Fes to Marrakech 3 Days Desert Tour

The most popular private Fes to Marrakech tour

Fes to marrakech 3 days desert tour itinerary

Overview

3 days desert tour from Fes to Marrakech. After two nights in the desert, this little 3-day, 2-night program allows for sightseeing at multiple places along the way.

It starts in Fes. Our first stops are Ifrane, known as “the Switzerland of Morocco,” and the nearby cedar forests.

We will stop in Midelt for lunch before continuing onward, tracing the path of the remarkable Ziz River. The next stop is the Merzouga area of the Sahara Desert.

Here, guests will have the opportunity to take a camel trek and spend the night in a desert camp nestled among the stunning dunes, where they can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and sunrises over the Sahara.

From there, the expedition continues to Rissani, where it visits the traditional market, and then to Erfoud, known for its fossils. Further explorations would include the Todra Gorges, the Dades Gorges, and the old Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.

Finally, the route goes up through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi-n-Tichka pass. This two-day Merzouga trip ends at Marrakech.

Highlights

Crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains and watching the Barbary apes in the cedar forests
Stopping off too admire and winder at the vast numbers of fossils at the museum in Erfoud
Taking a sunset camel ride in the Erg Chebbi Dunes to your luxurious camp
Participating in Berber music and drumming around a fire camp after dinner
Driving through he Toudgha Gorges and the Dades Valley, the Rose Valley, Kasbah Amredhil
The UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Aït ben Haddou and Kasbah Telouet

Included

3 Days Transport in a private 4×4 or a Minivan with A/C + Fuel.
Private Driver / Guide Speaking English.
Pick-up from your Riad or any Location in Marrakech
1 Night in an Excellent Riad in Boumalne Dades
1 Night in a Luxury Desert Camp, With Private Bathroom
Sandboards Available at the Camp
Camel ride ( a Camel Per person ) or Transfer via a 4WD as an alternative
Dinners and Breakfasts.
Drop Off at your Riad in Fes

Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedars forest- Midelt – Ziz valley – Merzouga Sahara

The 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Fes. We then head southwards past Imouzzer towards Ifrane. This spot is famous for its low temperatures and snowfalls, and Alpine-like architecture, also called the Moroccan Switzerland. Next in line is the Cedar Forest, home to the Barbary Macaques. Here, guests can feed them while strolling in the woods. Afterward, we shall have lunch in Midelt. After this, we enter the Sahara Desert through the Tizi-n-Tilghmt pass by following the way of the Ziz River.

Upon arrival at Merzouga, the entrance to the Sahara Desert, you will change transport to camels to cross the sand. We stop briefly to enjoy sunset views from on top of one of the giant dunes. The last journey of the day is to the desert camp, where you will spend the evening enjoying Berber drumming and dancing around the campfire under a magnificent sky full of stars. Dinner and overnight stay will be in the camp.

Day 2: Merzouga Sahara – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Rise and shine before the break of dawn to catch the beautiful desert sunrise firsthand. After that, it will be personal time for breakfast; then we will mount our camels again for our return trip to Merzouga, where our driver is waiting for us. We leave this expanse of desert and drive to the town of Rissani, which served as the former administrative center of Tafilalet. Rissani is still a vital commercial center for the region, with a lively market active mostly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

After exploring Rissani’s market, the journey continues to Erfoud. Here, a visit is planned to a factory specializing in the manufacturing of fossil marble. NEXT, WE COVERS THE PALM OASES OF TOUROU AND TINJDAD, HEADING FOR THE TODRA GORGES. The flow of the Odraa River caused a spectacular deep canyon to form within the mountains, ending in cliffs, tall and vividly colored. Rock climbing enthusiasts love these gorges for heaven. Laze about the gorges, soak in the natural beauty. There will be a break for lunch at a local restaurant. After that, we will head towards the Dades Valley, passing Boumalne Dades. A stop will be made to see the interesting rock formation named “monkey fingers.” We will also go to an observation point situated at a high position over the Dades Valley. The day will end with dinner and accommodation arranged at a hotel.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Palm Groves of Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah- High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After finishing our morning meal, we are set on a journey toward Kalaa Magouna and the Rose Valley exploration area. Every May, this area has an annual Rose Festival during which residents display an assortment of rose-related products: perfumes, rosewater, essential oils, and several cosmetic items. After this, we travel through the Skoura palm groves. Our route takes us to Ouarzazate, the so-called gateway to the desert, where we plan to visit the studios that feature some of the major famous films.

