3-Day trip from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga combines the magic of the Sahara Desert, and natural beauty of the culture-rich destination as well as an amazing overnight experience in the Sahara camp. This epic trip leads you through the medieval medina of Fes, across the Middle Atlas forest of cedars into the sands of the Sahara. You’ll witness a stunning camel trek across the golden sands of Erg Chebbi, sleep beneath the stars at a luxury desert camp, and explore the timeless Berber way of life. En route to Marrakech, you’ll see the stunning Todgha Gorges, go to the picturesque Dades Valley, and discover the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – both a UNESCO World Heritage site. With ever-changing and dramatic landscapes, and the real encounters of the locals, this 3-days trip is an excellent way to discover the soul of Morocco.
If you want absolute flexibility, comfort and a one-on-one personalized experience, consider booking a private Morocco tour. Offering visits to historic cities, the sweeping Sahara, and the beautiful Atlas Mountains, personal travel with a private tour means you can set the pace and only focus on the sites and activities which you want to do and see. You’ll receive greater cultural insights and smoother logistics from beginning to end with the help of local experts. Private tours are fully tailor-made exactly to your schedule, interests, group size and travel-styles, for any couples, families, friends, and solo travelers. And the larger your group, the cheaper it is per person, while transportation costs are consistent regardless of the season.
Depart in the early morning from Fes to begin your desert adventure, driving south through the stunning landscapes of the Middle Atlas. The first stop comes in Ifrane, frequently referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” because of its alpine architecture and crisp, cool air. Next, on to Azrou, where you will stroll through the cedar forest, with a chance to see wild Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. The journey goes on in the middle of the Atlas Mountains to Midelt where you will have lunch with breathtaking views across the High Atlas.
In the afternoon, you’ll wind your way through the dramatic Ziz Valley, its enormous palm groves stretching to horizon dotted with ancient kasbahs. As you get closer to the Sahara, the countryside gets drier, more and more golden until you arrive in the village of Merzouga on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. There, your camel caravan will be waiting to carry you on a stunning journey into the dunes at sunset. When you arrive at your luxury desert camp, you will be treated to a traditional Moroccan dinner, music around the campfire, and a night to remember beneath the stars.
Rise early to see the sun rise and to create the perfect postcard photo, then have breakfast and a much-needed shower, later leave back to the village by a camel or 4×4. From there you’ll head to Rissani, an old desert town with traditional souks and historical weight it’s also the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty. Next, Travel through Erfoud with its fossil workshops and date production.
The way takes us to the imposing Todgha Gorges, an incredibly deep canyon that runs for several hundred meters along the Todgha River with cliffs over 300 m in height. You’ll have some time to walk at the gorge, take pictures and have a leisurely lunch. The afternoon’s drive is through the Dades Valley with spectacular sights, such as the beautiful kasbahs and countless amounts of terraced farms and winding roads. In the evening you’ll stay in a relaxing guesthouse or hotel in one of the valleys, where you can enjoy a quiet night and unwind the local way.
On your final day, after breakfast, you’ll travel along the famous Road of 1000 Kasbahs, passing through traditional Berber villages and the fragrant Rose Valley (especially beautiful during bloom season in April and May). Arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” known for its movie studios and film history.Next, visit the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved examples of southern Moroccan architecture.
You’ll have time to explore this ancient ksar, which has served as the backdrop for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After lunch in the area, you’ll begin the scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains, climbing the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters) with stunning panoramic views along the way. In the late afternoon or evening, you’ll arrive in Marrakech, where your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel or riad.
⇒ Important Note:
This 3 Days tour from Fes to Marrakech is a bespoke tour, so it can be tailored to meet your specific requirements and can be adjusted within your schedule and style of travel. If you’re looking for a more cultural emphasis, a bit more time, or some upgraded accommodations, we are delighted to be able to customize the trip for you to make it just what you’re looking for.
Note that prices can change according to the number of participants and the kind of accommodation you choose (standard or luxury). The larger the group that takes the tour, the cheaper it gets per person. But the cost of transportation remains the same since it is per vehicle and not per person. Feel free to contact our team for a custom quote or to customize your itinerary — it is available 24/7 to take your call!
This 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech was everything I hoped for and more! From the snowy forests of Azrou to the endless dunes of Merzouga, every moment was packed with beauty and discovery. The camel ride at sunset and overnight in the luxury desert camp was the highlight magical and peaceful beyond words. Our guide, Hassan, was kind, informative, and made the whole journey seamless. The stops at Todgha Gorges and Ait Ben Haddou were amazing, and I really felt like I experienced the real Morocco. Highly recommended!
I booked this tour with some hesitation because of the short time frame, but it turned out to be the best decision! Everything was well organized from the pick-up in Fes to the drop-off in Marrakech. Our driver, Mohamed, was punctual, friendly, and full of fascinating stories about every place we visited. The desert camp was luxurious, with great food, warm hosts, and beautiful music by the fire. Driving through the Atlas Mountains and visiting the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou was the perfect ending. 10/10 experience!
Customization Available: All our tours can be personalized to match your itinerary, desires, and travel style. If you want to make modifications such as adding stops, upgrading the accommodations or taking it a bit slower feel free to ask, we take care of it all.
Tour costs depend on many factors:
To get a booking confirmation you will need to make a few small deposits. The balance can be paid on arrival.
What to Pack:
Travel INSURANCE: Travel insurance covering medical, trip cancellation, and lost luggage is recommended.
Local Guides & Drivers: Our guides and drivers are experienced and knowledgeable of the local ingredients, history and culture, speak English, French and other languages! They are not only drivers they are also storytellers, cultural ambassadors and confidants.
Luggage: A small daypack is recommended for overnight stays (especially desert camps). Your primary luggage will be locked in the vehicle.
Weather & Conditions: Morocco’s weather can be changeable hot days, cold nights especially in the mountains and desert. Make sure you consider the seasonal conditions before heading on the trip.
Responsible Travel: We promote respect for local traditions and culture. Our Tours are all about Sustainable and real Moroccan experience.
Private Moroccan Tours is available 24/7. So please do not hesitate to contact our team of experienced and friendly human beings who are always available to help you create your own Moroccan experience according to your area of interest and schedule. With great insight into the beautiful country of Morocco, its culture, nature and tourism we are dedicated to offering you a memorable experience. There is the small deposit needed to secure your Moroccan trip, please do keep in mind that!
