Overview
Travelling from Fes to Marrakech? Do it through the Sahara. This 3-day tour turns the journey between the two imperial cities into an adventure: the cedar forests and Barbary macaques of the Middle Atlas, a camel trek and a night in the dunes of Merzouga, then the gorges, oases and kasbahs of the south.
It is ideal for travellers with limited time who want to experience the desert and Morocco's diversity of landscapes on the way.
Highlights
- Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco”, and the cedar forest of Azrou
- The palm groves of the Ziz Valley
- A camel trek at sunset and a night in a Berber camp
- The Todra Gorges and the Dades Valley
- The UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
- The High Atlas and the Tizi n’Tichka pass
3 days / 2 nights
Itinerary
Day 1
Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Merzouga
Early departure from Fes. Drive through Ifrane, nicknamed the Switzerland of Morocco, and stop in the cedar forest near Azrou to see the Barbary macaques. In the afternoon, follow the palm groves of the Ziz Valley and arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Set off by camel into the Sahara at sunset, and spend the evening with dinner, music and stories at a traditional Berber camp under the stars.
Day 2
Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Watch the sunrise over the dunes, ride back to Merzouga and have breakfast. Head west to the Todra Gorges and their towering rock walls, then to the Dades Valley, famous for its landscapes and its “monkey fingers” rock formations. Dinner and night in a guesthouse or hotel in the Dades Valley.
Day 3
Dades Valley – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Drive through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura oasis, then visit the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, seen in films such as Gladiator. In the afternoon, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with photo stops, and arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening, with drop-off at your riad or hotel.
Included
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver-guide
- 1 night in a desert camp and 1 night in a guesthouse
- Camel trek
- Breakfasts and dinners
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and optional activities
- Tips
Accommodation
Night 1: Berber camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Night 2: guesthouse or hotel in the Dades Valley.
Good to know
The tour can also be done in the other direction, from Marrakech to Fes, or as a round trip from Fes.
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Can we do the tour from Marrakech to Fes instead?
Yes, the same route works in both directions. We can also make it a round trip from Fes.
What should I pack for the desert?
Layers: days are warm but desert nights can be cold, especially from November to March. Bring a warm jacket, a scarf or cheche against sand and sun, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a small bag for the night in the camp.
Can the itinerary be adapted?
Yes. If this itinerary does not quite match what you are looking for, tell us: we adapt the route, the pace and the hotel category to your wishes, your group and the season.
Plan this trip with us
Tell us your dates and group size: we reply within 24 hours with a tailored proposal. Every tour is private and can be adjusted.