Overview
Join our 3 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech one of the most popular short tours in Morocco. This tour takes you from the historic city of Fes all the way to the red city of Marrakech, passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
In just 3 days you will cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, stop in the cedar forest of Azrou, drive through the Ziz Valley, arrive at the golden sand dunes of Merzouga in the Sahara Desert, ride camels at sunset, sleep under a million stars in a desert camp, visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, explore Ouarzazate, and end your journey in Marrakech. It is a fast but very rewarding trip.
This tour is ideal for travelers who are short on time but still want to see the Sahara Desert and the key sights of southern Morocco. Every day is full of amazing views, culture, history, and memorable moments.
Tour Highlights
- Leave Fes and cross the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains
- Visit the cedar forest and Barbary macaque monkeys in Azrou
- Drive through the scenic Ziz Valley and its endless palm trees
- Arrive in Merzouga and ride camels into the Sahara Desert dunes
- Watch the sunset over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Sleep in a traditional Berber desert camp under the stars
- Wake up early to see the sunrise from the top of the dunes
- Visit the ancient Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Explore Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert
- Pass through the High Atlas Mountains before arriving in Marrakech
Full 3 Day Itinerary: Fes to Marrakech via Sahara Desert
Day 1: Fes – Middle Atlas – Azrou – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Your tour starts early in the morning with a pick-up from your hotel in Fes. You will meet your English-speaking driver and begin the long but beautiful drive toward the Sahara Desert.
The first stop is the Middle Atlas Mountains. As you climb through the mountains, the air gets fresh and the views get wider. You will pass through Ifrane, a clean and quiet little town that looks different from the rest of Morocco it even has snow in winter.
Next, you stop at Azrou, a forested area where you can see Barbary macaque monkeys living freely in the cedar trees. This is a fun and unexpected wildlife moment that many travelers love.
After Azrou, the landscape slowly changes from green mountains to dry desert plains. You will pass through Midelt, a small town in the heart of Morocco, and continue through the Ziz Valley a long and peaceful valley full of palm trees, traditional villages, and winding river beds.
Late in the afternoon, you arrive in Merzouga, the small village at the edge of the Sahara Desert. You will check in briefly at your guesthouse, then prepare for your camel ride.
As the sun starts to go down, you climb onto a camel and ride into the famous Erg Chebbi dunes. The dunes here can reach up to 150 meters high. The colors change from gold to orange to deep red as the sun sets. It is one of the most beautiful moments of the entire trip.
Your camel guide will take you to your Berber desert camp, where dinner will be served around a fire. After dinner, enjoy the silence of the Sahara and look up at one of the clearest night skies you will ever see.
Overnight: Sahara Desert Camp, Merzouga
Day 2: Merzouga – Dades Gorge – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou
Wake up early before sunrise. Climb the nearby dune to watch the sun rise over the Sahara this quiet moment is something you will never forget. The desert is completely silent and the light is magical.
After breakfast at the camp, ride the camels back or walk back to the guesthouse. You can take a hot shower and freshen up before the day’s drive begins.
Today you leave the desert and start heading west toward Marrakech, but there is still a lot to see on the way. You will drive through the Todra Gorge area, known for its high and narrow rock walls rising on both sides of a calm river. It is a great place to stretch your legs and take photos.
Continue through the Dades Valley, which is sometimes called the Valley of Roses because of the rose fields that bloom every spring. The drive through here is very relaxing, with small kasbahs, palm trees, and red rock formations on all sides.
In the afternoon, you reach Ouarzazate, a city known as the Hollywood of Morocco. Many famous films and TV shows have been filmed in this area because of its dramatic desert landscapes. You can visit the Taourirt Kasbah or just explore the town center for a short time.
From Ouarzazate, it is a short drive to Ait Ben Haddou a stunning fortified village that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient ksar is made of mud brick and has been standing for hundreds of years. You will walk through the narrow lanes, climb to the top for great views, and hear stories about its long history.
Tonight you sleep in Ouarzazate or near Ait Ben Haddou, depending on the time of arrival.
Overnight: Ouarzazate or Ait Ben Haddou area
Day 3: Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, you begin the final leg of your journey toward Marrakech. The drive today takes you through the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which sits at over 2,200 meters above sea level.
The road is winding but very beautiful. You will see Berber mountain villages, terraced fields, deep valleys, and wide open mountain views. There are a few good spots to stop for photos and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
As you come down from the mountains, the landscape flattens out and the palm trees and red earth of Marrakech begin to appear. You will arrive in Marrakech in the early or mid-afternoon, depending on your pace.
Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech, and your 3 day desert tour ends here. If you have extra time before your flight or next stop, Marrakech has a lot to explore the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the old souks, and many great places to eat and relax.
End of tour: Marrakech
What’s Included and Not Included:
Included
- Pick-up from your hotel in Fes
- Drop-off at your hotel in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver and guide
- Camel ride into the Sahara Desert dunes
- 1 night in a traditional Berber desert camp
- Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
- 1 night in Ouarzazate or Ait Ben Haddou area
- Free photo stops and sightseeing breaks
- All road, highway, and fuel costs
Not Included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Tips for driver and camp staff
- Personal spending money
- Quad biking or sandboarding
- Travel insurance
- Flights to and from Morocco
Why Choose This 3 Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech?
This tour is one of the best ways to see the real Morocco in a short time. You start in one of the oldest cities in the world Fes and end in the most famous city in Morocco Marrakech. Along the way, you cross beautiful mountains, drive through a sea of palm trees, sleep in the Sahara Desert, and visit a UNESCO-listed kasbah.
It is a private tour, which means you go at your own pace. You can stop when you want to take photos, have tea, or ask questions. Your driver knows the roads well and can tell you about the history and culture of each place you pass through.
Whether you are traveling as a couple, a family, or a solo traveler, this 3 day Morocco desert tour gives you a real taste of the country its mountains, its desert, its people, and its ancient history.
Gallery: 3 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
FAQ – 3 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
1. Where does the tour start and where does it end?
The tour starts in Fes, where your driver will pick you up from your hotel. The tour ends in Marrakech, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or riad.
2. Is this tour private or shared?
This is a private tour. You will have your own vehicle and driver. The itinerary can also be adjusted if you want to add or remove stops.
3. How cold is it in the desert at night?
Desert nights can be very cold, especially from October to March. The camp provides blankets, but it is a good idea to bring a warm jacket or sweater just in case.
4. Is the camel ride included?
Yes, the camel ride to the desert camp and back is included in the price. You will ride camels into the dunes at sunset and back to the guesthouse the next morning.
5. Can I do sandboarding or quad biking in Merzouga?
Yes, this tour works well for families. The camel ride, the desert camp, and the mountain roads are all family-friendly. Children usually love the desert experience and the monkey stop in Azrou.
6. Is this tour good for families with children?
Yes, these activities are available in Merzouga but they are not included in the tour price. Your driver can arrange them for you at an extra cost if you are interested.
7. What time does the tour start on Day 1?
The tour usually starts early in the morning, around 7:00 or 8:00 AM, because the drive from Fes to Merzouga is long. This gives you time to arrive before sunset for the camel ride.
8. Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. If you want to add an extra night in the desert, visit Todra Gorge more fully, or spend more time in Ait Ben Haddou, just let us know. We can adjust the tour to match your needs.
