3 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga & Fes
From Ouarzazate to Fes via Aït Ben Haddou, the Dades Gorges and a night in the Sahara.
- Duration3 days / 2 nights
- StartOuarzazate
- EndFes
- Tour typePrivate tour
- Desert nights1
- DepartureDaily, 8:00 am (flexible)
About this tour
A one-way journey from Morocco's film capital to its spiritual capital. You begin with Aït Ben Haddou, sleep in the Dades Gorges and the Merzouga dunes, then ride north through the Middle Atlas to Fes.
Perfect if you are travelling south to north and want the desert in the middle of your trip.
Tour highlights
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Dades Gorges and Todra Gorge
- Camel trek and night in Erg Chebbi
- Ziz Valley and Midelt
- Azrou cedar forest and Ifrane
- Ends in Fes
Your route
- Ouarzazate
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Dades Gorges
- Merzouga
- Ifrane
- Fes
Itinerary
Day1 Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Dades Gorges
Start with a morning visit to the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, climbing through its earthen lanes to the old granary for a sweeping view. Return through Ouarzazate and follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs via Skoura and the Valley of Roses to the Dades Gorges.
Day2 Dades Gorges → Todra Gorge → Merzouga
Drive the twisting road of the Dades Gorges in the morning light, then continue to Tinghir and walk into Todra Gorge. Cross the desert plains to Merzouga, where a camel caravan takes you into the dunes for sunset, dinner and a night at our camp.
Day3 Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes
Sunrise over Erg Chebbi, breakfast, then a long, scenic drive north. Follow the Ziz Valley's gorges and palm groves, stop for lunch in Midelt, and cross the Middle Atlas through the Azrou cedar forest and alpine Ifrane before arriving in Fes 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 Ouarzazate and drop-off in Fes (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 1Kasbah hotel, Dades Gorges
- Night 2Desert camp, Merzouga
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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