nearby meeting point (5–10 minute walk)
• Night 1 accommodation is in Kalaat M'Gouna area, AC private room with bathroom
• Night 2 accommodation is in Merzouga desert camp, with standard tents (basic comfort) or deluxe tents (AC/heating and private bathroom) depending on your selection
• Camel treks last approximately 45–60 minutes each way; long trousers recommended; walking alongside the caravan is an alternative
• Multiple stops for sightseeing, photos, rest, and meals along mountains, valleys, and desert
• Lunches included only with selected lunch option; otherwise bring cash (EUR or MAD) for lunch, typically €10–€13 per person
• Optional quad biking available from approximately €40 per quad; local guide costs about €2 per person (prices may vary onsite)

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking tip: Wear comfortable clothing including long trousers for camel rides and bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. The best time to visit is during cooler months from October to April.