3 Days Sahara Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fes — Sahara Desert Tour
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3 Days Sahara Desert Tour: Marrakech to Fes

The ultimate 3-day express route from Marrakech to Fes — cross the High Atlas, walk through the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, ride camels at sunset over Erg Chebbi, then journey north through the Ziz Oasis and cedar forests to Fes.

Duration

3 Days

Group Size

6 – 16 people

Languages

English · French · Arabic

Activity Level

Easy to Moderate

Availability

Year-round

Tour Overview

The ultimate 3-day express route from Marrakech to Fes — cross the High Atlas, walk through the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, ride camels at sunset over Erg Chebbi, then journey north through the Ziz Oasis and cedar forests to Fes.

From towering sand dunes and ancient kasbahs to starlit nights in a traditional desert camp, every moment of this tour is designed to connect you with the raw beauty and rich culture of the Sahara. Whether you ride a camel at sunset, share mint tea with a Berber family, or wake up to the silence of the desert at dawn — this is an experience that stays with you for life.

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Highlights

  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) with panoramic views
  • Walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou — a historic Hollywood filming location
  • Magical sunset camel ride over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga
  • Night under the stars at a luxury desert camp with Berber drum music and fireside storytelling
  • Scenic journey through the Ziz Gorges and vast Ziz Oasis palm groves
  • Encounter wild Barbary macaques in the ancient cedar forests of the Middle Atlas
  • Drop-off directly at your hotel or Riad in the cultural capital of Fes

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Marrakech, High Atlas Mountains, Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Roses Valley, and Dades Gorges

Your premier Morocco desert tour begins with an early morning pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech. We leave the bustling city behind and ascend into the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n'Tichka pass sitting at an elevation of 2,260 meters. This scenic drive offers unparalleled, panoramic views of rugged peaks and traditional, terraced Berber villages. Descending the eastern slopes, we arrive at the crown jewel of Moroccan earthen architecture: the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kasbah Aït Benhaddou. This ancient, fortified clay city is a masterpiece of history and a famous Hollywood filming location where you will enjoy a walking tour through its winding, narrow alleys. Next, we drive through Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa," passing by its famous film studios. Our route continues along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," taking us directly through the fragrant Roses Valley, famous for its organic rosewater production. As the afternoon fades, we wind our way up into the dramatic rock formations of the Dades Valley.

Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues — Half Board

2

Day 2: Dades Gorges, Todra Gorges, and the Merzouga Sahara Desert Luxury Camp

After a hearty breakfast, we travel further east to stretch our legs at the magnificent Todra Gorges. You will walk beneath the towering, 300-meter-high limestone cliff walls that frame a narrow canyon oasis, which is a true paradise for nature lovers and rock climbers. From the gorges, we journey deeper toward the golden horizons of the Sahara desert in Morocco. Arriving at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, your unforgettable Sahara desert trip hits its peak. You will embark on a magical camel ride across the rolling waves of sand just in time to witness a spectacular Sahara sunset. Upon arrival at your luxury desert camp, comfort meets the wilderness. You will enjoy a decadent, traditional Moroccan dinner. Afterward, everyone gathers around a roaring campfire to listen to spiritual Berber drum music, followed by an unforgettable night of star gazing under the crystal-clear desert sky before retiring to your luxury tent.

Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp — Half Board

3

Day 3: Merzouga Desert, Ziz Oasis & Gorges, Ifrane, and Fes Drop-off

You can wake up early to catch a breathtaking sunrise over the crest of the dunes before enjoying a fresh breakfast at the camp. We then begin our drive north toward Fes, journeying through the stunning Ziz Gorges and the sprawling green palm groves of the Ziz Oasis, which offers an incredible contrast against the red desert rocks. As we ascend into the Middle Atlas Mountains, we will stop in the alpine town of Ifrane, often called the "Switzerland of Morocco". Here, we will visit the ancient cedar forests where you will get to see and interact with the famous wild Barbary monkeys in their natural habitat. From Ifrane, we make the final drive down to the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Your driver will provide a safe drop-off directly at your hotel or Riad in Fes, marking the end of an epic 3-day Moroccan desert expedition.

Practical Information

Meeting Point

Your hotel lobby in Marrakech, typically at 7:00 – 8:00 AM. Exact time confirmed upon booking.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure. 50% refund between 7–14 days. No refund within 7 days of departure.

What to Bring

  • • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
  • • High-SPF sunscreen & sunglasses
  • • Warm layer for cool desert nights
  • • Water bottle (1.5L minimum per day)
  • • Headscarf or hat for sun protection

Physical Requirements

Suitable for most fitness levels. Light walking and camel riding involved. No prior experience needed. Not recommended for serious mobility difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for first-time desert travelers?
Absolutely. Our guides are experienced with travelers of all backgrounds and will make sure you feel comfortable and safe throughout the journey. No prior desert experience is required.
What type of accommodation is used?
We use a mix of traditional riad hotels in cities and authentic Berber desert camps with private tents, comfortable bedding, and camp lighting. Luxury glamping options are available on request.
Are meals included in the tour?
Most meals are included as listed in the "What's Included" section. Breakfast is provided at hotels; dinners and breakfasts at the desert camp are always included. Lunches in cities may be at your own expense.
How do I get to the departure city?
You are responsible for reaching Marrakech. We can recommend trusted transfer services and hotels if needed — just ask when booking.
What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara?
October to April offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F during the day). July and August are very hot but manageable with proper preparation. The desert is beautiful year-round.

From

445

per person · double room

3 Days

Price Per Person (EUR)

Room Type
Per Person
Single1 person / room
990
Double2 people / room
445
Triple3 people / room
421
Quadruple4 people / room
312

All prices per person in euros · includes taxes

What's Included

  • Private transport in an air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan for all 3 days
  • 2 nights accommodation (mountain guesthouse and luxury desert camp)
  • Breakfast daily
  • Dinner on Days 1 and 2 (half board)
  • Sunset camel ride at Erg Chebbi
  • Guided walking tour at Ait Benhaddou
  • Airport/hotel pick-up in Marrakech
  • Drop-off at hotel or riad in Fes

Not Included

  • Lunches
  • Beverages (tea, soft drinks, bottled water, alcohol)
  • Entrance fees (Ait Benhaddou, etc.)
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses

Free cancellation · 14 days notice