Our 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is the most spectacular way to travel between Morocco’s two greatest cities — through the heart of the Sahara Desert. This action-packed, one-way journey takes you across the High Atlas Mountains, through the legendary Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, past dramatic gorges and valleys, and deep into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga for a sunset camel trek and overnight in a luxury desert camp. You’ll then continue north through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas cedar forests to arrive in the ancient imperial city of Fes. No backtracking, no repeated scenery — just three days of Morocco’s most iconic landscapes connecting two of its greatest cities.
This 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour packs an incredible variety of experiences into just three days:
Departure: 7:00 AM from your Marrakech hotel/riad
Your Marrakech to Fes desert tour begins early as you drive south from Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains. The road climbs through traditional Berber villages and dramatic switchbacks to reach the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 meters — one of North Africa’s most spectacular mountain roads. Pause for photos at a panoramic viewpoint with views stretching across the Atlas range.
Descend to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Explore the ancient mud-brick kasbah with your guide and learn about the centuries of Saharan trade that once passed through its gates.
After a quick lunch near Ouarzazate, drive east along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs toward Todra Gorge — a narrow canyon with towering 300-meter rock walls. Continue through the arid desert landscapes past Erfoud to arrive in Merzouga at the foot of the magnificent Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
Late afternoon: Mount your camel and embark on a breathtaking 1.5-hour sunset camel trek into the heart of the golden dunes. Watch the sky transform into shades of amber, pink, and violet as the sun sets over the Sahara.
Arrive at your luxury desert camp — featuring private tents with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and a bonfire circle.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by Berber drumming, music, and storytelling around the campfire. Step outside for an unforgettable night of stargazing in the world’s clearest skies.
Accommodation: Luxury Desert Camp in Erg Chebbi (dinner & breakfast included)
Early morning: Day 2 of your Marrakech to Fes via Sahara desert journey begins before dawn. Climb the tallest dune near camp (or ride a camel) to watch the sunrise over the Sahara — an absolutely breathtaking moment as the first rays of golden light set the dunes ablaze. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll never forget.
After a leisurely breakfast at the camp, ride your camels back to Merzouga. Optionally try sandboarding down the dunes before departure.
Drive to the historic market town of Rissani — the birthplace of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty. Browse the lively souk and learn about the region’s deep history.
Continue north through the spectacular Ziz Valley Gorge — often called Morocco’s Grand Canyon. The road winds through a dramatic palm-lined valley carved between red-rock walls, with the Ziz River flowing below. Stop at the stunning Ziz Valley panoramic viewpoint overlooking millions of date palms stretching to the horizon.
Pass through Errachidia and continue to the mountain town of Midelt, nestled between the High Atlas and Middle Atlas ranges — known for its apple orchards and mineral fossils.
Accommodation: Hotel in Midelt (dinner & breakfast included)
Morning: The final day of your 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes takes you north through the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop at the famous Azrou Cedar Forest — a vast national park home to ancient Atlas cedar trees and troops of endangered Barbary macaque monkeys. These are the only wild primates in Africa north of the Sahara, and they’re often curious enough to approach visitors.
Continue to the charming town of Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its clean tree-lined streets, European-style villas, and a famously manicured stone lion sculpture. It feels like you’ve been transported to the Alps — a surreal contrast after the Sahara dunes just yesterday.
Arrive in the ancient imperial city of Fes in the early afternoon — the final destination of your Marrakech to Fes desert tour. Your driver will drop you at your hotel or riad in the heart of the medina.
Optional (highly recommended): Extend your stay to enjoy a guided walking tour of Fes el-Bali — the world’s largest car-free urban zone. Visit the famous Chouara Tanneries, the Bou Inania Medersa, and the ancient University of Al-Qarawiyyin (founded in 859 AD — the world’s oldest university).
Arrival: Fes hotel/riad by approximately 2:00 PM. Tour ends with drop-off at your accommodation, the train station, or Fes airport.
See the full route of our 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour on the map below:
Route: Marrakech → Tizi n’Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) → Rissani → Ziz Valley → Errachidia → Midelt → Azrou → Ifrane → Fes
Total distance: ~1050 km (one-way)
