3 Days Fes to Marrakech via the Sahara Desert
Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
Overview
This one-way tour is the north-to-south version of our most popular desert crossing. Leaving Fes, you cross the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley to reach Merzouga, where camels take you into Erg Chebbi for sunset and a night at camp.
The second day follows the road of a thousand kasbahs west through the Todra Gorge to the Dades Valley. On the third day you pass the Valley of Roses and Ouarzazate, visit Ait Ben Haddou and cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Marrakech. It is the perfect link if you arrive in Fes and fly home from Marrakech.
Tour highlights
- One-way crossing from Fes to Marrakech
- Cedar forest and Ifrane in the Middle Atlas
- Night in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Todra Gorge and Dades Valley
- Ait Ben Haddou and the Tizi n’Tichka pass
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga desert camp
Drive south through Ifrane and the cedar forest, Midelt and the Ziz Gorges to Merzouga. Camel ride into the dunes for sunset and a night at camp.
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Day 2
Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
Sunrise and breakfast, then drive west via Rissani and Tinejdad to the Todra Gorge for a walk. Night in the Dades Valley.
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Day 3
Dades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Pass the Valley of Roses and Skoura, visit Ait Ben Haddou and cross the High Atlas to Marrakech, arriving in the evening.
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 a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, 1 night in the Dades Valley.
Transportation
Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver from Fes to Marrakech. Camel ride in Merzouga.
Departure & arrival
Starts: Fes · Ends: Marrakech
- 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
Is the first day long?
Yes, Fes to Merzouga is around eight hours of driving with stops. The following days are shorter.
Can we add a second night in the desert?
Yes, see the 4 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour.
Can we start at Fes airport?
Yes, pick-up can be arranged at Fes-Saïss airport.
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.