3 Day Tour From Marrakech To Fes
Overview
On the 3 days trip Marrakech to Fes, you will visit so many fabulous sites in a short time. The journey begins by traversing the High Atlas Mountains and visiting the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour then ventures into the Dades Valley, known for its striking rock formations and kasbahs, before reaching the Sahara Desert.
Highlights include a camel trek into the desert, spending the night in a traditional Berber tent camp, and witnessing the stunning desert sunsets and sunrises. The tour concludes by passing through the Ziz Valley, the Cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains, and the town of Ifrane, before arriving in the ancient city of Fes.
Highlights
3 Day Sahara Desert Tour From Fes
- Traverse High Atlas Mountains
- Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
- Visit Ouarzazate Film Studio & Taourirt Kasbah
- Explore Dades Valley/Valley of 1000 Kasbahs
- Hike Todra Gorges
- Camel trek in Merzouga Sahara Desert
- Do sand boarding activity
- Watch sunset and sunrise over the sand dunes
- Camp in Berber tents
- Party around campfire (Berber Drums)
- See Ziz Valley palm groves
- Stop in Midelt town
- Drive through Cedar Forest and see Barbary Apes
- Visit Ifrane "Little Switzerland"
3 Day Tour From Marrakech To Fes
Day 1 : Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou → Boumalne Dades
Your 3 Days Tour From Marrakech To Fes desert adventure kicks off bright and early at 8 AM as we pick you up from your hotel or riad within Marrakech. Departing the vibrant city of Marrakech, our journey takes us southeastward, traversing the Atlas Mountain range and Tizi N’Tichka Pass, perched at a lofty 2,260 meters (7,415 feet).
From this winding mountain road, we’re treated to sweeping panoramic views of the Atlas range and authentic mud-brick Berber villages. The pass is also a prime location for spotting native flora and fauna, including the rare Barbary macaque. En route, we’ll make numerous stops for capturing memorable photos and stretching your legs.
Descending from the mountains, we continue to the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. This fortified village (ksar) has been a backdrop for numerous acclaimed films, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Jewel of the Nile, the Mummy and Gladiator. And also Tv series including Game of Thrones.
Upon completing your tour of the mud-brick fortress village, your next stop will be Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Hollywood of Africa” as it houses the largest film studios on the African continent. Here you will have the opportunity to see Oscar Atlas film studio (optional inside tour).
After a free time for lunch, we continue to the Skoura Oasis, a lush palm grove with mud-brick kasbahs. One of the highlights of our visit is the Kasbah Amridil, a well-preserved 17th century kasbah known for its impressive architecture, towers, and intricate carvings – one of the best remaining kasbahs in Morocco.
From Skoura, we’ll head to Kalaa M’gouna with a scenic drive through the Valley of the Roses, a valley filled with rose bushes used for producing rose water and oil, a major product of this region.
Our final destination is Dades Valley. Before getting to the hotel, you have the option to check out the remarkable “monkey fingers” rock formations, or you can see them the next day. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel overlooking the valley.
- Driving Distance: Approximately 353 km
- Driving Time: Approximately 6hr 30 min
Day 2 : Dades Valley → Tinghir → Rissani → Merzouga
Following a delicious breakfast at the hotel, our Marrakech to Fes desert tour continues to Tinghir Oasis with a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, often referred to as the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.”
We will stop to admire the beautiful Todra valley full of palm trees before we arrive at Todra Gorges , a steep limestone canyon carved by the Todgha River over millennia with depths plunging to 300 meters. You are welcome to embark on a hike along the gorges and the Todgha River and watch the locals farming and herding their cattle. Free time for lunch on the way.
Our next stop will be the town of Rissani, one of Morocco’s holiest towns and a major trading center in the region. Here, we’ll explore the lively souk (market) Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Please note that engaging in any purchases at the souk is entirely optional. If you prefer not to partake in shopping activities, simply communicate your lack of interest to your guide, and we will respectfully bypass this stop.
In the afternoon we will reach the Sahara desert of Merzouga. Your luggage will be transported to the camp via a 4×4 vehicle, while you embark on a captivating one-and-a-half-hour camel ride to get to your Nomadic berber tents. A stop will be made for you to enjoy the magical sunset on top of a high dune. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at sandboarding down the slopes of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Then continue to the desert luxury camp,where you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing glass of mint tea. Embrace the local Berber culture as you spend the night surrounded by the Sahara’s ethereal ambiance. There will be a campfire, drumming, storytelling, and the chance to marvel at the starry night sky.
- Driving Distance: Approximately 275 km
- Driving Time: Approximately 4 hr
Day 3 : Merzouga → Ziz Valley→ Midelt → Cedar forest of Middle Atlas Mountains → Ifrane → Fes
Continuing our Marrakech to Fes 3 days itinerary, wake up early to witness a fantastic sunrise from the top of the dunes of Erg Chebbi. You can opt to return to Merzouga by either camel trek or a comfortable 4×4 vehicle.
You will reach the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga for breakfast and shower. Alternatively, if you opted for the luxury camp upgrade, you can indulge in a delectable breakfast amidst the serene surroundings of the camp, and take advantage of the convenient showers within your private tent.
Meet your driver and depart from Merzouga, depart heading towards Fez along the Ziz river, the second longest river in Morocco. En route, we will stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the picturesque Ziz Valley, characterized by date palm plantations and charming villages. Dotting the landscape.
Free time for lunch in the town of Midelt, a region known for its apple orchards and the production of fossils. Then we continue to Cedars Forests where the Barbary Macaques live. Keep your eyes peeled, as our driver may spot some Barbary Macaques along the way and seize the opportunity to take pictures
We will make a brief stop in Ifrane, famous for its winter ski resorts,snow, and Alpine-style houses-No wonder it is often referred to as the “Little Switzerland of Morocco.” Our 3-day private tour from Marrakech culminates with our late afternoon arrival in Fes, where you’ll be conveniently dropped off at your chosen accommodation.
- Driving Distance: Approximately 500 km
- Driving Time: Approximately 7 hr 30 min.
Tour Includes
- Hotel pickup in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Fuel costs
- 1-night stay in Dades Valley
- Camel trekking experience
- Sunset and sunrise camel rides
- Overnight desert camp accommodation
- 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- 4X4 transfers to/from the camp
- Drop-off at your accommodation in Fes
Tour Excludes
- Beverages
- Lunches
- Entrance fees to monuments (If needed)
- Extras
