3-DAY DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
The Sahara Desert awaits you! On the 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes you will travel from the red city of Marrakech to Fes, “the Athens of Africa”, discovering the charm of south-eastern Morocco. On this trip you will cross the striking landscapes of the High Atlas mountains to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa”, and spend a night in a splendid valley at Boumalne Dades. Breathtaking views await you, including the Todra Canyon and the Tinghir oasis. But the greatest thrill will be riding a camel across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga and spending an unforgettable night among the dunes, in a luxury desert camp under a sky full of stars.
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Departure: Marrakech
Arrival: Fes
Tour style: Private and small group
ITINERARY: 3-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
DAY 1: MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS – AIT BEN HADDOU – OUARZAZATE – DADES VALLEY
Your tour from Marrakech to Fes begins with a punctual pick-up at 8:00 am from your hotel/riad in Marrakech. Leaving the city, the journey continues south-east, crossing the extraordinary High Atlas mountains with picturesque views of traditional Berber villages. Along the way we will make scenic stops to take memorable photos.
Lunch will be served in the lovely village of Ait Ben Haddou, where you will also explore the ancient, iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This “fortified village” has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and has been the backdrop to many acclaimed films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Babel and Gladiator.
Continuing the excursion, a short stop in Ouarzazate will give you the chance to see the largest film studio in Africa (optional inside visit). The journey continues through Boumalne, with a scenic drive through the Valley of Roses. Optionally, you can visit the characteristic rock formations known as “monkey fingers” in the Dades Valley before reaching your accommodation, or admire them the following day.
Driving distance: about 353 km
Driving time: about 6 hours 30 min
DAY 2: DADES VALLEY – TINGHIR OASIS – TODGHA CANYON – MERZOUGA DESERT
After a delicious breakfast, the journey takes us to Tinghir, where we will stop at a picturesque viewpoint overlooking a lush oasis adorned with palm trees and historic kasbahs. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the striking Todgha Canyon, carved by the winding Todgha river, with walls that plunge up to 300 metres.
On the way to the Merzouga desert, your guide may suggest a visit to a Berber shop, where you can try on a traditional Berber outfit and take memorable photos, all free of charge. Buying anything is entirely optional. You can tell the guide if you are not interested and this stop will be skipped.
On arrival in Merzouga, your luggage will be taken to the camp by 4×4, allowing you to set off on a fascinating camel ride. As the sun sets in vivid shades of red and orange over the Erg Chebbi dunes, you will witness a truly enchanting show. You will spend an unforgettable night immersed in the local culture of the Sahara Desert, with drumming sessions, storytelling and the chance to admire the starry sky.
Driving distance: about 310 km
Driving time: about 5 hours
DAY 3: MERZOUGA DESERT – ZIZ VALLEY – MIDDLE ATLAS – IFRANE – FES
Start the day early to enjoy a peaceful, fascinating sunrise. After a good breakfast at the camp, you can choose to return to the town of Merzouga by camel or in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle. We will then leave Merzouga for Fes. Along the way we will stop at a viewpoint overlooking the picturesque Ziz Valley, with its lush palm groves and lovely villages. As we cross the cedar forest of the Middle Atlas, keep your eyes open for Barbary macaques, a unique species adapted to colder climates. A short stop in Ifrane, often nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco”, will let you freshen up and enjoy a coffee break.
This tour from Marrakech to Fes ends with arrival in Fes and drop-off at your accommodation in the late afternoon.
Driving distance: about 500 km
Driving time: about 7 hours 30 min
IMPORTANT!
Please note that this is a suggested itinerary. If it does not exactly match your needs, do not hesitate to contact us. We will organise a tailor-made itinerary based on your preferences and the length of your stay in Morocco. This tour is also available as a shared small-group tour (limited to 10 participants), in the reverse direction from Fes to Marrakech, or ending in Marrakech; for a deeper exploration of the desert you can choose the 4-day version.
THE PRICE
starts from 150 EUR per person and varies according to the number of participants, the accommodation chosen and the travel date. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person. The rate of 150 EUR per person is available for groups of 17 or more participants; for smaller groups, for example 2 people, the price starts from 249 EUR per person. The cost of transport is fixed and is shared among the travellers. Contact us through the contact form for an exact quote tailored to your group.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 3-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
Can I book a tour from Marrakech to Fes online with a reliable agency? Yes. Booking online in advance helps you secure a high-quality tour from Marrakech to Fes with a trusted local operator. Esplora il Marocco offers comfortable, well-organised tours backed by excellent reviews and personalised service.
