3-Day Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga

Overview:

This 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech via the Merzouga Desert offers a condensed yet unforgettable Moroccan experience. Discover the beauty of the Atlas Mountains, ride camels through golden dunes, sleep under the stars in a Berber camp, and explore ancient kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou. Perfect for travelers looking to see the best of Morocco in a short time, without missing the highlights.

🗓️ Itinerary

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga Desert (Camel Trek & Desert Camp)

• Morning pickup from your hotel/riad in Fes.

• Journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains, with stops in:

  • Ifrane – nicknamed “the Switzerland of Morocco.”

  • Azrou – walk through the cedar forest, home to Barbary macaques.

• Continue through Midelt and the Tiz N’Talghamt Pass, enjoying views of the Ziz Gorge and the changing landscape as you approach the desert.

• Stop for lunch in Errachidia and travel through the lush Ziz Valley, passing Erfoud and Rissani.

• Arrival in Merzouga:

  • Welcome mint tea

  • Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset

  • Overnight in a Berber desert camp with traditional dinner and music under the stars

Included: Camel ride, dinner, overnight in luxury or standard desert camp (your choice)

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

• Early wake-up to catch the sunrise over the dunes — a magical desert experience.

• Camel ride back to Merzouga for breakfast and shower.

• Visit the local market in Rissani (on market days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday).

• Optional visit to fossil workshops in Erfoud.

• Drive through palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad.

• Explore the dramatic Todra Gorges – towering canyon walls popular with climbers. Enjoy free time for lunch and a short walk.

• Continue through the scenic Dades Valley, known for its rock formations and kasbahs.

• Stop at the “Monkey Fingers” cliffs before reaching your hotel.

Included: Hotel accommodation in Dades Valley, breakfast, dinner

Day 3: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

• After breakfast, drive through the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, with photo stops in:

  • Valley of Roses

  • Skoura Oasis

• Visit the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, former palace of the Pasha of Marrakech.

• Optional visit to Atlas Film Studios or the Cinema Museum.

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, a famous ksar used in films like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.

• Free time for lunch in the village.

• Continue over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) through the High Atlas Mountains, with scenic photo stops.

• Arrival in Marrakech around 6 PM. Drop-off at your hotel or riad.

✅ What’s Included

• Private or shared transport in modern 4×4 vehicle or minibus

• English/Spanish/French-speaking driver-guide

• 2 nights accommodation:

  • 1 night in a desert camp (standard or luxury)

  • 1 night in a hotel in Dades Valley

• Camel trek in the dunes

• Breakfasts and dinners

• Pick-up in Fes / Drop-off in Marrakech

❌ Not Included

• Lunches

• Drinks

• Entrance fees (e.g., cinema studio, kasbahs – optional)

• Tips and personal expenses

📌 Tour Notes

• Departure: Daily from Fes

• Availability: Year-round

• Comfort Level: Moderate (upgrade to luxury camp available)

• Travel Style: Cultural, Adventure, Nature