This Marrakech to Fes desert tour 3 days is more than just transportation between Morocco’s two imperial cities—it’s an immersive journey through the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. You’ll traverse the dramatic High Atlas Mountains, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, ride camels into the Sahara sunset, sleep under a blanket of stars, and discover hidden oases before arriving in Fes, the “Athens of Africa.”
Our Marrakech to Fes 3-day desert trip offers an unmatched combination of natural wonders, cultural immersion, and authentic experiences:
UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Walk through the ancient mud-brick corridors of Ait Ben Haddou, a filming location for Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and countless Hollywood productions.
High Atlas Mountain Crossing – Journey over the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters, with panoramic vistas of Berber villages clinging to mountainsides.
Authentic Sahara Experience – Embark on a sunset camel trek across the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi and spend the night in a traditional Berber camp with live music around the campfire.
Natural Wonders – Explore the dramatic 300-meter-high cliffs of Todra Gorge, walk through lush palm groves in the Ziz Valley, and discover the hidden beauty of Dades Valley.
Wildlife Encounters – Feed friendly Barbary apes in the ancient cedar forests near Azrou, home to some of Morocco’s last remaining wild monkeys.
Architectural Contrasts – Stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its Alpine-style architecture and pristine streets, before arriving in medieval Fes.
Your 3 day Marrakech to Fes Sahara tour begins with an early morning pickup from your Marrakech accommodation. We depart the bustling medina and head southeast toward the majestic High Atlas Mountains.
Morning Journey: As we climb the winding roads of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, you’ll witness spectacular mountain scenery and traditional Berber villages that seem frozen in time. Photo opportunities abound as we stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking terraced valleys and snow-capped peaks (in winter months).
Ait Ben Haddou: Our first major destination is the remarkable fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as the backdrop for over 20 major films and TV series. Your guide will lead you through the labyrinthine alleyways of this 11th-century ksar, explaining its ingenious architecture and fascinating history. The climb to the top rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding desert plains.
Afternoon: Continue through Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you can optionally visit the Atlas Film Studios or the magnificent Taourirt Kasbah. Many travelers also enjoy stopping at a traditional Argan oil cooperative run by Berber women to learn about this liquid gold unique to Morocco.
Evening in Dades Valley: As the sun begins to set, we arrive in the stunning Dades Valley, also called the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Check into your comfortable hotel (such as Kasbah Didis or Babylon Dades) nestled among the valley’s dramatic rock formations. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner featuring tagine, couscous, or other local specialties, and relax under the star-filled desert sky.
Morning Adventure: After breakfast with views of the Dades Valley’s distinctive rock formations, we continue our Marrakech to Fes Merzouga desert tour toward the gateway of the Sahara. Our route takes us through the lush Tinghir oasis, where thousands of date palms create a green ribbon through the arid landscape.
Todra Gorge: One of Morocco’s most spectacular natural wonders awaits—the Todra Gorge. Here, vertical limestone cliffs rise 300 meters on both sides, creating a narrow canyon where rock climbers from around the world come to test their skills. Take time to walk through the cool gorge, listening to the rushing stream and marveling at the sheer rock walls that seem to touch the sky.
Journey to Merzouga: As we drive deeper into the desert landscape, you’ll notice the terrain gradually transforming from rocky valleys to sandy expanses. Watch for nomadic Berber families tending their goats and for the distinctive black tents that dot the horizon.
Camel Trek & Desert Camp: Arriving in Merzouga in the late afternoon, you’ll meet your camel caravan at the edge of the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes—the largest dune field in Morocco with some dunes reaching 150 meters high. Your one-hour camel trek takes you deep into the golden ocean of sand, arriving at your desert camp just in time to climb a dune and watch the sunset paint the Sahara in shades of orange, pink, and purple.
Magical Night in the Sahara: Your luxury or standard desert camp (depending on your package choice) features comfortable private tents with real beds, traditional Berber décor, and all necessary amenities. After a hearty dinner, gather around the campfire as your Berber hosts play traditional music on their drums. Later, step outside your tent to witness the Milky Way stretching across the sky with a clarity impossible in cities—a truly unforgettable experience on this 3 days Sahara tour Marrakech to Fes.
Desert Sunrise: Wake before dawn for the optional but highly recommended sunrise hike. Climbing to the top of the nearest dune, you’ll watch as the first rays of light transform the desert landscape, creating ever-changing shadows and colors across the sand sea. This is Morocco at its most peaceful and photogenic.
Journey Through the Ziz Valley: After breakfast at the camp and a refreshing shower, we bid farewell to the Sahara and begin our journey north toward Fes. The route takes us through the spectacular Ziz Valley, where millions of date palms create one of Morocco’s most extensive oases. Stop to capture photos of the panoramic viewpoints overlooking this green miracle in the desert.
Midelt & Lunch: We pass through Midelt, known as the “apple capital” of Morocco, nestled between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges. This is an ideal spot to stretch your legs and enjoy lunch (not included) at a local restaurant.
Azrou Cedar Forest: One of the highlights of day three is the ancient cedar forest near Azrou, where Barbary macaques (the famous Barbary apes) make their home. These playful monkeys are accustomed to visitors and often approach for photos and snacks. Your driver will provide appropriate food for feeding them while respecting their wild nature and habitat.
Ifrane – The Switzerland of Morocco: Our final stop before Fes is the pristine town of Ifrane, built by the French in the 1930s to resemble an Alpine resort. With its European-style villas, manicured gardens, and the famous lion statue, Ifrane provides a fascinating contrast to the desert landscapes you’ve just explored. It’s also home to Al Akhawayn University, one of Morocco’s most prestigious institutions.
