3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech To Fez
Duration: 3 Days/ Nights Distance: 1038 km
Start: Marrakech End: Fez
Type: Private Tour
Highlights at a Glance
- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m)
- Visit the UNESCO site Aït Ben Haddou, famous filming location
- Discover Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa” & Atlas Film Studios
- Pass through Kalaat M’Gouna, the City of Roses
- Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorges (300 m cliffs)
- Sunset camel trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes
- Overnight in a luxury Sahara desert camp under the stars
- Experience Berber music & culture around the desert fire
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the Ziz Valley
- Spot Barbary macaques in the Cedar Forest
- Visit Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Africa”
Tour Program
Day 1 : Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Distance: 323km Time on the road: 5h 30min
Your tour begins with a pick-up by your local guide from your Riad or any preferred location in Marrakech. From there, we head toward the Dades Valley, our destination for the first night.
Our adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. This winding mountain road offers breathtaking views of dramatic landscapes and traditional Berber villages. We’ll make our first stop at the highest point of the pass—an altitude of 2,260 meters—where you can take in the panoramic views and capture unforgettable photos.
Our first major stop is the famous Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful Kasbahs and fortified architecture. This iconic Ksar has been featured in many films and series, including Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and Gladiator. Your guide will lead you on a short walk across the river and up through the narrow alleys to the top of the hill for a stunning view of the Ounila Valley.
After lunch in the village, we continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its film studios and cinematic landscapes. Here, you will also have the chance to visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, where many international movies and TV series such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. We then pass through Kalaat M’Gouna, known as the “City of Roses,” famous for its annual Rose Festival held each April.
The day ends in the Dades Valley, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a peaceful night at your Riad.
Day 2 : Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Tinjdad – Sahara Desert
Distance: 253km Time on the road: 3h 45min
After enjoying a traditional Moroccan breakfast at your Riad in Dades, we begin our journey to one of Morocco’s most iconic destinations – Merzouga and the Sahara Desert.
We’ll travel along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the scenic Berber villages of the Dades Valley toward Tineghir. This area is known for its lush palm groves stretching over 15 kilometers, leading to the dramatic Todra Gorges, towering nearly 300 meters high. Here, you’ll have time to take a short walk through the canyon, surrounded by breathtaking rock formations and traditional Berber life.
After the visit, we continue our drive, with the option to stop for lunch in either Tinjdad or Touroug, depending on your preference and your hunger.
In the afternoon, we arrive at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Your camels will be waiting to take you on a magical ride across the golden dunes at sunset—a truly unforgettable desert experience. Meanwhile, your luggage will be transported to the camp in a 4×4 vehicle.
Upon arrival at your luxury desert camp, the staff will welcome you and show you to your private tent, where you can enjoy a shower and relax. In the evening, enjoy a delicious traditional Moroccan dinner followed by Berber music and drumming under the stars—a perfect end to an unforgettable day in the Moroccan Sahara.
Day 3 : Desert – Ziz Valley – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fez
Distance: 462km Time on the road: 7h 30min
Begin your day with an unforgettable sunrise over the golden sand dunes of the Sahara. After breakfast, the journey to Fez takes you through some of Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes. Pause at the breathtaking Ziz Valley for photos, continue across the dramatic Atlas Mountains, and stroll through the peaceful Cedar Forest, home to the famous Barbary macaque monkeys. On the way, discover Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Africa” for its alpine charm. Arrive in Fez in the evening and settle into your hotel.
Accommodations
| Category 1 | |
|---|---|
| Dades | Hotel Babylon Dades Gorges |
| Desert | Sahara Desert Luxury Camp |
| Category 2 | |
|---|---|
| Dades | Riad Dades Paradise |
| Desert | Caravanserai Luxury Desert Camp |
| Category 3 | |
|---|---|
| Dades | Eden Boutique Hotel |
| Desert | Desert Luxury Camp |
*In case the listed hotel is fully booked, we will provide a similar option of the same category and inform you accordingly.
What’s included in our Morocco desert tours
- Included:
- Transport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide (or request other preferred language)
- Dinners and breakfasts throughout the tour
- Camel ride experience in the Sahara Desert
- Overnight stay in a Merzouga desert camp
- Accommodation in carefully selected hotels and traditional riads
- Sandboarding
- Not Included:
- Lunches and beverages
- Personal expenses and optional activities
* Final price depends on the accommodation category selected and the group size
- Map for Marrakech private tour
- Book This Tour now
