3 Days Marrakech to Fes via Sahara Desert Tour
Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Ifrane → Fes
Overview
If your Morocco itinerary includes both Marrakech and Fes, this one-way tour turns the transfer into the highlight of your trip. The first two days follow the classic road to the Sahara via Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge, ending with a camel ride into Erg Chebbi and a night at a desert camp.
Instead of returning west, the third day heads north through the Ziz Valley and its palm-filled gorges, the high plateau of Midelt and the cedar forests near Azrou and Ifrane, home to Barbary macaques, before arriving in Fes in the evening. All your luggage travels with you, so there is no need to combine buses and trains. Read our Marrakech to Fes via the Sahara guide for more details.
Tour highlights
- One-way route: no backtracking to Marrakech
- Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades Valley
- Todra Gorge walk
- Camel ride and night in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Ziz Valley viewpoints and the Middle Atlas cedar forest
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley
Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, visit Ait Ben Haddou and continue through Ouarzazate, Skoura and Kelaat M’Gouna to the Dades Valley for the night.
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Day 2
Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga desert camp
Walk in the Todra Gorge, then drive via Erfoud and Rissani to Merzouga. Camel ride into Erg Chebbi for sunset, dinner and a night at the camp.
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Day 3
Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes
Sunrise on the dunes and breakfast, then head north through Erfoud, Errachidia and the Ziz Gorges. Lunch stop around Midelt, then cross the Middle Atlas via the cedar forest near Azrou and Ifrane. Arrival at your accommodation in Fes in the evening (about 8 hours of driving with stops).
What’s included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver who speaks English (other languages on request)
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in the departure and arrival cities
- Accommodation for every night of the itinerary (hotel, riad or kasbah and desert camp)
- Breakfast and dinner on each overnight stay
- Camel ride to and from the desert camp where the itinerary includes one
- Fuel, tolls and parking
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and kasbahs
- Local guides in medinas unless stated in your quotation
- Optional activities (quad, 4×4 excursions, sandboarding…)
- Travel insurance and flights
- Tips and personal expenses
Practical information
Accommodation
1 night in the Dades Valley, 1 night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi.
Transportation
Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver from Marrakech to Fes. Camel ride in Merzouga.
Departure & arrival
Starts: Marrakech · Ends: Fes
- Itineraries can be adjusted: tell us your dates, pace and interests
- Accommodation category (standard, superior or luxury) is chosen when you book
- Long driving days include regular photo, coffee and lunch stops
- Bring warm layers for desert nights, especially from November to March
- Final inclusions, price and payment terms are confirmed in your written quotation
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this tour in the opposite direction?
Yes, see our 3 Days Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara.
Where will the driver drop us in Fes?
At your riad or hotel, or at the closest medina gate when cars cannot enter.
Is there a 4-day version?
Yes. The 4 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour adds a full day around Merzouga and a second night at camp.
Request this tour
Send your dates and group details. We reply with a personalised proposal. Your request is not a confirmed booking until we confirm it in writing.
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Tell us your dates and we will prepare a clear, personalised proposal.