3 days tour from Fes to Marrakech via Sahara Desert

0
Price


    Save To Wish List

    Adding item to wishlist requires an account

    5
    Tour Details

    Overview

    This unforgettable journey from Fes to Marrakech takes you through some of Morocco’s most diverse and spectacular landscapes. Traveling via the Middle Atlas Mountains, you will visit Ifrane, explore cedar forests inhabited by Barbary macaques, and admire the lush oasis of the Ziz Valley.

    In Merzouga, the adventure continues with a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, a magical sunset, and an overnight stay in a luxury desert camp with traditional music and stargazing.

    The route then leads through Rissani and Erfoud to the impressive Todra Gorge, followed by a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, famous for its dramatic rock formations.

    On the final day, the tour passes through the Valley of Roses and Ouarzazate, visits the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass before arriving in Marrakech.

    This tour perfectly combines desert adventure, cultural discovery, and breathtaking natural scenery.

    Highlights

    • Scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the town of Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco
    • Walk through cedar forests and observe Barbary macaques in their natural habitat
    • Panoramic views of the palm-filled Ziz Valley oasis
    • Camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga
    • Sunset over the Sahara Desert and overnight stay in a luxury desert camp
    • Traditional music, local atmosphere, and starry night in the desert
    • Sunrise over the dunes of Merzouga
    • Visit to the traditional market of Rissani (on market days)
    • Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorge and along the Todra River
    • Scenic drive through the Dades Valley and views of the “monkey fingers” rock formations
    • Exploration of the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Drive across the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass en route to Marrakech

    Price Includes

    • Minibus or 4WD with air conditioning
    • Transportation to and from the hotel
    • An Expert or Qualified Driver (Multilingual)
    • Scholarly Reference for Art Historians
    • It's quite OK to pull over for picture ops at any time.
    • Traveling by Camel
    • Typically, you eat two meals a day, lunch and dinner.

    Price Excludes

    • Expenses incurred for tips and gratuities
    • Discretionary pursuits.
    • Any Private Expenses
    • Tips
    Itinerary

    Day 1:Fes – Ifrane – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert

    Your desert journey from Fes begins after breakfast at your hotel or riad, heading south toward the vast landscapes of the Moroccan Sahara. The first stop is Ifrane, a clean and charming mountain town often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine-style architecture and cool climate.

    The drive continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you will pass through cedar forests that are home to the Barbary macaques, an endemic species unique to this region. There will be time to observe these monkeys in their natural environment.

    Lunch will be arranged along the way, with flexibility depending on your preferences and timing. As the scenery changes, the road leads toward the Ziz Valley, offering impressive views of a long oasis lined with thousands of palm trees.

    Arrival in Merzouga is expected in the late afternoon. Here, your Sahara experience truly begins with a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Each traveler rides a camel to reach a luxury desert camp set deep among the dunes. En route, you will stop atop a high dune to admire a spectacular sunset. The evening is spent at the camp, enjoying traditional music, local stories, and a peaceful night under a sky filled with stars.

    Day 2:Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley

    Waking up early is recommended to witness the serene sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the desert camp, you will return to Merzouga village either by camel or by a comfortable 4×4 vehicle, according to your preference.

    The journey then continues toward Boumalne Dades, passing through Rissani, Erfoud, and the dramatic Todra Gorge. If your visit falls on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, you will have the chance to visit the traditional souk in Rissani, one of the most authentic markets in southern Morocco. This stop offers a glimpse into local life and regional trading customs.

    In Tinghir, enjoy a walk along the Todra River and beneath the towering canyon walls of the Todra Gorge, known for their impressive height and natural beauty.

    Arrival in Boumalne Dades is in the afternoon. Before reaching your hotel, you will take a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, stopping at a viewpoint overlooking the unique rock formations commonly known as the “monkey fingers.” The night is spent in a comfortable hotel located in the heart of the Dades Valley.

    Day 3:Dades Valley – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

    After breakfast at your accommodation, the journey continues west toward Marrakech. The route passes through the Valley of Roses and the city of Ouarzazate, crossing landscapes dotted with traditional Berber villages and kasbahs.

    In Ouarzazate, you may choose to visit the Atlas Film Studios, where sets and props from many famous films are preserved, or simply stop outside for photos before continuing.

    Just 15 kilometers from Ouarzazate lies the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks. This ancient fortified village is well known for its appearance in productions such as Game of Thrones (as Yunkai) and films including Gladiator. You will have time to explore the kasbah and enjoy lunch nearby.

    In the afternoon, the drive continues toward Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at an altitude of 2,260 meters. This scenic mountain road offers panoramic views and photo opportunities along the way. Arrival in Marrakech is expected in the late afternoon, marking the end of your tour.

    Photos