3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech To Fes Through Merzouga

Day 1: Marrakech - Tizi N'Tichka - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Rose Valley - Boumalne Dades

1. Tizi n Tichka
   2h
   The tour begins by crossing the famous Tizi N’Tichka Pass, the highest mountain road in Morocco at 2,260 meters above sea level. On the way, we will first stop to relax at a local coffeehouse and enjoy the fresh mountain air. We will then continue with several stops to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the High Atlas, admire landscapes overlooking traditional Berber villages, and discover the charm of Morocco’s mountain scenery. During the journey, we will also visit an argan oil cooperative, where local women will show you the traditional process of grinding argan seeds to produce the region’s valuable oil.
2. Ait Ben Haddou
   1h
   At midday, we will arrive at the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Here, you can choose to have lunch first or start visiting the kasbah. You will enjoy a guided walk through its narrow alleys, learn about its history, and see pictures of movies filmed here such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Along the way, you will find local shops with colorful paintings of the kasbah. The buildings are made from mud and natural materials, which keep them cool in summer and warm in winter. In the past, this kasbah was a resting point for caravans coming from Africa to trade salt, gold, and spices, and it also served as a fortress. You will also notice the difference between the old kasbah and the new village, divided by the Ounilla Valley and joined by a bridge built in 2011.
3. Ouarzazate
   1h
   After lunch, we drive to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its role in the film industry. The city has a long history as a crossing point for traders and caravans, and today it is famous for its movie studios and kasbahs. We will stop at the Atlas Studios, founded in 1983, where many international films and series were made, including The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. You may choose to buy a ticket for a one-hour guided tour inside, where you can see old film sets, statues, and vintage cars used in different productions. After the studios, we continue to Kasbah Taourirte, once home to the powerful Glaoui family. This kasbah was an important stronghold and shared resources with Ait Ben Haddou, showing how these fortresses were connected.
4. El Kelaa M'gouna
   45m
   We will continue to the Rose Valley, located southeast of Ouarzazate, famous for its beautiful fields of roses. The valley grows several types of roses, including the highly prized Damascena rose, which was brought to Morocco centuries ago and thrives in this region’s climate. Growing roses is a way of life for the local people, as many work in the fields and sell rose products to earn a living. Every May, the valley hosts a vibrant Rose Festival celebrating the harvest. During our visit, we will stop at a local cooperative to learn about rose production, where you will see how thousands of roses are needed to produce just a few liters of rose water and essential oil. Along the way, we will pass through colorful rose fields, enjoying the stunning scenery and fragrant blossoms.
5. Boumalne Dades
   1h
   We will arrive at the Dades Gorges in the late afternoon, where you can stop to take beautiful pictures of the dramatic cliffs and winding rock formations. After enjoying the stunning views, we will head to the hotel to relax and have dinner, resting after a full day of exciting experiences and unforgettable landscapes.

Day 2: Monkey Finger Mountains - Dades Curves - Todra Gorge - Ksar Tourog - Sahara Desert & Camel Ride

1. Monkey Fingers Canyon
   15m
   In the morning, after enjoying breakfast at your hotel, we will start the day by visiting the Monkey Finger Mountain. This is a great opportunity to take memorable photos and explore the unique shapes and secrets of this fascinating natural landmark.
2. Dades Gorges
   15m
   Then, we will drive through the beautiful Dades Valley, where local houses are built along the valley slopes, blending with the landscape. We will stop at the famous Dades Curves, also called Tisdrine, a winding road with dramatic switchbacks offering stunning views. Built decades ago, this road has long connected the valley’s villages and shows the skill of local builders. Here, you can take photos of the amazing scenery, capturing the cliffs, curves, and picturesque villages nestled in the valley.
3. Todra Gorge
   45m
   Then we head to Todgha Valley, passing through the town of Boumalne, the center of Wadi Dadès. We travel along a deserted road that feels like the desert itself. From here, you feel like you have arrived in the desert, with the Little Black Atlas Mountains on your right and the Great Atlas Mountains, distinguished by their red color, on your left. We arrive at Wadi Todgha and stop at a panoramic area to take some pictures. Then we reach the high gorges, which are characterized by their coolness and natural water that comes directly from the ground. You will have the opportunity to walk along the banks of the river, watch visitors climbing the mountains, and discover the source of the water.
4. 1h
   After visiting Todgha Gorge, we will pass through several small Berber villages characterized by diverse cultures. “Melaab” is a small Berber village characterized by its semi-desert climate. We will stop at the Ksar Touroug to try on Amazigh clothing and discover this interesting culture, including how women and men dress during weddings. Then we will go for lunch in a quiet place away from the noise of cities and cars.
5. Erg Chebbi
   2h
   We arrive at the Arq Shabi desert, which is characterized by its golden sand dunes. The first thing you do is embark on a new adventure: riding a camel. which will take you across the soft sand dunes. When you are in the middle of the desert, you will dismount from the camel to feel the softness of the sand, walk a little, and take some unforgettable memories. You will have enough free time to watch the unique and enchanting sunset. Afterwards, you will head to your camp to discover your wonderful tent and enjoy a delicious local dinner. Later, you will watch the traditional music band, consisting only of camp workers, playing and dancing to local music with traditional instruments. Finally, you can leave the camp and gaze at the star-filled sky, which shows you how vast the universe is.

Day 3: Sahara Desert - Ziz Valley - Midelt - Cedar Forest - Ifrane - Fes

1. 15m
   This morning you will wake up in the desert, and we recommend walking up the high dunes to enjoy the beautiful sunrise. After this special moment, you will return to the camp for breakfast before starting your journey to the Ziz Valley, also called the Valley of a Thousand Palaces because of the many traditional kasbahs found there. On the way, we will pass by Erfoud, and once we reach the Ziz Valley, we will stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the valley filled with thousands of palm trees.
2. Cedar Forest
   15m
   Afterwards, we will continue driving through the High Atlas Mountains until we arrive in the town of Midelt, where we might stop for a lunch break. Then we will head towards the cedar forest in the Middle Atlas Mountains. This forest is famous for its tall cedar trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. It is a peaceful place where you can walk among the trees, enjoy the fresh air, and also see the local Barbary macaque monkeys. Here you can take pictures and have some fun moments with them before we continue our journey.
3. Ifrane
   15m
   Next, we will head to Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco because of its quiet atmosphere and clean streets. In the heart of the city, we will stop at the Lion National Park, where you can explore the area, take a walk around, and even relax at a coffee shop. You will also have the chance to take pictures with the famous lion statue, one of the city’s main landmarks, before we continue our journey.
4. Fez
   2h
   Your 3-day journey from Marrakech to Fes through Merzouga comes to an end as we drop you off at the Fes Medina or next to your hotel. This marks the end of your adventure, filled with desert sunrises, mountain landscapes, and unforgettable memories along the way.

Pickup details

This 3-day desert tour from Marrakech offers convenient pick-up from wherever you are in the city, whether it’s directly from your hotel or a nearby meeting point outside the Old Medina. Since cars cannot enter the narrow streets of the Medina, our team will arrange a suitable spot close to your accommodation to start your journey with ease.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• If you have some of those situations please let us know before