The Best 3 Days From Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

marrakech to fes desert tour

Marrakech to fes 3 Day Desert Tour – Overview:

Enjoy the best of Morocco on a 3-day Sahara desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. Visit famous places like Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou, Dades Valley, and Tinghir Oasis. Ride camels over the Erg Chebbi sand dunes and spend a night in a desert camp in Merzouga. See the playful Barbary Apes in the Middle Atlas Mountains before reaching Fes. This tour highlights Morocco’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.

Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Highlights:

 

  • Travel through the beautiful High Atlas Mountains and cross the Tizi Ntichka pass.
  • Explore the Ait Ben Haddou Casbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical architecture.
  • Stroll through the lush Valley of Roses and the Tinghir Oasis, leading to the stunning Todgha Gorges.
  • Enjoy a magical sunset camel ride in Merzouga and spend a night under the stars at a desert camp.
  • Meet the native Barbary Apes in the cedar forests near Ifrane as you head towards Fes.

Itinerary of the 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes:

Day 1 : Marrakech → Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou → Boumalne Dades

Your Marrakech to Fes desert tour will start from your hotel or riad at 8:00 AM. You’ll begin by crossing the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi N’Tichka pass, which stands at 2,260 meters high. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful Berber villages made of mud-brick and shepherds grazing their flocks on green plateaus with snow-capped peaks in the background. There will be several stops for photos, stretching, and a coffee break.

By noon, you’ll reach the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, famous for its appearance in films like “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Gladiator,” and “Game of Thrones.” After a guided tour of this historic village, you’ll continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” and home to the largest film studios on the continent.

After lunch, which you can enjoy at your own pace, you’ll visit the Skoura oasis and the well-preserved Kasbah Amridil. From there, you’ll travel through the Valley of the Roses to reach Kalaa Mgouna before arriving at your boutique guest house in the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2 : Dades Valley → Tinghir → Merzouga

On the second day of your Marrakech to Fes Sahara desert tour, you’ll start with a drive along the road of 1001 Kasbahs to the Tinghir oasis. As you travel, enjoy the stunning views of the fortified villages that once hosted caravan routes until the early 20th century.

When you arrive at Tinghir, a former military post during the French occupation, you’ll take a secondary road to reach the oasis. Here, you can walk alongside the stream, watching locals farm and herd their cattle. Your walk will lead you to one of the tour’s highlights: the Todgha Gorges.

After a leisurely lunch at a local café, you’ll head to Rissani, one of Morocco’s holiest towns. The founder of the current ruling dynasty, the Alaouites, originated and is buried here. Rissani was also a key starting point for ancient caravan routes crossing the Sahara to Timbuktu.

In the afternoon, you’ll cross rocky terrain to Merzouga, where your camel caravan will be waiting. You’ll ride camels over the Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoying a breathtaking sunset before reaching your Sahara desert camp.

Dinner will be served under the stars, accompanied by your nomad hosts playing drums. You’ll spend the night in your Sahara desert camp, soaking in the unique desert atmosphere.

Day 3 : Merzouga → Midelt → Fes

After an early wake-up to experience a breathtaking sunrise camel trek across the dunes of Erg Chebbi, you’ll head to the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga for breakfast and a shower. If you opt for the luxury camp upgrade, breakfast will be served at the camp, where showers are available in your tent.

Meet your driver/guide and embark on a scenic journey to Fes, passing through the picturesque Ziz Valley via Errachidia, the capital of the Tafilalt region. You’ll continue to Midelt for a leisurely lunch, then drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, known for their Cedar Forests and Berber towns like Imouzzar and Ifran, popular as Moroccan winter ski resorts.

Along the way, your driver may spot Barbary apes, offering a chance to capture some memorable photos. You’ll arrive in Fes late in the afternoon, concluding your desert tour with a drop-off at your hotel or riad.

Included in the Tour:

  • Transportation in a modern 4×4 or van with air conditioning, driven by an English-speaking driver/guide.
  • Pick-up from your Marrakech hotel or Riad.
  • Accommodation for the first night at Hotel Panorama or Hotel Babylon, including dinner and breakfast. Rooms are private with air conditioning and a private bathroom.
  • A sunset camel ride in Erg Chebbi Dunes.
  • Overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp at Erg Chebbi in a private tent. The camp has shared bathroom facilities, with morning showers available at the camp operator’s lodge. Dinner and breakfast are included.
  • Optional upgrade to a deluxe camp with an ensuite tent for an additional 70 Euros per person.
  • Drop-off at your Fes hotel or the nearest accessible location to your Fes Riad.

Not Included in the Tour:

  • Beverages (except those provided with meals)
  • Entrance fees, if applicable
  • Local guides, if needed
  • Lunches during the tour

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What’s the distance we’ll cover from Marrakech to Fes through the Merzouga Sahara desert on our private tour?

The trip from Marrakech to Fes via the Merzouga Sahara desert spans about 1030 kilometers, offering a comprehensive journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

What kind of transportation is included in the Marrakech to Fes private desert tour?

Our private tours feature transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, offering options from SUVs to minivans, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable journey

How is the price of the private Marrakech to Fes desert trip determined?

The prices are customized based on factors such as the number of travelers, the season of travel, and whether you choose standard or luxury camping, ensuring a package that suits your preferences and budget.

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