Embark on a classic Moroccan odyssey with our 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech. This route is favored by travelers who want to witness the incredible diversity of the Kingdom’s landscapes in a single trip. Leaving the imperial history of Fes behind, you will traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through the “Switzerland of Morocco” and the ancient Cedar Forests home to Barbary Macaque monkeys.
As you descend towards the Sahara, the scenery shifts to the lush palm groves of the Ziz Valley before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. Here, a sunset camel trek and a night in a Berber camp await. The journey concludes with a drive through the dramatic canyons of Todra and Dades, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, and a scenic crossing of the High Atlas Mountains, delivering you to the bustling energy of Marrakech.
Included
Not Included
Your adventure begins at 8:00 AM with a pick-up from your hotel or Riad in Fes. We head south, ascending into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is Ifrane, a charming town known as “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture and clean parks. Continuing on, we enter the ancient Cedar Forest of Azrou, where we will pause to observe and photograph the friendly wild Barbary Macaque monkeys playing in the trees.
After a lunch break in Midelt, the landscape transforms dramatically. We descend into the spectacular Ziz Valley, a vast canyon lined with lush palm groves and traditional mud-brick fortified villages (Ksours). By late afternoon, the golden dunes of the Sahara appear on the horizon. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you will mount your camel for a magical sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. You will arrive at your Desert Camp to enjoy a delicious dinner, listen to Berber drums around the campfire, and sleep in a private tent beneath a starlit sky.v
We recommend an early wake-up to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, casting the sand in vibrant shades of orange and gold. After breakfast and a shower at the camp, you will ride your camel (or take a 4×4) back to the village to meet your driver. We then set off towards the Todra Gorges, passing through Erfoud (famous for fossils) and Tinjdad.
At the Todra Gorges, you will encounter massive vertical limestone cliffs rising 300 meters high. You will have free time to walk along the riverbank, admiring the sheer scale of the canyon—a favorite spot for climbers. In the afternoon, we continue along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to the Dades Valley. You will admire the unique rock formations and the winding roads before checking into your local hotel or Riad for dinner and a restful night.
After breakfast, we travel through the Valley of Roses, famous for its annual festival and rose water production. We continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you can take a photo at the Taourirt Kasbah or visit the famous cinema studios. A short drive away lies the highlight of the day: Ait Ben Haddou.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a striking example of southern Moroccan earthen architecture and has served as the backdrop for blockbusters like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. After exploring the historic alleyways and enjoying lunch, we begin our ascent of the High Atlas Mountains. We cross the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), stopping for panoramic views of the mountains and Berber villages. We arrive in Marrakech in the early evening, dropping you off at your accommodation to conclude your memorable 3-day journey.
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.
