3-Day Marrakech Desert Tour to Fes

Early hotel pickup in Marrakech. Cross High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), with stops for photos, Berber villages, and terraced fields.

Descend to arid terrain and visit Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO site, 17th century ksar, film location). Guided walk through narrow streets and climb for views.

Lunch near Ait Ben Haddou (not included). Continue east via Ouarzazate (possible stop at Taourirt Kasbah or Cinema Museum if time).

Drive along Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing towns, palm groves, and rock formations.

Arrive in Dades Valley (noted for “monkey fingers” rocks). Check into hotel or riad. Dinner included. Optional evening walk before overnight rest.

• Driving Time: 5–6 hours with stops
• Stay: Hotel/Riad in Dades Valley
• Meals: Dinner included
• Highlights: High Atlas Mountains, Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Ait Ben Haddou, Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, Dades Valley

Breakfast at hotel. Short drive to Dades Valley viewpoint for Dades Gorges and serpentine road. Guide explains geological formations.

Continue to Todra Gorges (cliffs up to 300 m, narrowest at 10 m). Walk along canyon floor, possible rock climber sightings.

Drive toward Merzouga; landscape becomes arid with first dunes visible. Lunch in Tinghir or Erfoud (not included).

Arrive in Merzouga. Option to shower and change at local hotel.

Meet camel guide for ~1-hour sunset camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes. Arrive at desert camp in time for sunset views from high dune.

Settle into tent. Dinner in dining tent or under stars. Evening with Berber music by campfire, stargazing.

Desert camp offers tents with beds and shared bathrooms; option to sleep outside under stars if weather allows.

• Driving Time: 4–5 hours with stops
• Stay: Desert camp in Merzouga
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner included
• Highlights: Dades Gorges, Todra Gorges, camel trek, Sahara sunset, desert camp, Berber music, stargazing
• Optional: Sandboarding (if available)

Early wake-up for Sahara sunrise over dunes. Return to camp for breakfast. Camel ride back to Merzouga, morning light views.

Shower at local hotel. Begin drive north to Fes.

First pass through Ziz Valley (20 km palm grove). Stop at viewpoint for photos.

Continue via Midelt (between Middle and High Atlas). Lunch stop in Midelt (not included), local Berber dishes available.

Drive through Middle Atlas, shifting to cedar, oak, pine forests. Stop in Azrou to see Barbary macaques.

Pass through Ifrane (Alpine-style town, built in 1930s). Short walk, see stone lion statue.

Arrive in Fes late afternoon. Drop-off at hotel or riad near medina. Evening free. Guide provides dinner/activity suggestions.

• Driving Time: 7–8 hours with stops
• Meals: Breakfast included
• Highlights: Sahara sunrise, Ziz Valley, Middle Atlas, Azrou monkeys, Ifrane, Fes arrival