Marrakech To Fes: 3-Day Majestic Desert Sahara Tour

Drâa-Tafilalet, Marrakech



Enjoy 3-day desert trip from Marrakech to Fes through the heart of Atlas and Sahara desert Morocco . Camel trek to discover the desert dunes and a night under the stars in a Berber tent

3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

This guided 3-day tour starts in Marrakech and ends in Fes, ideal for those wanting to explore the Sahara Desert, Berber villages, and the Atlas Mountains.

Highlights

  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou
  • Explore Todra Gorge and the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley
  • Overnight camping in a traditional Berber desert camp under the stars
  • Ride camels across the golden dunes of the Merzouga Sahara Desert

Description

Day 1: After pickup from your Marrakech hotel or nearest meeting point, you will drive east through villages and the High Atlas Mountains.

Stop for photos and a coffee break before crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka pass. Visit the fortified Berber village of Ait Benhaddou for about one hour with a local guide (guide fees not included). This kasbah has featured in films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.

After lunch, continue to Dades or Tinghir via Ouarzazate, Klaa Mgouna, and the Dades Valley. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon to relax, followed by dinner in Rose Valley.

Day 2: Depart after breakfast for the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Journey through Todra Gorges with a local-guided walk, visit a local cooperative to see regional crafts, then continue through desert landscapes.

Arrive in Merzouga and prepare for a camel trek across the dunes to your Berber desert camp. Enjoy sunset views, dinner, and traditional drum music before spending the night in nomad tents under the stars.

Day 3: Wake early to watch sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels back to Merzouga. After breakfast, drive to Fes crossing the Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon with drop-off at your accommodation or nearest accessible location. Expected arrival time is around 7:00 PM, depending on traffic and weather.

Includes

  • Pickup from your Marrakech hotel or nearest meeting point
  • Transportation in a comfortable minivan
  • English-speaking driver/guide
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Dades or Tinghir
  • 1 night in a traditional Berber desert camp in Merzouga
  • Dinner and breakfast on both nights
  • Camel ride (one camel per person)
  • Sandboarding (if available at the camp)
  • Drop-off in Fes at your accommodation or nearest accessible location

Excludes

  • Entrance fees
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Lunches and soft drinks
  • Any private expenses
  • Local guide fee (2€)

Important Information

  • Pickup: From your Marrakech hotel or nearest accessible meeting point; exact time confirmed via WhatsApp. Be ready 10 minutes before pickup.
  • Physical Requirements: Moderate activity suitable for most fitness levels. Includes walking, camel rides, and light trekking.
  • Accommodation: 1 night in a hotel (Dades/Tinghir) and 1 night in a traditional Berber desert camp with shared facilities.
  • Meals: Dinner and breakfast included; lunches and drinks are not included unless specified.
  • What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm layers for desert nights, camera, and personal items.
  • Weather: Desert nights can be cold, especially from November to February. Mountain passes may also be cooler.
  • Extras: Optional local guides, tips for drivers and guides, and sandboarding (if available).

Cancellation Policy

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

For the best experience, book in advance and travel during spring or autumn for milder weather. Bring layered clothing and enough water for desert activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes guided visits to the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, camel rides in Merzouga Desert, and overnight stays in a Berber desert camp.
The tour starts in Marrakech and ends in Fes.
Travelers cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass during the journey from Marrakech to the desert.
Yes, the tour includes camel rides across the golden dunes of the Merzouga Sahara Desert.
Participants stay overnight in a traditional Berber desert camp under the stars in the Sahara Desert.
The tour visits Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and the Merzouga Desert dunes as key natural landmarks.
Yes, the tour includes visits to Berber villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing cultural insights.
The tour usually begins with a morning pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech; check the website for specific departure times.
Comfortable, layered clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended for desert conditions; the camp provides basic amenities.
The camel ride typically lasts about one hour across the Merzouga dunes, but exact duration may vary.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.4M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again