Duration : 3 Days
Overview:
This 3-day desert trip from Fes to Marrakech is a perfect way to experience Morocco’s diverse landscapes while crossing the Sahara Desert. The journey takes you through the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests, lush valleys, and dramatic desert scenery. Along the way, you’ll enjoy cultural encounters, camel trekking across golden dunes, and an unforgettable night under the stars in the Sahara before continuing through ancient kasbahs and the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.
Tour Highlights:
- Explore Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture
- Walk through cedar forests and see Barbary macaques
- Admire panoramic views of the Ziz Valley oasis
- Ride camels across the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset
- Witness a magical desert sunrise
- Experience traditional music around a desert campfire
- Visit Rissani’s historic market
- Discover ancient kasbahs and desert valleys
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka pass
Important Details :
- Destination : Tour From Fes to Marrakech
- Duration : 3 days tour.
- Pickup & Return time : Pickup around 7 am on the first day, and return at 10 pm.
- Visited Cities : 3 big Imperial cities : Marrakech, Ouerzazat and Merzouga, 1800km, and a fun 25 hours ride in total.
What’s included in Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga :
- Transportation: Comfortable travel with an English/French-speaking driver through the stunning High Atlas Mountains.
- Luxury Camp Stay: Spend a magical night in a luxury desert camp with a bonfire, traditional music, and stargazing under the desert sky.
- Camel Ride & 4×4 Excursion: Experience the iconic camel trek at sunset and an adventurous 4×4 excursion through the Merzouga dunes.
- Delicious Meals: Enjoy breakfasts and dinners with authentic Moroccan flavors.
- Unforgettable Visits: Explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, marvel at the dramatic Todra Gorges, and discover Ouarzazate, known as Morocco’s “Hollywood.”
Detailed Itinerary :
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
Your adventure begins with a morning departure from Fes, heading south through the Middle Atlas region. Stop in Ifrane, a charming town often called the Switzerland of Morocco, due to its clean streets and alpine influence. Continue through cedar forests, home to the Barbary macaques, before traveling across mountain landscapes toward the Ziz Valley.
As the scenery changes to vast palm groves and desert plateaus, you arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara. In the late afternoon, set off on a camel trek across the dunes, stopping to enjoy a breathtaking sunset. The evening is spent in a desert camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner and traditional music around a campfire under a sky full of stars.
Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Wake early to admire the sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast. After returning from the desert, continue toward Rissani, an important historical trading center with a lively traditional souk. The journey then leads through desert towns and dramatic landscapes to the Todra Gorges, where towering canyon walls create a spectacular natural setting.
After free time to explore the gorges and enjoy lunch, continue through scenic valleys dotted with kasbahs and rock formations. Arrive in the Dades Valley in the evening, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by stunning scenery.
Day 3: Dades Valley – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast, travel through the Valley of Roses and desert oases toward Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar famous for its earthen architecture and film history. Enjoy time to explore the site and learn about its historical significance.
Continue through Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert, before crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass. In the late afternoon or early evening, arrive in Marrakech, where the tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.
Tripadvisor reviews
Circuit passionnant dans le sud marocain - Merci à notre guide Rachid, passionnant dans ses explications, prévenant tout au long de la semaine de voyage qui nous a conduit de Eassaouira aux dunes de Merzouga, conducteur prudent,... read more
pierrelK5443QBNovember 5, 2022
A recommander ! - Rachid est réactif aux messages. Très bon contact. Il est ponctuel et efficace.
Le trajet s’est très bien passé.
Nous ferons appel à lui lors d’un prochain déplacement et le... read more
Béatrice EApril 15, 2022
Balade dans le désert - Super semaine en compagnie de notre adorable chauffeur-guide Rachid qui a su nous concocter un circuit à la hauteur de nos attentes, qui a été à l'écoute de chacun d'entre... read more
mariejos_p2014November 5, 2022
Circuit dans le Sud Est Marocain avec un guide au top - Super périple organisé par Rachid depuis Marrakech jusqu’à Merzouga , en passant par Ouarzazate . Rachid est très sympa , cool et très attentionné à chacun. Il est vraiment aux... read more
sofilaNovember 5, 2022