3-DAY DESERT TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
Explore Morocco’s Sahara Desert on an epic 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech, which offers a wonderful opportunity to meet the local people and enjoy an authentic desert experience. You will ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and spend an unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp, enjoying the absolute silence among the high dunes of Merzouga, a place that feels millions of kilometres away from civilisation. Besides the camel ride, the sunset and sunrise over Erg Chebbi and the night in the desert, this tour will take you across the Middle Atlas mountains to Merzouga and across the High Atlas to Marrakech. You will see the Barbary macaques in the cedar forest near Azrou, explore the Todra Canyon, visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and much more.
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Departure: Fes
Arrival: Marrakech
Tour style: Private and small group
ITINERARY: 3-DAY TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
DAY 1: FES – IFRANE – ZIZ VALLEY – MERZOUGA DESERT
Your tour from Fes to Marrakech begins right after breakfast at your hotel or riad. From here, we will head towards the fascinating Moroccan desert. The first stop will be Ifrane, often nicknamed the “Switzerland of Morocco”.
Continuing the journey, we will cross the Middle Atlas mountains, stopping in the cedar forests to watch the fascinating Barbary macaques, a species of primate unique to the region.
Lunch is planned at a restaurant along the way, with the flexibility to choose your preferred time. As we approach Merzouga, a picturesque view of the palm-filled Ziz Valley awaits us.
Merzouga welcomes us in the late afternoon, and an enchanting camel ride begins. Each traveller will ride a camel to reach a luxury desert camp set among the wide dunes of Erg Chebbi. Along the way we will stop to watch a spectacular sunset from the top of a high dune. You will enjoy an unforgettable evening immersed in the local culture of the Sahara Desert, with drum rhythms, captivating stories and the splendid starry desert sky.
Driving distance: about 500 km
Driving time: about 7 hours 30 min
DAY 2: MERZOUGA DESERT – RISSANI – TODRA GORGE – DADES VALLEY
An early wake-up is highly recommended to watch a peaceful sunrise. After a tasty breakfast at the camp, you can choose how you would like to return to the town of Merzouga: a camel ride or a comfortable drive in a 4×4 vehicle.
You will then set off on a scenic journey to Boumalne Dades, passing through Rissani, Erfoud and the splendid Todgha Gorge. If your visit falls on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday, you will have the chance to explore a traditional market in Rissani, for a glimpse of the vibrant culture of southern Morocco. Enjoy a walk along the Todra river and beneath the imposing Todgha Gorge in Tinghir.
You will arrive in Boumalne Dades in the afternoon. Before settling into your accommodation, we will enjoy a picturesque drive through the Dades Valley to a spot offering breathtaking views of the extraordinary rock formations known as “monkey fingers”. You will spend the evening in the comfort of a cosy hotel in the heart of the Dades Valley.
Driving distance: about 310 km
Driving time: about 5 hours
DAY 3: DADES VALLEY – KASBAH OF AIT BEN HADDOU – HIGH ATLAS – MARRAKECH
Today your 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech comes to an end. After a tasty breakfast at your accommodation, you will set off on a scenic drive to Ait Ben Haddou, crossing the enchanting Valley of Roses and Ouarzazate, past many picturesque Berber villages.
In Ouarzazate you will be able to visit the Atlas Studios, where film sets and scenery from many films are kept. You can also choose to take a few photos from outside only and continue.
Just 15 kilometres from Ouarzazate stands the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, famous for its appearances in Game of Thrones (as Yunkai) and many other iconic films such as Gladiator.
After visiting the Kasbah and enjoying a good lunch, the journey continues to Marrakech across the majestic High Atlas mountains and the high Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres above sea level. Along this scenic route, enjoy the breathtaking views that open up before you. The day ends with arrival in Marrakech, expected in the late afternoon.
Driving distance: about 353 km
Driving time: about 6 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 Marrakech to Fes, or in the 4-day version for a deeper desert experience. If you only have 2 days, the shorter variant is also available, although it involves many hours of driving.
THE PRICE
starts from 150 EUR per person and varies according to the number of participants, the accommodation chosen and the travel date. The rate of 150 EUR per person is available for groups of 17 or more participants; for a group of 2 people, the price starts from 249 EUR per person. The cost of transport is fixed and is shared among the travellers. Contact us for an exact quote tailored to your group.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 3-DAY TOUR FROM FES TO MARRAKECH
Can I book a tour from Fes to Marrakech online with a reliable agency? Yes, absolutely. Booking online is the best way to secure a tour with a reliable company before you arrive in Morocco and to avoid unreliable last-minute offers. We offer highly rated tours from Fes to Marrakech, with expert local guides, comfortable transport and excellent reviews.
How do I book a tour from Fes to Marrakech online? Just choose your preferred itinerary on our website and send us your request through the contact form, by email or on WhatsApp. Our team will reply with all the details, availability and booking steps. We always recommend booking with a trusted local operator to guarantee a well-organised experience.
How many days are recommended for a tour from Fes to Marrakech? A tour from Fes to Marrakech ideally takes 3 or 4 days. A 3-day trip covers the main highlights such as the Atlas mountains, the camel ride in Erg Chebbi and the night in a desert camp, while the 4-day version offers a more relaxed pace with extra time to enjoy places like Merzouga and the surrounding landscapes.
What should I pack for a desert tour from Fes to Marrakech? 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 Fes to Marrakech suitable for families? Yes, our tours are family-friendly. We can adapt the pace, accommodation and activities to the age and preferences of the children.
How far is the desert from Fes? The journey from Fes to the Merzouga desert covers a distance of 500 kilometres, or about 310 miles.
Can I skip the camel ride? Absolutely! We offer you an alternative. If the camel ride is not for you, we will be happy to take you to the camp in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost.
Does the camp have private bathrooms? Certainly, all the camps we offer are classified as luxury camps and guarantee your comfort with en-suite private bathrooms.
What kind of vehicles are used on this tour from Fes to Marrakech? The type of vehicle depends on the number of participants in the group. We usually use the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, the 8-seater Ford van and the Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus (suitable for groups of eight to seventeen passengers), as well as other comfortable options.
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 and hassle-free. To confirm the booking we ask for a small deposit, which can easily 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 directly to our driver/guide. You have the flexibility to pay in euros, US dollars or the equivalent in dirhams.
What is the cancellation policy for the tour from Fes to Marrakech? The cancellation policy 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 Fes and ends in Marrakech.
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert. Day 2: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley. Day 3: Dades Valley – Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech.
Pick-up from your accommodation in Fes; Modern air-conditioned 4×4 SUV, van or minibus; English-speaking driver, or English-speaking driver and tour guide (if you prefer another language, please let us know in advance); Accommodation for the first and second night; Meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners; Camel trek; Sandboarding; Drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
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.
You will ride camels across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and spend an unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp, enjoying the absolute silence among the high dunes of Merzouga, a place that feels millions of kilometres away from civilisation.
