3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Trip with Merzouga Luxury Camp

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Scenic drive through the Tichka Pass and the High Atlas Mountains
• 02 Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou
• 03 Journey along the 'Road of One Thousand Kasbahs' and the Valley of the Roses
• 04 Explore Todra Gorge's towering cliffs
• 05 Camel trek through the Merzouga dunes with an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp
• 06 Visit Ziz Valley, Midelt, and Azrou's cedar forests with Barbary apes
• 07 Arrive in the charming Swiss-like village of Ifrane before reaching Fes

This 3-day adventure takes you from Marrakech to Fes through the Sahara Desert, combining mountain scenery, historic kasbahs, dramatic gorges, and desert landscapes. Travel عبر the Tichka Pass and along the 'Road of One Thousand Kasbahs,' with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou and the Valley of the Roses. Continue to Todra Gorge before riding camels across the Merzouga dunes to a luxury desert camp for an overnight stay under the stars. On the final day, journey through Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou's cedar forests with Barbary apes, and Ifrane before arriving in Fes.

This 3-day adventure takes you from Marrakech to Fes through the Sahara Desert, combining mountain scenery, historic kasbahs, dramatic gorges, and desert landscapes.

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, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Rissani, Aït Benhaddou, Ziz Valley, Azrou, Ifrane, Tinejdad, Skoura, Dadès Gorges

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Marrakech to Dades via Tichka Pass and Ait Ben Haddou

• We will depart from Marrakech at 9:00 AM and begin our journey towards Ouarzazate, crossing the Tichka Pass (2260 m), the highest road pass in Morocco.
• Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains and picturesque Berber villages.
• Optionally, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, a well-preserved fortress city perched on a hilltop.
• This kasbah, which inspired films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, offers stunning views from its summit after a short climb through winding streets.
• Next, we'll travel along the famous 'Road of One Thousand Kasbahs,' passing the Skoura Oasis and heading to the Valley of the Roses, known for its fragrant rose fields and products.
• Finally, we'll pass the impressive Tamnalt Hills and reach Dades for an overnight stay.

2

Day 02

Dades to Merzouga Desert via Todra Gorge and Rissani

• After meeting at your hotel in Dades at 9:00 AM, we head to the desert, passing through Todra Gorge. The gorge's towering cliffs rise 300 meters and change color throughout the day, offering fantastic photo opportunities. The area is dotted with ancient kasbahs, mud-brick villages, and lush oases.
• As we approach the sand dunes of Merzouga, we'll begin to see the vast 'sand sea,' a breathtaking expanse of apricot-colored sand stretching to the horizon.
• We'll take a camel caravan led by Berber guides, exploring the desert's solitude and beauty.
• As evening falls, we'll return to our private luxury desert camp, nestled among the dunes, where we'll enjoy mint tea, fresh dates, and a delicious dinner.
• The night is spent under the starry sky, in luxurious canvas tents, capturing the magic of the Sahara.

3

Day 03

Merzouga to Fes via Ziz Valley, Midelt, and Ifrane

• We begin the day early with a magnificent desert sunrise and breakfast before departing for Fes.
• As we travel towards Midelt, we'll pass through the Ziz Oasis and stop for lunch.
• Afterward, we continue through the Mid-Atlas Mountains, making a brief stop in Azrou, known for its cedar forests inhabited by Barbary apes.
• Our journey concludes as we pass through the charming village of Ifrane, often referred to as 'Little Switzerland,' before arriving in Fes.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Transportation in a private car with A/C and fuel throughout the tour.
• Driver's expenses and accommodation.
• Pick-up and drop-off from the hotel.
• Experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
• 1 night accommodation in Dades with dinner and breakfast.
• 1 night accommodation in a luxury desert camp with dinner and breakfast.
• Professional camel guide and camels, sandboarding, and a campfire with music in the Merzouga Desert.
• Free time to explore interesting sites such as Ait Benhaddou, kasbahs, walks, canyons, and breaks for photos.

What's Not Included

• Personal and alcoholic beverages.
• Discretionary tips and gratuity.
• Attractions and entrance fees.

What to bring

• A hat, sunglasses, good walking shoes, and wet wipes are useful during your trip.
• Wear jeans, trousers, or long shorts for a comfortable camel trek.
• Bring a jacket for the night, as it might get cold after sunset.

Know before you go

Please book your tour in advance and make sure everything is going well.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Marrakesh, Morocco

Tour start

Marrakesh, Morocco

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.