3 Days from Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley – Crossing the High Atlas

Departure from Marrakech

Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where we set off early to make the most of the day ahead. As we leave the city behind, the road winds through the High Atlas Mountains, offering stunning views at every turn. The Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest in North Africa, serves as our gateway to a different world—where the air is crisp and the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.

Exploring Ait Ben Haddou

Our first major stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient fortified village is one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks, having served as the backdrop for countless films and TV shows. As you walk through its narrow alleys, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time, with the ochre-colored walls and labyrinthine passages telling stories of a bygone era.

Ouarzazate – The Door of the Desert

Next, we reach Ouarzazate, often called the “Door of the Desert.” This town is home to the famous Atlas Studios, where many Hollywood blockbusters have been filmed. We visit the Taourirt Kasbah, one of the most impressive in the region, offering insight into the life of Moroccan nobility in the past.

Arrival in Dades Valley

As the day draws to a close, we drive towards the Dades Valley, also known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” This region is famous for its dramatic red rock formations and lush oases. We spend the night in a charming local riad, enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner and the serene ambiance of the valley.

Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga – The Sahara Awaits

Todra Gorge – A Natural Wonder

After breakfast, we continue our journey towards the spectacular Todra Gorge. The towering rock walls, which rise up to 300 meters high, create a breathtakingly narrow canyon that is popular with climbers and hikers alike. As we walk through the gorge, the sheer scale of the cliffs around us is truly awe-inspiring.

Onward to Merzouga

Leaving the gorge, we drive through the changing landscapes of Morocco as we make our way to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. The landscape gradually shifts from rugged mountains to vast, open plains, eventually giving way to the endless dunes of the Sahara. The Erg Chebbi dunes, which tower over the desert landscape, are our destination.

Camel Trekking into the Desert

Upon arriving in Merzouga, we prepare for one of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip—a camel trek into the heart of the Sahara. As the sun begins to set, we ride our camels across the golden sands, watching the colors of the desert change with the fading light. The tranquility of the desert, with only the sound of your camel’s footsteps breaking the silence, is an experience like no other.

Overnight in a Desert Camp

As night falls, we reach our Berber camp nestled among the dunes. Here, we are welcomed with traditional Moroccan hospitality, complete with a delicious dinner and lively music around the campfire. The night sky in the desert is a spectacle in itself, with countless stars twinkling above, far from the light pollution of the cities. We spend the night in comfortable tents, drifting off to sleep under the Sahara sky.

Day 3: Merzouga to Fes – Through the Heart of Morocco

Sunrise Over the Dunes

An early start is rewarded with the sight of the sunrise over the dunes—a moment of pure magic as the first light of day paints the sands in soft hues of pink and gold. After breakfast at the camp, we ride our camels back to Merzouga, where our vehicle awaits to take us on the final leg of our journey.

Exploring the Ziz Valley

Our route takes us through the stunning Ziz Valley, famous for its vast stretches of palm groves and dramatic gorges. This fertile valley has been a key trading route for centuries, and its lush landscapes provide a stark contrast to the arid desert we have just left behind.

Midelt – The Apple Capital of Morocco

We stop in Midelt, a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Known as the “Apple Capital of Morocco,” Midelt is surrounded by orchards and is a great place to sample some of the local produce. The town also offers a glimpse into rural Moroccan life, with its traditional markets and mountain views.

Arrival in Fes

As the day comes to an end, we approach Fes, one of Morocco’s most historically and culturally rich cities. Fes is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant souks, and the ancient University of Al Quaraouiyine. As we enter the city, the contrast between the bustling medina and the serene desert we’ve just left behind is striking. The journey from Marrakech to Fes is more than just a transfer—it’s a deep dive into the diverse landscapes and cultures that make Morocco such a fascinating destination.