How do I book a tour from Marrakech to Fes online? Booking your tour from Marrakech to Fes with Esplora il Marocco is quick and easy. Just choose the itinerary that best suits your travel plans and contact us through the online form, by email or on WhatsApp. We will reply promptly with availability, prices and everything you need to confirm the tour. By relying on a trusted local company, you will enjoy reliable service, transparent communication and a well-organised experience from start to finish.
How long does a typical Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes last? The typical Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes lasts 3 days, enough time to cross the Atlas mountains, visit the Sahara Desert at Merzouga, enjoy a camel ride and a night in a desert camp, and continue to Fes. Those looking for a more relaxed pace can also choose itineraries of 4 days or more.
What should I pack for a desert tour from Marrakech to Fes? We recommend bringing: comfortable clothing for hot days and cool nights, a warm jacket or fleece, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, comfortable walking shoes, a small backpack and a reusable water bottle, and a power bank to charge your devices.
Is the tour from Marrakech to Fes suitable for families? Yes, the tour from Marrakech to Fes is suitable for families. We offer family-friendly tours with comfortable transport, carefully selected accommodation and flexible itineraries that can be tailored to travellers of all ages, for an enjoyable, stress-free trip for both children and adults.
How far is the Sahara Desert from Marrakech? The distance from Marrakech to Merzouga is 560 kilometres, or 348 miles. That is why our itinerary includes a night in the Dades Valley between Marrakech and Merzouga.
How far is Merzouga from Fes? The distance between Merzouga and Fes is 500 kilometres, or 310 miles.
What kind of vehicle is used for the tour from Marrakech to Fes? In general, the vehicle used for the tour depends on the number of participants. We usually use the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, the 8-seater Ford van, the Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus and other comfortable vehicles.
How far in advance should I book this tour? We recommend booking at least 1–3 weeks in advance, especially in high season, to secure the best accommodation and availability.
How do I pay for the tour? Our payment process is simple. To confirm the booking we ask for a small deposit, which can conveniently be paid by PayPal, bank transfer or Wise when booking. The remaining balance can be paid in cash on the first day of the tour to our expert driver/guide, in euros, dollars or the equivalent in dirhams.
What is the cancellation policy for the tour from Marrakech to Fes? The cancellation policy for the tour from Marrakech to Fes depends on the travel season. Cancellations made in advance may be entitled to a full refund or a travel credit, while late cancellations are non-refundable. For full details, please see the Cancellation Policy page.
BOOKING PROCESS:
Contact us through the contact form, by email or on WhatsApp, telling us the number of travellers, your approximate departure date and the accommodation category you would like.
Booking: we ask for a small deposit to confirm the booking (via PayPal, Wise or bank transfer). The remaining balance can be paid in cash (in EUR, USD or MAD) directly to the driver on arrival.
WHY CHOOSE PRIVATE TOURS IN MOROCCO?
A private tour lets you travel at your own pace, with maximum flexibility in timings, stops and choice of accommodation. You will have an expert driver and vehicles for your exclusive use at your complete disposal, for a trip in total comfort and safety.
The tour lasts 3 days / 2 nights. It departs from Marrakech and ends in Fes.
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley. Day 2: Dades Valley – Tinghir Oasis – Todgha Canyon – Merzouga Desert. Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Ifrane – Fes.
Pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech; Modern air-conditioned 4×4 SUV, van or minibus; English-speaking driver, or English-speaking driver and guide; Hotel in the Dades Valley; Camel trek; Night in a luxury desert camp; Meals: 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts; Drop-off at your accommodation in Fes.
Lunches; Drinks; Entrance tickets, when required; Tips (optional).
The price depends on the number of travellers, the time of year and the accommodation category you choose. As it is a private tour, you only pay for your own group. Contact us with your dates and group size for a free, no-obligation quote.
Yes, the tour style is: Private and small group. You travel only with your own group, with a dedicated driver/guide. The itinerary is a suggested route: we can adjust it or create a tailor-made trip to suit you.
The typical Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes lasts 3 days, enough time to cross the Atlas mountains, visit the Sahara Desert at Merzouga, enjoy a camel ride and a night in a desert camp, and continue to Fes.
