3-Day Desert Tour: Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga (Sahara Camp)
A memorable 3-day journey from Fes to Marrakech: Middle Atlas landscapes, Ziz Valley panoramas, a sunset camel trek (or 4x4) into the Merzouga dunes, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Ouarzazate and UNESCO Aït Benhaddou — then cross the High Atlas to Marrakech.
Top highlights
- Ifrane photo stop & Middle Atlas scenery
- Azrou cedar forest (Barbary macaques)
- Ziz Valley viewpoints & oasis landscapes
- Merzouga dunes (Erg Chebbi) sunset camel trek + camp night
- Todra Gorge walk + Dades Valley kasbah routes
- UNESCO Aït Benhaddou + High Atlas crossing (Tizi n’Tichka)
Overview
This 3-day itinerary connects Fes to Marrakech through Morocco’s changing landscapes: Middle Atlas forests, palm oases, the Sahara dunes, dramatic gorges, and kasbah valleys. The camel trek is optional — a 4x4 transfer to the camp can be arranged.
Itinerary (Sample)
- Pick-up from your riad/hotel in Fes (morning)
- Ifrane stop • continue to Azrou cedar forest (macaques)
- Midelt break • scenic drive through Ziz Valley viewpoints
- Arrive Merzouga • camel trek (or 4x4) into Erg Chebbi at sunset
- Desert camp dinner, music & stargazing • overnight in a Berber-style tent
- Optional sunrise over the dunes
- Return from camp by camel or 4x4 • breakfast & freshen up
- Drive via Rissani (market time-dependent) toward Tinghir
- Walk in Todra Gorge • continue through Dades Valley landscapes
- Overnight in Dades area or Ouarzazate (depending on timing)
- Optional Kasbah Taourirt / film studio stop (time permitting)
- Visit Aït Benhaddou UNESCO ksar
- Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka with scenic stops
- Arrive Marrakech • drop-off at your accommodation • end of tour
- Option: route can run in reverse (Marrakech → Fes) upon request
Included & details
- Private A/C vehicle with professional driver
- Pick-up in Fes & drop-off in Marrakech
- 1 night desert camp in Merzouga (dinner & breakfast)
- 1 night hotel in Dades or Ouarzazate area (breakfast)
- Camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes (or 4x4 transfer on request)
- Fuel, tolls & transport insurance
- Lunches, drinks, and personal expenses
- Entrance fees to monuments (optional)
- Local guides (optional at Aït Benhaddou, etc.)
- Gratuities
- Flights and travel insurance
- Luxury desert camp (private bathroom) — subject to availability
- 4x4 transfer to/from camp (instead of camels)
- Extra stops depending on timing (viewpoints, cooperatives)
- Extra night in the desert or Marrakech extension
Desert nights can be cool (especially Oct–Mar) — pack warm layers. Driving days are long but paced with comfort stops. Camp category (standard vs luxury) and shower setup are confirmed before booking.
FAQs
No. A 4x4 transfer to the camp can be arranged if you prefer not to ride camels.
Day 1 is usually 6–7 hours with scenic stops; Day 2 around 5–6 hours; Day 3 around 4–5 hours with Atlas stops.
Comfortable shoes, a warm night layer, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small backpack. In winter add a heavier jacket.
Yes. We can adapt the route to start in Marrakech and end in Fes with the same highlights.
