Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour, 3 Days Through the Sahara
Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: 3 Days Across the Atlas and the Sahara
One day is never enough to feel the magic of Morocco between Marrakech and Fes. This 3-day tour carries you over the High Atlas, along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, through the gorges of Dades and Todra and into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, before ending in the imperial city of Fes.
On this Marrakech to Fes desert tour, history, mountains, oases and desert come together in one authentic journey. You cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass, visit the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, ride a camel and sleep in a Berber camp, then wake up to the sunrise before heading north through the Ziz Valley and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas.
It is the most scenic way to travel between the two cities, with the Sahara in the middle. You start in one imperial city and finish in the other, so you never backtrack and every kilometer shows you something new, from red kasbahs and palm groves to canyon walls and golden dunes.
- Duration3 days, 2 nights
- RouteMarrakech to Fes, one way
- Desert nightErg Chebbi, Merzouga
- Camel rideAbout 2 hours to camp
- HighlightsAit Ben Haddou, gorges, cedar forests
- EndsYour hotel or riad in Fes
Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Explore the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, backdrop of Lawrence of Arabia
- Visit the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses
- Walk in the Todra Gorge, with canyon walls up to 300 m
- Ride a camel for about 2 hours to a camp behind the oasis
- Enjoy a night under the stars with Berber music
- Watch the sunrise over Erg Chebbi
- Cross the Ziz Valley, Midelt and the cedar forests of Azrou, home to monkeys
Marrakech to Fes in 3 Days: Itinerary
Each day has a clear highlight and a different landscape. The distances are long, so we plan regular stops to stretch your legs, take photos and enjoy the road.
Day 1: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades Gorge
Leave Marrakech and cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara. The road climbs through the High Atlas with sweeping views, then drops into the dry, red landscapes of the south. Explore the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a clay-built fortified village used in films such as Lawrence of Arabia.
Continue via the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses, where fragrant roses bloom each spring and the villages sell rose products along the road. These oases show how life in the south follows the water and the palms.
Then cross the Tamnalt hills to the Dades Gorge, where red cliffs and winding roads mark the end of the day. You spend an enchanting night in the gorge, with dinner and breakfast included.
Day 2: Todra Gorge and the Erg Chebbi dunes
Venture into the Todra Gorge and its 300-meter canyon walls, a favorite of climbers. The rock rises on both sides of a small river, and a short walk along the water lets you feel how narrow and tall the canyon is.
Continue towards Merzouga with lunch in Erfoud, a town at the edge of the desert, where the landscape opens into stone plains and the first dunes appear on the horizon. This is the stretch where the road really begins to feel like the Sahara.
Then enjoy a camel ride of about 2 hours to a camp behind the oasis, at the edge of the high dunes of Erg Chebbi. Savor the sunset and a night under the stars with Berber music, with dinner and breakfast included.
Day 3: Sunrise, cedar forests and arrival in Fes
Watch the sunrise over Erg Chebbi and enjoy breakfast in the quiet of the desert morning. It is one of the great moments of the trip, with the sand turning from pink to gold as the sun rises.
Then set off for Fes via the Ziz Valley, Midelt and Azrou, a long and beautiful drive that passes through a ribbon of palm groves, high plateaus and the fresh green of the Middle Atlas. Azrou is home to cedar forests and monkeys, a good place for a photo stop.
You arrive at your hotel in Fes in the evening, after a journey that took you from the red city of Marrakech to the heart of the Sahara and the imperial capital of the north.
Why Book This Tour With Visit the Desert
The classic crossing
It is the most scenic route between Marrakech and Fes, with the Sahara in the middle of the trip.
No backtracking
You start in one imperial city and end in another, so you do not lose a day returning.
Shorter or longer versions
We also run 2 to 5 day Marrakech to Fes desert trips. Tell us how much time you have and we match the route to your dates.
What Is Included in the Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour
Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Fes
- Accommodation for 2 nights: Dades Gorge and a desert camp
- Dinner and breakfast on both nights
- About 2 hours of camel ride in the dunes
- Taxes and service charges
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to sites
- Personal expenses
- Tips for your driver and camp staff
Good to Know Before You Go
Long driving days
Distances are large. Expect many hours on the road each day, with regular stops. Bring snacks, water and something to read.
What to pack
A small overnight bag for the camp, a warm layer for the desert evening and closed shoes. Your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
Best season
Spring and autumn are ideal. Summers are hot, and winter nights are cold, so check the forecast before you pack.
Luggage for a one-way trip
Because the tour ends in Fes, you travel with all your luggage. Keep valuables and the overnight essentials in a small bag you can carry.
Cash and costs
Lunches, drinks and entrance fees are not included. Carry some cash in small notes for lunch, tips and souvenirs.
Other lengths
See our Marrakech to Fes desert trip for 2, 4 and 5-day versions.
Ready to Cross Morocco?
Pick your travel dates in the booking form on this page, or message us to adjust the route, the camp or the number of nights.
Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does the Marrakech to Fes desert tour take?
The classic version takes 3 days and 2 nights, from Marrakech to Fes via the Dades Gorge and Erg Chebbi. We also offer shorter and longer versions, see our Marrakech to Fes desert trip for 2 to 5 day options.
Where do we sleep on the tour?
The first night is in the Dades Gorge and the second is in a desert camp in Erg Chebbi. Dinner and breakfast are included on both nights, while lunches and drinks are paid separately.
How long is the camel ride?
The camel ride to the camp lasts about 2 hours. You ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi at the end of the afternoon, which gives you the best light for sunset.
Can I do the tour from Fes to Marrakech?
Yes. Our Fes to Marrakech desert tour covers the opposite direction, with the same highlights in reverse order. Ask us for dates and we adapt the route to your plans.
What will I see on day 3?
Day 3 starts with the sunrise over Erg Chebbi, then continues through the Ziz Valley, Midelt and Azrou, with its cedar forests and monkeys. You arrive at your hotel in Fes in the evening.
Is the tour private or shared?
Ask us about private or group options when you book. We confirm availability and the vehicle for your dates and the size of your party.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
March to May and September to November are the most comfortable, with warm days and mild evenings. Summers are hot and winter nights in the desert are cold.
What should I wear and pack?
Comfortable closed shoes, light clothing for the day and a warm layer for the desert evening. Bring a small overnight bag for the camp, a scarf for dust and sun, and some cash for lunches and tips.
