3-Day Desert Tour Overview
Complete Atlas Mountains Crossing & Desert Adventure from Fes to MarrakechThe itinerary includes comfortable transportation, desert camp accommodation, camel trekking, and comprehensive sightseeing for an unforgettable Moroccan adventure.
The 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour covers approximately 1,000 kilometers through Morocco's most diverse landscapes. You'll experience the contrasting scenery of the Middle Atlas with its cedar forests and Berber villages, the desert landscapes around Merzouga with Erg Chebbi's golden dunes, the dramatic gorges of Todra, the historic kasbahs of southern Morocco, and finally the majestic High Atlas Mountains before reaching Marrakech.
This well-paced tour allows time to truly experience each destination without feeling rushed. You'll have ample opportunity for photography, cultural interactions, and enjoying the natural beauty of Morocco. The overnight in a desert camp is a highlight, offering a magical Sahara experience under the stars.
3-Day Desert Tour Itinerary: Fes to Marrakech
Detailed day-by-day itinerary of your mountain & desert adventureDay 1: Fes - Ifrane - Middle Atlas - Ziz Valley - Merzouga Desert
Fes to Middle Atlas Mountains
Depart Fes after breakfast for the scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as 'Little Switzerland' for its European-style architecture and clean, cool climate. Visit the famous stone lion statue and enjoy the alpine atmosphere.
Cedar Forests & Berber Villages
Continue through the Middle Atlas, passing through cedar forests where you might see Barbary macaques (monkeys). Stop at traditional Berber villages and enjoy panoramic views of the mountainous landscape. Lunch in Midelt or another town along the route.
Ziz Valley & Desert Arrival
Descend from the mountains into the Ziz Valley, famous for its dramatic gorges and palm groves. Stop at viewpoints to photograph this stunning landscape. Continue to the Merzouga desert area, arriving in the late afternoon.
Camel Trek & Desert Camp
Meet your camels and guides for a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes as the sun sets. Arrive at your desert camp nestled among the dunes. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner around a campfire, listen to local music, and spend the night under the starry Saharan sky.
Day 2: Merzouga - Rissani - Todra Gorge - Dades Valley
Desert Sunrise & Departure
Wake early to watch the spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the camp, camel trek back to Merzouga village. Visit Rissani, a traditional market town and former capital of the Alaouite dynasty. Explore the local souk (market) if it's market day.
Todra Gorge Exploration
Travel to Todra Gorge, where limestone cliffs rise dramatically 300 meters above the river. Take a walk through the gorge, enjoying the cool air and impressive rock formations. This is a popular spot for rock climbers and photographers.
Dades Valley & Kasbahs
Continue through the Dades Valley, known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs" for its numerous traditional fortified dwellings. Stop at viewpoints to admire the impressive rock formations and visit a traditional kasbah. Check into your hotel in the Dades Valley area for overnight.
Day 3: Dades Valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - High Atlas - Marrakech
Rose Valley & Skoura Oasis
After breakfast, depart Dades Valley. If traveling during April-May, visit the fragrant Valley of the Roses. Otherwise, travel through the scenic landscapes to Skoura Oasis, visiting the well-preserved Kasbah Amridil and learning about date palm cultivation.
Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou
Continue to Ouarzazate, the 'Hollywood of Morocco'. Visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most spectacular ksar (fortified village) in Morocco. Explore the ancient mud-brick architecture that has been featured in many films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
High Atlas Crossing to Marrakech
Begin the ascent into the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m). Enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and Berber villages clinging to hillsides. Stop at panoramic viewpoints for photos. Descend to Marrakech, arriving in the evening (around 6:00-7:00 PM).
Desert Tour Highlights
Experience the best of Morocco's 3-day desert adventureIfrane Visit
'Little Switzerland' of Morocco with unique architecture
Middle Atlas Crossing
Cedar forests, Barbary macaques & Berber villages
Ziz Valley
Dramatic gorges & lush palm groves in desert landscape
Merzouga Desert Camp
Overnight in Sahara desert camp with camel trekking
Todra Gorge
300m high limestone cliffs & spectacular canyon walk
Ait Ben Haddou
UNESCO World Heritage site & famous film location
What's Included / Not Included
Complete details for your 3-day desert tour package- Hotel pick-up in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech
- Transportation in comfortable 4x4 or minivan with AC
- English/French-speaking driver/guide throughout
- 1 night desert camp accommodation (tents)
- 1 night hotel accommodation in Dades Valley
- Camel trekking in Merzouga (to/from camp)
- 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners (camp & hotel)
- All camping equipment in desert
- Mineral water during the journey
- Lunches and drinks
- Personal snacks and expenses
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, drivers, camel handlers
- Optional activities
Practical Details
Important information for your 3-day desert tourFrequently Asked Questions
About our 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tourOur desert camps offer comfortable Berber-style tents with proper beds, mattresses, and blankets. Facilities vary but typically include: private tents for couples/families, shared bathroom facilities (basic toilets, sometimes showers depending on camp level), communal dining area, and campfire space. Luxury camps offer more amenities. There's usually limited electricity (solar-powered lighting), so bring a power bank. The experience is authentic but comfortable, allowing you to enjoy the desert magic while having basic comforts.
The camel trekking is gentle and suitable for most people. The ride to/from the desert camp takes about 1-1.5 hours each way. Camels walk slowly, and you'll be guided by experienced handlers. If you're uncomfortable riding, you can often walk beside the camel instead. Getting on/off requires some basic mobility. The main physical aspect is sitting in the saddle for the duration. Most people find it a memorable and enjoyable experience. For those with mobility issues, we can arrange 4x4 transport to/from the camp instead.
Essential packing includes: layered clothing (desert nights are cold, days can be hot), comfortable walking shoes, sandals for camp, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen), headlamp or flashlight for desert camp, reusable water bottle, personal toiletries (biodegradable recommended), sleeping bag liner for extra comfort, camera with extra batteries, power bank (limited charging), small day pack, and any medications. Pack in soft luggage (no hard suitcases).
Yes, absolutely! This tour can be customized in several ways: You can add an extra night in the desert for more relaxation and exploration, extend to 4 or 5 days to visit additional sites like the Draa Valley or Skoura Oasis, upgrade accommodation to luxury desert camps or higher category hotels, or add activities like sandboarding, quad biking, or visiting nomad families. Just mention your preferences when booking, and we'll provide a customized quote. Private tours with personalized itineraries are also available.
Desert camp evenings follow this magical schedule: Arrive at camp before sunset, settle into your tent, sunset photography on the dunes, traditional dinner prepared by Berber cooks (typically tagine or similar), campfire gathering with Berber music (drums and singing), stargazing (Sahara has incredibly clear, dark skies perfect for seeing the Milky Way), and overnight in comfortable tents. Morning starts with sunrise viewing, breakfast, and preparation for departure. It's a truly memorable experience!