3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Cross the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains and visit Ifrane and the cedar forest of Azrou
• 02 Ride a camel across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and watch a magical Sahara sunset
• 03 Explore the dramatic Todgha Gorges and walk beneath towering canyon cliffs
• 04 Discover the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and cross the High Atlas via Tizi n'Tichka Pass

Embark on a 3-day journey from Fes to Marrakech through Morocco's most captivating landscapes. Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, visit Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou, and ride camels across the golden dunes of Merzouga. Spend a magical night in a traditional Berber desert camp, witness a breathtaking Sahara sunrise, explore the dramatic Todgha Gorges, and discover the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah before crossing the High Atlas Mountains into vibrant Marrakech for an unforgettable adventure.

Wake early to witness a breathtaking Sahara sunrise over the dunes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Fez, Marrakech, Midelt, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Aït Benhaddou, Tizi n'Tichka, Ziz Valley, Atlas Mountains, Erg Chebbi, Azrou, Ifrane, Dadès Gorges

Languages English, French, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, Azrou and Ziz Valley

• Begin your journey with an early pick-up from your riad or hotel in Fes and travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains.
• Stop in Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco, and admire its alpine-style architecture and clean streets.
• Continue to the cedar forest near Azrou to observe wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat.
• Drive through Midelt and along the lush Ziz Valley, famous for its palm groves and panoramic views.
• Arrive in Merzouga and enjoy a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset.
• Reach your traditional Berber desert camp and savour a Moroccan dinner with music around the campfire under the stars.

2

Day 02

Merzouga to Dades Valley via Todgha Gorges

• Wake early to witness a breathtaking Sahara sunrise over the dunes.
• Enjoy breakfast at the camp before riding camels back to Merzouga village.
• Travel towards Tinghir and explore the dramatic Todgha Gorges, where towering cliffs rise above the riverbed.
• Take time to walk through the canyon and capture memorable photographs.
• Continue to the scenic Dades Valley, known for its unique rock formations and landscapes.
• Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel or riad in the valley.

3

Day 03

Dades Valley to Marrakech via Aït Benhaddou

• After breakfast, drive through the Valley of Roses and pass through Ouarzazate.
• Visit the famous Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco's most iconic fortified villages.
• Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass, enjoying panoramic views along the way.
• Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon with unforgettable desert memories.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Pick-up from your hotel or riad in Fes
• Drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
• Private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle or minivan
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• 1 night in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi with a private tent
• Camel trek at sunset with one camel per person
• Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
• 1 night accommodation in a Dades Valley hotel or riad
• Dinner and breakfast in Dades Valley
• Visit to Aït Benhaddou
• Visit to Todgha Gorges
• Fuel, driver expenses, and local taxes

What's Not Included

• Pick-up from your hotel or riad in Fes
• Drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
• Private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle or minivan
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• 1 night in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi with a private tent
• Camel trek at sunset and sunrise with one camel per person
• Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
• 1 night accommodation in a Dades Valley hotel or riad
• Dinner and breakfast in Dades Valley
• Visit to Aït Benhaddou
• Visit to Todgha Gorges
• Fuel, driver expenses, and local taxes

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Hat or scarf for sun protection
• Personal toiletries
• Camera or phone for photos
• Power bank, as electricity is limited in the desert camp
• Cash for lunches, drinks, tips, and optional activities

Know before you go

• The desert tour involves long driving distances of approximately seven to eight hours per day, including stops.
• Camel trekking lasts about one to one and a half hours each way, and a 4x4 transfer option is available if preferred.
• Desert temperatures vary and can be hot during the day and cold at night, especially from November to March.
• Vegetarian and special dietary requests can be accommodated if informed in advance.
• Comfortable clothing and good walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring cash for lunches, drinks, tips, and optional activities.
• Pick-up time is usually around 8 am from Fes.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Fez, Morocco

Tour start

Fes, Morocco

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.