Best Morocco Trails | Tours, Excursions & Activities in Morocco
3 Days From Marrakech To Fes Tour Via Merzouga Sahara Desert
Type
Tours
Min Age
1+
Max People
30
Transportation
4x4, Bus, Luxury Car
Overview
This unforgettable 3-day journey from Marrakech to Fes tour, from the vibrant city of Marrakech to the historic city of Fes takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of southern Morocco. From crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains to sleeping under the stars in the heart of the Sahara Desert, this tour offers an authentic experience of Morocco’s rich culture and natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll explore Berber villages, dramatic gorges, palm oases, and ancient kasbahs. Enjoy a camel trek across the golden dunes of Merzouga, savor traditional Berber cuisine, and pass through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas before reaching Fes—the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.
Highlights Of This Tour
- Traverse the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Explore the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”
- Optional stop at Atlas Film Studios
- Walk through the majestic Todgha Gorges and lush Todgha Oasis
- Drive through Dades Valley and Rose Valley
- Camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga
- Witness a stunning desert sunset and enjoy traditional Berber music at camp
- Overnight stay in a luxury desert camp with private bathrooms
- Pass through the scenic Ziz Valley, the land of dates
- Stop at Azrou cedar forest to see wild Barbary macaques
- Visit Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco”
- End your tour in Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city
- Optional sandboarding experience in the dunes
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Your journey begins at 8:00 AM with a hotel pick-up in Marrakech. Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), Morocco’s highest road. Stop for panoramic views and photos of traditional Berber villages. Visit the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Continue to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa”, home to the Atlas Studios (optional visit). Travel along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, through Kalaat M’Gouna, known for its blooming roses and artisanal rose products. Arrive in Boumalne Dades (Dades Valley) in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Boumalne Dades with dinner and breakfast included.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todgha Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, continue to Tinghir to explore the breathtaking Todgha Gorges, known for their towering canyon walls and fresh river stream. Spot nomadic Berber families who live in nearby caves and fetch water from the gorge. Enjoy lunch in Tinjdad or a nearby Berber village. Pass through Erfoud, a town famed for its fossils and sweet dates from the Ziz Valley. Reach Merzouga, where your camel guide awaits for a scenic 1-hour and 20-minute camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watch the sun set from the dunes and take magical desert photos. Upon arrival at the luxury desert camp, enjoy Moroccan mint tea and pastries. Savor a traditional Berber dinner under the stars, followed by music and drumming around the campfire.
Overnight in a luxury desert camp (private tents with private bathrooms).
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
Wake early to witness an unforgettable sunrise over the Sahara dunes. Return by camel or 4×4 to the village for breakfast and meet your driver to continue the journey. Drive through the scenic Ziz Valley, passing Errachidia and heading into the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop for lunch in Midelt, a town known for apples and mineral-rich soil. Visit the Cedar Forest of Azrou, where you can meet the playful Barbary macaques. Continue to Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco”, with its clean streets, alpine architecture, and snow in winter. Arrive in Fes in the early evening.
Drop-off at your accommodation or airport in Fes.
What's Included
- An English-speaking guide and well-experienced driver during the trip
- Drop off at your accommodation in Fes
- Fuel/gas and all car-related expenses
- Overnight in a luxury desert camp (private tents with private bathrooms)
- Overnight in Boumalne Dades with dinner and breakfast included
- Pick up from your accommodation in Marrakech
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned touristic minivan or 4WD
- Private trip
- Sandboarding and Camel trek
What's Excluded
- Any other personal expenses
- Entrance fees to attractions and museums
- Plane ticket to and from Morocco
FAQs
Can I book this tour if I am flying out of Fes on the last day?
Yes, the tour arrives in Fes in the early evening (around 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM). We recommend booking your departing flight from Fes for after 8:00 PM to ensure you have plenty of time.
Is the road from Merzouga to Fes different from the way down?
Yes, the return route is completely different. Instead of going back through the Dades Valley, you drive north through the Ziz Valley, Midelt, the Azrou Cedar Forest, and Ifrane, making the entire 3 days incredibly scenic.
Are the tents in the Merzouga camp really private?
Yes, we use luxury desert camps that feature private tents equipped with their own en-suite bathrooms (toilet and shower), ensuring comfort and privacy in the Sahara.
Can we feed the monkeys in the Azrou Cedar Forest?
While you can get very close to the Barbary macaques in the forest, we strongly advise against feeding them yourself, as it can encourage aggressive behavior. Your driver will help you interact with them safely.
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Best Morocco Trails is a premier travel agency dedicated to delivering exceptional travel experiences across the Kingdom of Morocco
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