From there, we head off to the well-known Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddo. This fortified settlement is on UNESCO’s required list of World Heritage Sites list. Further, this Kasbah has been used as a backdrop to several movies, such as Gladiator, Alexander, and The Mummy, as well as several television series, such as Game of Thrones. Next, our travel continues towards Marrakesh. This segment involves navigating the Tizi-N-Tichka pass, alongside the breathtaking scenery of the High Atlas Mountains. We will pause for lunch and opportunities to capture photographs at noteworthy locations along the way. Eventually, we arrive in Marrakesh, where we will arrange your transfer to the airport or your lodging. And this sums up our three-day trip of three days from Fes.

To wrap up the journey, it ends in Marrakech. In case you would prefer to return to Fes instead of ending the tour here at Marrakech, consider checking on this alternative: “3 Days from Fes to Merzouga“.

Standard Tour

Great value for travelers prioritizing experience over amenities.

From €365 PER GUEST

Luxury Tour

Ideal for honeymooners or anyone wanting more space/comfort.

From €460 PER GUEST

Mixed Tour

A smart balance of comfort and cost.

From € 250PER GUEST

Tour itinerary map

FAQ Hub

Is the Tour Private or Shared?

The 3 day tour is a private experience, ensuring that only the travelers making the inquiry will be participating. No additional individuals will join the tour. Our primary focus is on providing high-quality, personalized experiences, which is why we mainly offer private tours.

Dietary Preferences

Please provide us with any dietary preferences you may have, and we will ensure that your needs are met. Kindly inform us of your preferences in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements for lunch stops and notify the Riad/Camp accordingly, as dinners are included in the package.

Tour Age Suitability

This tour is suitable for individuals of all ages. However, please note that the tour involves approximately 5 to 7 hours of driving each day. While our vehicles are new and comfortable, and we make regular stops along the way, if you are not used to this level of travel, you may wish to consider a longer tour, such as our 5 Days From Marrakech to Fes, to reduce the duration of daily driving.

Pick-up and Drop-off Details

The meeting point for the tour is at 8:30 a.m. at any location within Marrakech. If your Riad is accessible by car, we will pick you up directly from there. In case of accessibility issues, we will pick you up from the nearest accessible road point. This can be arranged upon confirmation of your booking.

At the end of the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel or Riad in Fes, or the closest available parking lot. The tour typically concludes between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Fes, but the exact duration may vary depending on the time spent at each location.

Expenses

Currency Exchange: Euros or USD can be exchanged for Moroccan Dirham (MAD) at various locations throughout Morocco, including banks and currency exchange bureaus. Additionally, ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.

While credit cards and foreign currencies (Euros/USD) are generally accepted, it is advisable to carry local currency (MAD) for convenience and ease of transactions.

Meal Costs: Meals typically range from €5 to €20 per person, but prices may vary depending on the establishment.

Haggling / Price Negotiation: Haggling or price negotiation is an accepted practice in Morocco, and it is expected that customers will engage in this process. Even locals commonly participate in haggling.

What Type of Vehicles are Used?

The Vehicle will be either an SUV (4×4) or a Minivan, both with A/C

Vehicle Details :

4×4 : Land Cruiser Prado ( up to 4 pax )
Minivans: Mercedes Vito Tourer or Ford Torneo Van ( up to 8 pax )

For groups larger than 8, a minibus that takes up to 18 passengers can be provided.

How Long is The Camel Ride?

The Camel ride is 40 minutes to 1.5 hours long, depending on which camp you are staying in.

What is the Alternative to Camels?

If you do not wish to do the camel ride, the camp has a 4×4 that takes people and luggage in and out of the camp, which you can use.

Alternatively, ATVs can be arranged at an additional cost.

What happens to your luggage when you do the Camel Ride?

During the Camel Ride, you will only take what’s necessary for the Ride.

The rest of your luggage will be transported in the camp’s 4×4, and you will find it waiting for you at the camp.

How to book this tour? Any Cancelation policy?

Reserving a tour is simple: reach out to us, select your desired tour, and provide a small deposit to confirm your booking. Please review our booking policies for more details.