Email: moroccomagictours1@gmail.com | Phone: +212 625 041 791
3 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga
From the imperial medina of Fes to the golden dunes of the Sahara and on to Marrakech through kasbahs, gorges, and rose-filled valleys, this is the most scenic overland journey in Morocco.
About This Tour
3 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakech Overview
This 3 days tour from Fes to Marrakech is one of Morocco’s great overland journeys. It is a one-way adventure connecting two of the country’s most iconic imperial cities through the heart of the Sahara Desert.
Along the way, you will cross the Middle Atlas mountains, walk through the largest cedar forest in North Africa, watch wild Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat, ride a camel across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset, and explore the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou before finishing in Marrakech.
Our driver-guide will collect you from your Fes accommodation on Day 1 and drop you off at your Marrakech riad on Day 3.
A 3-Day Tour from Fes to Marrakech Gallery
Tour Highlights
- See wild Barbary monkeys in the high cedar forest of Azrou.
- Drive through the Ziz Valley, a hidden paradise with panoramic oasis views.
- Take a dromedary trek into the sweeping dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset.
- Sandboarding: Slide down the warm, smooth sand slopes of Merzouga for free
- Sleep under a canopy of stars in a luxury Sahara desert camp that has a private bathroom.
- Walk inside the massive walls of the spectacular Todra Gorges.
- Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a famous Hollywood movie set.
Itinerary: 3 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour
Day 1 : Fez – Ifrane – Cidar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast ,our 3 days Fes to Marrakech desert tour will take us through the heart of the middle atlas mountains passing by the small charming town of Ifran known as ”the Swiss town” because of its similarity to the Swiss alpine resort.
We then travel to the cidar forest -the largest in north Africa- and home to barbary monkies , we will have a chance to feed and take pictures with them .
After, we drive through the beautiful countryside admiring the berber villages and see the local nomadic shepherds with their flocks spread out on the terrains .
Midway, stop for lunch in Midelt . Continuing south and driving along atlas mountains and Ziz gorges , arriving to the impressive hidden oases of Ziz valley where we will stop for a panoramic view .
Before getting to Sahara desert , we’ll cross the town of Arfoud, then arrive to the desert where your camels are waiting you for a ride over the golden sand dunes , on the way , your camel guide will stop for you to watch one that could be the best sunset in your life. After dinner , the staff will entertain you with drums around a fire and under a starry sky .
Overnight: Desert Camp in Merzouga (dinner and breakfast included)
Day 2 : Merzouga – Arfoud – Todra valley – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
aking up early will allow you to see the best sunrise of your life. After breakfast, you’ll peacefully camel-trek back to the town of Merzouga. We set off towards Rissani , once a major stopping place for saharan-caravans route ; if it coincides the day markets which take place on : thuesdays , thursdays and sundays we will have an opportunity to visit the souk – the largest one in the region .
We then set off to Erfoud – fossil town. Then, we hit the road to the amazing todra valley where we will have lunch then drive around 15 klm along this valley arriving to the impressive Todra gorges , free time to walk and admire the cliffs and corridors.
Later, we’ll go through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the spectacular sand castles and the astonishing rock formations known locally as “monkey toes.” Spend the night of the second day of the Fes to Marrakech desert tour, 3 days, in a hotel/riad overlooking the valley.
Overnight: Hotel / Riad in Dades Valley (dinner and breakfast included
Day 3 : Dades Valley – Rose Town – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou Kasbah – Marrakech
Today, we’ll leave Dades Valley towards El Kalaa M’gouna (rose valley). Drive along the road of thousands kasbahs where you will have various chances to take some of your best picture shots of the trip.
We’ll stop at rose town where farmers pick around 400 tonnes of rose petals annually. A festival is held here every May. We’ll continue to Ouarzazat ”hollywood of Africa” with the biggest cinema studios in the country .
Later , we head to visit the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou– the Unisco world heritage site- where many international movies were filmed ( Gladiator, lawrence of arabia, games of thrones…).
Your adventure will continue through the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m) over the High Atlas Mountains where we will admire the special berber villages, before ending your 3 days Fes to Marrakech desert tour at your hotel/riad
Arrival in Marrakech · Evening Drop-Of
Need a Different Duration?
