Morocco · Desert Adventure

3-Day Desert Safari from Fes to Marrakech with Merzouga Camp

3 Days Round trip from Fes Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Experience the immense beauty and quiet of the Sahara Desert
02 Ride camels to a luxury desert camp in Merzouga
03 Watch the sunrise over the marvellous Erg Chebbi dunes
04 Explore Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, and Ouarzazate
05 Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou

Experience the vibrant culture and history of Fes while immersing yourself in the tranquility and breathtaking beauty of the Sahara on this 3-day journey to Marrakech. Enjoy camel riding, desert camping, and visits to remarkable sites such as Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou. Along the way, take in the highest Atlas Mountains and cross Tizi n'Tichka on one of Morocco's most beautiful roads.

On this day of your 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech, we will rise early at the first touch of sunlight to watch the sunrise over the marvellous and quiet sand dunes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

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

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane, Midelt, and Ziz Valley

This 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech starts early in the morning from your riad or hotel in Fes. Your driver will pick you up and begin the journey towards the Merzouga Desert. It is one of the longest drives of the trip, around 7 hours, but the changing landscapes make the journey enjoyable.
Along the way, we will stop in Ifrane, a small town with a European look, characteristic weather, parks with lakes and chalets, and a ski resort. With its winter snowfall, the town has earned the nickname "Moroccan Switzerland".
Near Ifrane, we will see the huge cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains and stop to see the wild monkeys on the way to Azrou.
We will stop for lunch in Midelt. Afterwards, the route continues through the gorge and valley of the Ziz River, and as we get closer to Er-Rashidia, the landscape gradually changes into desert scenery.
In Merzouga, we will ride camels to the desert camp, or you may take a 4x4 instead. The camp offers comfy beds, as well as separate showers and toilets.
In the evening, we will enjoy a Moroccan dinner, play drums around the fire, and listen to Berber songs in the desert. Overnight stay in the camp.

Day 02

Merzouga to Dades via Rissani, Erfoud, Tinghir, and Todra Gorge

On this day of your 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech, we will rise early at the first touch of sunlight to watch the sunrise over the marvellous and quiet sand dunes. This moment will be one of your strongest memories of Morocco.
After breakfast, we will head back to the village of Merzouga and continue on towards Dades.
On the way, we will stop in Rissani at the fossil factory, where you can see the many fossils that this region is rich in.
An approximately 3-hour break is planned near the beautiful town of Tinghir, located at the heart of a large palm oasis, with time to take panoramic pictures.
We will then continue to the well-known Todra Gorge, where we will hike along the gorge and have lunch at a local restaurant.
After that, the tour proceeds through the fantastic Dades village. Overnight stay in Dades.

Day 03

Dades Valley to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou

On the last day of your 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech, we will take a short drive to Dades Gorges and then continue on to Ouarzazate.
We will pass through Mgouna, where the Roses Festival is held every year, and then continue to Skoura Oasis, an alluvial palm oasis crossed by numerous rivers.
Next, we proceed to Ouarzazate, just 30 minutes from Skoura. This city is known as the "Hollywood of Morocco" because a number of historical films have been shot here. We should visit Taourirt, one of the ancient marvels of the region, where we can see the kasbah, the Cinema Museum, and the Atlas Film Studio.
After that, we take a short drive to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Game of Thrones was filmed and which attracts many visitors.
After our 1-hour visit, we will head to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka, at an elevation of 2,260 m. The drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours without stops and includes photo stops along the way. This is one of the most beautiful roads in Morocco, offering views of green river valleys, adobe villages, and the remains of ancient kasbahs.
We then continue to Marrakech. You may take a break at the hotel and enjoy some free time.

Where this trip takes you

Erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga camel caravan, Todgha Gorge cliffs, Aït Benhaddou kasbah

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Fes 19 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Airport pickup and accommodation in Fes

Transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned car, 4x4, or minivan

Multilingual driver-guide

Fuel and accessories associated with the car and driver

Camel ride to reach the desert camp

Luxury desert camp accommodation

Overnight stay in a good lodge in Dades / Ouarzazate

2 dinners and 2 breakfasts

What's Not Included

Flight tickets

Entrance fees

Lunches

Personal expenses

What to bring

Lightweight, breathable clothing - Morocco can be hot, especially in cities and the desert. Cotton or linen is ideal.
Layers - evenings can be cool, especially in the desert and mountains, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Modest attire - respect local customs by wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
Comfortable walking shoes - essential for exploring medinas, souks, and historical sites.
Sun protection - a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a scarf or shawl to protect from the sun and occasional sand.
Swimwear - for hotel pools or a visit to a hammam (Moroccan spa).
Sunscreen - high SPF, as the sun can be strong.
Personal hygiene items - including hand sanitizer and tissues (toilet paper is not always available).
Reusable water bottle - staying hydrated is key, especially in warmer areas.
Power adapter - Morocco uses Type C and E plugs with 220V.
Travel documents - passport, printed copies of your itinerary, hotel confirmations, and any necessary visas.
Cash - Moroccan dirhams for smaller markets, tips, and local purchases. ATMs are available in cities.
Optional items: camera or smartphone - to capture the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities.
Optional items: portable charger - to keep your devices powered during long days out.

Know before you go

Cultural sensitivity and etiquette: Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and cultural norms reflect this. Dressing modestly is important, especially for women; shoulders and knees should be covered, particularly in rural areas and religious sites. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. It is also polite to ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in local markets or rural areas.
Language and communication: While Arabic is the official language, Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and Berber languages are widely spoken. French is also commonly used, particularly in business, government, and tourism. English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic phrases in French or Arabic can be helpful and appreciated by locals.
Haggling and shopping: Haggling is a common practice in Moroccan markets (souks) and is expected when shopping for goods like textiles, spices, and souvenirs. Prices are often initially set high, so negotiating is part of the experience. Approach haggling with a friendly attitude, and do not feel pressured to buy if you are not comfortable with the final price. Be aware that some items, especially in tourist-heavy areas, might be overpriced, so it is worth exploring less touristy markets for better deals.

Understanding these aspects of Moroccan culture and daily life can enhance your travel experience and help you navigate the country with ease and respect.

Logistics