3 Day Marrakech to Fes desert trip
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The Marrakech to Fes desert tour is one of the most popular tours in Morocco. It connects the imperial cities of Marrakech and Fes through the Sahara Desert. The route covers about 530 km with stops along the way. It is a simple way to see more of Morocco beyond the cities.
The trip starts in Marrakech and heads toward the High Atlas. You pass small Berber villages and visit places like Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate. The landscape changes as you travel, from mountains to valleys, then into the desert.
In Merzouga, you reach the Sahara. You can ride a camel, watch the sunset, and spend the night in a desert camp. After that, the journey continues toward Fes with more stops and views.
This tour is well paced and easy to follow. It is a good choice if you want to see different parts of Morocco in one trip.
Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains for scenic mountain views.
- Discover the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
- See Morocco’s famous Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge.
- Take a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
- Camp overnight in the Sahara Desert under starry skies.
- Immerse yourself in Berber and nomadic culture.
- Enjoy a scenic drive from Marrakech to Fes with unique village stops.
Itinerary of the 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes:
Day 1: From Marrakech to Dades Gorges via Atlas Mountains
Starting from 8am, the desert tour from Marrakech to the Dades Gorge takes about 7 hours. You will pass through the Atlas Mountains and traditional Berber villages along the way. You will also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, a village that dates back thousands of years and was once part of the Salt Road. Today, it is known as a filming location for movies and TV series such as Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.
Here, you will have lunch in the village, where old structures are still in use. It is a good place to enjoy local food in an authentic setting.
The next stop in your Marrakech to Fes tour will be Ouarzazate. After that, you continue through Skoura and the Rose Valley. Once you reach the Dades Gorge, you will end the day and stay overnight in a traditional kasbah.
Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga (Sahara Desert)
On the second day of your trip from Marrakech to Fes, we will drive to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, in the Sahara Desert. Along the way, you will pass through Berber towns such as Todra Gorge, Tinghir, Erfoud.
From Erfoud, you will cross a rocky landscape to reach the Merzouga desert, where a camel caravan will be waiting for you. You will enjoy a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes and watch the sunset.
After that, you will arrive at a Sahara desert camp. Dinner will be served under the stars, and local nomads will play traditional music with drums in the evening.
Day 3: Merzouga to Fes
On the last day of your Marrakech to Fes tour, an early sunrise is recommended over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, you will ride the camels and leave the desert.
The drive to Fes takes about 8 hours. You will pass through villages and travel across the Middle Atlas Mountains. There is an option to stop in the cedar forest to see monkeys. Lunch will be at a local restaurant along the way.
In the afternoon, you will continue to Fes, where the desert tour ends.
There you have it, a long but memorable desert tour from the imperial city of Marrakech to Fes. where you will enjoy incredible landscapes, a Sahara desert experience, and an immersion in Moroccan history over 2 nights and 3 days.
What’s Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
- Comfortable minibus travel
- A knowledgeable guide and driver
- Two nights’ stay: one in a riad, one in a desert camp
- Breakfast and dinner
- Camel trek in the Merzouga Desert
What’s Not Included
- Lunch and drinks
- Museum tickets
- Accommodation in Marrakech or Fes
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How much does a 3 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour cost?
A 3 day Marrakech to Fes desert tour usually costs between €135 and €245 per person for shared tours. Prices can go higher for private tours or luxury options.
Budget or shared tours often start around €135 per person, usually with standard desert camps. Prices can go up to €245 per person for upgraded hotels and luxury desert camps.
Most tours include transport, a camel trek, a desert camp stay, and some meals. Prices may also change based on the season and group size.