We want your Sahara trip to be perfect for you. If a 3 days tour from Fes to Marrakech doesn’t fit your schedule, we can customize the itinerary to match your pace.
Short on time? We offer an accelerated 2-day, 1-night desert trip that covers the highlights. Looking for a deeper adventure? We can extend your journey into a relaxed 4-day, 3-night desert trip.
Beyond the desert trip, we can help with airport transfers and departure logistics to make your travels stress-free. If you want to explore further, we can arrange day trips from Marrakech to beautiful destinations like the Ourika Valley, Ouzoud Waterfalls, or the coastal town of Essaouira.
Contact us for a custom itinerary and personalized quote. We are happy to help you design your dream Moroccan holiday!
Pricing for a 3-day trip from Fes
Price Includes & Excludes
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodations
- Accommodations during the tour
- Dinners and Breakfasts
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Camel ride in Merzouga
- Sandboarding on the dunes (free, optional)
- English or Spanish-speaking driver
- Bottle of water
- Fuel and road tolls for the entire route
Included
- Entry fees
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Optional desert activities (quad, buggy)
Route Map 3 Days Tour from Fes to Marrakesh via Merzouga
Explore More
Explore More Morocco Sahara Desert Tours Options
If our 3 days tour from Fes to Marrakech itinerary isn’t quite the fit, here are a few more options:
FAQ: Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days
Is this a private tour, or will I be with other tourists?
Yes, this is a private tour! The vehicle and guide are just for you and your group. No other travelers will join, so you can set your own pace and enjoy a personalized experience.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, we also offer a shared tour. You would travel with up to 17 other people on a set itinerary. Let us know which option you prefer, and we will take care of the rest.
How long is the drive from Fes to Merzouga on Day 1?
The drive from Fes to Merzouga covers approximately 480 km and takes around 8–9 hours including stops at Ifrane, the Cedar Forest, Midelt for lunch, and the Ziz Gorges viewpoint. The day is carefully managed so the driving feels scenic and unhurried rather than a race to the desert.
Does this 3-day tour from Fes end in Marrakech or return to Fes?
This is a one-way tour from Fes to Marrakech. You will be dropped off at your Marrakech accommodation on the evening of Day 3. It is ideal for travelers flying into Fes and out of Marrakech or for anyone wanting to see southern Morocco without retracing their steps. If you prefer to return to Fes, you can take this 3-day desert tour from Fes
Do I have to ride a camel?
No problem. If you would like to skip this part, we can arrange a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp for free or organize other extra activities such as quad biking or buggy rides. Please let us know your preference when you book with us.
Is the fes to marrakech desert tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, this tour is very popular with families. Children love the Barbary monkeys at the Cedar Forest. [For the monkeys, please don’t feed them human food, as it may harm their health.] There is a camel ride in the Sahara and sandboarding on the dunes. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and all roads are paved. Families with young children are encouraged to book a private tour so the pace can be adapted to their needs.
What should I pack for this trip?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for cold desert nights. A scarf is handy for dust and sun.
What is the best time of year for a Desert trip from Fes to Marrakech?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant temperatures at all stops: the Atlas Mountains, Cedar Forest, and the Sahara. Summer is hot in the desert but cooler in the mountains. Winter brings cold nights and possible snow on the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. It also offers stunning clear skies for photography. The tour runs year-round.
How do I book this tour?
Just send us your travel dates and group size. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours to confirm availability and details. A small deposit will secure your booking.
What accommodation is included in the fez to Marrakech desert tour?
Night 1 is at a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, with private, furnished tents featuring showers and bathrooms. Night 2 is in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley, usually with a terrace overlooking the valley. Both nights include dinner and breakfast.
Can I extend this fes to marrakech 3 day tour to more days?
Absolutely. We can add a second night in Merzouga, include Chefchaouen before departure from Fes, or build a completely custom itinerary. We also offer 4-day, 5-day, and longer tours. Contact us at contact@moroccomagictours.com or call +212 625 041 791 for a personalized quote.