Arrival in Fes: We arrive in the ancient imperial city of Fes between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, completing your Morocco desert tour Marrakech to Fes 3 days. Drop-off is at your riad, hotel, or the nearest accessible point if you’re staying deep in the medina’s car-free zones.
While this 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes has been carefully designed to showcase Morocco, including its rich heritage, beautiful landscapes and authentic local experiences, we understand that many of our clients may want to have some flexibility to do things their way—for example, spend an extra afternoon visiting kasbahs or spend more time just enjoying the quiet of the desert.
For you, that’s where we excel! We build Complete Flexibility into all our operations. Would you like to visit a specific village? Would you like to shoot a photo of the sunrise from several different angles on Erg Chebbi? Do you prefer a slower pace with more frequent stops? Whatever you would like to do to improve your experience, we can accommodate everything. Our dedicated staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss the options for your tour, answer any questions and help you design an individualized itinerary.
Additionally, larger groups will benefit from having a lower per-person rate, as transportation costs will be shared amongst the members of the group. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help make your Moroccan adventure truly unique!
Standard Desert Camp: Private tents with comfortable beds and traditional décor. Shared bathroom facilities with hot showers. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want an authentic Sahara experience.
Luxury Desert Camp: Spacious private tents with ensuite bathrooms, hot showers, flushing toilets, and traditional Berber furnishings. Some camps feature optional air conditioning or heating. These camps offer a more comfortable experience without sacrificing the magical atmosphere of sleeping in the desert.
Custom Itineraries: Want to add extra activities or modify the tour? We can arrange sandboarding on the dunes, quad biking adventures, visits to nomadic families, or additional nights in the desert. Contact us to create your perfect Marrakech Fes desert itinerary 3 days.
“Ali and Aziz exceeded our expectations throughout the entire tour. Their knowledge of Moroccan history and culture made our time truly enriching. The desert camp was incredible—far more comfortable than we expected, with amazing food and the most beautiful starry sky I’ve ever seen. This was the highlight of our Morocco trip!”
“The three-day tour from Marrakech to Fes was absolutely worth it. Every day brought new landscapes and experiences. Ait Ben Haddou was fascinating, Todra Gorge was stunning, but nothing compares to watching the sunset from a camel in the Sahara. Our driver Mohammed was patient, informative, and went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience.”
Payment Methods:
The official currency used on your 3-day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). You will primarily use cash; this is particularly true in the desert and small Moroccan towns, as well as in local souks (markets). Nearly all large cities (Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and Fes) have ATMs that dispense MAD.The Primary Languages Spoken in Morocco:
Arabic and Amazigh are the official languages of Morocco, but French is also very common throughout the country. The majority of guides, drivers, and hotel staff along tourist routes (e.g., Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour) understand and speak English.Weather and Climate Conditions in Morocco:
Each region of Morocco has its own distinct climate; summer is typically hot in the majority of urban areas, while during the daytime hours in the Sahara Desert, it is very hot, and at night it is relatively cool. Bring light clothing for the daytime when you travel from Marrakech to Fes through the desert, as well as warm clothing for the evenings when the temperature drops.Morocco Culture:
Cultural and religious values remain very strong in Morocco, so it is suggested to wear modest clothing while visiting rural villages or religious sites. It is common courtesy to respect the local customs by asking for permission before taking pictures of locals.Morocco’s Tipping culture:
Tips are usually a small token of appreciation for excellent service. Therefore, if you go to a restaurant, stay in a hotel, or go on a desert tour, tipping will be appreciated.Morocco’s Internet:
Staying connected while travelling from Marrakech to Fes on your 3-day desert tour is quite simple. SIM cards with mobile data can be purchased at reasonable prices from many shops and are readily available. Most hotels, riads, and cafés will provide you with free Wi-Fi service.
Proven Track Record: With over 1,534 five-star reviews, our reputation speaks for itself. Travelers consistently praise our knowledgeable drivers, comfortable vehicles, and authentic experiences.
Expert Local Knowledge: Our drivers aren’t just chauffeurs—they’re passionate storytellers who share the history, culture, and secrets of Morocco. From explaining Berber traditions to recommending the best photo spots, they enhance every moment of your journey.
Flexibility & Customization: Whether you want a budget-friendly shared tour or a private luxury experience, we accommodate your preferences and budget. Need to modify the itinerary? We’re happy to discuss custom options.
Authentic Experiences: We partner with local Berber families who own and operate the desert camps, ensuring your money directly supports local communities while you experience genuine Moroccan hospitality.
24/7 Support: From the moment you book until you arrive in Fes, our team is available to answer questions, adjust plans, or address any concerns
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Morocco’s most iconic landscapes and cultural treasures. Our Marrakech to Fes Sahara desert tour combines the convenience of point-to-point travel with the adventure of a lifetime.
With guaranteed daily departures, flexible accommodation options, and competitive pricing, there’s never been a better time to book your desert adventure. Spaces fill quickly, especially during peak seasons, so reserve your spot today.
Ready to explore the Sahara? Click the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” button above or contact our team to discuss your perfect 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. Your Moroccan adventure awaits—from the vibrant souks of Marrakech, across the golden Sahara, to the ancient medina of Fes. This is more than a tour; it’s a journey through time, culture, and some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Due to content protection copying the details from our tour page is not permitted Instead we kindly suggest sharing the tour link directly
