3 Days Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga

Boumalne Dades, Morocco
Duration3 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesArabic, English, French, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Experience one of Morocco's most spectacular journeys on this 3-day adventure from Fes to Marrakech through the Sahara Desert. Travel across the Middle Atlas Mountains, visit cedar forests and scenic valleys, explore dramatic canyons, and discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou before arriving in Marrakech.

The highlight of the tour is an unforgettable camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you'll watch the sunset before spending the night in a traditional desert camp with dinner, Berber music, and a sky full of stars. You'll also enjoy a second overnight stay in the beautiful Dades Valley, giving you time to experience Morocco's diverse landscapes at a comfortable pace.

What's included

  • Air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour
  • Overnight in a hotel or guesthouse in Dades Valley (1 night)
  • Professional English- and French-speaking driver
  • Overnight in a traditional desert camp (1 night)
  • Dinner
  • Local guide at Aït Ben Haddou (if provided)
  • Breakfast
  • Drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes
  • Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Hotel or riad pickup in Marrakech

What to expect

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
  1. Marrakech
    30m
    Depart from Fes and travel south toward Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco" for its clean streets, alpine-style architecture, and cool mountain climate. Enjoy a short stop to explore the town center, take photos of the famous Stone Lion, and admire one of Morocco's most unique mountain destinations.
  2. Tizi n Tichka
    30m
    Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the cedar forests near AzrouCross the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass, the highest major mountain pass in Morocco. Stop at panoramic viewpoints to admire breathtaking mountain scenery, traditional villages, and dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains.
    , home to the famous Barbary macaques. Enjoy the peaceful forest scenery, take photos, and, if conditions allow, observe the monkeys in their natural habitat while learning about the region's unique ecosystem.
  3. Ait Ben Haddou
    1h 30m
    Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most famous fortified villages. Walk through its ancient streets and discover traditional earthen architecture and filming locations featured in movies and series such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
  4. Ouarzazate
    45m
    Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the Gateway to the Sahara. Enjoy a stop to discover the city’s impressive landscapes, kasbahs, and famous film studios that made it one of Morocco’s most recognized cinematic destinations.
  5. 20m
    Travel through the beautiful Valley of Roses, famous for its Damask roses and traditional rose products. Discover the scenic landscapes, local villages, and mountain surroundings before continuing toward Dades Valley.
  6. Boumalne Dades
    2h
    Arrive in Boumalne Dades and explore the gateway to the famous Dades Valley, surrounded by dramatic mountains and unique rock formations.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
  1. 45m
    Wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the first light illuminates the Sahara Desert, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and capture unforgettable photographs before returning to the camp for breakfast.
  2. 30m
    Leave the Sahara behind and travel through the lush Tinghir Oasis, one of Morocco's largest palm groves. Admire the contrast between the green oasis, traditional Berber villages, and the surrounding desert mountains while learning about the local way of life.
  3. Todra Gorge
    1h 30m
    Explore the spectacular Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs rise more than 300 meters above a crystal-clear river. Enjoy time to walk through the canyon, admire its dramatic rock formations, and take beautiful photographs in one of Morocco's most famous natural attractions.
  4. Merzouga
    2h
    Arrive at the Sahara Desert and begin your camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy the sunset from the dunes before reaching your desert camp. Spend the evening enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber music, and a campfire under the stars.
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
  1. Erg Chebbi
    45m
    Wake up early to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After breakfast, leave the desert camp and begin your journey north toward Fes.
  2. 20m
    Travel through the stunning Ziz Valley and stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking palm groves, traditional villages, and the winding Ziz River.
  3. Midelt
    45m
    Stop in Midelt, located between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy time for lunch and relax while admiring the surrounding mountain scenery.
  4. Azrou Cedar Forest
    30m
    Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the cedar forests near Azrou. Enjoy the peaceful scenery and the chance to see the famous Barbary macaques in their natural environment.
  5. Ifrane
    30m
    Visit Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” famous for its alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and cool mountain climate. Stop for photos near the famous Stone Lion before continuing to Fes.
  6. Fez
    30m
    Arrive in Fes and drop off at your hotel, riad, or chosen location, marking the end of your Marrakech to Fes Sahara Desert adventure.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Pickup is available from hotels, riads, and designated meeting points in Fes. For accommodations located inside the old medina where vehicles cannot enter, the driver will arrange pickup from the nearest accessible location. Please provide your accommodation details after booking so we can confirm your exact pickup time and location.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$1,050.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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