Discover the beauty of Morocco on a 3-day journey from Marrakech to Fes, crossing the High Atlas Mountains, exploring Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley, and spending a magical night under the Sahara stars in Merzouga.
Overview
Embark on a 3-day private desert journey from Marrakech to Fes, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains and visiting the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Dades Valley before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. Enjoy a magical camel trek at sunset, a night under the stars in a luxury desert camp, and discover Morocco’s stunning landscapes on the road to Fes.
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m)
- Visit the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou (UNESCO)
- Discover Ouarzazate & Dades Gorges
- Sunset camel ride in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Overnight in a luxury desert camp
- Scenic drive across the Ziz Valley to Fes
Itinerary
Embark on a 3-day private desert journey from Marrakech to Fes, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains and visiting the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Dades Valley before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. Enjoy a magical camel trek at sunset, a night under the stars in a luxury desert camp, and discover Morocco’s stunning landscapes on the road to Fes.
Your desert adventure from Marrakech to Fes begins early in the morning around 8:00 AM. After being picked up from your hotel or riad, you’ll cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m), enjoying stunning panoramic views of Berber villages nestled among the hills.
Along the way, you’ll stop for photos and coffee before reaching the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for being the set of Hollywood movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
After lunch (optional) and a guided visit to the kasbah, continue to Ouarzazate, often called “The Hollywood of Africa”, known for its film studios and desert scenery. You’ll also pass through the palm groves of Skoura and the Valley of Roses before arriving at your hotel in the Dades Valley for dinner and overnight.
🏨 Accommodation: Babylon Hotel or similar (half board: dinner & breakfast)
🏨 Accommodation: Hotel Babylon or similar
After breakfast, your journey continues along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs toward Tinghir and the breathtaking Todra Gorges, where sheer rock walls rise up to 300 meters. You’ll have time for a short walk along the canyon and to take memorable photos.
After lunch in a local restaurant, head toward Rissani, the historical capital of the Alaouite dynasty. Then continue to the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, where your camel caravan will be waiting for you.
Enjoy a camel trek through the dunes of Erg Chebbi to watch the sunset. Once at the luxury desert camp, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and Moroccan hospitality. Dinner will be served under the stars, accompanied by Berber drum music.
🏕️ Accommodation: Luxury desert camp (private tent, dinner & breakfast)
🏕 Accommodation: Luxury Desert Camp
Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. After breakfast and shower (available at the camp or operator lodge), begin your drive north toward Fes.
Travel through the Ziz Valley, with its spectacular palm groves and rocky landscapes, then continue to Midelt for a lunch break. The road passes through the Middle Atlas Mountains, the cedar forests of Azrou, and the charming alpine town of Ifrane, known as “the Switzerland of Morocco.”
Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad — marking the end of an unforgettable desert journey.
🏨 End of the tour – Drop-off in Fes around 6:00 PM.
Included / Not Included
Included in the price
- Private transport (A/C 4x4 or minivan)
- Professional driver-guide
- 1 night in Dades (hotel with dinner & breakfast)
- 1 night in luxury desert camp (dinner & breakfast)
- Camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes
- Pick-up in Marrakech & drop-off in Fes
Not included in the price
- Local guides & entrance fees (optional)
- Quad biking (optional)
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips (optional)
FAQs
Bring comfortable clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and warm layers for the night. Also, don’t forget your camera!
You can choose between a standard shared camp or a private luxury camp — depending on your budget and preference.
Yes! This is a private tour, and we can adjust the itinerary, duration, or stops to match your needs.
Can I share the tour with other travelers to reduce the price?
Yes, quad biking is available in Merzouga. You can book it directly at the desert camp or through your driver. Prices depend on the duration and type of quad.
You need mainly two days in Fes to explore it properly.
A guided walking tour of the old medina will let you discover hidden gems, historical monuments, and local craftsmanship.
If you have more time, you can add an extra day to explore the souks at your own pace or visit the nearby blue city of Chefchaouen, which has become increasingly popular.
It’s about 200 km each way, making it a perfect day trip from Fes.
Fes is Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, known for its ancient medina, traditional tanneries, and Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the oldest universities in the world.
The city is also famous for its craftsmen, zellige tiles, and authentic Moroccan atmosphere.
Yes, Fes is generally safe for travelers.
Like any major city, it’s recommended to stay alert in crowded places and keep your belongings close.
Local people are friendly and welcoming, and guided tours make it even easier to explore comfortably.
The distance between Marrakech and Fes is about 520 km if you take the direct highway through Casablanca and Rabat.
However, the most scenic and popular route is via the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, crossing the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, and Ziz Valley.
This route covers around 1030 km and usually takes 3 days and 2 nights, allowing you to fully enjoy Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes, Berber villages, and desert adventures along the way.