3 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour
Overview:
Our trip 3 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour, where we take you through the heart of Morocco’s stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. This journey offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation as we will travel from the imperial city of Fes to the vibrant streets of Marrakech. Along the way, we will explore desert dunes, mountain passes, and old kasbahs.
Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views or memorable stops at iconic landmarks, this tour is designed to provide an unforgettable experience, giving you a sighting into Morocco’s rich history and natural beauty.
Highlights:
- cross middle atlas mountains
- visit ifrane city
- visit azrou cedar forest
- visit ziz valley
- explore berber villages
- sunset & sunrise in sahara desert erg chebbi
- night in desert camp under sky stars
- Visit UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou and the Todra Gorge
- Travel through the High Atlas Mountains and the Dades Valley
Informations:
- Place to begin: your riad/hotel in fes/fez
- Place to end: your riad/hotel in marrakech
- Period: 3 days/ 2 nights
- Departure time: 8/9 am
THIS IS THE ITINERARY OF THE 3 Days Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour:
Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga Sahara Desert
We will start our journey in Fes, making our first stop in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine style architecture and clean streets. Next, we will visit the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to the famous Barbary apes. We will pass through Midelt, a charming town hide in the Atlas Mountains, where we stop for lunch.
Continuing, we drive through the breathtaking Ziz Valley, an oasis lined with palm trees and dotted with villages. We will visit Erfoud, famous for its fossils and date production.
Afterward, we will travel to the Merzouga Sahara Desert, where you can enjoy a camel trek watch the sunset over the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, and spend the night in a traditional Berber camp surrounded by sand dunes.
You can choose between a standard camp with simple tents and shared bathrooms or a luxury camp with bigger tents, private bathrooms, and even hot showers.
After a traditional dinner under the stars, enjoy music around the campfire and watch the bright night sky. In the morning, watch the beautiful sunrise before heading back to Merzouga on camels.
Day2: merzouga – rissani – todgha gorge – dades valley
After a night in the desert, we head towards Rissani, a market town with deep historical importance. Along the way, we pass through Jorf, known for its traditional irrigation system called “khattara.” We will stop for lunch in Tinjadad.
Our next stop is the majestic Todra Gorge, a canyon with steep cliffs and a beautiful river running through it, perfect for photos and short walks.
Finally, we drive through the scenic Dades Valley, famous for its rock formations and kasbahs, where we will spend the night.
Day 3: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
We wil start the day with a visit to the Fingers of the Monkeys Mountains, unique rock formations in the Dades Valley. Then, we continue to the Roses Valley, known for its rose products and festivals. A stop at Ouarzazate takes us to the world famous film studios, where many movies were shot.
Next, we will explore the Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its kasbahs and historical architecture. After lunch, we drive through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping to visit an Argan Oil Cooperative, where you’ll learn about this traditional product. We pass the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering panoramic views, and stop at a traditional Berber village before arriving in Marrakech.
- pick up and drop-off at your hotel/riad
- our A/C modern 4x4 or van/minivan.
- drivers/guides speaking English....
- clean vehicle A/C with air condition along the way
- visit some interesting place along the way
- fuel
- first night at private tent on sahara desert erg chebbi luxury camp"dinner&breakfast"
- sunset camel ride in sahara desert erg chebbi
- second night at private room hotel/riad with "dinner&breakfast"
- lunches, drinks
- entrance the monuments
- personal expenses
Know before you go
Weather: The desert has very hot days and cold nights. Pack for both. During the day, temperatures can rise, so wear light clothing and protect yourself from the sun. At night, temperatures drop, so bring warmer blanket for comfort.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to take the Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is more comfortable. In summer, it can be very hot, and winter nights can be quite cold.
Health & Safety: Bring enough water to stay hydrated, especially during the camel ride and desert stops. Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Also, check that your travel insurance covers desert activities, just in case.
Money: Bring some cash with you. In the desert and smaller villages, credit cards are not always accepted. You will need cash for lunches, tips, or buying souvenirs. ATMs are not common in village areas, so it’s best to bring what you need.
Language: The main languages spoken in Morocco are Arabic and Berber, but English and French, Spanish are also more understood, especially by guides and people working in tourism. You will have no trouble communicating during the tour.
Respecting Local Culture: Morocco has rich cultural traditions. When visiting Berber villages, mosques, or traditional areas, it’s a good idea to dress modestly especially for women. Covering shoulders and knees is respectful. Also, always ask for permission before taking photos of local people, especially in village areas.
Frequently Ask Questions:
What should I pack for the desert tour?
It’s important to pack light but make sure to bring these basics:
- Clothes: Comfortable clothes for warm days and cooler evenings. Bring a jacket or sweater for the desert nights, as it can get chilly.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: The sun can be strong in the desert, so protecting your skin and eyes is essential.
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking around and sandals for the camp.
- Other essentials: A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, personal hygiene things, and any medication you may need.
Is the camel ride included in the tour?
the camel ride is part of the tour. You will have the chance to ride camels through the Merzouga Sahara Desert, one of the highlights of the trip. This ride takes you through the Erg Chebbi dunes, offering beautiful views, especially during sunset and sunrise. It’s a peaceful and scenic experience.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
You will stay in a desert camp in Merzouga. There are two types of accommodation:
- Standard camp: This is a traditional Berber-style tent. It’s simple but comfortable, with beds and blankets to keep you warm. Shared bathrooms are available.
- Luxury camp: For more comfort, the luxury tents offer special beds, private bathrooms, and even some modern services like hot showers. Both camps allow you to experience the beauty and quiet of the desert at night.
How long do we spend driving each day?
The driving times can reach from 6 to 7 hours per day, depending on the stops we make. The tour includes plenty of breaks to explore, take photos, have meals, and stretch your legs. For example, we will stop at places like Ifrane, Cedar Forest, Midelt, ziz valley, Rissani and Tinjdad, Todra Gorge, and Ait Benhaddou, Tizi ntichka which break up the drive and offer unforgettable sights along the way.
Can I bring my luggage on the tour?
you can bring your luggage. The vehicles used for the tour have enough space for suitcases. It’s a good idea to pack a small backpack with things you will need during the day, like water, sunscreen, and your camera, for easy access.
Are meals included in the tour?
Breakfast and dinner are included in the tour. You will enjoy traditional Moroccan food, which is often prepared fresh at the desert camp or local hotels. Lunch is not included, but we will stop at local restaurants along the way where you can buy lunch. These stops also give you a chance to try regional dishes.