SHARED MARRAKECH TO FES DESERT TOUR 3 DAYS

Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley

Your shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour 3 days begins with an early morning departure from your Marrakech accommodation. Subsequently, you’ll journey through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 meters elevation. Moreover, this scenic route offers panoramic views of traditional Berber villages nestled among terraced hillsides.

Morning: Crossing the High Atlas Mountains

The drive through the High Atlas is nothing short of spectacular. Furthermore, you’ll witness Morocco’s dramatic landscape changes, from lush valleys to arid mountain passes. Meanwhile, your guide will point out interesting geographical features and share insights about the Berber people who call these mountains home. As you climb higher, the temperature drops and the air becomes crisp and refreshing.

Midday: Exploring Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah

After approximately four hours of driving, you’ll arrive at the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Consequently, this UNESCO World Heritage site represents the finest example of southern Moroccan architecture. In fact, this fortified village has served as a filming location for movies like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Therefore, history and cinema enthusiasts particularly enjoy exploring this ancient ksar.

You’ll have time to walk through the narrow alleys, climb to the top for breathtaking views, and learn about the kasbah’s thousand-year history. Additionally, local guides can share fascinating stories about the families who still live within these ancient walls. For instance, you’ll discover how the earthen architecture has withstood centuries of harsh weather conditions.

Afternoon: Journey Through the Valley of Roses

Continuing your shared 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour, you’ll drive through the scenic Valley of Roses. Notably, this region produces some of the world’s finest rose oil. Moreover, if you’re traveling during spring (April-May), you’ll witness fields covered in fragrant Damascus roses. Subsequently, you can visit local cooperatives where women produce rose water and cosmetics using traditional methods.

Evening: Arrival in Dades Valley

As evening approaches, you’ll arrive in the stunning Dades Valley, often called the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Therefore, you’ll check into your charming hotel or riad, where a traditional Moroccan dinner awaits. Meanwhile, the valley’s dramatic rock formations create a surreal landscape that changes colors as the sun sets.

Driving Distance: Approximately 353 kilometers
Driving Time: Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes (excluding stops)

Want to extend your desert adventure? Discover our 4 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour for a more leisurely pace.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert → Luxury Desert Camp

Day two of your shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour 3 days brings you closer to the magnificent Sahara Desert. Additionally, today’s journey includes some of Morocco’s most spectacular natural wonders and unforgettable desert experiences.

Morning: Exploring Todra Gorge

Following breakfast, you’ll depart for Tinghir and the breathtaking Todra Gorge. Consequently, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that reach 300 meters high. Moreover, the narrow canyon creates a dramatic corridor where sunlight filters through, creating stunning photo opportunities. Similarly, rock climbers from around the world come here to challenge themselves on these vertical walls.

You’ll have time to walk through the gorge, feel the cool breeze from the Todra River, and admire the palm groves that line the canyon floor. Furthermore, local shops offer refreshments and traditional handicrafts. For instance, you might find beautiful Berber carpets, silver jewelry, and fossils unique to this region.

Midday: Journey to the Sahara Desert

As you continue toward Merzouga, the landscape gradually transforms from rocky gorges to desert plains. Meanwhile, you’ll pass through small villages like Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops and date production. Additionally, your guide will explain how these communities adapted to life in one of the world’s harshest environments.

Afternoon: Arrival in Merzouga and Camel Trek

Upon reaching Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, you’ll prepare for the highlight of your 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. Subsequently, you’ll meet your camel caravan and begin an unforgettable trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Moreover, these dunes stretch up to 150 meters high and create an otherworldly landscape of rolling sand waves.

The camel ride typically lasts 1-2 hours, allowing you to fully appreciate the desert’s vastness. Meanwhile, your guide will lead you deeper into the dunes as the afternoon sun begins its descent. Consequently, you’ll witness one of nature’s most spectacular shows: a Sahara sunset that paints the sky in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple.

Evening: Luxury Desert Camp Experience

As darkness falls, you’ll arrive at your luxury desert camp. Therefore, you’ll enjoy a traditional Berber welcome with mint tea and dates. Furthermore, the camp features comfortable tents equipped with real beds, private bathrooms, and modern facilities. Additionally, electricity powered by solar panels ensures you can charge your devices and enjoy proper lighting.

Dinner is served under the stars, featuring authentic Moroccan dishes like tagine, couscous, and fresh salads. Subsequently, Berber musicians perform traditional songs around the campfire, creating an magical atmosphere. Moreover, the clear desert sky reveals countless stars and the Milky Way in stunning clarity. For instance, many guests describe this night as one of the most memorable experiences of their lives.

Driving Distance: Approximately 310 kilometers
Driving Time: Approximately 5 hours (excluding stops)

Interested in exploring more desert locations? Check out our Fes desert tours for alternative routes.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes

The final day of your shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour begins with an early wake-up call to witness a spectacular Sahara sunrise. Consequently, you’ll watch as the first rays of light transform the dunes from deep purple to golden orange.

Morning: Sunrise and Desert Departure

After breakfast at the camp, you have two options for returning to Merzouga village. For instance, you can ride camels back through the dunes, or alternatively, take a comfortable 4×4 vehicle directly to town. Subsequently, you’ll freshen up, enjoy a proper shower, and prepare for the journey to Fes.

Midday: Scenic Drive Through Ziz Valley

Your route takes you through the stunning Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s most photogenic landscapes. Moreover, this valley features endless palm groves, traditional kasbahs, and dramatic gorges carved by the Ziz River. Therefore, you’ll make several stops to capture photos and enjoy panoramic viewpoints. Additionally, the contrast between the green palms and red desert rock creates stunning visual compositions.

Afternoon: Exploring the Middle Atlas Mountains

As you continue north, the landscape changes dramatically from desert to mountain. Meanwhile, you’ll pass through Midelt, often called the “apple capital” of Morocco, where you can stop for lunch. Furthermore, you’ll enter the Cedar Forest near Azrou, home to the endangered Barbary macaque monkeys. Consequently, you’ll have opportunities to observe these playful creatures in their natural habitat.

Late Afternoon: Ifrane and Arrival in Fes

Next, you’ll visit Ifrane, often called “Little Switzerland” due to its European-style architecture and alpine climate. Similarly, this charming town features well-manicured parks, clean streets, and a famous lion statue. Therefore, it provides a stark contrast to the desert landscapes you’ve experienced over the past three days.

Finally, your shared Marrakech to Fes 3 days desert tour concludes as you arrive in Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Consequently, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation in the late afternoon, with memories and photographs to treasure forever.

Driving Distance: Approximately 500 kilometers
Driving Time: Approximately 7 hours 30 minutes (excluding stops)

Planning to explore Fes? Don’t miss our comprehensive Morocco itinerary 7 days guide.