Morocco · Desert Adventure

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

3 Days Round trip from Marrakesh Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Cross the dramatic Tizi 'n' Tichka pass through the High Atlas Mountains and Berber villages
  • 02 Visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO historical site
  • 03 Ride a camel into the mysterious sand-sea of Erg Chebbi and spend a night under the stars
  • 04 Walk beneath the 300 m high red cliffs of Todra Gorge
  • 05 Stop in Azrou's cedar forest for a chance to see the Barbary apes

Take a mesmerising tour of the Sahara Desert from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga. Explore the mystical dunes of Erg Chebbi, cross the dramatic High Atlas Mountains, and admire the beautiful gorges and valleys along the way. This 3-day journey combines historic kasbahs, Berber villages, camel riding, and unforgettable desert scenery.

Take a mesmerising tour of the Sahara Desert from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Fez, Marrakech, Errachidia, Midelt, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Erfoud, Rissani, Aït Benhaddou, Ziz Valley, Erg Chebbi, Azrou, Ifrane, Dadès Gorges
Languages Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou to Dades Gorge

  • Start from Marrakech and drive to Ouarzazate through the dramatic Tizi ‘n’ Tichka pass (2260m).

  • Pass over the High Atlas Mountains, appreciating the beauty of the landscape on the twisted roads through the Berber villages.

  • Arrive at the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco, now a UNESCO historical site. The Kasbah houses many of the Glaoui family members.

  • Have lunch by the Kasbah before continuing to Dades Gorge via Ouarzazate, “the Hollywood of Africa”, along the “Road of the thousand Kasbahs”. Don't forget to keep a lookout for the fascinating “sandcastles”.

  • Stop at Kalaat Mgouna, “the rose’s city” known for roses and its annual festival during the roses harvest in May. 

  • Continue to your hotel in the heart of the Dades Gorge.

Overnight in our Hotel/Riad.

2
Day 02

Dades Gorge to Todra Gorge to Merzouga

  • Drive back through the valley to see the amazing rock formation known as “the monkey toes” and the still-standing 19th century Kasbah of Ait Yul. 

  • Leave the Dades valley towards Tinghir and the Todra valley, as you see the panoramic views of the old mud Berber villages overlooking the valley.

  • Arrive at the Gorge and take up the opportunity to walk under the 300m high red cliff, where many rock-climbers come to enjoy their preferred sport.

  • Continue to Erfoud and Rissani, where you will lunch before heading onto the village of Merzouga, where your camel will be awaiting you.

  • Be welcomed with a glass of mint tea and a turban (desert scarf) before you mount your camel, guided by an experienced camel guide, to explore within the mysterious sand-sea of the Erg Chebbi.

Spend your first night under the stars, or if you prefer, in a traditional Berber nomad tent.

3
Day 03

Merzouga to Ziz valley to Ifrane to Fes

  • Wake up early in the morning to watch what well may be the best sunrise of your life.

  • Camel-trek back to your Riad appreciating the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses.

  • Travel to Fes via Errachidia along the magnificent Ziz Gorges carved through volcanic rock.

  • Pass to Midelt through Tizi Ntalghamt, stopping in Zaida to enjoy a barbecue and refresh with a glass of mint tea.

  • Continue to Azrou, a Berber village in the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you'll stop to see the Barbarian apes in the cedar forest.

  • Head on to Ifrane, “the French village”, stopping for a picture or a drink before arriving at your accommodation in Fes, where the tour ends.

Tizi ‘n’ Tichka pass, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Erg Chebbi dunes

Where this trip takes you

Tizi ‘n’ Tichka pass, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Erg Chebbi dunes

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Marrakesh 16 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transportation in 4x4 vehicles

  • English-speaking driver/guide

  • Vehicle fuel

  • Accommodation on half board (dinner and breakfast) in hotels

  • Camel ride through the desert

  • Overnight stay in a tent

What's Not Included

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Personal expenses

Know before you go

  • For any questions or suggestions, please contact us.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Marrakech, Morocco
Tour start
Marrakesh, Morocco
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Marrakesh.

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