3 Days - Desert tour from Marrakesh to Fes
Tour Overview
This 3-day desert tour offers an immersive journey through Morocco's stunning landscapes and cultural highlights. Starting from Marrakesh, travelers will cross the High Atlas Mountains and visit the iconic Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO site. Day 1 includes stops at Ouarzazate and the scenic Dades Gorge. Day 2 features the Todra Gorge and ends with a camel trek or 4x4 ride to a desert camp in Merzouga, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Berber experience. The tour concludes on Day 3 with a scenic drive to Fes through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through charming towns like Ifrane.
Day 1: Marrakech to Boumalne Dades
Morning:
Depart from Marrakech early in the morning, around 7:00 AM, to make the most of the day.
Drive through the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (the highest major mountain pass in North Africa at 2,260 meters), taking in panoramic views of Berber villages nestled into the mountainside and lush valleys.
Stop at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most famous Ksars (fortified villages), where you can explore the ancient mud-brick structures and climb to the top for a view of the surrounding landscape. You may recognize the location from famous films like "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones."
Afternoon:
Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," and visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a sprawling fortress that was once the residence of the Glaoui family. Wander through the maze-like structure, discovering its rich history and beautifully decorated rooms.
Optional: Visit the Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studio in the world, where movies like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Mummy" were filmed.
After lunch in Ouarzazate, drive along the scenic Valley of Roses, known for its rose water production, especially during springtime when the roses are in bloom.
Continue to Boumalne Dades, a small town located in the Dades Valley, surrounded by rugged, dramatic landscapes.
Evening:
Enjoy a leisurely evening in Boumalne Dades, taking in the breathtaking views of the Dades Gorge, with its unique rock formations known as "Monkey Fingers".
Settle into your accommodation, which might be a traditional Moroccan guesthouse (Riad) or a hotel with views of the gorge.
Have dinner featuring local Berber cuisine, and spend some time under the clear desert sky, possibly stargazing if the night is clear.
Day 2: Boumalne Dades to Merzouga
Morning:
After breakfast, explore more of the Dades Gorge, taking a short walk or hike to appreciate the striking rock formations and vibrant green valleys that contrast with the barren mountains.
Head toward the Todra Gorge, where the towering canyon walls rise up to 300 meters high, making it a spectacular spot for hiking or even a quick swim in the Todra River.
As you continue, drive along the Road of 1000 Kasbahs, dotted with ancient fortified villages and Kasbahs, providing excellent photo opportunities of Morocco's historical and architectural richness.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the vast Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara Desert. Merzouga is famous for its golden dunes that stretch endlessly towards the horizon.
Option to take a camel trek into the desert, riding into the sunset as the sand dunes glow orange and gold. Alternatively, a 4x4 excursion is available if you prefer a more comfortable journey into the dunes.
As you reach the desert camp, enjoy a warm welcome with mint tea.
Evening:
Settle into your traditional Berber camp, where you’ll sleep under a sky full of stars in either a basic tent or a more luxurious glamping-style tent.
After a hearty traditional Berber dinner of Tagine or Couscous, enjoy live Berber music around a campfire, listening to the rhythmic beats of drums and stories of the desert.
Before going to bed, take some time to absorb the surreal silence and vastness of the Sahara Desert.
Day 3: Merzouga to Fes
Morning:
Wake up early to experience the magical sunrise over the Sahara, watching the dunes shift color from deep oranges to brilliant golds as the sun climbs higher.
After a light breakfast, return to Merzouga village by camel or 4x4.
Prepare for your scenic journey back through the Ziz Valley, an area known for its lush palm groves and oases that contrast sharply with the arid surroundings. This is a great opportunity to stop for photos of the date palm trees and the dramatic landscape.
Afternoon:
Continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through the town of Midelt, where you can stop for lunch. Midelt is located between the Middle and High Atlas mountain ranges and is famous for its apple orchards.
Afterward, continue driving through the Cedar Forests near the town of Azrou, where you may spot Barbary macaque monkeys in the wild.
Stop briefly in Ifrane, a charming mountain town known for its European-style architecture, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” It’s a popular ski resort in the winter and offers a cool, refreshing stop before heading to Fes.
Evening:
Arrive in Fes, one of Morocco's oldest and most culturally rich cities, by early evening.
Check into your riad or hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner in Fes, perhaps starting with a walk in the historic medina.
What is included :
Private Transport AC Minibus with English speaking guide/driver.Pick up & Drop off at your accommodation.1 night at the hotel / riad.1 night at the desert camp (Private tents).Camel Trekking in the Sahara Merzouga.Dinners & Breakfasts.
What is not included:
Lunches.Drinks.dinner in Marrakech and FesEntrance fees, other personal expenses and gratuities.
