3 Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech
Wander the Ziz Valley and Dades, sleep in the Sahara and finish in Marrakech via Aït Ben Haddou.
- Duration3 days / 2 nights
- StartFes
- EndMarrakech
- Tour typePrivate tour
- Desert nights1
- DepartureDaily, 8:00 am (flexible)
About this tour
Our classic one-way crossing from Fes to Marrakech. In three days you cover the Middle Atlas, the Sahara, the gorges and the kasbahs of the south, with one night in the dunes and one in the Dades Valley.
It is the favourite route for travellers who start their trip in Fes and want to end it in Marrakech.
Tour highlights
- Middle Atlas cedar forest and Ifrane
- Ziz Valley palm oasis
- Camel trek and night in Erg Chebbi
- Walk in Todra Gorge
- Dades Valley and the Valley of Roses
- Aït Ben Haddou and the Tizi n'Tichka pass
Your route
- Fes
- Merzouga
- Boumalne Dades
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Marrakech
Itinerary
Day1 Fes → Middle Atlas → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
Pick-up in Fes, then south through Ifrane and the cedar forest. Lunch in Midelt and the Ziz Valley's viewpoints on the way to Merzouga, where you ride a camel into the dunes for sunset and a night at camp.
Day2 Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Boumalne Dades
Sunrise over Erg Chebbi and breakfast at camp, then a stop at Rissani's market and the old ksar. Drive west across the fossil-rich plains of Alnif to Tinghir, walk in the cool shade of Todra Gorge, and continue to Boumalne Dades for the night.
Day3 Boumalne Dades → Aït Ben Haddou → High Atlas → Marrakech
Drive through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura palm grove to Ouarzazate, then visit the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou. After lunch nearby, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with photo stops over Berber villages, and arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
Price includes & excludes
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minivan) with fuel
- English-speaking driver-guide for the whole journey
- Pick-up in Fes and drop-off in Marrakech (hotel, riad or airport)
- 2 nights of accommodation in hotels, riads and kasbahs
- 1 night in our desert camp in Merzouga
- Camel trek into the dunes at sunset
- Breakfasts and dinners as shown in the itinerary
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Local city guides (optional — we can arrange them)
- Optional activities such as quad bikes or sandboarding
- Tips for your driver and camp staff
- Flights and travel insurance
Where you sleep
- Night 1Desert camp, Merzouga
- Night 2Kasbah hotel, Dades Valley
Good to know
Private & flexible
Only your group travels in the vehicle. Ask your driver to stop for photos whenever you like, and tell us if you want to change the route or add days.
Your desert camp
Our camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes has comfortable tents with real beds and blankets. Your big luggage stays in the 4x4 — take a small bag for the night.
What to pack
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf for the wind, comfortable shoes and a warm layer: desert nights are cold from November to March.
Best time to travel
October to May is ideal. In summer we start early and rest at midday to avoid the heat. Every season has its own beauty.
Food & diets
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are possible. Just tell us when you book or let your driver know on day one.
How to book
Send us your dates and number of travellers. We reply with a price for your group. A small deposit confirms the tour; the balance is paid in cash on the first day (euros, dollars or dirhams).
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicles do you use?
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles adapted to your group: 4x4 Land Cruisers or minivans for small groups, and Mercedes Sprinter minibuses for groups of 8 or more.
How far in advance should we book?
As early as possible, especially for spring, autumn and holiday periods. Last-minute requests are welcome too — contact us and we will do our best.
How do I pay for the tour?
We ask for a small deposit when you book. The balance is paid in cash to your driver on the first day of the tour, in euros, dollars or Moroccan dirhams.
What happens to my luggage in the desert?
Your suitcases stay safely in the vehicle or are brought to the camp by 4x4. You only need a small backpack for the camel ride.
I don't want to ride a camel. Can I still sleep at the camp?
Of course. We can take you to the camp by 4x4 instead of camel.
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. All our tours are private, so we can add nights, change hotels, include activities or adjust the route to your wishes.
Is the tour suitable for children and older travellers?
Yes. We adapt the pace, the stops and the accommodation for families and for travellers who prefer an easier rhythm.
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