Embark on a transformative 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes, a journey that connects Morocco’s two majestic imperial cities through the heart of the Sahara. This “Grand Traverse” is one of the most popular routes in the country, offering an incredible diversity of landscapes in just 72 hours.
Your adventure begins crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass to the ancient fortress of Ait Ben Haddou. As you travel east, you will witness the towering cliffs of the Todra Gorges before reaching the golden sands of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Here, a sunset camel trek and a night in a Berber camp await. The final leg of the journey takes you north through the dramatic Ziz Valley, the apple orchards of Midelt, and the cedar forests of Azrou—home to wild Barbary apes—before arriving in the cultural capital of Fes.
Included
Not Included
Your journey begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech, heading towards the majestic High Atlas Mountains. We will drive through the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), stopping to admire panoramic views of Berber villages terraced into the steep hillsides. By midday, we arrive at the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Kasbah in Morocco. Famous for its earthen clay architecture, it has served as the backdrop for films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.
After exploring the Kasbah and enjoying lunch, we continue through Ouarzazate and onto the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” We pass through the lush Skoura Oasis and the fragrant Valley of Roses before arriving at the stunning Dades Valley. You will spend the night in a traditional Riad nestled among the red rock formations, enjoying a local dinner.
After breakfast, we depart for the spectacular Todra Gorges, a massive fault in the plateau that divides the High Atlas from the Jebel Saghro. Here, you will have free time to walk along the riverbed, surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs rising 300 meters high—a breathtaking sight for nature lovers. We then continue our drive eastward, passing through Tinjdad and Erfoud, known as the fossil capital of Morocco.
In the afternoon, the landscape changes dramatically as we reach the golden dunes of Merzouga. You will be welcomed with mint tea before mounting your camel for an unforgettable sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. As night falls, you will arrive at your desert camp. The evening is filled with magic: a delicious Moroccan tagine, traditional Berber drum music, and a night sleeping in a nomad tent beneath a spectacular canopy of stars.
We recommend an early wake-up to watch the sunrise over the Sahara, painting the dunes in vibrant orange and gold. After breakfast and a refreshing shower at the camp, we begin the long but scenic drive north towards Fes. Our route takes us through the magnificent Ziz Valley, a dramatic gorge filled with thousands of date palms.
We continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Midelt for lunch. As we climb higher, we enter the Cedar Forests of Azrou, where we will stop to see the famous wild Barbary Macaque monkeys in their natural habitat. Our final stop is Ifrane, a unique town known as “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture and snowy winters. We arrive in Fes in the late evening, where your driver will drop you off at your Riad or Hotel, concluding your memorable 3-day adventure.
Our multi-day Morocco tours include comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking professional driver-guide, accommodation in riads or desert camps depending on the itinerary, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or riad, and breakfasts throughout the tour. On Sahara desert tours, camel trekking and sunset/sunrise in the dunes are also included.
Optional activities, lunches, personal expenses, and entrance fees to monuments are not usually included unless stated in your specific Morocco tour itinerary.
Yes—Exclusive Morocco Travel specializes in private and customizable Morocco tours. You can adjust the itinerary, duration, departure city (Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, or Tangier), accommodation level (standard, luxury, or mix), and add extra activities such as quad biking, hot-air ballooning, or guided medina tours.
The best time to enjoy a Morocco desert tour is from March to June and September to November, when temperatures are pleasant both during the day and at night. Summer (July–August) is hot, especially in the Sahara, but tours are still available with early-morning and late-afternoon activities. Winter is great for travel as well, but nights in the desert can be cold—warm clothing is recommended.
Whatever the season, our team ensures a comfortable and safe Morocco travel experience.
For some off-road sections especially around Merzouga dunes, Dades Gorges, and Atlas mountain regions a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. All our Morocco desert tours already include the appropriate vehicle and an experienced driver familiar with local desert roads and mountain passes.
You don’t need to worry about driving yourself; we handle transportation so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Yes, our Morocco tours are ideal for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers. We adapt pacing, accommodation type, room configuration, and activities according to your needs. Family-friendly Morocco tours can include gentler camel rides and shorter driving distances, while honeymoon tours may include luxury desert camps and private dinners under the stars.
Solo travelers also enjoy our private Morocco tours thanks to safety, flexibility, and local guidance.
