3-Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: Aït Benhaddou, Dades, Todra Gorge & Merzouga Camel Trek (Private / Small Group)
One of the most popular Morocco routes in 3 days: cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka, visit Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO) and Ouarzazate, sleep in the Dades Valley, hike Todra Gorge, then reach Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) for a sunset camel trek and Berber desert camp night. Finish with a scenic drive through the Ziz Valley and Middle Atlas to arrive in Fes.
Top highlights
- High Atlas Mountains + Tizi n’Tichka Pass panoramic viewpoints
- Aït Benhaddou UNESCO ksar (optional local guide) + Ouarzazate kasbah route
- Skoura oasis / Valley of Roses photo stops (time permitting)
- Dades Valley landscapes on the “Road of 1,000 Kasbahs”
- Todra Gorge walk (towering canyon walls)
- Merzouga (Erg Chebbi): sunset camel trek + night in a desert camp
- Sunrise over the dunes + sandboarding (conditions permitting)
- Ziz Valley + Middle Atlas drive to Fes (Ifrane / cedar forest stops)
Overview
This 3-day Marrakech to Fes desert tour is ideal if you want to experience Morocco’s Atlas landscapes and the Sahara in a short time. You’ll travel the famous kasbah route to Dades, explore Todra Gorge, then head to Merzouga for a camel trek and camp night in Erg Chebbi. The final day takes you through palm oases and mountain scenery to reach Fes by evening.
Itinerary (Sample)
- Morning pickup from your hotel/riad in Marrakech
- Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass • scenic stops
- Visit Aït Benhaddou UNESCO ksar • optional local guide
- Continue via Ouarzazate (photo stops / optional studio if time permits)
- Drive the “Road of 1,000 Kasbahs” toward Dades Valley
- Dinner (if included) • overnight near Dades Gorge
- Breakfast and depart Dades Valley
- Stop in Todra Gorge • short hike/walk in the canyon
- Continue toward Erfoud (fossil area) and desert gateway towns
- Arrive Merzouga • meet camel team for a sunset trek
- Camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes (or 4x4 on request)
- Dinner + Berber music show • overnight in a desert camp (private tent)
- Early wake-up for sunrise over the dunes (optional)
- Breakfast at camp • camel (or 4x4) transfer back to Merzouga
- Scenic drive through Ziz Valley viewpoints
- Stop in Midelt for a break (time permitting)
- Middle Atlas stops: cedar forest (macaques) + Ifrane “Little Switzerland”
- Arrive Fes in the evening • drop-off at your accommodation
Included & details
- Private (or small-group) A/C vehicle with driver-guide
- 2 nights accommodation (Dades hotel/riad + Merzouga desert camp)
- Meals: breakfast + dinner (as specified)
- Local guide at Kasbah Aït Benhaddou (as included in your package)
- Camel ride to/from the camp (or 4x4 transfer on request)
- Desert camp show (Berber music) • sunset and sunrise experience
- Sandboarding (subject to conditions)
- Stops for sightseeing and photography along the route
- Lunches
- Drinks (soft drinks / extra bottled water)
- Entrance fees (if applicable)
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance and flights
- Luxury desert camp upgrade (ensuite bathroom) — subject to availability
- 4x4 transfer instead of camels (both ways)
- Extra stops (Skoura / Amridil Kasbah museum / film studios) if timing allows
This is a fast 3-day route with long driving hours (especially Merzouga → Fes). Atlas roads are scenic but winding. Desert nights can be cold in winter (Oct–Mar) — pack warm layers. If you get carsick, bring medication.
FAQs
Yes. We can adjust pickup time, stops, accommodation level, and replace camels with a 4x4 transfer if you prefer.
No. A 4x4 transfer to/from the camp can be arranged on request.
Usually around 45–60 minutes each way depending on the camp location and pace (sunset timing).
Comfortable shoes, warm layers for evening, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small backpack for essentials. In winter, bring a heavier jacket.
Typically in the evening, depending on stops and road conditions. We keep breaks flexible for comfort and photos.
