3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Dades Valley.

Your journey begins with an early morning departure from Marrakech, heading through the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters). Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. Our first major stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, a fortified ksar that has been featured in numerous films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You’ll have time to explore the ancient architecture and take in the timeless atmosphere. After lunch, the tour continues through the Valley of the Roses and into the breathtaking Dades Valley, where you’ll spend the night in a charming hotel nestled among red canyons and palm groves.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga (Sahara Desert).

After breakfast, we travel to the dramatic Todra Gorges, a paradise for climbers and photographers alike, with 300-meter-high cliffs towering above a crystal-clear stream. From there, we drive deeper into the desert until we reach the golden dunes of Merzouga. Here, your Sahara experience begins: ride a camel across the dunes during sunset — a surreal and unforgettable moment. Your evening will be spent in a traditional desert camp, where you can enjoy local music, delicious Moroccan cuisine, and a sky full of stars. Overnight in a comfortable Berber tent.

Day 3: Merzouga – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes.

Wake up early to catch the magical sunrise over the dunes, then ride your camel back to the village for breakfast and a shower. We then begin the journey north, passing through the Ziz Valley, the city of Midelt, and the lush cedar forests near Azrou, home to wild Barbary macaques. A stop in the European-style town of Ifrane, often called “the Switzerland of Morocco,” adds a unique twist before reaching your final destination: the cultural capital of Fes.