3-Day Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

Tour Overview

This 3-day/2-night private tour is the ideal choice for travelers who want more time to explore and relax, allowing for a deeper immersion into Morocco's diverse landscapes and cultures.

The itinerary is structured to deliver not only the desert experience but also the majestic mountain gorges, breaking up the long drive time:

Fes to the Desert: You'll travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, including a visit to the Azrou Cedar Forest for a nature walk and the chance to see the Barbary Apes. You'll pass through the picturesque Ziz Valley's palm groves en route to Merzouga.
The Merzouga Desert Experience: You'll spend a night in a luxury desert camp with private tents, enjoying delicious meals and traditional Berber entertainment. You'll experience the excitement of camel trekking at both sunset and sunrise across the Erg Chebbi dunes and can even try sandboarding.
The Gorges and Canyons: The tour includes time to explore the dramatic scenery of the canyons:
- Todra Gorges: Walk through the impressive canyon and its sheer rock walls.
- Dades Gorges: Explore the winding roads and unique rock formations known as the "Monkey Fingers".
Cultural Finale: The journey concludes by exploring the historic Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a guided tour to learn about its history and significance before arriving in Marrakech.

Highlights

Middle Atlas Mountains & Azrou Cedar Forest (Barbary Apes)
Ziz Valley Palm Groves & Panoramic Views
Merzouga Sahara Desert (Erg Chebbi Dunes)
Camel Trekking (Sunset & Sunrise) & Sandboarding
Luxury Desert Camp with Berber Entertainment
Todra Gorges & Dades Gorges (Monkey Fingers)
Aït Benhaddou Kasbah (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n'Tichka Pass

Duration 3 Days / 2 Nights

Group Size Private Tour

Location From Fes to Marrakech

Languages English, French, Spanish

Itinerary

Day 1

Fes to the Sahara Desert (Merzouga)

Morning/Daytime: A long scenic drive from Fes, often passing through the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Ifrane: A brief stop in the town often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its alpine architecture.
Cedar Forest: A visit to see the Barbary macaque monkeys.
Ziz Valley: Stop for panoramic views of the lush palm groves that mark the beginning of the pre-Sahara region.

Late Afternoon: Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. Evening Highlight: Camel Trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset. You will ride to a desert camp (standard or luxury). Night: Dinner, traditional Berber music around a campfire, stargazing, and an overnight stay in a desert tent (private tents are standard in most camps).

Day 2

Desert Sunrise, Gorges, and Valleys

Morning: Wake up early to watch the spectacular sunrise over the sand dunes. After breakfast, you will either ride the camels or take a 4x4 back to Merzouga town. Daytime: Drive through dramatic landscapes toward the Dades Valley.

Todgha Gorges: Explore the massive, towering canyon walls and enjoy a walk through the gorge.

Afternoon/Evening: Drive through the Dades Valley and the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Night: Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel or traditional riad in the Dades Valley (or sometimes Ouarzazate).

Day 3

Kasbahs, Film Studios, and the High Atlas to Marrakech

Morning: Continue the journey, often driving through the Valley of Roses.

Ouarzazate: Stop to see the "Hollywood of Africa," known for its film studios (some tours offer an optional visit inside).
Aït Benhaddou: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, a stunning fortified village (Kasbah) that has been the backdrop for many major films and TV shows (like Gladiator and Game of Thrones).

Daytime: Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the high mountain pass, Tizi n'Tichka, which offers incredible panoramic views. Late Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Marrakech and be dropped off at your accommodation, marking the end of the tour.

Price Includes

Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle (usually a 4x4 or minivan) with fuel
Driver/Guide: An experienced, English-speaking driver/guide for the full three days
Accommodation: 2 Nights (1 night in hotel/riad in Dades/Ouarzazate, 1 night in desert camp in Erg Chebbi)
Meals: Half-Board (2 Dinners and 2 Breakfasts)
Desert Activities: Camel Trekking (guided ride to/from camp, sunset/sunrise)
Service: Pick-up from your accommodation in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech

Price Excludes

Guide Service Fee (if applicable for extra local guides)
Driver Service Fee (Tips)
Any Private Expenses
Room Service Fees
Lunches (Meals during the day)
Entrance Fees to sites
Drinks/Beverages