Marrakech to Fes: 3-day Epic Sahara Crossing

Day 1: MARRAKECH - TI'ZIN TICHKA - KASBAH AIT BEN HADDOU - DADES VALLEY - TINGHIR

1. Tizi n Tichka
   15m
   Begin your 4-day adventure with an early morning pickup from your Marrakech hotel or nearest meeting point. Head east through charming Moroccan villages toward the majestic High Atlas Mountains, stopping along the way to photograph breathtaking landscapes, stretch your legs, and enjoy a cup of traditional Moroccan coffee. Continue your scenic drive through the legendary Tizi N'Tichka mountain pass — the highest paved mountain pass in North Africa at 2,260 meters — gateway to the golden landscapes of southern Morocco.
2. Ksar Of Ait-Ben-Haddou
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Stop at the iconic Berber fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco's most photographed landmarks. Explore the legendary filming locations of Hollywood blockbusters including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Kingdom of Heaven during approximately 2.5 hours of guided exploration (local guide fees not included). Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Tinghir, driving through the cinematic city of Ouarzazate — the Hollywood of Morocco — and past stunning southern Moroccan landscapes.
3. Ouarzazate
   10m
   Make a scenic photography stop at the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the legendary Atlas Film Studios — the largest film studios in the world — and soak in sweeping views over Ouarzazate, the peaceful Amazigh city known for its tranquility and timeless southern Moroccan charm. Continue onward through the breathtaking landscapes toward the enchanting Valley of the Roses, one of Morocco's most fragrant and picturesque destinations.
4. Valley of the Roses
   15m
   Enjoy a short photography break in the stunning Valley of the Roses, where thousands of fragrant Damask rose bushes line the riverbanks. Rose picking season begins in April, culminating in the famous 3-day Rose Festival held during the first week of May — one of Morocco's most beloved cultural celebrations. Visit local women's associations to discover a wide range of artisanal cosmetic products crafted from precious rose oil, and savor a soothing cup of traditional Damask rose tea — a truly immersive and aromatic Moroccan experience.
5. Boumalne Dades
   12h
   Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon and unwind after an action-packed day of exploration through some of Morocco's most stunning landscapes. Take some time to relax and refresh before sitting down to a warm and satisfying traditional Moroccan dinner in the heart of the breathtaking Dades Valley. As the stars appear over the dramatic canyon walls, retire for a peaceful and restful night in the comfort of your private room — the perfect end to an unforgettable first day.

Day 2: TINGHIR - TOUDRA GORGES - TINEJDAD - ERFOUD - MERZOUGA

1. Todra Gorge
   1h · Admission ticket included
   After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, set off along the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs toward the nearby city of Tinghir, one of southern Morocco's most captivating desert oases. Meet your local guide who will lead you on a scenic walk through the lush palm-lined oasis, winding through traditional Berber villages and fertile gardens before reaching the magnificent Todra Gorge — one of Morocco's most dramatic natural wonders. Marvel at the towering orange limestone cliffs rising up to 300 meters high, carved by centuries of water erosion into a breathtaking deep canyon that draws hikers, climbers, and nature lovers from around the world.
2. 1h
   After approximately an hour and a half of scenic driving, stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before visiting an authentic Berber family home for a unique cultural experience. Try on traditional Berber clothing, adorn your hands with intricate henna tattoos, and browse a selection of beautiful handcrafted scarves — perfect for your upcoming camel ride and photoshoot among the iconic Merzouga sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.
3. Merzouga
   13h
   Arrive in Merzouga and take some time to relax before packing a small overnight bag for your unforgettable camel trek across the iconic Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Ride your camel through the golden Sahara Desert landscape and arrive at your authentic traditional Berber camp, then walk to the summit of the highest dunes to witness a breathtaking Sahara sunset painting the horizon in vivid shades of orange and gold. Spend an magical night in traditional Berber nomad tents, falling asleep to the hypnotic rhythm of live drum music echoing across the silent desert. As the night deepens, gaze up at the extraordinary Milky Way galaxy and a dazzling canopy of stars — an awe-inspiring spectacle only possible in the heart of the Sahara Desert, far from city lights.

Day 3: MERZOUGA - RISSANI - MIDELT - IFRAN - FES

1. Fez
   8h
   On the final day of your 4-day Marrakech to Fez desert tour, wake up early to witness a spectacular Sahara sunrise over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, ride your camel back to Merzouga before embarking on a scenic drive north toward Errachidia via Erfoud and the lush palm-lined Ziz Valley — a stunning oasis in the heart of the desert. Stop for breathtaking panoramic views before continuing to Midelt, crossing the impressive Tizi N'Talghoumte mountain pass (1,907m) for a well-deserved lunch break. Continue through the magnificent Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in the aromatic Cedar Forest near Azrou to encounter the famous wild Barbary macaques. Visit the charming alpine town of Ifrane — famously known as the Switzerland of Morocco — before arriving in the imperial city of Fez in the evening, marking the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable Moroccan desert adventure.

Pickup details

The pick-up is offered.
- Pick-up from all hotels and riads in Marrakech.
- If your hotel/riad is located in the medina, the pick-up location will be at the nearest accessible point to your hotel/riad.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels